At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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 2019 REBATE Program — Get Up to $100 Back
RCBS just announced its first Rebate Program for 2019. Get up to $100 back on select RCBS® products. If you need an electronic Scale/Dispenser, Progressive Press, a Case Prep Center, Ultrasonic Machine, or Power Case trimmer you’re in luck. Here are the Rebates available for purchases made between 2/1/2019 and 3/17/2019. NOTE: The DEADLINE for mail-in or online submissions is 4/16/2019.
$40 REBATES: Ultrasonic Case Cleaner 2 (87056), Universal Case Prep Ctr (90370), Trim Pro-2 Power Kit ( 90367), or Chargemaster Combo (98923)
$20 REBATES: Ultrasonic Case Cleaner (87055), or Chargemaster Lite (98940)
Credit EdLongRange for this RCBS Rebate Tip.
2. Natchez — Optics Clearance Sale
Looking for a new riflescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or tripod? Natchez Shooters Supply is running a pretty compelling optics clearance sale on just about any kind of optic you can imagine, along with accessories. Brands include Leupold, Swarovski, Nikon, Burris and more. If you need a new optic, check out this clearance sale.
3. Bruno Shooters Supply & ArmOrAlly — Nosler Bullet Blowout
Nosler bullets are loved and appreciated from hunters to target shooters alike but finding them on sale isn’t always easy. Bruno Shooters Supply and ArmOrAlly.com are both running some of the best prices we’ve seen on Nosler bullets in a long time. Guaranteed that if you shoot Nosler you’ll find something you can’t live without between these two sites.
If you already own a full-size gun safe, but need secure storage for a workroom, office, or RV, here’s an affordable option. This 5-Gun Security Cabinet can also serve as a bedroom closet safe, to hold a couple long arms and other valuables. The First Watch 5-Gun Security Cabinet from Sportman’s Guide costs just $127.49 (or $114.79 member price). This can also serve as a secure locker for vacation homes. We’ve even seen people bolt these units to their campers or truck beds while traveling. NOTE: Add another item to get your total up to $150 and you can use promo code SG3480 to get a FREE $50 gift card by mail. This gift card deal runs through 11:59 pm on 2/12/2018.
5. CDNN — Ruger American .22 WMR with Scope, $289.99
The .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) is an effective cartridge for varmints, with higher velocity and more range than the .22 LR. The barrel is easier to clean than a .17 HMR. If you’ve been looking to add a .22 WMR to your arsenal, here’s a great deal. Now you can pick up this .22 WMR Ruger American for just $289.99. That price even includes a 3.5-10X36mm Bushnell scope, rings, and scope covers. This is a nice little rifle with back-up iron sights and a decent trigger. If you figure the scope and rings are worth $90, you’re effectively getting the rifle for under $200.00. Sweet deal. By itself, without scope, this .22 WMR rifle sells for $320 elsewhere.
Have you been watching the news lately and wondered what you would do if bad weather hit your area and you found yourself without power? Do you wish you had a backup generator for the basics but can’t justify spending the money on a full-sized unit? Fear no more as Walmart has the Sportsman 2000W Generator for the amazingly low price of $149.00. It’s quiet, compact and has enough power just to keep the basic running that it’s tough to not grab one just in case you ever have a need. Read the reviews — buyers say this little unit works.
7. Midsouth Shooters Supply — Federal Pistol Ammo Rebate
Need pistol ammo? Want to save money? Then check out the latest promotion from Federal and other Vista Outdoor ammo brands. With this rebate you get $2.00 back for every 50-round box of centerfire ammo you buy, except for 9mm Luger (9x19mm) — that qualifies for a $1.00/box rebate. Now through March 31, 2019, rebates are offered for all these participating brands: Federal, Speer, Blazer, American Eagle, and Independence. You must buy at least 250 rounds (5 boxes) to qualify. Grab any of these pistol ammo brands and then submit the REBATE FORM. NOTE: Qualifying purchases must be made December 3, 2018 through March 31, 2019. The DEADLINE for mail-in or online submissions is April 30, 2019. To redeem online, visit Promotions.vistaoutdoor.com. MORE INFO here.
Have you ever been ready to run to the range and blow off a few rounds only to find that you’re out of targets? If you’re like us that’s one of the most frustrating things that can happen when heading to the club and nobody likes using printer paper and a marker to make a target. Pick up this 100 count set of sight-in targets and you won’t have to run to the store last minute or dig through the range trash cans hoping to find a barely-used target. This is a great value — only 12 cents per target! Great deal.
