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. Sportsman’s WH — Savage Axis Rifle/Scope Combo, $329.99
⏺ Truly great deal for 6.5 Creedmoor Deer Rifle with Bushnell Scope
Planning to hunt this season? Here’s a shockingly good deal on a scoped 6.5 Creedmoor hunting rifle. The Sportsman’s Warehouse exclusive Savage AXIS XP rifle features a black synthetic stock paired with a carbon steel, button-rifled sporter barrel chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor. This package rifle is ready to shoot, right out of the box, thanks to a mounted and bore-sighted Bushnell 4-12x40mm scope. Being a Savage, with a barrel nut, you can easily add a pre-fit barrel in a larger caliber.
2. Creedmoor Sports — Berger Bullet and Ammo Sale
⏺ Top-quality match bullets and excellent loaded ammo priced favorably
Did you know that Berger makes both bullets AND loaded ammunition? If you’re in the market for either check out the Berger Bullet & Ammo Sale at Creedmoor Sports. This is a great opportunity to pick up bullets and ammo at favorable prices. Some of the most popular bullets will sell out — so don’t delay.
3. Midsouth — LEE Breechlock Challenger Press Kit, $144.99
⏺ Heck of a deal on a good press and complete reloading system
For under $150 you can get pretty much everything you need to reload, except dies. This Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit includes Press, Powder Dispenser, Scale, Hand Primer Tool, Funnel, Chamfer Tool, Primer pocket tool, and more. We like the press — the handle is adjustable and the primer-catching system sends spent primers into a receptacle for no mess cleanup. This $144.99 Kit comes complete with the Breechlock Quick Change die system. If you are looking to get started in handloading, or want a back-up second press with accessories, this is a great deal.
4. Graf & Sons — Winchester Centerfire Ammo REBATE
⏺ Save 20% on good loaded rifle ammunition
Need some good made-in-USA factory ammo? Check out the Winchester Ammunition Rebate at Graf & Sons. For a limited time, get a full 20% OFF eligible centerfire rifle ammunition. Maximum rebate amount is $75 per household. Offer is valid on qualifying purchases made between September 19, 2022 and December 4, 2022. The 20% Rebate applies to these types of Winchester loaded ammo: .223 Rem, 5.56x45mm, 7.62 x 51mm (.308 Win), and 300 Blackout.
⏺ Great deal — versatile rotating bench for varminting or home range
If you shoot on your own property or an undeveloped range, it’s great to have a portable shooting bench. The very affordable Birchwood Casey Xtreme Shooting bench offers superior comfort with a 2” thick padded back rest and seat. The benchtop rotates a full 360 degrees — great for varminting. The 23″ W X 34″ L padded top offers a comfortable, stable shooting surface for target practice or field hunting.
6. Amazon — Field Dressing Kit, $69.97
⏺ Must-have kit for game hunters — very useful
Heading out on a fall hunt and need tools to prepare the game meat you harvest? The versatile Knine Outdoors Field Dressing Kit offers a great selection of tools for a low price. This very complete Dressing Kit includes: 12″ Boning Knife, 9-1/2″ Gut-Hook Skinner, 8-1/2″ Hawkbill blade knife, 8-1/2″ Caping Knife, 12″ Gut-Hook Butcher Axe, 10-1/2″ Skinning Cleaver, 8-1/2″ Bone Saw, Ribcage Spreader (7″ to 12″), 9-1/4″ Game Shear, 11-7/8″ x 7-7/8″ Cutting Board, Knife and Shear Sharpener, and Cleaning Gloves.
7. Midway USA — Competition Range Bag, $59.99
⏺ Large capacity with good padding and strong fabric
The MidwayUSA Competition Range Bag is one of the best range bags on the market. Offered in four colors (Black, Charcoal Grey, Olive Drab, and Coyote Tan), this range bag can transport everything you need for a match or a day at the range. It boasts five notable carry compartments: huge primary bag, removable stage bag/ammunition carrier, two removable pistol rugs, and a removable fired brass/ammo carry bag. If you do a lot of pistol or 3-Gun shooting, this bag is a very good choice.
8. Amazon — Tri-Layered Scent-Safe Bag, $28.37
⏺ Handy, effective, very useful scent-blocker bag for game hunters
When you’re hunting for wild game, the last thing you want is to have your prey smell you coming. The Hunters Specialties Scent-A-Way Scent-Safe Travel Bag has a durable nylon outer and inner layers enclose a specially formulated foil that locks out foreign odors and locks in cover scents. Hunters we know have used this bag and recommend it.
