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. EuroOptic — Sako S20 Close-out Sale, Save $400-$600
⏺ Save HUNDREDS on outstanding SAKO S20 rifles, multiple calibers
The SAKO S20 is a truly outstanding hunting rifle. It offers a smooth action, great trigger, excellent accuracy, and a convertible stock. Right now at EuroOptic you can save $400-$600 on a new SAKO S20 in a variety of popular chamberings. 15 different caliber/stock combinations are on sale, with discounts from $450-$600. Shown above are six notable deals, but there are many more. CLICK HERE to see all S20 Close-out offerings.
Here’s an excellent reloading package with everything you need to start handloading cartridges. And right now you can save 21%. With this Hornady Lock N Load Deluxe Classic Reloading kit you get the Classic single-stage press, powder measure with stand, digital scale, hand priming tool, OAL gauge tool, calipers, loading block, bullet release “hammer”, powder trickler, funnel, chamfer/debur tool, shellholder pack, die bushings, lock rings, Hornady Reloading Manual and much more. Folks, this is a great bargain at $319.99! The same Hornady L-N-L Classic Press Kit is $369.97 on Amazon, fifty bucks more. Plus you get 500 Free bullets from Hornady with the purchase of this kit.
3. Brownells — Rock Chucker Reloading Kit, $269.99 with CODE
⏺ Kit includes press, powder measure, scale, manual and many tools
Here’s a great starter kit for any reloader, with sturdy items — such as the Rock Chucker Supreme press — that will last a lifetime. Everything you see above can be yours for just $319.99. And, with discount code “MARCH50″ you can save another $50, for a net price of just $269.99. That makes this Kit an absolute steal! The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit includes Rock Chucker Supreme Press, Primer Tool, Scale, Powder Measure, Loading Tray, Reloading Manual and more. Be sure to use the “MARCH50″ Code during checkout to lower your net cost to $269.99, making this one of the best deals of the year.
4. Winchester Wildcat with Optic, $244.99 with Rebate
⏺ Fun rimfire rifle complete with optic — rebate through 3/26/23
Here is a fun little semi-auto .22 LR rifle at a crazy low price — $244.99 complete with a mounted Red Dot Reflex optic. That includes a $25 factory rebate — the list price is $269.99. The Winchester Wildcat takes Ruger 10/22 mags, and has some great features, such as field-removable lower receiver, ambidextrous controls, integral Picatinny rails, and rear barrel access. It has a good trigger and shoots well. In many respects the Wildcat beats the Ruger 10/22 while costing a lot less. The lower receiver assembly is easily removed from the upper assembly by pushing a button — no tools required. If you don’t need the optic, you can get a basic Wildcat with threaded barrel for $229.99 on sale.
Winchester Rebate: Purchase any Winchester Wildcat rifle and get $25 back via mail-in rebate. Offer valid February 23 through March 26, 2023. Go to Rebates.winchesterguns.com.
5. KYGUNCO — M&P Shield EZ or M&P9 M2.0 Laser/Light Shield
⏺ S&W carry pistols Shield EZ and M2.0 with laser/light option, $75 Rebates
KYGUNCO is running some great S&W Pistol deals this week. When you combine KYGUNCO’s price reductions with the current S&W $75 factory rebates, you can save over $120.00. Here are two impressive 9mm pistol options. We like the 9mm Shield EZ for $449.00 or just $374.00 after $75.00 S&W Rebate. Or get the 9mm Shield compact with Green Laser/Light combo for $423.87, or just $348.87 after rebate. That’s a very nice carry gun.
6. Brownells — Tax Time Bipod Sale
⏺ Major savings on wide selection of big brand optics
Now through mid-April, Brownells is featuring a large selection of bipods from four leading brands: Harris, Magpul, Accu-Tac, Atlas, and MDT. You’ll find special sales on some bipods, and a wide selection of options for others. If you need a new bipod for your tactical, hunting, or varminting rifle, check out these offerings at Brownells.
7. Graf’s — Sightron SIII LR 6-24x50mm, $849.99 (23% Off)
⏺ Major savings on wide selection of big brand optics
This is a great scope for varmint rifles. It has an MOA-2 reticle that allows easy hold off. Because it is Second Focal Plane, the reticle doesn’t enlarge with magnification so you are not obscuring small critters at distance. This scope features Sightron’s unique ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system, and it has a rock-solid warranty. For a SFP varmint scope, this would be one of our top choices. And now you can get significant savings at Grafs.com. This scope is now $849.99 on sale, a 23% savings. The same scope sells for $1099.99 elsewhere. If you often shoot in low light, there is a also a fully illuminated 6-24x50mm Sightron SIII with the MOA-H reticle for $999.99.