9. Amazon – Proster Wind Meter, $16.99
Wish you had a modern impeller-style wind meter but only shoot a couple matches a year and can’t justify spending $150 (or more) on one? This Proster wind meter has a very impressive 4.5 star overall rating (with hundreds of reviews), so buy with confidence. Now on sale for just $16.99, this is a very useful tool for a bargain basement price. Get this affordable Wind Meter to ensure you have reliable wind readings for ballistics calculations. And unlike a costly Kestrel, with this low-priced wind meter, you won’t feel too bad if it gets lost or misplaced some time.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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. Grafs.com — All Lapua Products on Sale — Brass, Bullets, Ammo
If you want to win, and want brass that lasts, think Lapua. Over 90% of all modern benchrest records have been set with Lapua brass. What’s more, Lapua makes outstanding bullets. Lapua Scenars have delivered superb accuracy in our site’s benchrest and tactical rifles. As for factory ammo, again Lapua is hard to beat. We got our hands on some Lapua 90gr 6mmBR factory ammo a few seasons back. That stuff was amazing. It delivered honest 5-shot, quarter-MOA groups! If you want these superior Lapua products, now is a great time to buy. Grafs.com is running a giant sale on all Lapua-brand products, including brass, bullets, and loaded ammo. You’ll save at least 10% on everything, with many items 20-24% off, and select loaded ammo up to 59% off. Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor SR brass is discounted 22%, a great deal. Plus, if you spend $250 or more you’ll get a free box of Lapua Center-X.
Get a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor for $788.00 complete. That price, which includes rings, is great for a Gen 2 model. If you’ve been thinking of purchasing a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) chambered for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, this is a killer deal. Right now GunPrimer.com is offering this popular tactical rig for under $800.00, in the 6mm Creedmoor chambering. This shoots faster and flatter than the 6.5 Creedmoor — so many PRS guys have switched to it. This is a good choice for the PRS production class, or you can take in to another level of performance with a Pre-Fit 26″ cut-rifled barrel from Krieger. This is the lastest RPR Gen 2 version with the upgraded handguards. Heck of a bargain boys — you can pay $1200 or more elsewhere for the same rifle.
3. Midsouth — 6.5mm 123gr Match Bullets, $119.99 for 500
This is a great option for PRS and tactical shooters. These 6.5mm bullets work great with the popular 6.5mm cartridges such as 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 Grendel, and 6.5×47 Lapua. With a shorter length than the 140s, these fit magazines better. Plus we’ve found you can run these significantly faster than the 140gr class 6.5 mm bullets, so you are not giving up that much in drop or windage. G1 Ballistic Coefficient is .510
Reloading information is interchangeable with 6.5mm Nosler Custom Competition bullets with the same grain weight. NOTE: These Match Monster Bullets are NOT BLEMS!
4. Al’s — Vortex Razor HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope, $809.99
AMAZING DEAL — save $390.00! Other vendors sell this very same Razor HD spotter for $1199.
Here’s a great deal on a high-quality spotting scope from a top optics maker. AL’s Sporting Goods has last year’s model Vortex Razor 20-60x85mm spotter for only $899.99, including eyepiece. This impressive HD-glass spotter sells elsewhere for $1200.00. But it gets better — use Code ALS10 for another 10% Off, bringing the final price down to $809.99. This is a very good spotter for the money and Vortex has one of the best warranties in the business.
5. Powder Valley — Hodgdon Powders In-Stock at Great Prices
H4895, Varget, H4350 — these are all great powders for competition cartridges such as the 6mmBR Norma, 6 Dasher, 6.5 Creemoor, and .284 Shehane. Because these powders work so well, they can be hard to find. Right now Powder Valley has a great supply of these and other excellent Hodgdon powders (such as H4198 and H4831sc) in both 1-lb and 8-lb containers. For example H4350 and Varget are $27.35 for 1-pounders, while H4895 and H4198 are just $26.35 for a 1-lb bottle. An 8-lb jug of H4350 is $194.50, a lot less than you’d pay in most retail stores.
