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.
1. Midsouth — Powders in Stock: Hodgdon, Accurate, VV and More
⏺ Save $200 on highly-rated Sightron Scopes now through June 30, 2022
Good news for handloaders — we are starting to see more powders available at gunstores and online retailers. Right now Midsouth has 70+ powder types IN STOCK and ready to ship. Choose among Hodgdon, Accurate, Vihtavuori, Ramshot and other brands. Sorry no Varget or H4350, but there are some very good alternatives. We also recommend you check regularly with Powder Valley, which had some Varget and Alliant 15.5 TS recently. These powders (along with H4350) do sell out almost immediately.
2. Bruno’s — Open Box Nightforce Scope Sale, Save $200+
⏺ Save big bucks on high-magnification Nightforce competition scopes
Save $200+ on your next long-range competition scope. Bruno’s has slashed prices on Open Box Nightforce scopes. Get a 12-55x52mm Nightforce Competition for $2195.00. That’s $205 less than the $2400.00 price at other vendors. Or get a 12-42x56mm Nightforce for just $1325.00 — hundreds less than the original MSRP. NOTE: These are NEW scopes, but deeply discounted as “Open Box” items. These still have the full Nightforce lifetime warranty to the purchaser.
3. Midsouth — RCBS Explorer Reloading Kit, $299.99
⏺ RCBS Kit includes all vital tools — good for new hand-loaders
Good news — Midsouth has RCBS Explorer Press Tool Kits on sale for $299.99. That’s $65 off the regular price. Great for folks getting started in reloading, this kit includes the single-stage press, powder measure, priming tool, trickler, digital scale, load manual, and various accessories. Get the RCBS Explorer Kit 2 for $299.99. If you want a bigger press, Midsouth also has the Rebel Master Reloading Kit for $359.99, marked down from $489.99. This includes everything in the Explorer kit, but with the beefier Rebel press and a few more tools.
4. Palmetto SA — S&W M&P 15-22 Rifle Package, $429.99
⏺ Good, reliable rimfire AR clone for NRL22 and cross-training
This Smith & Wesson AR-style M&P15-22 provides the fun of an AR15 with the low cost of rimfire ammo. This can work well for cross-training or NRL22 matches. The S&W M&P 15-22 SPORT features a slim M-LOK handguard that easily accepts a variety of accessories without removing the handguard. The M&P15-22 SPORT comes standard with removable Magpul MBUS front and rear folding sights. This $449.99 package includes 3 magazines and a nice gun case.
⏺ Great price on versatile, well-designed gun vise
Here’s an excellent gun vise on sale for just $37.99. The versatile MTM GV-30 CaseGard Gun Vise supports rifles and shotguns for cleaning/maintenance. High and low forks allow level or angled gun placement. The rubber-padded rotating stock clamp provides a firm hold. The base has 14 different compartments for tools/solvents, plus 11 slots for jags, brushes, and screwdrivers. On the side are tabs for two cleaning rods. This GV-20 vise is made from rugged, solvent-resistant polypropylene plastic. If this sells out on GunZoneDeals, Midsouth has the GV-30 Vise for $40.38.
6. Creedmoor Sports — Sightron Scope Sale, Save $200
⏺ Save $200 on highly-rated Sightron Scopes now through June 30, 2022
If you’re looking for a great deal on a solid, competition-worthy optic, check out the Sightron Sale at Creedmoor Sports. They have a large selection of the most popular scopes in the Sightron lineup all at prices you can’t pass up. You can save $200 on the SIII 8-32x56mm and save $200 on the SIII 10-50x56mm model. Both are great choices for benchrest or F-Class Competition. Varminters should consider the S-TAC 4-20x560mm, now discounted from $529.99 to $449.99.
7. Palmetto SA — .22 LR Rimfire Ammo, $3.99-$5.99/50rd Box
⏺ Really good deals on accurate and reliable rimfire ammo
Need reliable .22 LR ammo at a great price? Palmetto State Armory has great rimfire ammo deals going right now. Leading off is Norma Tac-22 for just $3.99/box. Despite the super-low price, this is very good ammo that has shown excellent accuracy. Next, at $4.99/box, Federal Champion 40gr ammo is also an excellent deal. And for a buck per box more ($5.99/box), consider the CCI Quiet-22 45gr ammo. This 835 fps Quiet-22 cuts the volume of standard 22 LR rounds dramatically, while still cycling through semi-auto rifles and handguns. These and other .22 LR ammo types are in stock now at PSA.
8. Pyramyd Air — Crosman 1377C/PC77 Air Pistol, $64.99
⏺ Excellent, budget air pistol for training and fun shooting
Here’s a classic American air pistol for just $64.99. The Crosman 1377C/PC77 pneumatic pistol has been enjoyed by countless American shooters for decades. 10 pumps sets the pressure. This pistol is suitable for plinking, paper targets, and reactive targets. Trigger is about 4 lbs., and accuracy is very good, as you can see in the test video below:
This pistol comes with a 10.25″ barrel, blade front sight and adjustable rear sight. You can mount a pistol scope with the Crosman 459MT intermount (sold separately). This is a very ergonomic pistol, with great reliability and impressive accuracy.
9. Amazon — Universal Gun Cleaning Kit, $39.99
⏺ Great value for cleaning kit for pistols, rifles, and shotguns
This Universal Gun Cleaning Kit has just about everything you need to clean any firearm, all packed in a handy transport case. The kit includes jags, brushes, bore mops, slotted tips, and lots more. The fitted jags and slotted tips are made from solid brass and marked by caliber. The cleaning rods and accessory adapters are also made from brass. Included in this easy-to-carry kit are: 6 gun rods, 13 gun jags, 4 slotted tips, 9 gun mops, 14 bore brushes, 3 muzzle guards, 3 utility brushes, 3 accessory adapters, 4 polishing cloths, 100 cleaning patches, 2 oil bottles (empty), and even a gun cleaning mat. NOTE: For competition rifles, we recommend using high-quality ONE-PIECE cleaning rods.