8. EuroOptic — Leica 6X Zoom Scopes, 40-42% Off
⏺ Great deal on superb long-range hunting/varminting scopes
Here are two very high-quality Leica riflescopes at big discounts. These are SFP optics with 0.1 Milrad clicks. With an amazing 6X zoom ration, there is a huge field of view at the 2.5X base magnification. Then you have 15X on the other end for long shots. The 56mm objective version is now $919.99 on sale, a 42% savings off the $1599.99 price, while the version with a 50mm objective is $899.99, a 40% discount off the regular $1499.99 price. With these deals you can save over $600 — enough to buy a rifle.
⏺ Excellent scope for varminters and grounghog matches
Looking to clean your brass and/or gun parts? The H&B Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine is a bargain at just $84.48 on Amazon. This unit features a heated tank for cleaning of cartridge brass and metal parts. The ultrasonic cavitation lifts and dissolves carbon, dirt, and any residue left on fired cases. Chose cycles from 90 to 480 seconds. Not only can you clean brass, but this unit can clean pistol slides, magazines, jewelry, and silverware. Note: This unit, an “Amazon Choice” with 84% 4- or 5-star reviews, is nearly identical to the unit Lyman has sold for $120+.
10. MidwayUSA — Real Avid AR-15 Cleaning Kit with Mat, $28.22
⏺ Great accessory for AR15s, cleaning kit and mat with diagrams
We can recommend the Real Avid AR-15 Cleaning Kit/Smart Mat for all AR owners. This includes a large, padded, oil-resistant mat with printed AR parts diagrams and a built-in parts tray. The tool kit, in zippered pouch, has key tools needed to disassemble and clean your AR. The kit also includes the Real Avid Field Guide. At $28.22, this combo set costs less than the Real Avid Cleaning Kit by itself.
The IWA Outdoor Classics, aka the “Euro SHOT Show”, took place in Germany earlier this month. This show, the largest gun/hunting/outdoors trade show in Europe, ran for four days, March 2-5, 2023, in Nuremberg, Germany. Approximately 1,100 exhibitors attracted 34,000 visitors from 119 countries. With those numbers, the IWA Outdoor Classics ranks second only to the USA’s SHOT Show as a global trade show for shooting, hunting, and outdoor activities. This bodes well for IWA Outdoor Classics, which marks its 50th anniversary next year in 2024.
Legendary American Shooter Meets VIPs at IWA Show
There were quite a few notable American shooters at the IWA Show in Germany. Here, at the Mossberg booth, legendary pistol and rifle competitor Jerry Miculek meets with Roland Weigert, Bavaria’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs.
Feinwerkbau 900 Competition Air Rifle
German gunmaker Feinwerkbau GmbH displayed a variety of Olympic-grade target rifles, including this impressive Model 900 with aluminum stock. The maker states: “Quality components come together to form a high-precision sporting rifle and a multitude of adjustment options ensure optimum ergonomics. The maintenance-free pressure reducer has been redesigned for even smoother system operation and ensures significantly reduced noise during firing. The optimized system bedding with double barrel clamping ensures highly precise groupings. This results in a new pace setter in the match air rifle sector.” The 900 Aluminum model is available in silver or black as standard, and, in addition, the model can be customized in 13 special colors for an additional charge.
Jumbo Display Bullets from Sax Munitions
Bullet and ammunition manufacturer Sax Munitions GmbH, had an eye-catching display of super jumbo-sized bullets. Just what you’d need to hunt a Dinosaur in Jurassic Park.
There were many innovative optics on display, such as this ATN ThOR LT day/night thermal rifle scope.
Mauser K98 Stock from Pro Mag | Archangel
Do you have an old Mauser K98 that you’d like to modernize with a more ergonomic stock for hunting and fun competition? Well ProMag Industries has you covered. This polymer stock fits the classic K98 Mauser, and variants including German K-98s, Czech VZ-24, Yugo 48 / 48a, and Turkish. The stock is made from high strength carbon fiber and glass-reinforced black polymer. Actions are secured with precision-fit, inlet steel pillar bedding with free-floated barrel channel. Length of pull is thumbwheel-click-adjustable from 13.5″ to 14.25″. This ProMag K98 stock is offered in black (as shown), desert tan, and olive drab colorsl. This modern stock design lists for just $185.99 MSRP.
Chayeh Z20 — New Straight-Pull Hunting Rifle
The Chayeh Z20 from Liwa Arms in Slovakia is a new, straight-pull, bolt-actuated hunting rifle with five-round magazine. The maker states that the Chayeh Z20 is “accurate, safe, fast and reliable rifle with high-end finish for a very surprising price.” The Z20 is currently available in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester with three different barrel lenghts and various stock designs.
Walther LP 500 Competition Air Pistols
Along with a variety of rimfire and centerfire rifles and pistols, Walther showcased its impressive LP 500 air pistol. This beautifully balanced and very ergonomic air pistol is used by top competitors in ISSF 10-meter air pistol events.
