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May 22nd, 2014
 Forum member Jacob spotted this simple, but effective set of scope ring inserts on the Brownells Website. With these inserts, you can use a scope with 1″-diameter main tube in 30mm rings. Non-marring, matte black Delrin sleeves surround the scope tube so it can fit larger-diameter rings. Each sleeve comes in two parts for easy installation around your scope tube. This way you can use the same 30mm rings for all your scopes.
Ring Reducers are sold as front/rear kits. Cost is just $19.99 for the 1″ to 30mm converters, item 084-000-091. There are also sets that reduce 30mm rings to 25mm, and 1″ rings to 3/4″ or 7/8″.
Note: These Brownells units simply function as plastic bushings. Unlike Burris Signature Ring inserts, they do not allow you to “pre-load” windage or elevation. If your rings are misaligned, the Brownells Ring Reducers won’t correct that problem.
May 21st, 2014
There is nothing more frustrating (or embarassing) than sending a live round into your expensive new chronograph. As the photo below demonstrates, with most types of chronographs (other than the barrel-hung Magnetospeed), you can fatally injure your expensive chrono if it is not positioned precisely.
 When setting up a chrono, we always unload the rifle, remove the bolt and bore-sight to ensure that the path of the bullet is not too low. When bore-sighting visually, set up the rifle securely on the sandbags and look through the bore, breech to muzzle, lining up the barrel with your aim point on the target. Then (during an appropriate cease-fire), walk behind the chronograph. Looking straight back through the “V” formed by the sky-screens, you should be able to see light at the end of the barrel if the gun is positioned correctly. You can also use an in-chamber, laser bore-sighter to confirm the visual boresighting (see photo).
Adjust the height, angle and horizontal position of the chronograph so the bullet will pass through the middle of the “V” below the plastic diffusers, no less than 5″ above the light sensors. We put tape on the front sky-screen supports to make it easier to determine the right height over the light sensors.
Use a Test Backer to Confirm Your Bullet Trajectory
You can put tape on the support rods about 6″ up from the unit. This helps you judge the correct vertical height when setting up your rifle on the bags. Another trick is to hang a sheet of paper from the rear skyscreen and then use a laser boresighter to shine a dot on the paper (with the gun planted steady front and rear). This should give you a good idea (within an inch or so) of the bullet’s actual flight path through the “V” over the light sensors. Of course, when using a laser, never look directly at the laser! Instead shine the laser away from you and see where it appears on the paper.
Alignment of Chronograph Housing
Make sure the chrono housing is parallel to the path of the bullet. Don’t worry if the unit is not parallel to the ground surface. What you want is the bullet to pass over both front and rear sensors at the same height. Don’t try to set the chrono height in reference to the lens of your scope–as it sits 1″ to 2″ above your bore axis. To avoid muzzle blast interference, set your chronograph at least 10 feet from the end of the muzzle (or the distance recommended by the manufacturer).
Rifles with Elevated Iron Sights
All too often rookie AR15 shooters forget that AR sights are positioned roughly 2.4″ above the bore axis (at the top of the front sight blade). If you set your bullet pass-through point using your AR’s front sight, the bullet will actually be traveling 2.4″ lower as it goes through the chrono. That’s why we recommend bore-sighting and setting the bullet travel point about 5-8″ above the base of the sky-screen support shafts. (Or the vertical distance the chronograph maker otherwise recommends). NOTE: You can make the same mistake on a scoped rifle if the scope is set on very tall rings, so the center of the cross-hairs is much higher than the bore axis line.
TARGET AIM POINT: When doing chrono work, we suggest you shoot at a single aiming point no more than 2″ in diameter (on your target paper). Use that aiming point when aligning your chrono with your rifle’s bore. If you use a 2″ bright orange dot, you should be able to see that through the bore at 100 yards. Using a single 2″ target reduces the chance of a screen hit as you shift points of aim. If you shoot at multiple target dots, place them in a vertical line, and bore sight on the lowest dot. Always set your chron height to set safe clearance for the LOWEST target dot, and then work upwards only.