10. Amazon — Large Digital Display Timer, $12.95
⏺ Use in Matches — Count-Down or Count-UP, handy big buttons
If you shoot in a discipline with time limits, or you time your firing strings during practice, having a reliable and easy-to-read timer is critical. One of our favorite timers is this very affordable Digital Display Timer with both count-up and count-down functions. It boasts an easy-to-read display and LARGE buttons making it perfect for F-Class, Palma, and other matches. This timer comes with both a built-in stand AND a strong magnet so you can position the timer conveniently.
Tactical competitor Zak Smith stores his elevation and wind drift data on a handy laminated data card. To make one, first generate a come-up table, using one of the free online ballistics programs such as JBM Ballistics. You can also put the info in an Excel spreadsheet or MS Word table and print it out.
Above is a sample of a data card. For each distance, the card includes drop in inches, drop in MOA, drop in Mils. It also shows drift for a 10-mph cross wind, expressed in inches, MOA, and mils. Zak explained that “to save space… I printed data every 50 yards. For an actual data-card, I recommend printing data every 20 or 25 yards.” But Zak also advised that you’ll want to customize the card format to keep things simple: “The sample card has multiple sets of data to be more universal. But if you make your own data card, you can reduce the chance of a mistake by keeping it simple.”
Once you have the card you can fold it in half and then have it laminated at a local office store or Kinko’s. Keep this in your pocket, tape it to your stock, or tie the laminated card to your rifle. If you regularly shoot at both low and high elevations, you may want to create multiple cards (since your ballistics change with altitude). To learn more about ballistic tables and data cards, check out the excellent “Practical Long-Range Rifle Shooting–Part 1″ article on Zak’s website.
Scope-Cover Mounted Ballistics Table
Another option is to place your ballistics card on the back of the front flip-up scope cover. This set-up is used by Forum member Greg C. (aka “Rem40X”). With your ‘come-up’ table on the flip-up cover you can check your windage and elevation drops easily without having to move out of shooting position.
Greg tells us: “Placing my trajectory table on the front scope cover has worked well for me for a couple of years and thought I’d share. It’s in plain view and not under my armpit. And the table is far enough away that my aging eyes can read it easily. To apply, just use clear tape on the front objective cover.”
Today, June 19, 2022, is Father’s Day. To mark this special day, we’ve included some great Father’s Day sales, as well as some cool products that would make a great gift for any father who enjoys hunting and the shooting sports.
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.
1. Creedmoor Sports — Sightron Scope Sale, Save $200
⏺ Save $200 on highly-rated Sightron Scopes now through June 30, 2022
If you’re looking for a great deal on a solid, competition-worthy optic, check out the Sightron Sale at Creedmoor Sports. They have a large selection of the most popular scopes in the Sightron lineup all at prices you can’t pass up. You can save $200 on the SIII 8-32x56mm and save $200 on the SIII 10-50x56mm model. Both are great choices for benchrest or F-Class Competition. Varminters should consider the S-TAC 4-20x560mm, now discounted from $529.99 to $449.99.
2. Optics Planet — 8% Off Store-wide Father’s Day Sale
⏺ Save 8% on optics, camping gear, hunting gear, and even Ammo
Through Monday, June 20 at 11:59 pm, you can save a full 8% off the vast majority of the products on the Optics Planet website (with $50 minimum purchase). On a $2000.00 scope, that discount works out to $160.00! FYI, Optics Planet sells a wide variety of products — not just scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars. You can also save on bipods, stocks, camping gear, apparel, and even ammo. Use Coupon CODE 8DAD.
3. Palmetto SA — Leupold Laser Rangefinder, Binoculars, and Carry Harness Kit, $279.99
⏺ Father’s Day bundle with laser RF, binoculars, and handy carry harness
Here’s a great Father’s Day combo package for every Dad who loves to hunt. Serious hunters need a rangefinder, binoculars, and a way to transport them securely. A great option is this Leupold Bundle featuring the RX-1400I TBR/W Rangefinder, BX-1 Timberline 10X42 Binoculars, and Go Afield Harness. The combo Father’s Day Sale price, just $279.99, is a great value.
4. Amazon — Caldwell E-MAX Shadow PRO EarPlugs, $127.46
⏺ High-tech electronic plugs with package, now 39% OFF
Are you tired of bulky ear muffs and want to hear range commands? Then consider these Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro Electronic Plugs. The $127.46 price is $82+ off the regular cost — a 39% discount. The plugs come with multiple diameter tips to allow a comfortable “custom fit”. The included storage case functions as a charger with battery level indicators for each ear piece and the case itself.
⏺ GREAT Deal on rimfire silhouette steel target 20-Pack
There are few things as fun as plinking with a .22 LR Rimfire rig at steel targets. It’s fun for kids and adults alike and right now you can grab a 20-ct pack of RIMFIRE animal targets in assorted sizes and shapes. They are 1/5 size and made from A36 steel plate. IMPORTANT: These small steel targets work great for rimfire shooting, but should NEVER be used with centerfire rifle cartridges.
6. Amazon — Hornady Powder Measure, $88.99
⏺ High-quality, smooth-operating powder measure on SALE
Are you looking for a universal powder measure that will work both on or off a press? One of our favorites is the Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure. This L-N-L Powder Measure offers flexible operation and can handle powder charges of 0.5 grains to 265 grains with the appropriate insert and rotor. Metering inserts can be changed with the push of a button, giving handloaders the ability to load everything from small pistol cartridges to large magnums. This unit ships with a rifle rotor and metering insert.
7. Amazon — Vanguard Porta Aim Front Gun Rest, $44.99
The Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest is good for varmint work, sighting-in hunting rifles, and AR practice/load development. The top pad is contoured to fit round AR fore-arms perfectly. The top of the rest rotates 360 degrees, allowing quick sighting adjustments in the field. Weighing just 1.7 lbs., this Vanguard rest is easy to carry in the field. At just $44.99 this is a handy and affordable back-up front rest.