ISSC SPA Hunter Toggle-Action Rimfire Rifle
We like toggle-link actions. Originally developed for biathlon rifles where rapid cycling (with minimal rifle movement) is critical, toggle-link actions are now available for rimfire sport and hunting rifles. We were impressed with the ISSC toggle-link action rifle, displayed by the Waffen-Pfandleihhaus group at the IWA show. This ISSC SPA Hunter rifle features a nice wood stock and is offered in three (3) rimfire chamberings: .17 HMR, .22 LR, and .22 WMR. We’d like one of these rigs for ground squirrel safaris.
Classic Wood Stock on Modern Air Rifle — HM1000
The HM1000 from Rapid Air Weapons derives it’s linage from the Theoben Rapid 7. Featuring many of the same design cues, the HM (Hunting Model) departs from its family history with such features as side lever cocking, an on-board manometer, an easy access Foster-style fill adapter and fully regulated design. This Hunting model offers a very handsome, high-grade would stock. The fit and finish of this rifle is matched by high standards for accuracy and reliability.
Mini Spotting Scope from Noblex
There are times when you want something steadier and more powerful than binoculars, but you don’t want a massive, heavy spotting scope that might weigh 6 pounds or more. The European optics company Noblex offers a very lightweight (18.7 ounce) 6-24x50mm Mini Spotting Scope. We think many hunters and varmint shooters could use a product like this. Small and light (at just 1.17 pounds), it is also very affordable, with a $419.00 MSRP.
BONUS BLADES — IWA Knife Spotlight
Along with the many pistols, rifles, optics, and accessories displayed at the 2023 IWA show in Germany, there was a special award program for knives. Here are two of the award-winning blades at the IWA Knife Award Ceremony.
The Vortex Blog contains an interesting article featuring recommended gear for a coyote hunting trip in late winter/early spring. This Vortex article covers all the items you’ll need: rifle, optics, shooting sticks, insulated clothing, Laser Rangefinder, game calls, carry packs and more.
In the article intro, Vortex notes: “Winter snow and cold temps don’t get Vortex’s Bill Krivanek down. In fact, quite the opposite. This time of year, he’s fired up about calling coyotes and putting a little fur on the ground. “There’s so much to love about these crafty critters”, said Bill. “They nearly always have the advantage. When you get one to come in to shooting range, you’ve really accomplished something. It’s as exciting as hunting gets.” Click the links below for more information about the Vortex Scope and Rangefinder used by Krivanek.
Complete Gear List for Cold Weather Hunting
A. Gloves
B. Milwaukee 2103 Headlamp
C. King’s Camo Snow Shadow®, Insulated Bibs
D. King’s Camo Snow Shadow®, Insulated Jacket
E. Vanguard Scout B62 Bipod
F. Knit Hat
G. Vortex Viper HD3000 Laser Rangefinder
H. FOXPRO® Shockwave Electronic Game Call
I. Open Reed & Closed Reed Mouth Calls
J. Red Rock Outdoor Gear Pack
K. HS Strut Deluxe 2-Way Strut Seat
L. Hornady 55gr V-Max Varmint Express
M. Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Scope
N. Aero Precision AR-15
O. Banish 30 Silencer Central Suppressor
CLICK HERE to read the FULL Article with a complete description of each item, shown in the lead photo above. Here are three gear commentaries:
Aero Precision AR Rifle: Bill primarily hunts the Midwest where harsh winters are the norm. You can tell that from the custom rattle-can, snow-camo paint job on his well-worn AR-15. Chambered in .223 Rem, he likes the practical functionality and fast follow-up shots the AR-platform offers — particularly when you call in multiples. His AR is from Aero precision and been an absolute workhorse. Brand of AR-15 doesn’t matter much to Bill, but it does need to be accurate and reliable.
Shooting Sticks: In coyote country, you often need to bring your own rest. A set of shooting sticks is a necessity for Bill. He runs the Vanguard Scout B62 Bipod. These B62 units are fast to deploy, stabilize the rifle, and are easy to adjust when that dog comes in from a spot you didn’t anticipate. They have a swivel head for smooth panning when tracking a moving dog in your scope and easy turns to get on target fast with minimal movement.
Riflescope: Shots are shorter in the Midwest, with a general max of 300 yards. Most are much closer. Bill’s riflescope is the tried-and-true Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm. The low end of 2.5 with its wide field of view is just as important as the high end of 10. It’s incredibly durable and the optics speak for themselves.
Winter Solace in the Backcountry
There is a nice thread in our Forum appropriately entitled “Winter Time”. You’ll find some great backcountry images taken by our Forum members. Winter is a special time in the outdoors. Forum member JDP explains: “Winter is the best time to shoot! One of the few of life’s ironies that works in my favor. The range is empty and barrels keep cool, no bugs, no waiting on people, no mirage. Yup, this world needs more thin blooded snow birds. This cool weather is terrible and dangerous, tell your friends! Do people get lonely while shooting or something? It’s the true holiday season in multiple ways.”
