At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
⏺️ Build a good PRS/NRL rig (that can also hunt) for under $1000
Want to get started in PRS/NRL competition without spending a ton? Here’s a DIY option that can get you a competitive tactical rifle for under $1000 out the door. Choose a Howa M1500 barreled action and a MDT XRS Chassis, both available from Brownells. These Howa 1500 actions have a smooth-running bolt and excellent 2-stage HACT trigger. Choose from a variety of PRS-suitable chamberings including 6mm ARC, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor (and more). The 6.5 Creedmoor barreled action is $409.99 while the MDT chassis is $549.95 so your complete rifle price, is just $959.94. Brownells also has complete Howa-action hunting rifles chambered in .243 Win, .270 Win, 7mm-08, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, and .300 Win Mag. Get a complete hunting rifle for $499.99 to $599.99 — quite a bargain.
2. EuroOptic — Vortex Optics 12% Off Site-Wide Sale
⏺️ Save 12% on Vortex scopes, spotting scopes, LRFs and more
If you’re in the market for a new scope, spotter, rangefinder, binoculars and/or other optics, check out the Vortex sale at EuroOptic.com. For a limited time, save 15% on most Vortex products when you use promo CODE VTX12. There is a wide selection of scopes available for both hunting and competition use, with FFP and SFP models. Vortex also makes very popular spotting scopes, binoculars, and rangefinders.
3. CDNN Sports — Walther P22 Target with StopBox, $244.56
⏺️ Very good .22 LR Target/Training pistol plus FREE security case
All shooters should have a quality .22 LR rimfire pistol with a good trigger, ergonomic grip, and excellent accuracy. With the Walther P22 Target Model, you can get all those things for just $244.56 at CDNN Sports, a great deal. Plus with your purchase (before 4/30/25) you get a FREE Walther Stop Box by mail-in rebate. The Stop Box ($99 MSRP) is a secure transport case with a programmable push button lock system. The P22 Target pistol is a nice rimfire handgun with a 5″ barrel plus forward ported compensator. The ergonomic grip has interchangeable backstraps.
4. KYGUNCO — Hot Deals on .22 LR Ammo, 6¢ to 10¢ per Round
⏺️ Great deals on rimfire ammo — many brands
KYGUNCO has discounted a wide variety of .22 LR rimfire ammo from many reputable manufacturers. You can get reliable, quality rimfire ammo for as little as $0.06 (six cents) per round. There are a wide variety of brands available including Aguila, CCI, ELEY, Federal, Fiocchi, Remington, and Winchester. Great deals include Federal 40gr Champion at $3.70 per 50rd box, and the competition-proven ELEY 38gr Hi-Velocity at just $6.66 per 50rd box.
5. Precision Reloading — FREE HazMat with $249+ Orders
⏺️ Spend $249+ to get FREE HazMat for powder and primers
We’re pleased that many popular powders such as Varget, H4350, and IMR 8208 XBR are now available again. In addition, more types of large and small rifle primers are in stock now. It makes sense to buy powder and primers now before the next supply shortage. As a bonus, if you spend $249+ with Precision Reloading, you can get FREE HazMat by using Code FREEHAZ at check-out. This is a good deal — other vendors charge up to $70 for HazMat. This FREE HazMat deal is good through 3/17/2025.
6. Palmetto SA, Blackhawk Shooting Mat/Rifle Case, $49.99
⏺️ Multi-Function Shooting Mat/Rifle Case now $100 Off
Here’s a great deal on a multi-function Mat/carry case. The Blackhawk Stalker Drag Mat Carry Case functions as a nice padded shooting mat, AND it serves as a rifle carry case and drag bag. Length is 50.5″ and width (in rifle case mode) is 9″. This mat/case is made from durable 1000 denier nylon and closed-cell foam. It has carry straps plus a shoulder strap.
7. Palmetto State Armory — AR15 Lower Receiver, $49.99
⏺️ Amazing Deal on quality AR lower receiver
With the election just a month away, and Biden/Harris slamming through anti-gun executive orders, you want to get that AR15 build started while you still can. If you need an AR lower, here’s a great deal. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) now has stripped AR15 lowers for just $49.99. With this lower as the core, you can build up your AR for any discipline you choose: 3-Gun rifle, service rifle competition, varmint rifle, or even “race gun” for the PRS Gas Gun Series. These PSA lowers are forged using 7075-T6 Aluminum and have a durable, mil-spec anodized hardcoat finish.