8. Harbor Freight — Apache Hard Cases, $37.99 and Up
Looking for a durable, secure hard case for pistols, rifles, or other gear but don’t want to spend a fortune? Harbor Freight Apache Cases represent an affordable alternative to the big-name brands. These airline-approved cases feature a strong exterior, durable locking options, and a customizable interior. A variety of case configurations are offered now at Harbor Freight, many discounted 16%. Along with the gun cases there’s a nice weatherproof Hard-shell Carry-on for $99.99, half the price of a similar Pelican 1510 case.
Here’s a great 12-gauge pump defensive shotgun with all the bells and whistles — modern pistol-grip stock with adjustable comb, front/rear sights, Picatinnny scope rail, muzzle brake, and barrel guard. This impressive 18″-barrel Winchester SXP Extreme Defender has a 5+1 capacity with a handsome Flat Dark Earth protective finish. Price is $449.99 on sale.
⏺ Good prices on 52″, 48″, 44″ and 40″ rifle cases
Do you need a good soft case for a hunting or match rifle? MidwayUSA-brand rifle cases are now on sale at big discounts. Featuring sturdy padding and a handy storage pocket, these durable cases offer good value for the money. Price varies with color and size. For example: Black 52″, $27.99; Charcoal 48″, $24.99; and Coyote 44″, $24.99. NOTE: After choosing a case length, select among the four available colors to get the best price (not every variant is discounted).
11. CDNN Sports — HK 416 .22 LR AR with Laser, $449.99
⏺ Great option for AR cross-training or rimfire gun games, save $134
If you own an AR for Service Rifle competition or 3-Gun matches, here’s a great option for inexpensive rimfire cross-training. An AR-type .22 LR rifle can also be effective in NRL22 matches. Right now you can save $134 on the HK 416 .22 LR rifle complete with Walther XGL532 Red Laser. This rifle boasts a 16.1″ barrel, retractable stock, M-LOK rail, and adjustable flip-up sights. The included Red Laser with remote on/off switch allows fast target acquisition.
12. Amazon — Twist-Top 1 Oz. Squeeze Bottles, $12.49
⏺ Great product for gun cleaning solvents and lubricants
Cleaning supplies often come in glass bottles that are fragile, awkward, and hard to transport. For cleaning/lubricating at the range or after a match, we can recommend these Twist-Top 1 oz. Bottles. These are airtight, easy to squeeze. With a tight “no-leak” lid, these are secure/convenient to transport, even when traveling to distant matches via air.
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.
1. RCBS — $35 Factory Rebate on RCBS Press or Press Kit
⏺ $35 Rebate on RCBS Presses and Press Combo Kits
Here’s a great Father’s Day promotion, good through June 24, 2022. If you buy any qualifying RCBS Reloading Press or multi-product Press Kit, RCBS will give you a $35 Rebate. That $35 rebate represents a significant savings on a press. For example, a Rock Chucker Supreme Press is now $132.26 on Amazon. With the RCBS rebate, your net cost is just $97.26 for a Rock Chucker! Submit your Rebate Request ONLINE or with Mail-In Form. Here are the products that qualify for the RCBS Rebate:
2. Sportsman’s WH — Savage Precision Rifle & Vortex Sale
⏺ Save $250 on Savage Precision Rifles and Vortex scopes
Right now Sportsman’s Warehouse is running a big combo sale on Savage Precision Rifles and Vortex Optics. Some of the rifles and optics are discounted by as much as $250.00. This is a great opportunity if you want to get started in PRS/NRL factory class. You can see the deals together, or just Savage Deals or Vortex bargains. On sale for $799.99 ($200 off), the Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope is a great value.
3. Urban Rifleman — Sierra .224/.308 MatchKing & BlitzKing SALE
⏺ Truly great prices on .22 Cal and .308 Cal Sierra bullets
Site sponsor UrbanRifleman.com is running a great close-out sale on Sierra MatchKing and Tipped MatchKing bullets. These prices are the best we’ve seen in a long time. Get .224 caliber 69gr MatchKings or 55gr BlitzKings for just $19.95 per 100ct box. Or, Palma and F-TR shooters can grab .308 caliber 168gr MatchKings or 168gr Tipped MatchKings for just $32.49 per hundred.
⏺ Save $250 on high-tech rimfire rifle with carbon-wrapped barrel
Save big with a $250.00 rebate on a very high-quality .22 LR rimfire rifle. The Christensen Arms Ranger 22 features an aluminum receiver, carbon fiber tension-wrapped barrel, carbon fiber composite rimfire stock, and a match grade Rem 700-style trigger. The Ranger 22 is backed by a Sub-MOA at 50 Yards guarantee. You can purchase from KYGUNCO for $570.37 after Rebate, or $599.99 (after rebate) direct from Christensen Arms.
5. Cabela’s — 15-45x65mm Spotting Scope, $349.97
⏺ Save $350 (50%) on good HD glass spotter, angled or straight
Here is a very good spotting scope with HD glass at a huge discount. Right now, as part of Cabela’s Father’s Day Sale, you can save $350 (50%) on the CX Pro HD 15-45X Spotting Scope with 65mm objective. Get the angled-body version (shown above) for $349.97 or the straight version for just $249.97! The CX Pro HD Spotter is also offered in a 20-60X version with 86mm objective for $549.88 (Straight) or $699.97 (Angled). We prefer the smaller 65mm version, which still has ample power and weighs 12 oz. less.
⏺ Get $100 Off on ultra-compact 9mm Beretta carry pistol
Here’s a great choice for concealed carry, at a very attractive price. The Beretta APX A1 Carry pistol retails for $399.00, and a $100 Factory Rebate lowers your net cost to just $299.00. The 9mm Luger APX A1 Carry has 4 frame color options: Black, Gray, Brown (FDE), and OD Green. This is an extremely compact pistol. OAL is just 5.63″, and it weighs a mere 19.8 oz. unloaded. The $100 Rebate is good through 8/15/2022. REBATE INFO HERE.