Forum member DNorton posted: “I live way up north where our white sandy beaches look like this!”
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. Brownells — Tax Time Riflescope Sale
⏺ Major savings on wide selection of big brand optics
For the next few weeks, Brownells is running its annual Tax Time Sale. You’ll see substantial savings on a wide range of products, including dozens of riflescopes. With 25 brands and countless options there’s bound to be something that fits your needs. Here are six recommended scopes on sale:
2. Palmetto SA — AR Upper and Lower with Vortex Optic, $809.98
⏺ Great deal for AR upper WITH Scope and complete lower
Are you looking to build an AR-platform rifle but want better performance than a .223 Rem? If so, check out these AR bundle packages at PSA. For just $809.98 you get a complete upper, Vortex optic, and a complete lower (with adjustable buttstock). This AR bundle includes the PSA lower, .224 Valkyrie-chambered 20″ 1:6.5″-twist barrel, complete upper with M-Lok handguard, PLUS a Vortex Eagle 1-8x24mm scope with cantilever mount. You can also grab the 6.5 Grendel upper with Vortex 4-12x44mm riflescope (and mount) for only $539.99.
3. Creedmoor Sports — Radians Hearing Protection Sale
⏺ Quality muffs and electronic in-ear hearing protection
Radians makes fantastic eye and ear protection with some of the highest rating available. Check out the Radians sale at Creedmoor Sports where you can find everything from safety glasses to custom molded earplug kits all at incredible prices.
4. Graf’s — Leupold 15-45x65mm and 20-60x85mm Spotting Scopes, $599.99 and $799.99
⏺ Save 20-25% on excellent Leupold HD Spotting Scopes
Save big right now on excellent Leupold HD spotting scopes. Get the 20-60x85mm SX4 HD PRO angled model for $799.99, a 20% savings. Or get the smaller 15-45x65mm SX4 HD PRO angled spotter for $599.99 a 25% savings. These are great deals on very high quality optics. NOTE: Graf’s also has the straight body version of these two spotting scopes for the same prices: $799.99 for the 20-45x65mm straight model and $599.99 for the 15-45x65mm straight mail.
5. Natchez — CCI and Federal Primers in Stock — Rifle and Pistol
⏺ Large quantities of hard-to-find primers in stock
Primers are difficult to source these days. And some sellers are asking crazy prices — up to $300 per thousand. If you need primers, Natchez currently has a large supply of CCI and Federal rifle and pistol primers IN STOCK at better-than-average prices. This Natchez primer sale includes a large variety of pistol and rifle primers, including high-demand CCI 450 ($92.99/1000) and CCI 400 ($89.88/1000) rifle primers. Grab these before Natchez sells out.
⏺ Excellent 9mm Luger ammo at just $0.23 per round
The 9mm Luger (9x19mm) is the most popular centerfire pistol cartridge. And now there are some great new 9mm carbines like the cool, folding S&W M&P PRC. So it’s wise to keep good supply of 9mm ammo on hand. Here’s a great deal on quality, major-manufacturer 9mm FMJ pistol ammunition. Get 1000 rounds of Fiocci 9mm ammo for just $229.99. That works out to just $11.50 per 50 count box, or $0.23 per round — a great deal.
7. MidwayUSA — RCBS Brass Boss Case Prep Center, $139.99
⏺ Handy, multi-purpose case prep center now 20% off
Case prep is a time-consuming aspect of reloading. Save time with the RCBS Brass Boss Case Prep Center. This device allows you to do multiple operations efficiently. Six variable, high-speed rotating stations (four at <350 RPM; two at <550 RPM) offer everything from primer cleaning to chamfering necks. Right now this prep center is on sale at MidwayUSA for $139.99, a $50 discount.
8. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer, $54.49
⏺ Very effective case cleaner — use after wet tumbling
Wet tumbling gets brass completely clean (inside and out) but it takes time to dry those cases. You can speed up the drying process with the Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer. Vented trays provide the best airflow and the heavy-duty 500-watt heating unit can dry brass in under an hour. Not only is it quiet but the top mounted fan and a temperature adjustment of up to 160 degrees allows for quick drying of up to 1,000 pieces of brass or utilize the 5 removable trays to dry multiple calibers at once
9. Amazon — RCBC Hand Primer Tool, $59.99
⏺ Handy tool primes all common rifle cases
Do you want to prime your brass without the hassle of something being mounted to a bench? Check out the RCBS Hand Primer and seat primers anywhere you want. The universal shell holder will accept cases from .32 ACP to .45-70 Government and the patented safety gate isolates the primer seating operation from the primer supply virtually eliminating the possibility of tray detonation.