6. Sportsman’s Guide — Browning Buck Mark, $279.99 with Code
Everyone should own a nice .22 LR rimfire pistol. The Browning Buck Mark is a classic, and for good reason. These pistols are reliable, well-balanced, have a good trigger, and they are very accurate. We have nothing but praise for the bull-barreled Buck Marks. And now you can get one for a super-low price. Sportsman’s Guide has the Browning Buck Mark Camper UFX with 5.5″ Barrel on sale for $299.99 ($284.99 member price). But it gets even better — if you use Code “WARRIOR” during check-out, you save $20.00, putting your total price at just $279.99 (or $264.99 for SG members). That’s a great deal on a very solid rimfire pistol that can serve you well for decades.
7. CDNN — Cleaning Set and Tool Kit in Wooden Box, $19.89
We doubt $20 spent any other way could deliver more utility (for a gun owner) than this Outers Combo Cleaning Kit and Driver Set. In a nice wooden box there is a 28-piece gun cleaning set, PLUS you get a 51-piece screwdriver and tool kit that includes Flat, Phillips, and Torx heads in multiple sizes. Here’s what you get for just $19.89:
51-Piece Screwdriver Driver Kit
Molded Driver with Magnetic Tip
15 Flat Head Bits
10 Hex Bits (inch)
9 Hex Bits (metric)
4 Phillips Bits
9 Torx Bits
2 Extra Long Phillips Bits
1 Hex to Square Adapter
8. Stocky’s — LR Stocks with Aluminum Bedding Block, $199.99
Here’s a good deal on a versatile Stocky’s Long Range Stock with aluminum V-block bedding system. For just $199.99, order this for Rem/Rem Clone long actions or short actions, with either narrow or wide (varmint/tactical) barrel channel. This would be a good choice for a varmint rifle. This is also offered with handsome hydrographic or web-pattern baked-on textured finishes for $219.99.
9. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $10.99
All serious rifle shooters need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. Price is just $10.99 with free shipping. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level. Purchasers have praised this product — nearly all verified buyers rated this five stars.
10. Amazon — 12″ x 12″ Splatter Grid Targets, 10 for $9.99
This 12″x12″ Splatterburst Target combines splatter shot marking with a grid background, with five aiming points. The bright neon shot circles make it easy to see your shots. And the handy grid lets you quickly estimate your group size. Get a 10-pack for $9.99, or a 25-pack for $17.99 (better deal). This particular target has earned rave reviews — 87% of verified buyers gave this a FIVE-Star rating. One example: “Excellent quality and durability. The adhesive is really strong. High contrast makes down range targeting easy and the splatter contrast is [great].”
This helpful video from our friend Kirsten Joy Weiss explains how to avoid “scope bite”. This can occur when the scope, on recoil, moves back to contact your forehead, brow, or eye socket area. That’s not fun. While common sense tells us to avoid “scope bite” — sooner or later this happens to most shooters. One viewer noted: “I have come close. I had a Win Model 70 in .375 H & H Mag and I was shooting over a large rock in a strange position. The scope hit my eye glasses hard enough to bend the wire frames and cause a little pain on the bridge of the nose from the nose piece. [That] made a believer out of me.”
Kirsten offers a good basic principle — she suggests that you mount your rifle-scope so that the ocular (eyepiece) of the scope is positioned at least three inches or more from your eyeball when you hold the rifle in your normal shooting position. From a technical standpoint, optical eye relief is a property of the scope, so you want to purchase an optic that offers sufficient optical eye relief (meaning that it allows you to see the full circle of light with your head at least three inches from the eyepiece). Then you need to position the optic optimally for your head/eye position when shooting the rifle — with at least three inches of eyeball-to-scope separation (i.e. physical eye relief).
NOTE: You should mount the scope to provide adequate eyeball-to-scope separation for the actual position(s) you will be shooting most of the time. For an F-TR rig, this will be prone. For a hunting rifle, your most common position could be sitting or standing. Your head position will vary based on the position. You can’t assume the scope placement is correct just because it seems OK when you are testing or zeroing the gun from the bench. When shooting from a prone or kneeling position you may find your eye considerably closer to the eyepiece.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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. Brownells — MEC Marksman Press $164.99 with CODE “NCS”
The MEC Marksman is an outstanding single stage press — very strong, with convenient open front and a patent-pending self-centering shell holder (that can improve loading consistency). Right now, with discount CODE “NCS”, you can get this beefy USA-made Marksman from Brownells for just $164.99, including FREE Shipping. That’s a bargain — this press sells elsewhere for up to $208.00. The MEC Marksman has strong, cast-iron construction and offers plenty of leverage. It is compatible with all 7/8-14 thread dies, so you can reload from .22 Hornet to .416 Rigby. If you are looking for a premium single-stage press you won’t be disappointed. Act soon as this Brownells discount offer may expire soon.