Other Chronograph Tips from Forum Members:
When using a chronograph, I put a strip of masking tape across the far end of the skyscreens about two-thirds of the way up. This gives me a good aiming or bore-sighting reference that’s well away from the pricey bits. I learned that one the hard way. — German Salazar
A very easy and simple tool to help you set up the chronograph is a simple piece of string! Set your gun (unloaded of course) on the rest and sight your target. Tie one end of the string to the rear scope ring or mount, then pull the string along the barrel to simulate the bullet path. With the string showing the bullet’s path, you can then easily set the chronograph’s placement left/right, and up/down. This will also let you set the chrono’s tilt angle and orientation so the sensors are correctly aligned with the bullet path. — Wayne Shaw
If shooting over a chrono from the prone position off a bipod or similar, beware of the muzzle sinking as recoil causes the front of the rifle to drop. I “killed” my first chronograph shooting off a gravel covered firing point where I’d not given enough clearance to start with and an inch or two drop in the muzzle caused a bullet to clip the housing. — Laurie Holland
May 11th, 2014
When folks inquire about shooting glasses, they often ask: “Should I get clear lenses, or high contrast lenses, or dark lenses?” The answer is “Yes”, “Yes”, and “Yes”. Variety is good — this lets you pick the best lens for the conditions and for the discipline you are shooting. In a 3-gun match in the summertime, you may want darker lenses. On a hazy day, when shooting F-Class, you may want a high-contrast lens (yellow or orange). When bench-testing rifles or competing at benchrest matches, under a roof or awning, most of the time we prefer clear lenses. This is especially true if the targets are in the shade.
So, there are good reasons to have a variety of lens types. But does that mean you must carry around a half dozen sets of shooting glasses in your range bag? Not at all. Many eyewear makers offer shooting glasses with interchangeable, snap-in lenses. This allows you to adapt your eyewear to the conditions. And now you can get a handy, multi-lens kit for under twenty bucks.
Pyramex 5-Lens Shooting Eyewear Kit
One of the best deals we’ve found is the Pyramex Ducks Unlimited Shooting Eyewear Kit, available now for just $19.30 at Amazon.com (with free shipping for Prime members). This Kit gives you a comfortable frame with five (5) different anti-fog lenses: Clear, Amber, Sun Block Bronze, Orange, and Infinity Blue. The interchangeable lens design lets you easily switch lenses for different lighting situations. Pyramex is a well-known manufacturer of safety eyewear. The Pyramex Kit meets ANSI Z87.1+ safety standards.
| Complete Kit with Five Lenses, Case, Retaining Strap
This versatile Pyramex Kit boast five (5) interchangeable lenses. The polymer frame features adjustable temples, rubber nosepiece, and temple pads. The Pyramex Ducks Unlimited Kit includes neoprene carrying case, neck cord, and microfiber lens cloth bag. All lenses exceeds ANSI Z87.1+ standards and provide 99% UV protection. This is a very good deal. Heck, you could pay $8-$9 just for a Croakies neck retainer.
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Verified purchasers of this Pyramex Kit have posted very positive reviews on Amazon.com:
“These glasses were really impressive. At the price I was not expecting anything this nice. I am in the military and my unit gets issued the Oakley M frames which go for around $120 if the government doesn’t give them to you for free and I like these better. They extend in length which one might expect but closer to the frame there is another joint that lets you adjust the angles of the [temple arms] separately.” — Zac
“I was surprised by just how many lenses and accessories come with this very complete package. The lens change out is a bit awkward, but with the sheer variety of lens choice which will cover just about any lighting condition you encounter, it more than makes up for that. Great packaging, I really do think the tilt feature is useful as hearing and eye protection at present isn’t really integrated. I use them for shooting, where cheek weld, eye relief and clarity are all important and these do the job well.” — Richard
April 22nd, 2014
Looking for a good, solid scope for your hunting or varmint rifle, but don’t want to spend more than $400.00? Here’s your opportunity. Natchez Shooting Supplies just slashed prices on the Weaver Classic Extreme Series of rifle scopes. This is a major price cut. Scopes that previously retailed for $500 or more are now being sold for $300-$350.00. Here’s an example, the Weaver Classic Extreme 8-32x50mm is going for $499.99 on eBay but Natchez has it for $349.95. And the Weaver 4-16x50mm Classic Extreme scope is now just $299.95, also marked way down from the original $500+ price. These scopes offer 30mm maintubes, 95% light transmission, multi-coated optics, and fast-focus eyepieces.