How many times have you grabbed your electronic earmuffs only to find the batteries are dead. To avoid the hassles (and cost) of battery replacement, consider Walker’s Rechargeable Razor Ear Muffs. These rechargeable muffs have an estimated 80 hours of run time. That’s enough to get through several DAYS at the range. Then you can recharge the muffs conveniently at home or in your vehicle. To hear range commands clearly, the muffs have HD speakers. Plus there’s a handy audio jack. These muffs are comfortable and boast a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
Many guys getting started in long range shooting are confused about what kind of scope they should buy — specifically whether it should have MIL-based clicks or MOA-based clicks. Before you can make that decision, you need to understand the terminology. This article, with a video by Bryan Litz, explains MILS and MOA so you can choose the right type of scope for your intended application.
You probably know that MOA stands for “Minute of Angle” (or more precisely “minute of arc”), but could you define the terms “Milrad” or “MIL”? In a helpful video, Bryan Litz of Applied Ballitics explains MOA and MILs (short for “milliradians”). Bryan defines those terms and explains how they are used. One MOA is an angular measurement (1/60th of one degree) that subtends 1.047″ at 100 yards. One MIL (i.e. one milliradian) subtends 1/10th meter at 100 meters; that means that 0.1 Mil is one centimeter (1 cm) at 100 meters. Is one angular measurement system better than another? Not necessarily… Bryan explains that Mildot scopes may be handy for ranging, but scopes with MOA-based clicks work just fine for precision work at known distances. Also because one MOA is almost exactly one inch at 100 yards, the MOA system is convenient for expressing a rifle’s accuracy. By common parlance, a “half-MOA” rifle can shoot groups that are 1/2-inch (or smaller) at 100 yards.
What is a “Minute” of Angle?
When talking about angular degrees, a “minute” is simply 1/60th. So a “Minute of Angle” is simply 1/60th of one degree of a central angle, measured either up and down (for elevation) or side to side (for windage). At 100 yards, 1 MOA equals 1.047″ on the target. This is often rounded to one inch for simplicity. Say, for example, you click up 1 MOA (four clicks on a 1/4-MOA scope). That is roughly 1 inch at 100 yards, or roughly 4 inches at 400 yards, since the target area measured by an MOA subtension increases with the distance.
MIL vs. MOA for Target Ranging
MIL or MOA — which angular measuring system is better for target ranging (and hold-offs)? In a recent article on his PrecisionRifleBlog.com website, Cal Zant tackles that question. Analyzing the pros and cons of each, Zant concludes that both systems work well, provided you have compatible click values on your scope. Zant does note that a 1/4 MOA division is “slightly more precise” than 1/10th mil, but that’s really not a big deal: “Technically, 1/4 MOA clicks provide a little finer adjustments than 1/10 MIL. This difference is very slight… it only equates to 0.1″ difference in adjustments at 100 yards or 1″ at 1,000 yards[.]” Zant adds that, in practical terms, both 1/4-MOA clicks and 1/10th-MIL clicks work well in the field: “Most shooters agree that 1/4 MOA or 1/10 MIL are both right around that sweet spot.”
Brownells is a well-known retailer of guns, gun parts, tools, accessories, ammo, and pretty much everything gun-related. What you may not know is that Brownells has a very active video production department that releases new “how-to” and product information videos every week. These videos offer helpful advice on gun cleaning/maintenance, reloading, as well as selecting/assembling components for various kinds of rifles. And every week Brownells serves up a new products video. There now over 1000 videos on the Brownells YouTube Channel, which is truly a remarkable resource.
Here are six of our favorite videos from Brownells. There’s a helpful guide to scope installation, AR owners will find some good advice on spare parts, new reloaders can learn how to use the OAL tool, and all gun owners should watch the video on ammunition storage.
Scope-Mounting — Common Mistakes to Avoid
Always be careful when mounting a rifle scope. This isn’t a super-complex or highly technical task, but there are ways you can mess it up. This video explains common pitfalls to avoid when mounting a scope.
1. Make sure the rings don’t touch ANY part of the turret housing, objective bell, or eyepiece.
2. Be certain the scope rings are tightly clamped to the scope base. Grasp the scope with one hand and the rifle with the other, then ensure there is no play.
3. Make sure there’s clearance between the objective bell and the rifle. No part of the scope should touch the rifle itself.
4. NEVER over-tighten the scope rings. You can actually crush the scope tube and damage the optic beyond repair. Stick to the torque specs!