2. Bullet Central — Kelbly Atlas Tactical Action, $895
The rifle action is the cornerstone of accuracy in any rifle build. If you don’t start with a strong precision made action then all your other money will be wasted. That’s why so many people choose Kelbly Actions. They’re make the most rugged action possible for practical, tactical, or hunting. Using a Black Nitride finish from H & M Metal Processing. This allows you to use this action “dry” or without lubrication for extreme environments. In addition to the Black Nitride process they use a fluted bolt, to help move dirt into the flutes allowing better function of the action. Magazine wells use the Accuracy International single stack magazines. Another key feature of this action is the TG ejector, it is a mechanical ejector that does not put any chamber pressure on the round. It is also a “never fail” setup, meaning that there are no springs to get gummed up and stop working. Actions rarely go on sale which is why we couldn’t resist highlighting this Kelby Atlas Tactical Action over at Bullet Central for the low price of $895.00.
The Walther Creed offers excellent ergonomics, good accuracy, and well-designed controls at a killer price — $249.99 at CDNN Sports. This gun, designed to be a value-leader, emulates Walther’s more expensive PPQ model (MSRP $649.00) at a much lower price. The Creed’s frame size and shape is the same as the PPQ, but the Creed lacks interchangeable backstraps. Slide and trigger are very similar. The Creed features a snag-free bobbed hammer. Testers have praised the new Creed, saying that, despite the bargain price, it “sacrifices little to nothing in… ergonomics, accuracy, and reliability.”
4. Midsouth — CCI Rimfire Ammo Rebate, up to $200
The days of .22 LR shortages are over, and now there is ample supply of rimfire ammo at reasonable prices, and the ammo-maker are even offering REBATES. Right now, Midsouth Shooters Supply has a great selection of CCI 22LR, 17 HMR, and 2 WMR Rimfire Ammo. Plus, for every five boxes of CCI rimfire ammo you buy, you get a rebate for the value of one box. That basically works out to buy 4 get 1 free. The limit is $200.00 in rebates per household. CLICK HERE for the CCI Rimfire Rebate Program.
Finding the right tools to work on your guns, scopes, rings and other items can often be frustrating. Regular tools from the hardware store work in a pinch but often aren’t hollow ground to protect your screws and the sizes are rarely correct for the firearms parts we work on. Solve your tool dilemma with the Lyman Master Gunsmith Tool Kit. This handy kit includes nearly all the common sizes and shapes to fit just about anything in your gun safe, all in a convenient case.
6. Bruno Shooters Supply — Bore Tech Cleaning Rod SALE
Cleaning rods are a way of life for anyone who shoots. No matter the caliber or brand, every gun needs to be cleaned and using quality rods will help prevent your barrel from being damaged. Most cleaning rods on the market using metals that can react with your cleaning solvent causing false readings on your patches. Bore Tech has solved that problem by using a non-reactive tip ensuring that copper shows up if you have it and doesn’t if you don’t. These Bore Tech rods are very stron and feature one of the best ball-bearing handles, which provides a smooth motion that really lets you feel the barrel. You can get the excellent Bore Tech Proof Positive cleaning rods from Bruno Shooters Supply and treat your barrels to a new level of care.
7. Natchez — Fed GM Match .308 Win + Range Bag, $84.99
Show up to any range and .308 Win is still one of the most prolific rounds available, for good reason. The .308 Win is good for both hunting and target shooting and you’ll get excellent barrel life. In the .308 Win world, a top ammo brand is Federal. Right now Natchez offers 80 rounds (four 20rd boxes) of Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr SMK along with a FREE range bag for the sale price of $84.99. We’ve shot this ammo and it delivered outstanding accuracy in an M1A and a bolt gun.