⏺ Save 53% on Good Quality Electronic Muffs 26dB NRR
We like Electronic Muffs when you need to hear range commands or get info from a team coach or your spotter. The Walker’s Ultimate Alpha Power Electronic Earmuffs are comfortable with good 26dB NRR. The two Hi-Gain omni-directional microphones pick up sound from all directions. These Walker’s Alpha Muffs are on sale now at MidwayUSA for $23.45 a 53% savings off normal retail. You could easily pay three times as much for other electronic muffs of comparable quality.
8. CDNN Sports — Savage Rascal .22 LR Patriotic Rifle, $199.99
⏺ Great patriotic choice as First Rifle for young shooter
July 4th is coming up soon. Here’s a patriotic rifle that’s a very good choice for a young family member’s first rifle. We like the patriotic American flag pattern red, white, and blue synthetic stock. And Savage calls this .22 LR Rascal rifle “the industry’s safest micro rimfire”. Shooters cock the rifle by lifting the bolt and unload without pulling the trigger. This eye-catching rimfire rifle features adjustable peep sights and user-adjustable AccuTrigger.
9. MidwayUSA — Tipton Best Gun Vise + Wheeler Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set, both for $79.99
⏺ Outstanding gun vise PLUS a 43-piece gunsmithing driver set
This is a great combo kit for working on rifles and shotguns. And right now you can save $60! The Tipton Best Gun Vise is stable, and offers plenty of storage for solvents, patches, small tools and parts. The vise can adapt to hold a variety of long guns, including ARs. Along with the Best Vise, you get a full 43-piece Wheeler screwdriver kit that has 40 bit options: standard (flat) (21), Phillips (4), Allen (10), and Torx (5). The adjustable driver handle is nicely designed and comfortable.
⏺ Versatile eye protection — 4 colors of lenses plus adjustable frame
Walker’s Adjustable Sport Glasses feature FOUR interchangeable lenses made of high-grade polycarbonate that exceeds ANSI 287.1-2003 High Impact Requirements. The interchangeable lenses come in four colors (Smoke Gray, Amber, Yellow, and Clear). The frames adjust for length and angle. These safety glasses ship with a soft carrying pouch that holds the extra lenses.
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.
1. Creedmoor Sports — Sightron Scope Sale, Save $200
⏺ Save $200 on highly-rated Sightron Scopes now through June 30, 2022
If you’re looking for a great deal on a solid, competition-worthy optic, check out the Sightron Sale at Creedmoor Sports. Many of the most popular scopes in the Sightron lineup are offered this month at prices you can’t pass up. You can save $200 on the SIII 8-32x56mm and save $200 on the SIII 10-50x56mm model. Both are great choices for benchrest or F-Class competition. Varminters should consider the S-TAC 4-20x560mm, now discounted from $529.99 to $449.99.
2. Amazon — RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press, $132.26
⏺ Great deal on classic single-stage press
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme single-stage reloading press will provide decades of service. We still use a Rock Chucker that is nearly 30 years old. Right now you can save big on a new Rock Chucker Supreme. Amazon has this beefy, cast-iron-frame reloading press on sale for $132.26. That’s 38% off Amazon’s regular price. This is a great deal — other vendors are selling the Rock Chucker Supreme for $200!
3. Palmetto SA — Taurus G2C 9mm, $199.99 After Rebate
⏺ Get excellent 9mm carry pistol for under $200 with Rebate
Here’s an insanely good deal on the Taurus G2c 9mm pistol. On sale now at Palmetto State Armory, the G2c is just $224.99. But a $25 Taurus factory rebate lowers your net cost to just $199.99 — less than half what you’d pay for a similar-sized Glock 9mm. At 6.25″ OAL, and weighing just 21.2 oz. unloaded, this affordable 9mm handgun is a true compact. We like the fact it has a left-side manual safety (unlike the Glock), plus a 3-Dot Adjustable Rear Sight, and textured grip. CLICK HERE for Taurus Rebate INFO.
4. Bruno’s — .22 LR Large Lot Rimfire Ammo Sale
⏺ Good value on case lots of quality .22 LR ammo
Do you compete in NRL22, rimfire silhouette, or rimfire benchrest competitions and struggle to find quality ammo at decent prices? Right now Bruno’s has a good selection of quality ELEY and Lapua rimfire ammo, with large volume discounts. You’ll find significant quantity discounts on full 5000-round CASES (100 boxes) of .22 LR ammo. NOTE: For starters you can also purchase just a box or two to test before committing to a big buy.
These Walker’s Silencer Electronic Ear Plugs provide effective 25dB NRR hearing protection while allowing you to hear range commands and conversations. This is a good option for shooters who don’t like heavy, bulky electronic muffs. Just $49.57 on sale, these high-tech plugs are now 66% off the regular $149.99 MidwayUSA price — a stellar bargain.
6. Amazon — Caldwell Steady Rest, $23.62
⏺ Works as front/rear rifle support or detach to use as separate pistol rest
Priced at just $23.62 on Amazon, this Caldwell Steady Rest is a great value for sighting-in hunting rifles and/or pistol use. Use the front section by itself as a pistol rest (see above), 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.
7. Amazon — RCBS Bench Priming Tool, $71.42
⏺ Rugged, reliable, and reduces hand fatigue when priming
Hand priming tools work well but if you’re looking to give your hand a break, consider the RCBS Auto Priming Tool. This tool mounts easily to your bench, and holds a large column of primers in a vertical feed-tube. This rugged, bench-mounted priming tool has plenty of leverage, and reliably feeds one new primer after each priming operation.
8. Amazon — Tactical Range Bag, $39.99
⏺ Large capacity, good quality, plenty of magazine slots
Having a good, large-sized pistol bag simplifies trips to the range. This ample-sized tactical range bag will hold multiple handguns along with magazines, ammo, earmuffs, and other accessories. Four different color options are offered: Black, Olive Drab, Tan, and Black with hot pink straps. One side pocket includes six vertical mag pockets.