8. Creedmoor Sports — Sierra MatchKing Bullet Sale
⏺️ Big discounts (up to 25%) on match-winning Sierra MatchKing Bullets
Need top-quality bullets for your Palma rifle, Service rifle, or F-Class rifle? Then check out the Sierra Bullets Sale at Creedmoor Sports. Many popular bullet types are discounted including the competition-proven .223 69gr and 90gr MatchKings, 6mm 95gr and 110gr MatchKings, 7mm 180gr MatchKing, and .30-Cal 168gr, 169gr, 190gr and 220gr MatchKings.
9. Amazon — Waterproof 200rd Rifle Ammo Case, $49.99/$35.99
⏺️ Great high-capacity waterproof ammo transport case — three versions
Keep 200 rounds of ammo securely stored in this Waterproof Ammo Case (#ad), now $49.99 on sale. Made of high-strength ABS plastic, this 11.5″ x 9.5″ x 4.5″ ammo transport case can withstand harsh environments, resist impact, and protect against scratches. Shown above is the version that holds 200 .308 Win-sized rounds. If you are traveling long distances to a major match, this is a good option. The ammo is very secure with a foam base surrounding every round.
Another model holds 200 .223 Remington rounds in the same-size waterproof case. This .223 Rem version — great for varminters or service rifle shooters — is priced $35.99 on Amazon (#ad). There is also a $35.99 double-decker KingHardCase (#ad) that holds 350 rounds of pistol ammo.
10. Amazon — NEIKO 6″ Digital Calipers, $24.99
⏺️ Good, reliable digital calipers at attractive price
Every handloader needs to measure shoulder bump, cartridge length, and other dimensions. A good set of calipers is essential. If you need calipers, check out the NEIKO Electronic Digital Calipers (#ad). The tool’s body/frame is constructed of finely polished stainless steel with a knurled thumb roller and locking screw that ensures smooth sliding and accurate positioning. If you’re getting started in reloading or are looking for a back-up set of calipers, this is a good option.
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Rifle accuracy is pointless unless you can see your target and aim precisely. That’s why good optics are so important for precision shooting — from 50 yards out to a mile and beyond. Top quality scopes can be very expensive — you’ll see optics costing $3000 or more on many competition F-Class and PRS rifles. Today’s video showcase covers important “Riflescope Knowledge”, including how to adjust for parallax, and how to properly sight-in your scoped rifle. In addition there’s a helpful video defining Minute of Angle (MOA) plus videos showing how to mount optics correctly (and avoid common scope-mounting mistakes).
Rifle Sight-In Process — Start to Finish
Here Ryan Cleckner shares his process for sighting in a scoped rifle. This helpful video covers the full process: bore-sighting, 25-yard shot confirmation, shooting groups, making adjustments at 100 yards, and finding mechanical zero. Looking for more valuable rifle instruction? Then check out Ryan Cleckner’s book, Long Range Shooting Handbook.
How to Adjust for Parallax
Most precision rifle scopes have parallax adjustment, but what is it and why do you need to adjust it? In this Shooting USA video, John Paul of JP Rifles defines parallax and explains why you need to set parallax correctly for the distance to your target. The video then show how to adjust parallax correctly, a process which should start with the scope’s ocular focus.
Understanding Minute of Angle (MOA)
In this video, Ryan Cleckner explains the measurement term “minute of angle” (MOA) and how to use MOA adjustments on your scope to compensate for bullet drop at varying distances. MOA is an angular measurement, used often in long range shooting, that is 1/60th of one degree of a circle. One MOA represents 1.047″ at 100 yards and 10.47″ at 1000 yards. Want to learn more? Read Ryan Cleckner’s article Understand and Using Minute of Angle.
Scope Mounting: Common Scope-Mounting Mistakes To Avoid
Mounting a scope isn’t a super-complex or highly technical job, but there are ways you can mess it up. This Brownells video explains common pitfalls to avoid when you’re mounting a rifle scope.
1. Make sure the rings don’t touch any part of the turret housing, objective bell, or eyepiece. Any one or combination of those will throw off your shot groups big time. Make sure those rings are clamping ONLY the scope’s main tube.