8. Amazon — Steiner Military-Marine 8x30mm, $193
Steiner is a quality optics brand with practical features. The very popular, highly-rated Steiner 8x30mm Military-Marine binoculars are now on sale for just $193.00. With 8x magnification, the Steiner Military-Marine 8×30 binoculars are a rugged design with a unique focus system that puts everything from 20 yards to infinity in focus. These Steiners use flexible silicone lens mounts to absorb severe shock, impact and abuse without damage. NBR rubber armoring shields a lightweight, rugged chassis that withstands 11 Gs of impact. Your Editor personally owns and uses the Steiner Military-Marine. The glass is excellent considering the price, and the focus system is a huge advantage — once you set the individual eye-pieces, no fiddling with focus knobs required — everything beyond 20 yards is sharp.
9. Amazon – Proster Wind Meter, $16.99
Wish you had a modern impeller-style wind meter but only shoot a couple matches a year and can’t justify spending $150 (or more) on one? This Proster wind meter has a very impressive 4.5 star overall rating (with hundreds of reviews), so buy with confidence. Now on sale for just $16.99, this is a very useful tool for a bargain basement price. Get this affordable Wind Meter to ensure you have reliable wind readings for ballistics calculations. And unlike a costly Kestrel, with this low-priced wind meter, you won’t feel too bad if it gets lost or misplaced some time.
There is so much to see at SHOT Show, with nearly 2000 exhibitors showcasing tens of thousands of products. SHOT Show is the largest trade show of its kind in the world, attracting 60,000+ attendees from more than 100 countries.
Thankfully there are many teams of reporters who covered SHOT Show this year, and they’ve now posted a wide selection of video reports. In today’s SHOT Show video showcase, we post our “pick of the litter” — ten of our favorite video reports from SHOT Show 2019, plus one great video “blast from the past”.
At SHOT Show 2019, some of the most impressive new products were in the realm of scopes and electro-optics. We are seeing big companies like Leica, SIG Sauer, Swarovski, and Zeiss moving big-time into the technological marriage of microchips and lenses. With the release of the $4500 Swaro dS, a scope with no manual windage or elevation controls, we are really entering a new era in aiming systems for shooters.
Swarovski dS Rangefinder Scope with Ballistics “Brain”
Swarovski rolled out a new flagship scope this year at SHOT Show, the remarkable dS 5-25×52 P. This $4500+ wonder features a built-in laser rangefinder (like the Burris Eliminator). But there’s more — working with a smartphone App, the dS incorporates a sophisticated ballistics computer that calculates your trajectory at any distance and then displays an aim point on your reticle. It even adjusts the aim point for the wind (with data entered wirelessly via mobile device).
This really is a state-of-the-art electro-optical system. However, there are some negatives to consider. First there are no conventional elevation or windage knobs/turrets. So, if your battery dies in the field, you are SOL. (FYI that big “turret” in the middle is actually just a battery and tool holder). Secondly, all that smart calculation depends on extremely accurate BC and velocity data. If you switch ammo, and don’t have an accurate velocity or BC, you won’t get the right solution and there are no knobs to turn to fix that. The dS will give you an aim point, but it might not match your true ballistics. (NOTE: There are hidden mechanical controls for setting your zero, but these are not intended for conventional shot to shot adjustments).
High-Magnification Competition Scopes
Kahles K1050 — Central Parallax, Great Glass
Kahles scopes are now being used by many of the top shooters in PRS game. Kahles optics offer great European glass, precise controls, and some unique features. Our readers may not realize that Kahles makes an outstanding high-magnification zoom scope suitable for long-range benchrest and F-Class comptition, the Kahles K1050. This 10-50x56mm optic has a unique centrally mounted parallax control — great for lefties or guys who run a left port/right eject. The Kahles K1050 has a true 8 meters to infinity parallax adjustment range making it suitable for everything from Field Target air gun, 1000-yard competition, and long range tactical. The Kahles K1050 costs $2899.00 — that’s midway between a Vortex Golden Eagle and a 10-60x56mm March High Master (starting at $3425.00).
Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm
Sightron offers a very affordable 10-50x60mm scope in its SIII optics line. There is a special version for Field Target competition that comes with a “Big Wheel” parallax control. Field Target competitors use the Parallax control to determine target range.
ELR Scope — For 2 Miles and Beyond
March 6-60X Genesis with 400 MOA elevation
A typical premium riflescope might have 50-60 MOA of elevation. That’s enough for shooting out to 1500 yards or so with a high-BC bullet launched at 2900 fps. But for Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting you need more elevation adjustment, and that’s where the innovative March 6-60X Genesis optic stands out. This unique optic offers a whopping 400 MOA of elevation adjustment. That ample elevation doesn’t come cheap however — the 6-60x56mm Genesis sells for $6950.00. CLICK HERE for full specifications.