How to Use Hornady OAL Tool and Hornady Bullet Comparator
Gun Tech Steve Ostrem explains how to properly use Hornady’s Overall Length Gauge to determine length-to-land precisely. The OAL Gauge uses a “Modified Case” that threads onto the tool and holds a bullet. Push on the back of the gauge until you feel the bullet just touch the rifling. (We do this gently at first, tapping the rod a couple time to ensure the bullet is aligned correctly). Once you’ve got the length, then use the tool with a comparator on your calipers to get the length-to-lands. NOTE: We recommend taking the measurement 3-4 times in a row to get a reliable number. With a little practice your should be able to get repeatable measurements within .0015″.
Air Travel with Firearms — Key Regulations You Must Follow
You can travel on commercial airlines with firearms. But you must follow the TSA regulations, and your particular airline’s rules. First, make sure your guns are UNLOADED before your leave home. Guns need to be carried in proper hard-sided cases that cannot be pried open. Be prepared to unlock the case if the TSA wants to inspect what’s inside. TSA agents can cut the locks if they need to open the case but can’t locate you. If you use special TSA-approved locks, TSA agents have master keys that let them open the case without destroying your locks. You CAN transport up to 11 pounds of ammunition — with restrictions explained in the video.
How to Store Ammunition Safely and Securely
This has been one of the most popular Brownells videos — with over 1.7 million views. Here’s the deal — ammunition WILL keep for a long time if you store it properly. DO store ammunition in a cool, dry place that doesn’t have wide temperature swings. Temperature cycling will also degrade primers and powder. Put it in airtight ammo cans to keep out the moisture. Tupperware containers will work too. Brownells also recommends putting moisture-absorbing silica packs in your ammo containers. DON’T just keep ammo in factory cardboard factory boxes stacked in the basement, attic, or garage (especially on the floor). Factory ammo boxes can absorb moisture which can degrade primers and corrode the brass cases. Yes, sealed military ammo will usually handle this kind of storage for quite a while, but it’s still not wise.
Must-Have Spare Parts for AR-Platform Rifles
In this video, two knowledgeable gun techs answer the question: “What spare parts should I keep on hand for my AR-15?” On the list are: Gas Rings, Buffer Spring, Extractor Spring and Pin. NOTE: You may want to try the one-piece spiral gas ring rather than the standard rings which require alignment. The cotter pin and cam pin can also easily get lost when the Bolt Carrier Group is disassembled for cleaning. On the lower receiver you’ll want spare springs and detents for the pivot/takedown pins. If you’re using lighter-power springs, keep standard-power spares on hand. If your rifle stops working, swap in the factory-spec springs to find out if the problem is the gun or your ammo. Also, if you have upgraded your trigger, always keep the original trigger as a backup.
Cleaning Advice for .22 LR Rimfire Rifles
Gun Techs Steve Ostrem and Caleb Savant debunk some myths about cleaning .22 LR barrels. One myth is that cleaning will harm the accuracy of a .22 LR barrel. Caleb thinks this myth is the result of people cleaning a barrel from the muzzle and damaging the muzzle crown, which CAN diminish accuracy. If it’s done right, cleaning won’t damage the bore. However, you certainly do NOT have to clean your 22 LR’s bore every time you go to the range. But DO clean the action every time you shoot the rifle, especially on a semi-auto. What about shooting a lot of lead bullets? Won’t that lead up the bore? The guys give us the straight skinny on lead fouling, too. When you see your .22 LR rifle’s groups opening up, you may want to consider cleaning.
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. Reproduction on any other website gives rise to monetary damages.
Vortex, the large American optics company, has acquired GeoBallistics, a Texas-based business that sells mobile platform ballistics software. The GeoBallistics software is offered for both iOS (Apple) and Android platforms. This software features an advanced 3DOF solver and continuously updated bullet library. GeoBallistics software has other very sophisticated features:
1. Four Operating Modes (HUD, Map, Chart, and Comp). 2. Atmospherics Bluetooth Connectivity with Kestrel and Weatherflow. 3. Map Mode with GPS Rangefinder (use to range targets, create range cards). 4. Rifle Data and Range Cards available and synched via internet cloud servers.
Vortex Will Support Current GeoBallistics Users
For shooters already utilizing the GeoBallistics software, nothing in the software and App experience will change. And Vortex will now provide customer service and support. To learn more about GeoBallistics Apps, visit GeoBallistics.com.
Vortex plans to add GeoBallistics products to the Vortex portfolio to continue “to enhance and simplify hunting and shooting while providing critical information quickly and accurately.”
“We’re always looking for new ways to help Vortex Nation enjoy unforgettable experiences in the field”, said Joe Hamilton, Vortex CEO. “Acquiring GeoBallistics means we can offer both consistency in our product line and make long-range ballistics simpler and more accessible for everyone.”
How to Use GeoBallistics App — Informative Video
In this video, Clay Hergert, owner of ATX Precision (and former SEAL Team Sniper) demonstrates the GeoBallistics App with BallisticsARC capabilities. Clay shows how to use BallisticsARC to create rifle profiles.
This article Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other website is authorized.
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.