2. Ensure that the scope rings are properly clamped to the scope base. If you can grasp the scope with one hand and the rifle with the other and there’s play between them, your groups are going to be all over the place! Scope rings come with torque specs for a reason.
3. Make sure there’s clearance between the objective bell and the rifle. No part of the scope should touch the rifle itself. The only nexus between the scope and the rifle should be the scope rings — and they’re not actually part of the rifle. This also applies to a removable lens cover. When it’s on the scope, it should not touch any part of the gun.
4. Don’t mount the scope too low on an AR-15. On most rifles, you do want the centerline of the optic as close to the bore as you can get it. But the AR-15’s stock is on almost the same plane as the top of the receiver, so you need some height on the scope. Otherwise, it’ll be too low for you to look through it.
5. Overtightening the scope rings is VERY BAD. You can actually crush the scope tube and damage the optic beyond repair. Stick to those torque specs! If the rings come with a little wrench, that wrench is all you need to tighten them.
How to Sight In a Riflescope — Vortex Tech Talk
This popular video from Vortex Optics explains how to sight-in a rifle so that the reticle is aligned correctly and the scope is zeroed properly for your intended application/discipline. People need to remember that the sight height established by the rings will affect their zero, as the centerline of the scope is above the centerline of the barrel.
Scope Mounting — Proper Alignment and Torque Values
An improperly installed scope can cost you points at a match. In this video, MDT Pro Shooter Keith Baker explains the simple steps required to ensure your scope is secured properly with the reticle aligned correctly. The video centers on a typical Precision Rifle PRS/NRL optics installation, but the techniques will also work for hunting, varmint, and benchrest rifles.
Here’s something all shooters need — a smartphone App that calculates bullet-hole group sizes from your own photos. The Ballistic-X App is simple to use. Take a photo of your target, set some values (such as bullet diameter and distance to target), then use the touchscreen to place circles around each hole. The App will calculate group size (in MOA or Mils), distance to point of aim, and provide all the info in an overlay. Then click “save” to record your group for posterity!
This App works well, is relatively easy to set-up, and costs just $7.99. It is available for both Android devices and iOS (Apple) devices. There are other ways to measure group sizes from target images, such as the excellent On-Target program, which we have used for years. However On-Target requires a software installation on a Windows platform desktop or laptop. Ballistic-X is a simple, easy-to-install App with versions for both Android and iOS (Apple) Mobile devices.
The Ballistic-X App has a relatively easy-to-use interface. Of course you can choose either MOA or Milrad group values, and Inch or Metric dimensions. There are various labeling options that provide useful info for Load Development. There is even an ATZ (Adjustment To Zero) feature for adjusting your turrets.
How to Use Ballistic-X App
1. Select Photo Source — Choose Camera to take new photo or get image from Photo Library.
2. Set Reference Values — Select Bullet Diameter and enter Distance to Target.
3. Establish Scale on Image — Mark two points on target photo to set scale. For example, if the target has a 1″-square grid lines, mark two points on grid for 1″ distance.
4. Mark Point Of Aim — Put the central X on the aim point.
5. Designate Shot Locations — Place the green circles around each shot.
6. Finalize Data Display — Position Overlay, select size/color options, and export file.
Android Options — Range Buddy FREE App
Along with Ballistic-X, there is another Mobile App, Range Buddy, that also measures shot groups. Range Buddy is currently offered for Android devices only. It is FREE, but has adverts. Range Buddy isn’t bad, but users complained about the program crashing, and there are compatibility issues with newer phones. We recommend you pay $7.99 and stick with Ballistic-X.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
Since its introduction, the Garmin Garmin Xero C1 Chronograph has been hugely popular with shooters. This radar chronograph is compact, accurate, reliable and easy to use. And right now you can save $50 off the regular $599.99 price. This excellent compact chrono is on sale now for $549.99 at Graf & Sons or Precision Reloading. Now’s your chance to save $50 on one of the best chronographs on the market. Take advantage of this discount this month.