⏺ Easy to see hits at distance, convenient 200-target roll
When shooting plain paper targets, it can be hard to see impacts. With these handy 4″ Splatterburst Targets your hits instantly display in bright yellow upon impact. Spend more time shooting and less time looking for shots. These adhesive targets peel off the 200-ct roll and then stick firmly to your target backer. Get a roll of 200 adhesive targets for $22.99 on Amazon. That works out to just 11.5 cents per target.
Readers often ask “What’s the difference between a Weaver scope rail and a Picatinny Rail?” The answer is not as simple as it seems. The dimensions of a Picatinny Rail should be consistent (from one rail-maker to another), since there IS a government spec. Conversely, there is some variance in “Weaver-style” rails. The width of the groove is the most important difference between Picatinny Rails and Weaver-type rails. “Mil-spec” Picatinny rails will have a grove width of 0.206″ while Weaver rails typically have a narrower, 0.180″ groove width.
Does your rifle have a Weaver Rail or Picatinny Rail? Check the dimensions to be sure.
Brownell’s has a helpful GunTech™ Article that discusses the Picatinny Rail vs. Weaver Rail. That article explains:
What are the differences between the ‘Picatinny’ and the ‘Weaver’ systems? The profile of the two systems is virtually identical. Depending on the quality of the machining done by the manufacturer, the two systems should be indistinguishable from the profile. The key difference lies in the placement of the recoil grooves and with width of the grooves. MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) grooves are .206″ wide and have a center-to-center width of .394”. The placement of these grooves has to be consistent in order for it to be a true Picatinny MIL-STD system. Weaver systems have a .180” width of recoil groove and are not necessarily consistent in a center-to-center measurement from one groove to the next.
In many instances, a Weaver system has a specific application that it is machined for, so interchangeability is not necessarily an issue. A MIL-STD-1913 system must adhere to the specifications listed above in order for it to be considered MIL-STD, since the military desires uniformity in the recoil grooves to allow for different systems to be mounted on the weapon with no concern for compatibility.
Now, what does this mean? Boiled down, it means that accessories designed for a Weaver system will, in most cases, fit on a Picatinny system. The reverse, however, is probably not the case. Due to the larger recoil groove, Picatinny accessories will not fit a Weaver system. There are, of course, exceptions to every rule, but for a good rule-of-thumb, [full-width] Picatinny won’t fit Weaver, but Weaver accessories WILL fit Picatinny.
Deer hunting photo courtesy NSSF.
Today, Saturday, September 24, 2022, is National Hunting and Fishing Day. Every year, this event is held the 4th Saturday of September. First recognized by President Nixon in 1972, this is now the 50th year the event has been celebrated across the USA. To help mark this day, we are offering six informative videos for hunters. These cover planning your hunt, selecting good optics, and optimizing your rifle. There are also hunting stories from Africa and Norway.
How to Sight-In Your Hunting Rifle
This video and related article offer good basic advice for sighting-in a hunting rifle. There are a series of six points covered. Here’s Tip #1: “Find a safe place to shoot your rifle with a backstop. If possible, use a bench and a rock-solid shooting rest. Sighting-in is all about consistency, so the less human error you have, the better. For safety, be sure to also bring ear and eye protection.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
Comparison of Seven Popular Deer Hunting Scopes
This is summary review of seven (7) popular hunting scopes, as available in 2020 (there may be newer variants). This video consist mostly of manufacturer-created marketing content with a few minutes of independent reviews. Consider this video a place to start when shopping for a new hunting optic. You’ll want to check independent reviews when you select a particular model. The seven riflescopes featured in the video are: Athlon Optics Argos BTR, Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm, Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm, NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm, Nikon Buckmasters II, Vortex Crossfire II, Vortex Viper HS SFP.
Prepare For Your Hunt — Get Fit and Practice Positions
As part of the NRA’s Tips & Tactics video series, Kristy Titus explains how to prepare for a hunt. Titus, co-host of the Team Elk TV show has hunted around the globe. She grew up in the outdoors, running pack mules in Oregon with her father. In this video, Kristy discusses fitness training and demonstrates field positions that can be employed during a hunt.
Kristy explains: “Hunting can lead you into some steep, rough country. It’s really important that you train both your body and your mind to handle the elements and the rigors of hunting So, if you plan on going on a mountain hunt, get out and train your body. Train with your firearm. Get off the bench and have some fun with this. Do some positional shooting or, if you want to add a stress dynamic… have someone put you under a time parameter.”
Kudu Hunting in Africa
Pieter “Piet” Malan is a South African precision rifle shooter and hunter who has created an impressive YouTube Channel with over 300 videos. While Pieter’s Impact Shooting Channel focuses primarily on tactical PRS/NRL type disciplines, his channel also includes dozens of videos of interest to hunters. Here is Pieter’s excellent video about Kudu hunting — Kudu Hunting Paradise Part 2. After watching this, with the exotic game and stunning terrain, you’ll probably want to book an African Safari.