Quantities are limited and prices are subject to change. CLICK HERE for Natchez Sale Inventory.
Sale Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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April 18th, 2014
 Here’s a cool new optics mount at a very attractive price — just $87.95. Midsouth Shooter’s Supply is now featuring the Warne Skeletonized integrated scope mount for Picatinny Rails. This should work great on flat-top ARs. And for you fashionistas out there, the Warne mount is offered in four different colors: Matte Black, Dark Earth (tan), Ruby Red, and Bold Blue. Tactical shooters will probably pick black or tan sets, while image-conscious 3-Gun competitors might favor the Red or Blue versions.
These Warne integrated ring/mount sets are offered for 1″, 30mm, and 34mm rings. The 1″ and 30mm versions come in all four (4) colors and cost $87.95. The 34mm is offered in Matte Black only for $115.00. You may want to order soon. These are popular. The most popular colors (black and dark earth) could sell out quickly at this price.
April 17th, 2014
EuroOptic.com is running a huge Spring Clearance Sale on scopes, rifles, handguns, accessories and more. Now through the end of April, you can save hundreds of dollars. Here are some examples:
| 20% Off all Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescopes (in-stock) |
Free Leupold 4-14x50mm MK 4 LRT scope with Purchase of Barrett M82A1 |
| 18% Off all HK Handguns (in-stock) |
15% Off all Sig-Sauer Firearms (in-stock) |
The Spring Clearance Sale runs through the end of April, so don’t delay — you have two more weeks to enjoy these savings. NOTE: in addition to the Clearance Specials shown below, EuroOptic.com has great Spring Clearance Deals on Nightforce, Schmidt & Bender, and Zeiss scopes. You can save hundreds of dollars on these top-quality optics. For example, the Nightforce Benchrest 8-32×56 NP1- RR C115 (discontinued) is on sale for just $949.00. And the Gen 1 Nightforce 15-55x52mm Competition scope (.125 MOA DDR reticle) is just $1750 — that’s a $500.00 savings over the original price.
Sale Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
April 12th, 2014
Here’s a great offer if you are looking for a top-quality, high-end competition, tactical, or hunting scope. Now through the end of April, 2014, Kelbly’s is offering a $300.00 Kelbly’s Credit if you purchase a March scope in stock. Here’s how this works, as explained by Ian Kelbly: “During the month of April, Kelbly’s will have a $300.00 instant gift certificate for anyone buying a March scope that is in stock. This sale does not include any March scopes that have to be ordered from the factory. You can use your gift certificate instantly on anything Kelbly’s carries, or use it on the purchase of the scope. If you would like a list of current March Scopes inventory, just email jim@kelbly.com and we will send you the inventory list.” CLICK HERE for more details.
Think about this — you can buy a great scope and save $300.00, or you could apply your $300.00 credit to a Kelbly Panda, Kodiak, or Atlas action or a Kelbly stock. Hmm, have you been wondering what to do with that tax refund? Well the folks at Kelbly’s have just stretched your budget by $300.00. Just remember this special $300.00 “instant gift certificate” is good this month (April, 2014) only. If you wait too long you may miss out on the big savings.
Special Promo Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
April 2nd, 2014
 MGM Targets has released a new polymer version of its popular alloy Switchview Speed Lever for optics. The new Eagle Eye Switchview Lever functions just like the Gen 1 aluminum versions, but at less than half the price. The polymer SwitchView costs $24.99 vs. $59.95 for alloy. Both models allow rapid, positive adjustment of scope magnification. But the big advantage of the new polymer version is UNIVERSAL Fit. The polymer Eagle Eye SwitchView easily adjusts to fit virtually any variable-power scope. It simply and securely attaches around the scope magnification ring.