⏺ Electronic earbuds are good for hunters, Muffs are tough yet comfortable
Good hearing protection is essential whenever you go to the range. We recommend muffs and/or plugs with at least a 24dB NRR (noise reduction rating). Having electronic amplification is very valuable as it allows you to hear range commands while still protecting against dangerous noises. Right now MidwayUSA is offering two excellent Walker’s hearing protection products. For a lightweight solution, the 29dB NRR Electronic earbud-type plugs on a rope-style connector are now just $44.99, a 50% savings. Or choose the 27db NRR electronic muffs for $59.99, a huge 66% savings over the regular $159.99 price.
2. Midsouth — Vihtavuori Powders with FREE Reloading Guide
⏺ Vihtavuori powders in stock at good prices with FREE Load Manual
Right now Midsouth has a large selection of rifle and pistol powders IN STOCK at attractive prices. And, this week, purchasers of Vihtavuori powders from Midsouth will get a FREE official Vihtavuori 100th Anniversary print reloading guide. Vihtavuori makes many great powders. N133 is the top choice of most short-range benchrest-for-group shooter. N320 is our favorite .45 ACP powder, and N550, with a burn rate between H4350 and H4831, works well for a variety of medium and large rifle cartridges.
3. Sentry Ammo — Norma 9mm Ammo, 1000 Rds $207.99
⏺ Very high quality 9mm Norma 124gr FMJ 9mm ammo at fantastic price
Here is an absolutely GREAT DEAL for high-quality 9mm Luger ammunition. Right now Sentry Ammo is offering 1000 rounds of quality Norma 124gr 9mm bulk pack ammunition for $207.99. That’s just $0.21 (twenty-one cents) per round! With this special deal you even get a nice hinged polymer ammo can.
4. Locked & Loaded — Savage A22 FV-SR, $287.56
⏺ Good deal on reliable, semi-auto .22 LR rimfire rifle
NRL22 and PRS 22 disciplines are America’s fastest-growing forms of rifle competitions. If you want to try your hand at NRL22 without sinking a fortune, check out the Savage A22 FV-SR now on sale for $287.56, 18% OFF. This semi-auto rifle has shown good accuracy, and it comes complete with a Picatinny rail on top. The .22 LR Savage FV-SR model upgrades the original A22 platform with a button-rifled, 16.5″ medium-contour barrel, and threaded muzzle. The A22 FV-SR features a user-adjustable AccuTrigger and reliable straight blowback semi-auto action for fast follow-up shots.
5. Graf & Sons — CCI .22 LR Ammunition from $3.99/50
⏺ Quality CCI .22 LR ammo in stock at very good prices
With the growth of NRL22, PRS 22, and rimfire F-Class, more and more shooters are competing with rimfire rifles. And with action steel matches, rimfire pistol shooting is hugely popular these days. Thankfully, its still possible to get good rimfire ammo at reasonable prices. At Graf’s you’ll find good CCI .22 LR ammunition starting at just $0.08 (eight cents) per round. CLICK HERE for CCI .22 LR Deals.
6. Midsouth — RCBS Reloading Presses on SALE
⏺ Quality RCBS Presses in stock now at very competitive prices
Midsouth Shooters Supply has discounted its line-up of RCBS Single-Stage Presses. For example Midsouth has the Rock Chucker Supreme Press at $169.99. That’s over forty bucks less than some other sellers charge. And you can get the new RCBS Rebel Press for $179.99, a solid deal. The innovative compact RCBS Summit press is now $199.99. We’ve used the Summit press. We like the open front and it works well for small reloading areas or at the range.
7. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Priming Tool, $52.59
⏺ Precise Depth Control, 12 Shell Holders, Quick-Change, Carry Case
Seating primers to a consistent depth helps deliver enhanced accuracy and low ES/SD. However, most priming systems don’t allow precise depth control. If you’re looking for a priming tool that allows you to adjust primer seating depth, check out the Frankford Arsenal Perfect Seat Hand Primer. This tool comes in a protective case along with a full set of case holders and primer flip tray. A quick thumb release system allows you to switch from small to large primers quickly. Get this now for $59.99 on Amazon.
⏺ Self-resetting targets made from good AR500 steel
Shooting at reactive targets is ton of fun, but no one likes trekking down range to reset them. Here’s the answer — sturdy, self-resetting AR 500 steel targets. These come complete with frames that raise them off the ground. Grab the Caldwell Prairie Dog Popper Target at $99.99 or the Caldwell Pepper Popper Target at $86.99. Both these targets tilt when hit for instant confirmation. Then the built-in, automatic reset spring lifts the steel back up so you don’t need to go down range.