9. Amazon — Huntsen Double Gun Cases, $39.82 to $49.99
⏺ Nice padding — good for NRL22 shooters or 3-gun competitors
With these Huntsen 2 Gun rifle cases you can efficiently load TWO long guns, side by side. These double cases come in a wide range of sizes, from 38″ to 52″ (a 52″ case is big enough for a long-barrel match rifle). Along with holding two rifles or shotguns, these cases have handy storage pockets for magazines or other gear. These cases have waterproof outer fabric and fairly thick padding.
10. Midsouth — Fiocchi 9mm Pistol Ammo, 1000 rounds $339.99
⏺ Very good, reliable 9mm ammo at significant discount
Midsouth currently offers 1000 rounds of quality Fiocchi 9mm Luger ammo for only $339.99. That works about to about $17.00 per 50rd box — an excellent deal. This is reliable ammo that functions well in 9x19mm pistols and has reloadable brass cases.
Keith Glasscock is one of America’s greatest F-Class shooters, as well as a highly respected wind coach. A High Master, Keith finished second overall at the 2021 NRA F-Class Long Range Championship in F-Open division. He also finished second at the 2020 Nationals, tied with F-Open winner Pat Scully on points, but with fewer Xs. And he took second also at the 2019 Nationals. His consistency is unrivaled, which means he definitely knows the secrets of long range wind calling and loading ultra-accurate ammo.
Keith has a popular YouTube Channel with new content every week. On Keith’s Winning in the Wind channel, Keith offers 60+ informative videos on a wide range of topics including wind reading, reloading, component selection, load development, and training. For today’s Video Showcase, we offer four of our favorite Keith Glasscock videos. Each video has important points that can benefit any competitive rifle shooter, whether you shoot in local 100-yard fun matches or compete at the National Level in F-Class, LR Benchrest, Palma, or High Power.
How to Prepare for a Match
In this informative video, Keith explains how to prepare for a major medium- or long-range rifle competition, with a particular focus on F-Class. Keith explains how to prepare for weather conditions and “get the lay of the land” before the match. Even the day of the match, your can look and learn. As one viewer noted: “I’ve noticed some guys playing on their phones during matches. This is an important time to get in sync with wind patterns and fine tune your wind strategy.”
How to Find (and Fine-Tune) Seating Depth
This is Keith’s most popular video. Keith definitely knows how to maximize accuracy by finding the optimal seating depth for each particular barrel. He is achieving groups in the high Ones for three shots. That would be good for a short-range benchrest cartridge, but Keith is achieving that with a .284 Winchester which has much more recoil. If you shoot F-TR or F-Open or even PRS, you should watch this video.
How to Lower your ES/SD and Reduce Vertical at Long Range
This is Keith’s first video in a series on how to improve long range groups, precision, and accuracy by reducing velocity Extreme Spread (ES) and Standard Deviation (SD). To achieve the lowest ES you need to look at multiple processes, including precision powder weighing, careful seating, brass annealing, and primer selection. Another factor is bullet selection. Not all bullets of the same nominal caliber and weight class have exactly the same bullet diameter or shape. Sometimes you can get better accuracy AND lower ES by trying a different brand of bullet. We have found bullet diameters, of the same stated caliber, can vary by up to .0008″ (eight ten-thousandths). Some barrels like the fatter bullets, while other barrels may favor the skinny bullets.
How to Find Bullet-to-Rifling Touch Point
Before you even start to load for a new rifle you need to know the point at which the bullet in a loaded round will first touch the rifling. (This will be a base to ogive measurement on your round). Beyond that point you are “in the lands”. If you load shorter than that base-to-ogive length you are “jumping” your bullets. Some cartridge/bullet combos typically shoot best in the lands, while with other bullets and cartridges, jumping is the way to go. Additionally, with some disciplines it is wise to jump your bullets since you may have to unload a chambered round while on the firing line. In this video Keith shows a number of methods to determine “length to lands” with repeatable precision.
Field Test and Review of SEB Mini-X Coaxial Front Rest
While gear reviews are not the primary focus of Keith’s YouTube Channel, Keith does talk about products he likes and uses. In this video. Keith reviews the SEB Mini-X, the newest coaxial tripod rest from SEB Rests. The Mini-X offers fast, precise windage and elevation adjustment with the joystick control. The unit is much easier to pack and transport than a large, heavy front rest such as a SEB NEO or Farley. The latest Mini-X also has upgraded foot controls that make it easier to level the rest on uneven ground. For more info, see our SEB Mini-X Report.
Coalinga Range in California. At dawn we could clearly see 7mm and .30 Cal bullet holes at 1000 yards.
While attending the CA Long Range Championship a few seasons back, we had the opportunity to test the performance of a high-magnification (63X) spotting scope in near-ideal conditions (maybe the best I’ve ever witnessed). On the event’s last day we arrived at 5:45 am, literally as the sun was cresting the horizon. I quickly deployed our Pentax PF-100ED spotting scope, fitted with a Pentax SMC-XW 10mm fixed-power eyepiece. When used with the 100mm Pentax scope, this 10mm eyepiece yields 63X magnification. Befitting its $299.00 price, this eyepiece is extremely clear and sharp.
At the crack of dawn, viewing conditions were ideal. No mist, no mirage, no wind. The first thing this Editor noticed was that I could see metal nail heads on the target boards. That was astonishing. As soon as the first practice targets went up, to my surprise, I could see 6.5mm, 7mm, and 30-caliber bullet holes in the white at 1000 yards. No lie…
That’s right, I could see bullet holes at 1000. I know many of you folks may not believe that, but there was no mistaking when I saw a 7mm bullet cut the white line separating the Nine Ring and Eight Ring on the target in view. (I was watching that target as the shot was fired and saw the shot-hole form). And when I looked at the 30-cal targets, the bullet holes in the white were quite visible. In these perfect conditions I could also make out 3/8″ bolt heads on the target frames.