2. Creedmoor Sports — Major Sightron Scope Sale
⏺️ Big savings on wide selection of zoom and fixed power scopes
Sightron makes good scopes that are popular with benchrest, F-Class, Silhouette and LR shooters. Right now you can save up to $750 on optics with the Sightron Scope Sale at Creedmoor Sports. There are scopes for a variety of disciplines, both zoom and fixed power. Chose from a 4.5X Service Rifle optic up to 10-50X F-Class and LR Benchrest scope. There are also 36X and 45X fixed power scopes popular with Benchresters. Sightron scopes are reliable, and customer services is very good.
3. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Press and Reloading Kit, $396.07
⏺️ Great Combo Kit at major savings
New hand-loaders can save money with a combo kit that has all the key tools. A great choice is the Frankford Arsenal F-1 Single Stage Essentials Kit (#ad). This combo kit features the very good Frankford Arsenal F-1 Single Stage Press, plus Bench Top Powder Measure with bracket, Perfect Seat Hand Primer, Electronic Calipers, DS-750 Powder Scale, Powder Trickler, Aluminum Powder Funnel Set, and Universal Reloading Tray. This kit has pretty much all you need to start hand-loading except dies.
4. Primary Arms — Howa TRAKR Rimfire Rifle, $169.99
⏺️ Amazing low price on a versatile .22 LR rimfire rifle
Here’s a good .22 LR bolt-action rimfire rifle at an amazingly low price. The lightweight yet rugged Howa TRAKR .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle works for NRL22, target shooting, plinking, and small varmint shooting. The barrel is fitted with iron sights, and the action has scope ring mounts on top. The 1:16″-twist barrel measures 18″ long. The rugged synthetic stock has a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) weather-resistant exterior.
5. Natchez — Frankford Quick-N-Easy Case Tumbler Kit, $79.99
⏺️ We’ve used this Combo Kit for many seasons — very good value
Keeping your brass clean is important (and essential if you anneal). If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $79.99. You could pay that much for a good vibratory tumbler alone, yet this combo kit includes tumbler, media separator, bucket, brass polish, and media.
6. EuroOptic — Winchester Ammo Sale
⏺️ Attractive pricing on pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammo
Looking for factory rifle, pistol, or shotgun ammo at attractive prices? Then check out the Winchester Ammo Sale at EuroOptic. You find good, volume pricing on quality 9mm, .223 Rem, and .308 Win ammo. There are also major discounts on 12ga shotgun ammo. If you need 9mm ammo, check out this sale.
7. Amazon — SIRUI AM-324 Tripod, $299.00 plus 15% Off
⏺️ Good light yet strong shooting tripod, carbon fiber legs
Tripods are valuable for holding spotting scopes, cameras, and even rifles in PRS/NRL competitions. A good strong yet light-weight tripod is the SIRUI AM-324 Professional Tripod (#ad). This tripod has 32mm (max) carbon fiber tubes which keeps weight down to 4.2 pounds. Yet, this tripod boasts an impressive 39.8 lb/15 kg load capacity. The 40mm ball-head low gravity design provides stability and high load capacity. With damping knob friction control and smooth 360° panning base, you can adjust the shooting angle easily even with a heavy rifle or spotting scope. NOTE: Click the Amazon Coupon box to save an additional 15% for net cost of $216.03.
⏺️ Popular muffs offer good protection while allowing range commands
Protect your hearing with NRR 23 Walker’s Razor Ear Muffs (#ad). These muffs have a low-profile design featuring extra slim ear cups for better clearance on rifle cheek-pieces. These electronic muffs offer 23 dB NRR protection against loud noises and gunshot sounds but you can still hear conversations and range commands. These muffs have two hi-gain microphones providing clear omnidirectional hearing.
9. Amazon — Golden Rod Dehumidifier, $25.99
⏺️ Useful device for all gun safe owners
Here is a good, effective and low-cost tool to control gunsafe humidity and help prevent corrosion on your firearms. The Golden Rod Safe Dehumifier (#ad) is basically a small electric heating rod that helps maintain a proper humidity level in gun safes and storage cabinets. It controls humidity by slightly increasing the surrounding temperature to remove excessive moisture. On sale for $25.99, this is an inexpensive way to prevent corrosion of your valuable firearms and other metal items in storage.
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The IWA Outdoor Classics event in Germany is Europe’s leading outdoor, hunting, and target shooting trade show. The event, often called the “Euro Shot Show”, ran February 27th through March 2nd, 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany. The 2025 IWA Outdoor Classics event showcased a vast collection of products for hunting, target shooting, and the outdoor adventure market. The IWA Outdoor Classics trade show is a huge event, drawing over 1,080 exhibitors from 53 countries. CLICK HERE for descriptions/images of over 500 products on display at the IWA show this year.