Deer Hunting in Norway’s Fjord Mountains
Here’s a video with some truly stunning scenery. Watching this video is like taking a virtual vacation to Norway, where you can explore the scenic mountains in the Fjord region. Forum member Kenneth Skorpen (aka “Sal”) has created a cool video of a deer-hunting trip he took in Norway. He didn’t bag a buck on this trip, but the walk in the Fjordland mountains took Kenneth through some spectacular scenery. (At the 11:25 time mark you’ll see an amazing sunset over the Fjord.)
Kenneth did encounter a doe that had fallen down the mountain, and apparently broken its neck (14:35 time mark). The terrain is very steep, and Kenneth observed that: “I feel fortunate to be able to do this, but I also feel very tired in my legs. Did you know that the hares around here have shorter left legs due to the steep hills?”
Load Development for .308 Win Hunting Rifle
In this video, F-Class ace Keith Glasscock shows load development with a .308 Winchester hunting rifle. Here Keith uses a large X-type sandbag for a front support. He is shooting a Remington 700 bolt-action rifle, with Barnes TSX solid copper bullets, PPU Brass, Federal 210m primers, and AR Comp powder. Keith said the Barnes bullets were excellent — he commented that these bullets were “match quality in terms of precision”. Keith achieved some very small three-shot groups with AR Comp and the TSX projectiles. Keith did note that point-of-impact shifted up significantly with increases in charge weight (see 6:20-7:10). With thinner-contour hunting barrels, this is not unexpected. But POI change should be observed carefully during load development, as you may need to adjust your zero after completing testing.
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. Midsouth — Powder Sale, Many Brands, Great Prices
⏺ Very reasonable prices on many popular powders — get ‘em while you can
With Midsouth’s September Powder Sale you’ll find a wide selection of popular powders in stock, at very attractive prices. Many types are under $39 per pound. Sorry no Varget, H4198, H4350, or Alliant Reloder 16, but there are other very popular powders IN STOCK such as Vihtavuori N133 (for 6 PPCs), and Accurate LT32 (for 30 BRs).
2. EuroOptic — Trijicon Riflescope Clearance, Save 50% or more
⏺ Trijicon makes excellent optics, now with HUGE discounts
Trijicon scopes are some of the best value riflescopes on the market. The have good glass, are sharp, and very reliable. And now, EuroOptic is offering Trijicon scopes at crazy low clearance prices. With discounts exceeding 50% off (up to $1600 off), this is likely the best deal you’ll ever see on scopes of this quality. Most of the scopes on sale are Second Focal Plane (SFP) models with MRAD turrets, but some MOA models are offered. These are great choices for a long-range varmint rifle.
3. Precision Reloading — Hornady Auto Charge Pro, $299.99
⏺ Good powder scale/dispenser with unique layout
The Hornady Auto Charge PRO electronic scale/dispenser is now on sale for just $299.99 at Precision Reloading. The very accurate Auto Charge Pro offers customizable trickle speeds for various powder types. Store settings for up to four custom loads or use the factory setting. The backlit touch screen is easy to read, while the large knob on the side simplifies powder emptying. The same Auto Charge PRO sells for $359.99 elsewhere. So you can save $60.00 (17%) with this deal.
⏺ Very high quality hunting rifle with HUGE Discount
Purchase a Christensen Arms Ridgeline or Mesa rifle between September 1st and September 30th and receive a $350 electronic rebate. CLICK HERE for rebate-eligible models in stock at KYGUNCO. This promotion excludes special orders, and excludes Ridgeline and Mesa FFT, Titanium FFT, Long Range, and Scout models and rifles with Sitka Optifade camo. NOTE: This rebate is also available via some other Christensen Arms vendors. However, Ridgeline or Mesa Rifles purchased from Bass Pro/Cabelas, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Scheels, or Carolina Caliber do NOT qualify for the rebate! SEE REBATE RULES.
5. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Winchester .22 LR Wildcat, $229.99
⏺ Removable lower receiver, Picatinny rails, good trigger, great price
Here is a fun little semi-auto .22 LR rifle at a crazy low price — $229.99 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. 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 considerably less. The lower receiver assembly is easily removed from the upper assembly by pushing a button — no tools required.