The Human Factor — Good Vision Required
When viewing the bullet holes, I was using my left naked eye (no safety glasses or magnification). I also had a contact lens in my right eye (needed for distance vision). To my surprise, while I could see the bullet holes without much difficulty with my left eye, things were fuzzier and slightly more blurry with the right eye, even when I re-focused the scope. That contact lens was degrading the fine resolution.
Then I invited 3 or 4 shooters to look through the scope. One younger guy, with good eyes, said immediately: “Yeah, I can see the holes — right there at 4 o’clock and seven o’clock. Wow.” Some older guys, who were wearing glasses, could not see the holes at all, no matter what we did to the scope’s main focus and diopter adjustment.
The lesson here — if you have to wear glasses or corrective contact lenses, just that extra bit of optical interference may make a difference in what you can see through the scope. Basically anything that goes between the scope eyepiece and your eyeball can degrade the image somewhat. So… you may be better off removing your glasses if you can still obtain good focus sharpness using the diopter adjustment and focus ring. I did the left vs. right eye test a half dozen times, and I could definitely see small features at 1000 yards with my naked eye that I could not see with my right eye fitted with a contact lens. (I did have to re-focus the scope for each eye, since one had a corrective lens while the other did not.)
Mirage Degrades Image Sharpness and Resolution
The “magic light” prevailed for only an hour or so, and then we started to get some mirage. As soon as the mirage appeared I was no longer able to see raw bullet holes, though I could still easily see black pasters on the black bulls. When the mirage started, the sharpness of the visible image degraded a huge amount. Where I could see bullet holes at dawn, by mid-morning I could barely read the numbers on the scoring rings. Lesson: If you want to test the ultimate resolution of your optics, you need perfect conditions.
Chromatic Aberration Revealed
As the light got brighter and the mirage increased I started to see blue and red fringing at the edges of the spotting disk and the large numerals. This was quite noticeable. On one side of the bright, white spotting disc you could see a dark red edge, while on the other side there was a blue edge (harder to see but still present).
The photo below was taken through the Pentax spotter lens using a point and shoot camera held up to the eyepiece. The sharpness of the Pentax was actually much better than this photo shows, but the through-the-lens image does clearly reveal the red and blue fringing. This fringing is caused by chromatic aberration — the failure of a lens to focus all colors to the same point. Chromatic aberration, most visible at high magnification, causes different wavelengths of light to have differing focal lengths (see diagram). Chromatic aberration manifests itself as “fringes” of color along boundaries that separate dark and bright parts of the image, because each color in the optical spectrum cannot be focused at a single common point on the optical axis. Keep in mind that the Pentax does have “ED” or low-dispersion glass, so the effect would be even more dramatic with a cheaper spotting scope.
If you wonder why top-of-the-line spotting scopes (such as the $2980 Swarovski ATS-80 ) cost so much, the answer is that they will deliver even LESS chromatic aberration at long range and high magnification. With their exotic apochromatic (APO), ultra-low-dispersion glass, a few ultra-high-end spotting scopes can deliver an image without the color edging you see in the photo above.
The Pentax PF-100ED is a heck of a spotting scope. Any scope that can resolve bullet holes at 1000 yards is impressive. But if you want the ultimate in optical performance, with minimal chromatic aberration, you may need to step up to something like the 88mm Kowa Prominar TSN-884 with Flourite Crystal lenses ($2450.00 body only), or the 82mm Leica APO ($3899.00 with 25-50X eyepiece).
EDITOR’s NOTE: The purpose of this report is to show what is possible… in IDEAL conditions. With this Pentax 100mm, as well as a Swarovski 80mm, we can often resolve 6mm bullet holes at 600 yards. But again, that performance requires really good viewing conditions. By 10:00 am at my range, even with the 100mm Pentax at 75 power, seeing 6mm bullet holes is “iffy” at best. So don’t go out and mortgage the house to buy a $4000 optic with the hope that you’ll be able to spot your shots at 1000 yards. If conditions are anything less than perfect, you’ll be lucky to see bullet holes at 500 yards. The real solution for very long-range spotting is to set up a remote target cam that broadcasts a video picture to a screen at your shooting station. Among the target cams on the market, we recommend the LongShot LR-3. It boasts excellent resolution and incredible range. The LongShot LR-3 target cam is used in major ELR competitions.
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.
⏺ Versatile, affordable — great for ARs and sighting-in hunting rifles
Here’s a versatile, affordable tripod-style shooting rest. The Caldwell Precision Adjustable Turret Rest offers quick horizontal and vertical adjustment making it great for target shooting as well as varminting from a bench. Amazon user ‘Jet Mech 1′ reports “…it’s REALLY solid! Solid steel legs and everything is heavy duty. It’s really compact. Easily fits in the smallest car trunk. It holds your firearm very securely. The tilt and pan is super smooth and precise. This is the perfect platform for an AR-style rifle but works equally well for just about anything.” This is a great deal — the same unit is $114.99 on Amazon
2. Bruno Shooters Supply — McMillan Stocks now $100 OFF
⏺ Great savings on quality McMillan Fiberglass stocks
McMillan stocks are world-renowned for hunting, tactical, and competition applications. We found a rare deal on McMillan stocks over at Bruno’s. Find one that works for your needs and save $100 instantly. Bruno’s has 60+ McMillan stocks available now for $100 off. There are many stock varieties — benchrest, hunting, tactical, F-Class.
3. Precision Reloading — Starline .223 Rem Brass, $31.20/100
⏺ Excellent deal on quality .223 Rem brass
If you need some new .223 Remington brass consider grabbing some American-made Starline .223 Rem brass. This quality brass is good for hunting, varminting, and competition in bolt guns and ARs. If loaded to 5.56 pressures keep in mind you need to use firearms labeled for use with 5.56mm.
4. KYGUNCO — Savage Mark II FV-SR .22 LR Rifle, $259.99
⏺ Inexpensive rimfire rig for NRL22 or plinking
With NRL22 and other fun disciplines, .22 LR rimfire shooting is more popular than ever. A good, low-cost .22 LR rifle option is the Savage Mark II FV-SR. The Mark II FV-SR offers a 16.5″ fluted heavy barrel, factory scope rail, 5-round mag, and user-adjustable AccuTrigger. This Savage Mark II FV-SR is also available complete with a Vortex 3-9x40mm scope and rings for $369.99 at KYGUNCO.