Manufacturers and vendors from the hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor segments showcased a vast range of products this year. From hunting, sport shooting, and airsoft firearms to optics and technologies, ammunition, knives, hunting accessories, clothing and outdoor equipment, there was plenty to discover in the nine halls at IWA Outdoor Classics 2025. IWA Outdoor Classics allows buyers and retailers from around the world to see thousands of products from hundreds of manufacturers.
Along with the firearms, optics, stocks, and reloading products, there were many booths featuring outdoor clothing, hunting gear, and shooting accessories.
Many VIPs attended the 2025 IWA Outdoor Classics event. Here is Joachim Herrmann, Bavarian State Minister for the Interior (Bayerischer Staatsminister des Innern).
Here is a stunning, custom Walther pistol with engraved, fancy blued metal and deluxe grip.
For more than 50 years, outdoor and shooting industry companies have come together in Nuremberg to showcase the products and services for hunting and shooting sports. This past week Europe’s leading outdoor trade show hosted more than 1,080 German and international exhibitors in nine exhibit halls. In addition, there was a wide variety of seminars and interactive demonstrations.
The 2025 IWA Outdoor Classics show was a great success. We look forward to next year’s event which will be held February 26 through March 1, 2026. Auf wiedersehen for now — see you next year!
More and more folks are using Burris Signature Rings these days. These unique rings feature polymer inserts. That allows you to pre-load some elevation in your scope set-up, or you can center-up the windage. Additionally, the polymer inserts hold your scope securely without leaving marks on the tube. Lastly, some folks believe that Signature rings may offer advantages for benchrest competition. Rodney Wagner shot a world-record 600-yard group using Burris Signature Zee Rings (“Zee” denotes the Weaver-rail model). James O’Hara set multiple IBS 1000-yard records using Burris Signature Zee Rings. James will tell you he thinks “all his guns seem to shoot best with these rings”.
IBS World Record Set with Signature Zee Rings
Are Signature Zees good enough for competition? Absolutely. Some folks scoff at these Burris rings, given their modest price. A set of 1″-diameter Sig Zees cost $40.89 at Midsouth. But consider this, in 2013 Rodney Wagner shot the then-smallest 600-yard group in history, a 0.336″ 5-shot stunner, using Signature Zee Rings on his IBS Light Gun. It took five years for a smaller 600-yard group to be shot, a 0.311″ by bullet-maker Bart Sauter, using his IBS Heavy Gun. (See IBS 600-yard Records.) Here’s Rodney with his record-setting rifle, fitted with affordable Signature Zee 30mm rings.
Vendors Have Burris Signature Rings in Stock Now
Various models of Burris Signature Rings are available from many online vendors. NOTE: You may have to check with more than one seller to get the exact size, height, and model you prefer. But right now these vendors have pretty good selections of Signature Zees in stock now, including the popular 30mm High and 30mm Extra High models (each currently $56.36 at Midsouth). If you check all three sellers, you’ll probably find what you need.
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 $16.99 for the Delrin 30mm to 1″ converters, item 084-000-091WB. There are also sets that reduce 30mm rings to 26mm, 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.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Natchez — Hodgdon H4350 and Varget On Sale
⏺️ Get popular H4350 and Varget powders now in stock
Hodgdon powders are top choices for many shooting disciplines, offering great accuracy, good velocity, and consistently low ES/SD. Consequently many of the most popular Hodgdon powders have been hard to find. But right now H4350 and Varget are in stock and on sale at Natchez. Get Varget one-pounders, and choose 1-lb or 8-lb jugs of H4350. Plus Hodgdon H4198 is also available now at Natchez. Stock up now while these popular powders are available.
2. Graf & Sons — ATN Optics Sale
⏺️ Good prices on night vision scopes, binocs and other products
Have you been considering a night vision scope but not sure where to start? Check out the ATN Optics Sale where you can find a wide range of night vision scopes, binoculars, and IR units all on sale. Grab one now and head out and learn why legal night hunting has become so popular.