⏺ High-quality progressive press at great price with CODE
If you need large quantities of pistol or rifle ammo, it makes sense to get a progressive press. This auto-indexing, 5-station press will give you one loaded round for every complete cycle of the loading handle. We’ve used this Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press and can confirm that it works well. We actually prefer the rotary powder measure to the sliding powder system on Dillon progressives. We find it much easier to change load weights with the Hornady system (which uses inserts), and it is more precise with certain types of powder. This press also uses convenient quick-change die bushings. Right now, at Brownells, you can save $130.00 with the $479.99 sale. PLUS with Brownells Code SEPTEMBER50 you save another $50, lowering your net cost to $429.99! This same press is $493.62 on Amazon.
7. Midsouth — 6.5 Match Monster Nosler Bullets, 500 $134.99
⏺ Great choice for 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, and 6.5×55 shooters
Midsouth now offers the new Nosler-made 6.5mm 123gr MATCH MONSTER bullets. These offer great performance and accuracy at a very low price — just $134.99 for 500 bullets (i.e. $27 per 100). For these BTHP bullets, the G1 BC is an impressive 0.510. Reloading data is interchangeable with Nosler Custom Competition bullets with the same caliber and grain weight. These bullets have small meplats for reduced drag and more consistent BC.
⏺ Good, low-cost device for sighting-in hunting rifles
Need to sight-in that new hunting rifle? A handy in-chamber laser boresighter can get you on target quickly. The Hunter Select no-neck, shoulder-only .308 Win version ($10.99) should work with the entire .308 Win family, plus the 6mmBR and 6.5 Creedmoor families. In addition, also for $10.99, there are cartridge-specific units for .223 Remington and .30-06 Springfield (also works for .270 Win). These Hunter Select laser boresighters are cheap, easy to use, and effective. NOTE: Not all colors in stock currently.
9. Amazon — Earmuffs Plus Safety Glasses Combo, $24.99
⏺ Good deal on Muffs/safety eyewear combo
Here’s a good set of NRR 28-rated earmuffs plus Z87.1-approved, wrap-around shooting glasses. This combo offers great protection for the price. The muffs come in multiple color combos: Yellow/Black (as shown), Gray/Black, Blue/Black, Pink/Black, and Purple/Black. Get the muffs and one set of safety eyewear for just $24.99 on sale. Or, for $5.00 more you can get a $29.99 kit with TWO sets of safety glasses, one tinted and one clear.
10. MidwayUSA — Tekmat Long Gun Cleaning Mat, $9.99 and Up
⏺ Highly recommended for AR take-down sessions — nice padding
Tekmat Long Gun Cleaning Mats feature handy diagrams showing the key parts of popular rifles. There are special mats for 18 different gun types, including AR-15, AR-10, Rem 700, M1A/M14, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, Ruger 10/22, Rem 870, and more. These mats provide padding and help protect your bench from solvents. Prices start at just $9.99, with some selling for $19.99, still a good deal for a 36″ x 12″ vulcanized rubber mat that is waterproof and oil-resistant. Most of the mats are black but a few are offered in gray or green.
Hunting season is here. For hunters that means many hours may be spent searching for animals through spotting scopes and binoculars — “glassing” for game. And when the hunter does find a good buck or doe, he’ll need to know the animal’s precise distance, so that demands a good laser rangefinder. Being carried in the field, the scopes on hunting rifles need to be tough and durable, and every hunting scope should have good low-light performance. And when the hunter finally takes his shot, his scope better be properly zeroed. Today’s Saturday at the Movies showcase is all about Hunting Optics. We offer eight great videos that help you select the right riflescope, spotting scope, rangefinder, and binoculars for your next hunt.
Comparison of Seven Popular Deer Hunting Scopes
This is summary review of seven (7) popular hunting scopes, as available in 2020 (there may be newer variants). This video consist mostly of manufacturer-created marketing content with a few minutes of independent reviews. Consider this video a place to start when shopping for a new hunting optic. You’ll want to check independent reviews when you select a particular model. The seven riflescopes featured in the video are: Athlon Optics Argos BTR, Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm, Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm, NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm, Nikon Buckmasters II, Vortex Crossfire II, Vortex Viper HS SFP.
Optics Selections for Mountain Hunts
Here’s a good video by an avid hunter who treks in remote, mountainous zones. The host has learned what works… and what’s worth the weight to carry: “I’ve found that the combination of 10×42 binoculars and a 27–60x80mm spotting scope is the sweet spot for mountain hunting. This pairing balances weight with reach, allowing me to keep moving but also reach out and see well-hidden animals. In some cases, I will make use of an 18×56 binocular, but this is reserved for non-backpack hunts. With 25 years of mountain hunting experience, I can whole-heartedly recommend my preferred binocular pair as a fantastic and versatile set-up for northern mountain hunts at the very least.”