⏺ Well-made, durable case that will fit long match rifles
This is an outstanding, rugged, well-padded fabric rifle case at a very good price. We can definitely recommend this Bulldog 54″ Black Long Range Rifle Cases. It features heavy-duty zippers, side storage bags, and plenty of space for your scope. With a 54″ OAL, this case will hold a Palma or F-Class match rifle with a long barrel. It’s pretty rare that we go to a match and don’t see some of these big Bulldog cases — they are popular.
You can never have enough plinking ammo for your .223 Rem rifles. With this deal, get 1000 rds of American Eagle .223 Rem ammo for $649.99 — just 65 cents per round. American Eagle rifle ammunition offers consistent, accurate performance at a price that’s perfect for high-volume shooting. This ammo has quality bullets, reloadable brass cases, and dependable Federal primers.
7. Natchez — CCI Blazer .40 S&W Ammo, $19.95
⏺ Very competitive price on quality .40 S&W ammo
Do you need .40 S&W ammo but don’t want to pay a high price? We found a great deal on CCI Blazer .40 S&W aluminum case ammunition for under $20 a box (50 rounds). This .40 S&W Blazer ammo features high-quality Speer bullets. NOTE: The aluminum cases are NON-reloadable. If you prefer reloadable, brass-cased ammo, Brownells has CCI Blazer Brass 165gr .40 S&W ammo on sale at $26.99 for 50 rounds.
⏺ Parts and bushing kit helps turret presses run smoothly
If you have a Lyman, RCBS, or Redding turret press, we recommend you get one of these Creedmoor Turret Press Upgrade Kits. These kits, which reduce wear and improve “feel”, install on the press with simple hand tools. The kit includes Self-Adhesive Teflon pads that reduce friction between the Turret Head and the Press Body, Brass Shim that allows the bushing to ride on a smooth surface, and spring and ball that improve the press lock-up, giving a firmer lock and reducing play in the press head. There is a specific kit for three turret press types: Lyman, RCBS, and Redding T-7.
9. Amazon — S2Delta Tactical Squeeze Bag, $26.99
⏺ Versatile Support Bag is popular with shooters
For hunters and tactical shooters, a versatile Squeezebag provides rear support when shooting from bipod, or can be used in the front as a fore-arm rest on a support. The S2Delta Tactical Rear Squeeze Bag is a nice design that can do multiple tasks, and has a useful carry strap. This Squeezebag has a removable internal case that’s easy to fill with various types of media (sand, plastic pellets, etc.). Grab one in coyote tan, camo, or OD green for just $26.99 on Amazon.
10. Amazon — MTM Universal Loading Tray, $5.99
⏺ Good, versatile loading tray at significantly reduced price
Handloaders need versatile, high-quality loading trays. These two-sided MTM trays can handle just about any cartridge you reload. Priced at just $5.99, the MTM Universal Ammo Loading Tray holds 50 cartridge cases. These two-sided trays will fit all common handgun cartridges and almost all rifle cartridges .17 through .458 Winchester, including the “fat” WSM, WSSM, and Ultra Mags. These trays are also sold by Midsouth for $7.51.
This popular video, viewed nearly 1.9 million times on YouTube, provides a clear explanation of Minute of Angle (MOA) and how that angular measurement is used. Among novice shooters, there is much confusion over this term. In this NSSF Video, Ryan Cleckner, a former Sniper Instructor for the 1st Ranger Battalion, defines the term, “Minute of Angle” (MOA) and explains how you can adjust for windage and elevation using 1/4 or 1/8 MOA clicks on your scope. This allows you to sight-in precisely and compensate for bullet drop at various distances.
For starters, Ryan explains that, 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. That is roughly 1 inch at 100 yards, or roughly 4 inches at 400 yards, since the target area measured by 1 MOA increases in linear fashion with the distance.
More Minute of Angle (MOA) Explanatory Videos
This Gunwerks video explains that Minute of Angle subtends approximately 1″ for each 100 yards (well, 1.047″ to be exact). That means a Minute of Angle increases in actual measured size the greater the distance of the target from the shooter.
This lengthy (24-minute) video defines Minute of Angle, and uses multiple diagrams to illustrate how MOA angular measurements works. The video also how MOA-based click values translate to point-of-impact changes at various distances.
Product Review By James Mock
There is an old adage when it comes to buying rifle scopes — one should “buy the best and cry once”. Generally it is true that we get what we pay for. However, we all like to get full value for our hard-earned dollars and it seems that we have several top-flight rifle scopes available to shooters today. Many of these top-tier scopes carry a premium price of $3000 or more. If one has champagne tastes and beer budget, must he/she settle for a second-tier scope?
The answer to the above is “not any more”. Check out the new Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm at under $1600.00 retail. A well known gunsmith told me that if someone made a scope with the quality of glass found in a Nightforce Competition and the reliable tracking plus ability to hold point of aim of the Kahles, they would have a winner. I have shot both of the above-mentioned scopes and they are great scopes. If one could get the best traits of both of these in one package and could get that optic at a good price (relative term), it would be great.