The Eagle Eye Switchview is injection-molded from Zytel 66 (aka Nylon 66). This material is widely used in the firearms industry for Glock pistol frames and many other firearms components. The material was selected for its durability and temperature stability — it will not become brittle in cold or overly flexible in the heat. Nylon 66 is also resistant to breakdown due to chemical exposure.
Polymer Switchview Version Designed for General Use
Travis Gibson, MGM Vice President, tells us: “The Eagle Eye Switchview lever was specifically engineered to be a magnification adjustment lever for pistol, rifle, and spotting scope optics, and was extensively tested for just this purpose. It is not a re-purposed fishing reel holder, cable tie, or wine bottle opener. The polymer Eagle Eye Switchview lever was designed from customer feedback to be a bit less rigid than the aluminum alloy Switchview. When compared to the alloy models, on initial installation the lever may seem a little ‘springy’. This is by design, to allow for movement if the lever was to be accidentally bumped on a tree, or while being transitioned in and out of gun cases, vehicles, etc. and not transmit impact to the magnification ring and scope. While rigorous tests and evaluations in the field have proven it to be extremely reliable, the primary intent for the Eagle Eye Switchview is for use on hunting type rifles, and not necessarily ‘work guns’ or ‘hard use’ guns such as with military and law enforcement.”
As with all MGM Targets products, the Eagle Eye Switchview™ lever is made in USA. Every kit includes:
One MGM Eagle Eye Switchview lever, two universal fit clamp straps, connection screws, and wrench.
March 23rd, 2014
Need a first-rate scope for you new rifle? How would you like to get a Nightforce for a great price? Well, you’re in luck. Lilja Precision Rifles (“Lilja”) has placed its entire inventory of late-model Nightforce scopes on sale. The reason is that Lilja has decided to stop selling scopes and focus on its primary barrel-making business. Dan Lilja says that: “We have been a Nightforce dealer since Nightforce’s first year in business. But we’ve made the decison to leave the scope-selling business… and concentrate on our barrels. That part of our business is excellent and taking all of our time.”
Show below are the scopes on sale with regular price and sale price. Quantities are limited and these scopes are being sold “First Come, First Serve”. Prices are limited to stock on hand and do not include shipping. Scopes are not returnable – all sales final.
Lilja explains that some of these prices are well below MAPP (Minimum Advertised Price Policy) because they are for discontinued products. From time to time, Nightforce changes reticle combinations (or other features) and an product number (sku) becomes obsolete. Lilja also has some optics accessories for sale, such as rings and bases, PC programs, torque wrenches and other small items. Call (406) 826-3084 for availability or visit Lilja Precision Rifles.
Sale tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
March 10th, 2014
 Leica just released an inline power-booster (1.8X Extender) for its APO-Televid spotting scopes. Brilliant! That’s a great accessory we would like to other spotting scope makers offer as well. Hopefully we’ll see the other major brands — Kowa, Nightforce, Nikon, Pentax, Swarovski, Vortex, Zeiss — follow Leica’s lead.
With Leica’s new 1.8X Extender combined with the 25-50X eyepiece, the effective magnification range is 45-90X. That’s right — you can boost the high-end magnification from 50X all the way to 90X. In good viewing conditions (with a solid tripod), we have found you really can use 80+ power or higher on a spotting scope to resolve very small bullet holes at long range. With its 1.8X Extender in place, Leica now offers the greatest magnification of any premium spotting scope. According to the German company: “Leica is the world’s only manufacturer in the premium spotting scope segment to offer such an additional eyepiece for an existing angled spotting scope and such extreme magnification.”
The optical system of the 1.8X Extender consists of a two-lens achromat that mounts securely with an integrated bayonet mount locking mechanism. With the simple push of a button and a quick turn of the wrist, the Extender 1.8x can be quickly and securely mounted between the APO-Televid angled spotting scope and the eyepiece. (NOTE: the 1.8X Extender only works on Leica’s angled spotting scopes — there is no straight version). Leica designed the new 1.8X Extender to be optically, mechanically, and ergonomically matched with the APO-Televid spotting scopes to work flawlessly as a modular kit. MSRP for the 1.8X Extender is $449.00.
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