Ultimate Spotter Test — 19 Spotting Scopes Reviewed
The producers of this remarkable 19-product spotting scope comparison state: “If you are looking at choosing the best spotting scope for hunting… you are in the right place! We tested these 19 spotting scopes to find the best compact spotting scope, best 65mm spotting scope, and best 85mm spotting scope out there. We also wanted to find the best values on the market, and I think we definitely did that. While we certainly couldn’t test them ALL, we were able to put together this incredible lineup of some of the best spotting scopes out there to help you find what is going to work for your specific needs.”
First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes
For the last century, Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes have been most common on hunting rifles. Now there are an increasing number of First Focal Plane (FFP) optics favored by hunters. The main reason is that the reticle mark values (in Mils or MOA) are constant relative to the target size at all magnification levels. That is handy for hold-offs and hold-overs. On the other hand, a SFP scope maintains a constant reticle size and line thickness at all zoom values. For most hunting shots, taken inside 300 yards, that really should be fine. Many hunters feel they can spot their prey more easily without a busy reticle that obscures small details at higher magnification. This video explains the pros and cons of both reticle types. The final decision is up to you — much will depend on the terrain you hunt and the distances you shoot.
The Complete Optics Selection for For Deer Hunting
In this video, Vortex optics techs explain the optics package deer hunters will want to take into the field. Along with a good medium-power zoom riflescope, you’ll want binoculars and (probably) a spotting scope. You’ll also want a Laser Rangefinder (LRF) or laser-equipped binoculars. As the team points out, the LRF is not just to range your prey right before you take a shot. A top-quality LRF can range a reflective object as far as 1500 yards away. That helps you decide whether you want to hike a mile to reach that buck you see way out on the next ridge.
MOA vs. MIL — What you Need to Know
These days, scope manufacturers offer a wide selection of both MIL (Milliradian) and MOA (Minute-of-Angle) based optics. We do think that MOA is still predominant in the lighter-weight, lower-cost (sub-$500) scopes marketed for hunters. There are pros and cons for both angular measurement systems. One MIL is 3.6″ at 100 yards, while one MOA is 1.047″ at 100 yards. If you grew up thinking in inches, a 1/4-MOA click-value hunting scope might work best. If you shoot PRS or have other MIL scopes you may prefer a MIL-value optic for your hunting rifle. Both choices will do the job.
Comparison of Eight Laser Rangefinders
The Backfire team purchased eight rangefinders and tested them in the field. Most of the products are under $500. This is a good review if you are looking for a compact LRF at a moderate price. Looking at performance for the price, for the hunting market, the reviewers favored the Leupold RX-1600 and the waterproof Vortex Ranger 1800. COMMENTARY: If you can afford it, we recommend that serious hunters consider top-end laser rangefinder-equipped binoculars such as the ZEISS Victory RF and Leica Geovid.
How to Zero Your Hunting Rifle Efficiently
Last but not least, here’s a great video from Vortex that shows you how to quickly and efficiently sight-in and zero your hunting rifle before heading out into the field. This video explains a simple procedure that lets you get a solid zero in just three shots. Of course you probably want to fire a few more rounds to confirm your zero before you head off to your hunting grounds, but this will let you get on-target with a minimum amount of time and ammo expended. This helpful video has over 3 million views on YouTube!
Fouling Shots and Cold Bore Condition
If you recently cleaned your rifle, you may want to fire two or three fouling shots before you start this procedure. But keep in mind that you want to duplicate the typical cold bore conditions that you’ll experience during the hunt. If you set your zero after three fouling shots, then make sure the bore is in a similar condition when you actually go out hunting.
Are laser sights really useful on a handgun? Yes, and not just in low-light situations. That said, many folks who own laser-equipped handguns do not train effectively with the laser. For many gun-owners, the laser is just a toy, a gimmick that is used a few times and then ignored. Those gun-owners miss out on some of the most important advantages of a laser sights, benefits you can get from formal training with your laser-equipped pistol.
Crimson Trace has produced a series of TRAINING Videos that may change your mind about lasers. If you shoot a handgun you should watch these videos. They show how laser sights can help diagnose and correct common handgun-shooting errors (such as flinching and anticipating the shot). The videos also show how to improve sight alignment and get your sights on target quickly.
Training with Laser Sights, Full 12-minute Video
Covers Muzzle Awareness, Sight Alignment, Target Acquisition, Trigger Control
This video shows how training with laser sights can: 1) improve muzzle direction awareness; 2) aid with sight alignment; 3) speed up target acquisition; and 4) improve trigger control. The video also demonstrates the obvious advantage of laser sights in low light conditions. Numerous firearms experts are featured in this video filmed at Arizona’s Gunsight Academy.
Training With Lasers — Trigger Control
Training with laser sights helps diagnose and improve trigger control errors by showcasing the importance of “surprise break” and follow-through. Lasers quickly diagnose errors such as recoil anticipation, jerking the trigger, and breaking the wrist.