I may have found such a scope with the Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm long range scope, currently $1590.00 at SW Optics. Since I shoot mostly 600-yard matches, I requested the 5X-50X Stryker model with second focal plane (SFP) MOA reticle and 1/8-MOA adjustments. Here are the key features and specifications:
Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm Scope Specifications
Magnification: 5X-50X
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Reticle: DLS 3 MOA, Second Focal Plane
Maximum Elevation: 100 MOA
Maximum Windage: 50 MOA
Eye Relief: 89mm – 100mm
Diopter Range: -2D/+3D
Field of View: 16m @ 5X and 9.5m @ 50X
Parallax Adjustment: 10m to Infinity
Eye Relief: 89mm (3.5″) to 100mm (3.9″)
Length: 333mm (13.1″)
Weight: 1042g (2.3 lbs)
All Reticle Options: DLS-1, DLS-2, DLS-3
Warranty: 10 Years
Other features: Locking turrets, Zero Stop, Illumination Dot, Rotation Indicator for both windage and elevation
Gen 3 Delta Stryker Long Range Optic
Note: Shown above is Delta Stryker’s new Generation 3 offering. This incorporates features wanted by purchasers of earlier generation scopes. Delta has made some great improvements to this scope. Key Gen 3 upgrades are: 1) Indicator added to show the number of revolutions the turrets have been turned; 2) Locking turrets for both windage and elevation knobs; 3) Unique Zero Stop made of brass rather than plastic; 4) MILRAD models now have .05 mils per adjustment clicks; and 5) Parallax adjustment wheel was given much longer travel which benefits getting the fine adjustments needed.
Other features of this second focal plane (SFP) scope include Japanese ED glass, illuminated 1/10 MOA dot with 11 brightness settings, zero lock turrets, 1/8 MOA click values, and a 10 year warranty. There are three reticles offered in this 5X-50X model. The DLS-1 and DLS-2 reticles are MILRAD types, while the third DLS-3 reticle, the one I tested, is a MOA reticle with each hash mark subtending 1 MOA at 40 power.
Turrets Run Smoothly with Easy to Read Markings
The markings on the turrets are large and easy to read with 10 MOA per revolution. The center dot subtends 1/10th MOA. The illumination on this model illuminates only the dot. The Gen 3 comes with sunshade, hex wrench for adjustments of zero stop, scope caps, a tab for the power ring, an optional large parallax wheel, and glass lens cover. It has a 10-year warranty. When one turns the windage, elevation, parallax, or power change knobs, he or she realizes what a quality scope this is. All of the above adjustments could not be smoother if they were on ball bearings.
The objective lens is 56mm. The image produced by the ED glass in this scope is spectacular — equal to or better than many scopes costing twice as much. There is little of the dreaded “black ring” surrounding the image. The adjustments are very, very smooth and the clicks are positive and without the backlash evident in many scopes. This is very well thought-out scope and represents one of the great values available today.
DEVA Institute Tests Confirm High Light Transmission
Delta enlisted the services of the prestigious DEVA Institute in Germany for an independent evaluation. The Deva Institute gave the scope a thorough “going over”, determining that that the individual lens layer allowed 98% light transmission while the total system allowed 92%. The scope is also very tough and withstood 6500 Joules (~5054 ft-lbs) of recoil energy.
Field Test Results of Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm
My testing began on a cold January 29th, 2022. I designed a tall target with a vertical line drawn with a level and marked that line up 25 MOA in 5 MOA hash marks. I set up my rifle (Stiller Cobra) on the bench and leveled both the rifle and the scope’s crosshairs. The model that I am shooting has 1 MOA hash marks with a 1/10th MOA floating dot. This reticle is ideal for 600 and 1000 yard competition. The rifle is currently chambered in 6mm PPC and I tested with N133 and Bart’s Avenger BT bullets. I will change the barrel to a 6mm Dasher before the next 600-yard match.
Photo below shows the setup with tall target at a measured 100 yards. I measured 100 yards with a steel tape to make certain that I did not skew my results but shooting at a greater or less distance. I will do some more testing at this distance when the weather warms a bit.
Tall Target Test — 25 MOA Up and Back Down
For this test I created a target with two sighting points placed a measured 25 MOA apart. I shot a few rounds of old ammo to get a rough zero and then fired an initial sighter. After an adjustment, I fired the first test shot and it hit in the proper location (inside the lower circle). Then I adjusted the elevation up 25 MOA. I fired again and the bullet impact was VERY close to my measured +25 MOA hash mark. Then I cranked 25 MOA back down and fired. That drilled the third test shot in the original circle at virtually the exact original elevation. This confirmed the accuracy of the click values.
Below is a picture showing the impact with the 25 minutes dialed in the scope. Although it is not perfect, it is VERY good. This scope tracks very well. The picture below shows the great tracking at 25 minutes up.
Point-of-Aim Test with Power Change
The final test done today was one in which I tested for shift in point of aim with power change. The first two rounds were fired at 40X, then I moved followed by one at 30X, another at 25X, then the final two rounds at 15X.
For each of the test magnification levels I had an aiming box on a vertical line. I started with 40X, then moved my point-of-aim down to the next box in sequence as I reduced the magnification level: 30X, 25X, and finally 15X. As you can see, the impact was very good at all the tested magnification levels.
Excellent Quality Image Viewed through the Lenses
Delta Optical is located in Poland. The company’s devotion to excellence is very evident. The brightness and clarity of the Delta lenses is amazing and the scope has large internal lenses as demonstrated by the sight picture. The tunnel effect with the black ring surrounding the image is absent in this fine scope.
Let me add that on two occasions, I have tested with extreme mirage and this scope handles the mirage as well as any I have tested. After all of my shooting, I can say that this scope has passed the tests with flying colors.
SUMMARY — Excellent High-Magnification Optic and Great Value
I have previously named other scopes as being the best value in long range scopes, but I may have to reconsider that statement. For a scope as versatile as the Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm, the price is very reasonable ($1590.00 at SW Optics). There are scopes that cost $1000 more without the features of this offering. My testing will continue and there will be updates. I want to thank Mr. Grzegorz Matosek of Delta Optical. He made it possible for me to have this scope for testing.
My shooting partner, Kent Bennett, remarked recently when we were testing several guns at his range, that this scope is as clear as any [high-magnification optic] he has looked through.
I predict that this Delta 5-50x56mm scope will sell very well in the USA. When the word gets out about the features and overall quality of this instrument, I believe that long range shooters will want to try it. There are two USA importers with which I am familiar: SW Optics & Equipment (Arizona) and EDgun West (California). My prediction is that those who try this scope will not be disappointed with quality or price. — GOOD SHOOTING! — James Mock