3. Creedmoor Sports — Starline Brass Sale
⏺️ Starline makes great pistol brass and good value rifle brass
Starline Brass is high-quality yet affordably priced. We have had great luck with Starline pistol brass and the rifle brass is consistent and very affordable. Currently Creedmoor Sports has a big inventory of Starline pistol and rifle brass. Starline brass is quality, SAAMI spec with the ability to be reloaded many times.
4. Amazon — Derraco PCPS Priming Tool, $199.95
⏺️ Innovative precision priming tool mounts to press
Turn your 7/8-14 standard single-stage reloading press into a precision priming system with the Derraco PCPS Precision Priming die/Primer Seating Tool (#ad). This advanced tool is compatible with any reloading press that accommodates 7/8-14 reloading dies and standard T-shaped shell holders. For a wide variety of single-stage presses, this unique precision priming tool will consistently deliver high-precision results thanks to the precision adjuster and micrometer hard stop.
5. Natchez — Leupold Optics Sale
⏺️ Good prices on Leupold scopes, binoculars, and Red Dot sights
Leupold has long been a leading American optics maker, and Leupold offers great customer service and a fantastic lifetime warranty on scopes. If you need a new scope or binoculars, check out the Leupold Optics Sale at Natchez. A wide selection of Leupold scopes and binoculars are discounted 15% or more, while Red Dot and Reflex optics are $100 off. Plus, with this Leupold Sale, Natchez is offering FREE Shipping.
6. Sportsman’s WH — Bergara B-14 Hunter 6.5 CM, $659.97
⏺️ Nice, affordable deer rifle with good camo stock
If you need a new hunting rifle consider the Bergara B-14 Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor. The B-14 Hunter features a molded synthetic stock made of glass fiber reinforced polymer. As with the entire B-14 Series, the Hunter model delivers impressive function and accuracy with an attractive price that will appeal to serious big-game hunters. Made in Spain, this rifle delivers excellent quality and performance for the under-$700 price.
7. Amazon — Plano 52″ Wheeled Rustrictor Case, $193.47
⏺️ Excellent big weather-proof case with wheels for easy movement
When traveling by air or in a vehicle, having a quality rifle case keeps your rifle and optics safe and secure. A great option is the Plano All Weather Rustrictor Tactical Gun Case(#ad). This rugged rifle case’s Rustrictor technology protects firearms against rust and corrosion caused by moisture or humidity. A VCI-infused resin and foam emitter blocks rust and corrosion 5x longer than competing products and the TSA rating means you can take it anywhere safely and securely.
⏺️ With Crimson Trace Scopes Get FREE Rest and FREE Shipping
This is a nice promo. The Crimson Trace scopes are on sale PLUS you get FREE Shipping. These scopes offer great value for the price. And here’s the real bonus — you get a handy shooting rest. Use the full Caldwell rest for for long guns. Or, for pistol shooting separate the rest and use just the front section. The Caldwell Steady Rest NXT MSRP is $37.99.
9. Amazon — Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, $17.99
⏺️ Cool sub-$20 tool that works really well — great buy
The Pridefend Professional Digital Trigger Pull Gauge (#ad) offers great performance for a very low price. We’ve used this “smart” pull gauge with success on match rifle triggers. This gauge measures in 1 oz. increments from 0 to 12 pounds. The gauge display is easy to read and you can choose ounce, pound, or Kg units. Though it costs just $17.99, this digital gauge offers better consistency than many conventional spring-type gauges. Plus, when you do a sequence of multiple pull tests on one gun, the unit automatically calculates maximum, minimum, and average pull weights.
10. Amazon — Lyman BrassSmith Funnel with Inserts, $31.99
⏺️ Very useful kit we use — avoids powder spills
Having a good powder funnel really helps precision reloading. The Lyman Products Brass Smith Pro Powder Funnel System (#ad) is a great little system. Unlike plastic powder funnels, the aluminum DIE cast body and CNC-turned aluminum caliber-specific inserts are static-free to eliminate powder cling. The precision fit to your case necks eliminates spilled powder. The kit includes six laser-marked, caliber-specific aluminum inserts to fit calibers 22 to 338: .22, .243/6mm, .25/6.5mm, .270/7mm, .30, and .338. The inserts can be quickly and easily interchanged when changing cartridge types.