Training with Lasers — Sight Alignment
Training with laser sights can improve/correct alignment. The laser provides a visual indicator of proper sight alignment, allowing shooters to quickly see any errors before taking a shot. Additionally, lasers can enhance sight alignment on popular sub-compact carry guns with small, low-profile sights.
Muzzle Awareness — All-Important for Safe Shooting
Training with laser sights improves a shooter’s muzzle awareness. A daylight-visible laser shows the gun operator where his or her muzzle is pointing at all times. This helps teach proper safety practices.
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. Locked-N-Loaded — SAR USA Mete 9mm w/ Red Dot, $329.99
⏺ Great deal on modern 9mm pistol with installed Red DotSAR USA Mete 9mm with Riton Red Dot is ON SALE now for just $329.99 at Locked-N-Loaded. Yes that low price includes the Red Dot! These optics-equipped SAR USA Mete pistols are offered with Safari Tan frame or OD Green frame for that super-low $329.99 price. This is a great package for the price.
2. Bruno Shooters Supply — Bushnell Scope Sale
⏺ Hunters check out these great deals on riflescopes
Hunting season is here — check out these very affordable Bushnell hunting scopes at Bruno’s. Right now Bruno’s has a huge selection of Bushnell scopes at incredibly low prices. They have everything from inexpensive hunting scopes to drop zone reticle AR scopes. If you need a relatively lightweight, budget-priced SFP option for that deer rifle, Bruno’s has it on sale now.
3. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Bring on the Hunt Sale
⏺ Great September savings on hunting rifles, optics, clothing and gear
Hunters will find great savings right now at Sportsman’s Warehouse. Save 10-33% on rifles, optics, hunting gear, trail cams, treestands, crossbows, and more. And, throughout September, Sitka Hunting Gear and Camo clothing is 20% Off at Sportsman’s Warehouse.
4. LEE Precision — Closeout Specials up to 65% Off
⏺ Huge savings on Factory Second/Reconditioned presses and tools
Are you new to the AR scene and don’t yet have the specialized tools needed to upgrade and maintain your Modern Sporting Rifle? Pick up this Wheeler AR tool kit that contains everything you need to remove and install trigger groups, maintain the bolt/bolt carrier, clean the gas tube and more.
6. Palmetto State Armory — Panzer Arms 12ga Shotgun, $329.99
⏺ Verified buyers say this 12ga bullpup shotgun works great
Have you ever wanted a compact shotgun that still had high capacity? Consider the Panzer Arms BP12 semi-auto 12ga bullpup shotgun. The Panzer Arms BP12, produced in Turkey, features an innovative low center of gravity design with a handy detachable magazine. The bullpup shotgun configuration reduces the overall length and weight substantially without sacrificing barrel length and velocity. It is short, compact, and easy to handle but still retains the same accuracy as long barrel shotguns. Reviews by actual buyers have been very positive.
7. Amazon — Real Avid 19-in-1 Multi-Tool, $38.49
⏺ Versatile Multi-Tool with great features for gun owners
We’re big fans of multi-tools and this 19-in-1 Real Avid Multi-Tool may be the best one yet for gun guys. This compact 19-in-1 handgun multi-tool is a “must have” for any handgun owner. This tool can handle a multitude of tasks — e.g. changing grips, mounting accessories, field disassembly, adjusting laser sights, and even gunsmithing repairs. This tool does it all.
8. Amazon — Caldwell Steady Rest, $25.77
⏺ Works as front/rear rifle support or detach to use as separate pistol rest
Priced at just $25.77 on Amazon, this Caldwell Steady Rest is great for sighting-in hunting rifles and/or pistol use. Use the front section by itself as a pistol rest, or connect both units for rifle use. This vertically-adjustable Steady Rest offers a cushioned front cradle and V-Shaped padded rear cradle, plus a neoprene hand rest. This Caldwell Steady Rest NXT is very versatile and costs a fraction of what you might pay for a metal front rest — great value.
9. Amazon — CVLIFE Paracord Sling, $15.99
⏺ Serves as rifle sling and back-up cord — dual function
Having a strong sling while hunting is critical. A good sling option we like is the CVLIFE Two Point Sling 550 Paracord Traditional Sling with adjustable straps and eagle hooks. There is a length-adjustable nylon strap center section allowing a 44″-57″ overall strap length. On either side of the nylon strap are lengths of braided 550 paracord with metal rings. When on a hunt, if there’s an emergency, you can used paracord for multiple purposes — tourniquet, shoestrings, belts, hanging shelters.
What is Parallax?