Lightweight Hunting Scopes
As scopes have grown increasingly sophisticated and complex, they have also become bulkier and HEAVIER. That’s a big deal for a hunter who may be carrying a rifle, plus another 20-30 pounds of gear and food/water. The average dear hunter will be taking a shot well inside 400 yards so he doesn’t need 25X power or fancy features. He does need clarity, good low-light performance, and reliability — and LOW WEIGHT. We think a good deer hunting scope should come in under 1.5 pounds (without rings). Here are two smart hunting optics, both under 20 ounces.
Leupold VX Freedom — 12.2 ounce Weight, Simple, Affordable
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm weighs just 12.2 ounces and street price is under $200. It has a 4.7mm exit pupil, 60 MOA of elevation, and a 33.7 ft Field of View at 100 yards.
Zeiss 3-12x44mm Conquest — 18.2 ounce Weight, 90% Light transmission, 4X Zoom
These riflescopes were designed as a lightweight, high-performance product line for demanding hunting and shooting applications. The Zeiss 3-12x44mm Conquest delivers 90% to-the-eye light transmission, along with 70 MOA of both elevation and windage travel. This premium second focal plane scope weighs just 18.2 ounces, slightly over one pound.
Compact Spotting Scopes for Field Carry
Many shooters and hunters don’t want or need a heavy, bulky spotting scope. They need a spotter to see mirage, and to deliver more magnification than can be comfortably handheld with binoculars. For hunters, weight and overall size are key. The hunter wants a spotting scope that can be packed and carried easily. Here are two clear, sharp spotter options in a smaller format. The Leupold Gold Ring 15-30x50mm Compact Spotter is particularly well-suited to hunters and tactical shooters.
Nikon Monarch Fieldscope 60ED-A
Small but powerful — that describes the Nikon 60ED-A Monarch Fieldscope with 16-48X eyepiece. This unit delivers big spotter performance in a much smaller package. It focuses fast and showed very good sharpness though we observed the image darkens at higher magnifications. This has ED glass and Nikon’s proprietary “field flattener” lens system that enhances sharpness throughout the entire field of view.
Leupold 15-30x50mm Gold Ring Compact Spotting Scope
The affordable Leupold Gold Ring Compact Spotter offers 15-30X magnification. That’s plenty for spotting game or viewing mirage. This unit is remarkably compact and we like the simple right-side focus knob. Half the size of typical spotting scopes, this Compact Leupold spotter weighs just 21.5 ounces (1.34 pounds).
Superb Binoculars — When Cost is No Object
Leica Noctivid 8x42mm Binoculars
Our Hunting Editor Colton Reid is a Ph.D. who works with specialized electro-optical devices costing over $30,000. So he knows a few things about light waves and glass quality. When he looked through the 8×42 Leica Noctivid his comment was simple but telling: “These are the best compact binoculars I’ve ever looked through. The clarity and brightness are truly exceptional”. At nearly $2700.00, Noctivids are crazy expensive, but the quality will be worth it to some buyers.
Parting Shot — Think about the Warranty BEFORE You Buy
This patched-up Razor spotting scope was on display at the Vortex booth. We actually know the history of this particular spotter — it belonged to one of our Forum members. He sent this busted unit back to Vortex, and Vortex sent him a brand new Razor spotter. That Forum member told us: “Vortex earned a customer for life when they replaced my spotter, no questions asked. When Vortex says its warranty is ‘Unlimited, Unconditional, Lifetime’, believe it.”
When it comes to long-range optics, some folks can’t have too much magnification. At 500 yards and beyond, when the air’s misty or the mirage is thick, you can’t always use extreme magnification. But, when the conditions are excellent, it’s nice to have 50X magnification (or more) on tap. You can always “crank it back down”.
Higher magnification (when conditions are good), can help you see your bullet holes at long range, and that makes it easier to judge your hold-offs and keep your group centered.
In addition, there’s no doubt that high magnification lets you aim more precisely, no matter what the distance. Even at 100 and 200 yards, short-range benchresters are using 40X, 50X, and even 60X power scopes. This allows you to position your cross-hairs with extreme precision — something you need when you’re trying to put multiple shots through the same hole.