9. CDNN Sports — Grid Target Packs starting at $1.99/12
⏺ Great deals on colorful Champion grid target packs
⏺ Good compact muffs for the price with a good 26db SNR
We say it all the time but don’t ever shoot without quality hearing protection. Consider these Vanderfield folding ear muffs. These come in a variety of colors (blue, black, brown, green, gray, red, purple, pink) so you can easily tell yours apart from others. The 26db SNR sound protection rating is above average for compact muffs. For maximum protection use plugs under the muffs. (FYI, “SNR” or Single Number Rating, is the EURO equivalent of the NRR noise rating in the USA.)
New for 2023, ZEISS offers added protection for ZEISS riflescopes in the form of ‘Flip-Up and Fold-Flat Pro Lens Covers’. These heavy-duty lens covers are designed with several key – and proprietary – features that set them apart from similar products currently available. Retail prices are $34.99 for the ocular (eyepiece) lens covers and $49.99 for the objective lens cover. The new accessories will be available from Authorized ZEISS Retailers in North America, beginning late April 2023.
“Our all-new flip-up lens covers are manufactured with a robust stay-secure dual-clamping system and provides OEM fitment for current ZEISS riflescopes; they also offer a few extra unique features as well,” said Kyle Brown – Director of Marketing/Product for Carl ZEISS SBE, LLC. “These lens covers remain open and secured in place when in the folded-flat, shooter-ready position — even under heavy recoil. They offer great protection from the environmental elements and will help keep those valuable lenses from getting scratched. The benefit is simple: clean and scratch-free optics at-the-ready. And clean optics will help you deliver precise and accurate hits on target.”
ZEISS will offer a total of nine unique lens covers sizes, each providing an excellent OEM fit for each ZEISS riflescope. All are made in the USA with Nylon 11 material to resist harsh UV light and maintain proper fitment – even with extreme shifts in temperature – and reduce weight. Each lens cover utilizes dual clamps with stainless steel hardware and springs to ensure long-term fit and serviceability. Both ocular and objective lens covers provide a fold-flat securing system which allows for the flip-up cap to be held in the shooter-ready position parallel with the scope’s main tube, and then remain there, secure during recoil.
Additional Proprietary Features
The design of the objective lens cover offers two unique, proprietary features: 1) The integrated spare battery containment system provides a spare battery when and where it’s needed most; 2) The on-board Torx® wrench containment system provides a secure and out-of-the-way, yet handy, location for keeping this valuable turret tool where it belongs. These features provide great benefits for hunters and shooters.
With the Berger Southwest Nationals (SWN) underway this week at Ben Avery outside Phoenix, Arizona, we’ll take a look at F-Class competition. The majority of SWN shooters compete in F-TR and F-Open divisions. On the firing line you’ll see the latest and greatest stocks, actions, optics, bipods (for F-TR), and Front Rests (for F-Open). This article looks at the two F-Class divisions.
A while back, our friend Vince Bottomley in the UK wrote an excellent article for Target Shooter Magazine. Vince offers “solid-gold” advice for new F-TR and F-Open shooters. Vince reviews the cartridge options, and offers suggestions for a shooter’s first (and hopefully affordable) F-Class rifle. Vince also reviews various bipod choices for F-TR and discusses optics options (from $300 to $3000).
Getting Started in F-Class by Vince Bottomley
As membership secretary of a large club, one of the questions I’m frequently asked – “What’s the best way to get started in F-Class?” My club has an F-Class shoot every couple of weeks at ranges from 300 to 1000 yards and, not surprisingly, it’s very popular.
F-TR or Open Class?
From a shaky start way back in 2004, the F-TR Class is now proving as popular as Open Class and, at GBFCA League shoots and club shoots, many shooters choose to start with a 308, shooting off a bi-pod – in other words F-TR. In Open Class, the 7mm WSM soon established itself as the “must have” cartridge – if you wanted to win but, the WSM’s appetite for barrels eventually brought another 7mm cartridge into play – the 284 Winchester. This 50-year-old stalwart was revived a decade or so ago as the 6.5-284 and indeed this cartridge found some favor with F-Class pioneers – before the potency of the WSM was discovered. If you don’t mind shelling out for a couple of barrels per year (barrel life is about 750 rounds with the WSM) go for the 7mm WSM but, if you require a decent round-count, then opt for the .284 Win and learn to read the wind a bit better!
[Editor: In the last couple of years, another option has emerged — the 6.5 PRC necked up to 7mm. This wildcat 7-6.5 PRC offers a bit more velocity than a .284 Win or its “improved” cousin the .284 Shehane.]
F-Open rifles on the firing line at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
Scopes for F-Class
If you will be shooting 1000 yards then I would recommend at least 32 power and preferably a variable – like the 8-32. The cheapest “usable” scope in this range is the Sightron. It’s a great scope for the money and at under $900 (in the USA) it’s half the price of its nearest competitor. It’s also light – at 1.5 lbs – and there are some great reticles for the F-Class shooter – like the LRMOA.