Parallax is the apparent movement of the scope’s reticle (cross-hairs) in relation to the target as the shooter moves his eye across the exit pupil of the riflescope. This is caused by the target and the reticle being located in different focal planes.
Why is it Important?
The greater the distance to the target and magnification of the optic, the greater the parallax error becomes. Especially at longer distances, significant sighting error can result if parallax is not removed.
How to Remove Parallax
This Nightforce Tech Tip video quickly shows how to remove parallax on your riflescope.
While keeping the rifle still and looking through the riflescope, a slight nod of the head up and down will quickly determine if parallax is present. To remove parallax, start with the adjustment mechanism on infinity and rotate until the reticle remains stationary in relation to the target regardless of head movement. If parallax has been eliminated, the reticle will remain stationary in relation to the target regardless of eye placement behind the optic.
There’s a new premium First Focal Plane option for PRS/NRL competitors and long-range hunters. ZEISS has just introduced the all-new LRP S3 scope series, with 4-25X and 6-36X models, in both MRAD and MOA versions. These new scopes are impressive, with superb glass and best-in-class vertical elevation. And the prices are attractive, starting at $2199.99. You could pay a lot more for a top-tier FFP scope.
The new ZEISS LRP S3 optics for precision shooting and hunting boast impressive total elevation travel, advanced optics, daytime visible illuminated reticle, ballistic stop, and external locking windage turret. The product family consists of two models: ZEISS LRP S3 425-50 and LRP S3 636-56. Both are available in either Milliradian (MRAD) or minute-of-angle (MOA) configurations.
“With the LRP S3 we have expanded our successful long-range precision scope portfolio to provide more options for highly reliable and precise optics that are ready for competition”, stated Kyle Brown, Director of Marketing and Products for ZEISS Consumer Products USA. ZEISS LRP S3 first focal plane riflescopes are purpose-built for success in the world of long-range shooting and hunting.
While the concept of “buy once, cry once” is a long-held tradition in the competition optics market, ZEISS is trying to break that mold. PRS/NRL competitors and long-range hunters favor first focal plane scopes with large magnification ratios and crystal clear optics. Most of the “alpha” scopes in this arena have price-tags of $4000 or more, but ZEISS is wading in with a more budget-friendly option — the ZEISS LRP S3 series. These new FFP 4-25X and 6-36X scopes have an ample 6x zoom ratio with MOA or MIL reticles (and corresponding click values). MSRPs are reasonable: $2499.99 for the 6-36X and $2199.99 for the 4-25X.
These new first focal plane LRP S3 optics feature multiple lens elements of highest-quality, extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, making them contenders for the brightest, clearest sight picture available. ZEISS promises “90% light transmission for a noticeably brighter image.”
I chose to review the LRP S3 6-36X models in both MOA and MIL formats. Like any top quality scope, the ZEISS offering is well packaged and properly protected for shipment. Upon opening the package, one is immediately struck with the diameter of the turrets. They are large and easy to grasp, unlike many of the competitor’s designs. A truly shooter-friendly feature for PRS shooters and hunters alike is the repositioning of the index marks for both the windage and parallax adjustments to the upper side of the scope body. This is a welcome feature, making pre-stage windage setting much easier.
The turrets are 10 MIL or 25 MOA per rotation, making it unlikely that the shooter will get lost while adjusting. If more than one rotation is needed, a nicely visible micrometer scale rests below the turret, to keep things oriented. The elevation knob features a zero stop to get you back to the starting point reliably, and the windage knob features a lock to prevent accidental adjustment. The turrets themselves have large, unmistakable markings that are easy to read, even without one’s reading glasses.
The scopes were mounted in ZEISS ultralight rings and placed on a double mount side-by-side on a tripod with one of the best pieces of glass the author owns — a Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm. Looking across the river at the adjacent city 3 miles away told the tale. The glass in the ZEISS was nearly identical in resolution and color to Nightforce’s Japanese glass. Moreover, the ZEISS collected more light, thanks to the larger 56mm objective and 34mm main tube. Through tough conditions on a hazy afternoon, the ZEISS had slightly better clarity than the Nightforce. A day later, looking into the evening sunset as a backdrop, they were identical to the author’s eye at both 36x and 15x respectively. Even the heavy mirage present didn’t seem to differentiate between the scopes.
With excellent HD quality glass, and good magnification options (4-25X and 6-36X), what is missing? Two things got my attention. The first was the lack of a sunshade as part of the scope. ZEISS offers sunshades separately at a reasonable cost, but they really should be offered as part of the scope package in my opinion. The second is the lack of range markings on the parallax knob. Setting parallax with range markings is not ideal, but can be quite helpful in shooting situations on the clock.