Raising the Optics Bar
How much power is usable? A few years back, folks said you can’t use more than 45X or so at long range. Well, as modern optics have evolved, now guys are buying scopes with even more magnification — way more. There are practical limits of course — with a 56 to 60mm front objective, the exit pupil of a 60X or higher-power scope will be very tiny, making head orientation ultra-critical. Any many scopes get darker as you bump up the magnification.
Despite the exit pupil and brightness issues, shooters are demanding “more power” these days and the scope manufacturers are providing new products with ever-greater magnification levels. Right now, the most powerful conventional riflescope you can buy is the March X-Series 8-80x56mm scope. Featuring a 34mm main tube and 56mm objective lens, this offers a true 10-times zoom ratio and up to 80X magnification. This scope has minimal distortion thanks to high-quality ED lenses designed in-house by Deon Optical, which also machines the main tube from one solid piece of billet aluminum.
MORE INFO: Learn more about the March 8-80x56mm at MarchScopes.com
To demonstrate the capabilities of high-magnification March scopes, Aussie Stuart Elliot has created a cool through-the-lens video with the March 8-80x56mm scope set at 80-power (See 0:30 timeline). Along with being one of Australia’s top benchrest shooters, Stuart runs BRT Shooters Supply, dealer for March Scopes in Australia. In the video below you can see the March 8-80X focused on a target at 1000 yards (910m). For best resolution, watch this video in fullscreen, 720p mode.
Look through the Lens of 80-power March Scope at Target 1000 Yards Away
Through-the-Lens Views at 40X and 80X at 1100 Yards
To reveal the difference between 40X and 80X magnification, here are two through-the-lens still images taken with March scopes sighting to 1100 yards. The top photo is at 80X magnification, looking through the March 8-80x56mm. The lower photo is at 40X magnification viewed through a 5-50x56mm March X-Series scope. You can see there is a big difference in perceived target size! Click on the “Larger Image” button to see full-screen version at 80X.
Video Find by Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.
For folks in the gun industry, the third Monday in January is the best day of the year. Held in conjunction with SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range lets us try out dozens of new rifles and pistols, as well as meet top gun designers and friends in the shooting sports. We saw some very great new products this year. Here are some of the most interesting “take-aways” from Industry Day at the Range, held in Bolder City, Nevada on January 21, 2019.
New Guns + Old Friends
Meeting old friends, and shooting new guns. That’s what Monday was all about at the annual Industry Day at the Range, a “hands-on” preview the day before SHOT Show opens in Las Vegas. Your Editor met with old buddy Jason Baney and Hunting Editor Colton Reid at the crack of dawn and headed out to the Boulder City (NV) range.
We were not disappointed — there was plenty to see this year. On display were a bunch of new precision rifles, a slew of new handguns, and some very exotic optics (including a turretless digital camera/riflesight).
Cool New Rifles and Chassis Systems
Our friend Stan Pate let us try out Savage’s latest, greatest Modern Sporting Rifle, the MSR 10 Precision. Offered in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win, this quality rig has many distinctive features, including side-charging handle, adjustable gas system, and convertible dual-angle pistol grip. This rifle proved exceptionally accurate on steel out to 400 yards. It is certainly one of the best AR10-class rifles we’ve tried.
Report from 6.5 Guys
Our good friends the 6.5 Guys (www.65guys.com) kicked off their 5th year of SHOT Show coverage at the Industry Day at the Range. At this event one can check out the latest firearms, putting guns through their paces with live fire demos. Here are two items that caught the eyes of the 6.5 Guys:
PGW Defense Timberwolf
The PGW Defense Timberwolf rifle in .338 Lapua Magnum proved to be a relatively light-recoiling rifle considering the cartridge and overall rifle weight of 14.5 pounds. Even with gusting 7:00 o’clock side winds (with 20+ mph peaks), hitting targets at 1,000 yards was very doable — a reminder of what the .338 Lapua can deliver. Impressive rifle.
Oryx Chassis for Howa, Rem, Tikka, Ruger, and Savage
Oryx (an MDT brand) has introduced a chassis system for Howa, Remington, Tikka, Ruger and Savage actions that retails for $399. While it comes with a grip, the user can bolt on standard AR-15 grips. This affordable system comes with an adjustable cheek piece and length of pull.
Industry Day file photo courtesy CMG Marketing & Events.