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A good riflescope is essential for many types of competition, and the vast majority of hunters have scoped rifles. Some F-Class and benchrest competitors are now using optics with up to 60X magnification. Over the past 30 years, scopes have continued to evolve with improved glass, more reticle types, vastly increased elevation travel, bigger main tubes, FFP and SFP options, and even built-in electronics.
When shopping for a riflescope, it’s useful to understand how scopes work — how the internal mechanisms control windage and elevation, how parallax controls work, and how magnification levels are controlled.
Basics of How Riflescopes Work
This Burris video (above) covers the key aspects of scope function: zoom magnification, windage control, elevation control, parallax control (front or side mount), and ocular lens focus. There are some tips on getting a new scope running smoothly — it’s wise to rotate the power control a few times as well as both windage and elevation knobs. The video below also explains how to set ocular focus controls optimally.
Scope Break-In Methods and Diagnosing Issues — Great Video
We recommend that all serious shooters watch this video start to finish. A very knowledgeable scope engineer, Leupold’s Mike Baccellieri, explains the fine details of scope operation — with very useful recommendations on how to ready a new scope for use (See 36:50 time-mark). With a new optic he advises to run the controls multiple times to full travel. Also, take your time to get the diopter control just right (See 26:40 time-mark).
The video also explains why, with a new scope or one that hasn’t been used much, it is sometimes effective to rotate the elevation PAST the desired setting then come back a click (See 35:40 time-mark). In addition, near the end of the video, the expert explains how you can use a mirror to determine if the scope mount (base and/or rings) is NOT aligned with the bore axis, forcing excess travel to get on target (See 42:00 time-mark). We have seen this caused by scope rails attached slightly off axis.
Large diameter turrets make windage and elevation markings easier to see, and the click “feel” may be more noticeable given the greater diametrical travel between clicks.
First Focal Plane (FFP) vs. Second Focal Plane (SFP)
The main visual difference between First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes is the appearance of the reticle (and its hash marks) at different magnification levels. With a FFP scope, the reticle increases in visible size (and line thickness) with increased magnification. This is so the angular hash marks remain constant (in Mils or MOA angular span) at all magnification levels. So, on a 10-30X FFP scope, a 0.1 Mil hash mark represents the SAME angular measurement at 10X, 20X, or 30X (or any magnification). The downside of the FFP system is that the reticle lines can appear very thick at high magnification. But for a PRS/NRL match, with targets at multiple distances, it is important that the hash marks represent the same angular measurement at all power settings.
On a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, by contrast, the reticle lines (and hash marks) appear visually (in thickness) the same at all magnification levels. This means the hash mark divisions will only be precise at one magnification level, as designed by the manufacturer. For example, you could have exact 1 MOA Hash marks at 10X. But zoom the scope to 20X and the same reticle hash mark would then cover 2 MOA. SFP scopes are popular with competition shooters who shoot at specific known distances. Not having thick reticle lines at 25X to 50X is an advantage when aiming at precise benchrest and F-Class targets.
ZEISS now makes excellent FFP Scopes with both MOA and Milrad options
Minute of Angle (MOA) vs. Milliradian (MILRAD or MIL)
This video also explains MOA vs. MRAD (Milliradian) controls. A Minute of Angle (MOA) is an angular measurement that represents 1.047″ at 100 yards. Modern MOA scopes are typically configured with 1/4 MOA or 1/8 MOA clicks. A Milliradian (MRAD) is another angular measurement defined as one-thousandth of a radian. Milrad scopes are commonly configured with 0.1 Milrad clicks. How much is a 0.1 mil at 100 yards? One mil equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards; therefore, 1/10th of that, 0.1 Mil, equals 0.36” – roughly a third of an inch – at 100 yards. That’s pretty close to the common quarter-inch (1/4 MOA) increment found on MOA riflescopes.
Sightron makes excellent high-magnification SFP zoom scopes favored by many competitors. These have proven quite reliable and offer very good performance for the price.
Scope Mounting Method and Alignment
When mounting a scope, you want to make sure the scope is aligned properly, so that vertical travel is precisely up and down, not offset. Begin by supporting the rifle with a good front and rear rest. Use a portable level to ensure the rifle is not tilting slightly left or right around the barrel bore axis. Then you want to align your scope’s vertical axis. For this, we recommend setting up a plumb bob — a weighted line that hangs straight down. This can be set up indoors or outdoors. Align your reticle’s vertical axis precisely with the plumb bob line, making sure not to move the rifle.