Impressive So Far, with More Testing to Come
The LRP S3 636-56 is an option-rich scope at a reasonable price for both PRS/NRL and hunting applications. Will it prove to rival the $4000 “alpha” scopes at a much lower and more affordable cost? We plan to answer that question with a detailed field test in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned. – Keith Glasscock
ZEISS LRP S3 Optics Key Features
Best-in-Class Total Elevation Travel
4-25x50mm: 46.5 MRAD / 160 MOA
6-36x56mm: 32.0 MRAD / 110 MOA
Advanced Optical Design — for a highly detailed and precise image
Ballistic Stop and External Locking Windage Turret for precise shot placement
Daylight Visible Illuminated Smart Reticle – quick and precise to read, with minimum target coverage and red or green illumination settings
Relatively Compact and Tested to Be Tough in Extreme Conditions
With its 34mm aluminum main tube mono-bloc housing, shock tested up to 1,500g-force, waterproofness up to 400 mbar, the LRP S3 is not only compact but also very robust. It is engineered for extreme usage in rough terrain. “The LRP S3 meets all requirements not only for long-range competitions but also for particularly demanding hunting situations over long distances”, notes Kyle Brown of ZEISS. And these scopes are covered by ZEISS’s Limited Lifetime Warranty and 5-Year No-Fault Policy.
Availability: All ZEISS LRP S3 models — LRP S3 425-50 and 636-56 both MRAD and MOA versions — will be available at authorized ZEISS retailers beginning early October 2022 for the North American markets. For more information about the ZEISS LRP S3 scopes, visit www.zeiss.com/lrp-s3.
Hunting season is right around the corner. That means its time to inspect all your hunting gear, including your scope set-up. If you have a new optic, you’ll want to get it mount it correctly, A proper scope installation involves more than just tensioning a set of rings — you need to consider the proper eye relief and head position, and it should be leveled correctly. This video shows a simple, quick method to mount a scope. The method assumes that the reticle (cross-hairs) are square without the turret. You’ll want to confirm that with a plumb line hanging straight down, a procedure you can do indoors.
In this NSSF video, Ryan Cleckner shows how to set up a scope on a hunting or tactical rifle. Ryan, a former U.S. Army Sniper Instructor, notes that many hunters spend a small fortune on equipment, but fail to set up their rifle to use the optics optimally. Cleckner likens this to someone who owns an expensive sports car, but never adjusts the seat or the mirrors.
Ryan notes that you want your head and neck to be able to rest naturally on the stock, without straining. You head should rest comfortably on the stock. If you have to consciously lift your head off the stock to see through the scope, then your set-up isn’t correct. Likewise, You shouldn’t have to push your head forward or pull it back to see a clear image through the scope. If you need to strain forward or pull back to get correct eye relief, then the scope’s fore/aft position in the rings needs to be altered. Watch the full video for more tips.
Tips on Mounting Your Scope and Adjusting Your Comb Height:
1. Normally, you want your scope mounted as low as possible, while allowing sufficient clearance for the front objective. (NOTE: Benchrest shooters may prefer a high mount for a variety of reasons.)
2. Once the scope height is set, you need to get your head to the correct level. This may require adding an accessory cheekpad, or raising the comb height if your rifle has an adjustable cheekpiece.
3. Start with the rifle in the position you use most often (standing, kneeling, or prone). If you shoot mostly prone, you need to get down on the ground. Close your eyes, and let you head rest naturally on the stock. Then open your eyes, and see if you are too low or too high. You may need to use a cheekpad to get your head higher on the stock.
4. If your scope has a flat on the bottom of the turret housing, this will help you level your scope. Just find a flat piece of metal that slides easily between the bottom of the scope and the rail. Slide that metal piece under the scope and then tilt it up so the flat on the bottom of the scope aligns parallel with the flats on the rail. Watch the video at 8:40 to see how this is done.
Video find by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Here’s a video with some truly stunning scenery. Watching this video is like taking a virtual vacation to Norway, where you can explore the scenic mountains in the Fjord region. Forum member Kenneth Skorpen (aka “Sal”) has created a cool video of a deer-hunting trip he took in Norway. He didn’t bag a buck on this trip, but the walk in the Fjordland mountains took Kenneth through some spectacular scenery. (At the 11:25 time mark you’ll see an amazing sunset over the Fjord.)
In this NSSF video, Ryan Cleckner shows how to set up a scope on a hunting or tactical rifle. Ryan, a former U.S. Army Sniper Instructor, notes that many hunters spend a small fortune on equipment, but fail to set up their rifle to use the optics optimally. Cleckner likens this to someone who owns an expensive sports car, but never adjusts the seat or the mirrors.