One caution — we have seen some riflescopes that are internally off-axis by up to 4 degrees. In this case, you can align the reticle’s vertical axis with the plumb bob line but then find that your turrets are slightly titled. That is a scope manufacturing fault that will result in some error when you input a large click value (e.g. 10+ MOA up or down).
When mounting your scope, a key factor to consider is the eye relief — the distance of the rear “ocular” lens to your eye. When mounting the scope, put your head in the position at which you normally shoot. NOTE: As your optimal head position may be quite a bit different when shooting prone vs. shooting from a bench, you may want to adjust the scope placement for different shooting positions. This Editor had to move his comp rifle scope about an inch rearward when local club matches changed from prone to bench.
The Burris Eliminator 6 Rangefinder scope has been selected as the “2025 American Rifleman Optic of the Year” as part of the NRA Media Golden Bullseye Awards. This award is presented by NRA Media for notable new products, which are selected based on their technical performance, field reliability, innovation, and value.
Even at $3000.00 MSRP, this is a pretty amazing optic. It incorporates a laser rangefinder plus a set of environmental sensors. Plus it communicates, via BlueTooth, with the Burris Connect App which holds ballistics data for multiple loads. Basically, just range your target, and the Eliminator 6 does the rest — the digital DOPE card works with the scope’s illuminated X177 reticle to display the precise holdover aiming point for the ranged distance.
The new Burris Eliminator 6 combines precise rangefinding out to 2,000 yards with onboard ballistic compensation, environmental monitoring, and a comprehensive Heads-Up Display user interface to provide precise aiming solutions at the touch of a button. The Eliminator 6 represents an entirely new design from previous-generation Eliminator models. The Eliminator 6 is more compact and follows a more conventional riflescope profile for improved ergonomics and simplified operation. “The Eliminator 6 is, indeed, a game-changer for western game hunters and anyone who demands fast and accurate firing solutions,” said Burris Mktg. Director, Jordan Egli.
NEW Burris Eliminator 6 Laser Rangefinder Riflescope
The new, compact 4-20x52mm Burris Eliminator 6 combines a powerful laser rangefinder with multiple environmental sensors. It has easy-to-use turret controls and sharp ED glass. Compared to the previous model Burris Eliminators, the advanced new Eliminator 6 is smaller, and lighter. To minimize chromatic aberration, Burris uses extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. Other features include 4-20X magnification, +2.0 to -3.0 diopter adjustment range, and side focus/parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity.
How does it work? Using the Eliminator 6, simply range your target, hold the illuminated aiming point on your target, and hold wind if necessary using the hold-off points in the reticle. You don’t have to carry around a separate Laser Rangefinder, or dial elevation with knobs.
See how the parallax and illumination adjustments are now conveniently located on a conventional turret-style knob that also contains the range activation and brightness button array.
Burris states that the “Eliminator 6 [has] the most comprehensive and advanced integrated technology ever delivered in a hunting riflescope.” Remarkably, this new Eliminator 6 includes multiple sensors, along with the laser rangefinder. The Eliminator 6 features a built-in thermometer, barometer, and inclinometer, and it automatically measures density altitude (which can also be manually selected). This allows the Eliminator 6 to provide extremely accurate ballistics solutions. The key features are:
• Integrated laser rangefinder capable of ranging out to 2,000 yards (reflective)
• BurrisConnect App compatible for quick programing and precise ballistics
• X177 Reticle with 177 1/5 MOA illuminated aiming points
• Angle Sensor informs ballistics calculator
• Built-In Environmental Sensors
• HUD with 11 data zones
• Shotcall Marker
More and more folks are using Burris Signature Rings these days. These unique rings feature polymer inserts. That allows you to pre-load some elevation in your scope set-up, or you can center-up the windage. Additionally, the polymer inserts hold your scope securely without leaving marks on the tube. Lastly, some folks believe that Signature rings may offer advantages for benchrest competition. Rodney Wagner shot a world-record 600-yard group using Burris Signature Zee Rings (“Zee” denotes the Weaver-rail model). James O’Hara set multiple IBS 1000-yard records using Burris Signature Zee Rings. James will tell you he thinks “all his guns seem to shoot best with these rings”.
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