Optics — New 7-35x56mm Leupold + Radical Israeli Sensight
Leupold showcased an impressive new scope that should interest F-Class and PRS shooters. Leupold’s new 7-35x56mm Mark 5HD optic had very good glass, and positive controls. At 33 ounces, it is quite a bit lighter than other scopes in this class. We don’t have exact pricing yet, but it should be much less expensive than a Nightforce ATACR scope with the same magnification range.
New Leupold 7-35x56mm Mark 5HD
The new 7-35X Leupold models will be available with either milrad or MOA adjustments and advanced reticles. The milliradian models will be available in six reticle options: H-59, CCH, TMR, Tremor 3, and Tremor 3 Illuminated. The MOA version will be available with an Impact 60 MOA reticle.
Sensight SSR400 digital Riflesight
A big step forward in digital optics is Sensight’s new SSR400 Digital Riflesight, basically a high-resolution digital camera with a microprocessor-controlled reticle. The system is self-contained in a lightweight, compact display that allows the firearm to be held and used as if it held a traditional rifle scope. The digital interface allows users to customize the display, record video, and even livestream the image. The display eliminates eye relief issues, making it easy to acquire targets at distances up to 400 yards. Beyond 400 yards the image becomes noticeably pixelated, but still allowed us to easily hit targets at that distance. The price is moderate.
We viewed hundreds of pistols, shot a dozen or so, and came away with four we really liked. Two were suppressed rimfire pistols, and two were centerfire “Race guns”.
Ruger .22 LR MARK IV 22/25 Gold With Suppressor
We had fun trying out the Ruger MARK IV™ 22/45™ LITE fitted with a factory suppressor. Ruger had a new “bling” version on hand for test shooting. This was the Model 43926, with gold anodized aluminum upper receiver. This is ported for lightness — this pistol weighs just 25 ounces (without suppressor).
KelTec CP33 Suppressed Rimfire Pistol
We shot a very impressive KelTec pistol derived from the KelTec CMR-30 .22 WMR carbine. This new CP33 pistol is mostly the same as the CMR-30, but with no stock and a different front section. The 33 in the name refers to the fact that the clear magazine holds 33 rounds of .22 LR ammo. The version we shot was suppressed, and it was a pleasure to shoot. The trigger is excellent — noticeably better than most other 22s on the market. With virtually no recoil, it was ultra-quiet and surprisingly accurate. This Editor was surprised that a KelTec was one of his favorite new handguns at Industry Day. KelTec says the first production run should start shipping in March, 2019.
Walther PPQ Q5 Match SF (Steel Frame)
Walther’s PPQ Q5 has been popular with action pistol competitors. Now Walther offers an enhanced SF (“Steel Frame”) version. We like how the pistol balances with the heavier, beefier steel frame. We expect the extra mass of the steel frame will also reduce muzzle flip and perceived recoil. This is available from Walther with iron sights or a Red Dot.
Bul Armory SAS 1911-Type Race Gun
Israel’s Bul Armory offers a wide range of defensive handguns and target pistols, including the SAS series of competition pistols. These impressive “Race Guns” feature compensators, relieved slides, flared magwells, and excellent match triggers. Needless to say these comp pistols are a hoot to shot — with superfast cycle rates for fast shot transitions.
Industry Day file photo courtesy CMG Marketing & Events.
Ammunition — Big News from Sierra and More
Sierra Will Offer Loaded Ammunition
The big news in the world of commercial ammunitions come from Sierra bullets. For the first time, Sierra will be offering Sierra-branded loaded ammo. Our good friend (and multi-time Nat’l Long Range Champion) Michelle Gallagher revealed that Sierra will offer a selection of high-quality factory ammunition in 2019.
Sierra will be releasing its own brand of hunting ammunition. Sierra “Gamechanger” will debut in five popular hunting calibers: .243 Win, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, and .308 Win. The rounds use a new tipped GameKing bullet for match grade accuracy in a hunting round. No details yet on brass, primer, and powder components for this ammo, but if the quality of the bullets is any indication these rounds will serve hunters well.
New Norma Monolithic Hollow Point Ammo
Norma unveiled some impressive new pistol ammunition. The new MHP (Monolithic Hollow Point) offers extreme expansion with major energy transfer. This MHP bullet features a lead-free solid core. This new MHP ammo offers serious performance for regions where lead-core bullets are prohibited. Accuracy is also very good with these new Norma bullets.
Great Products for Hunters and Varminters
We saw some impressive gear for game hunters and varminters. Swagger bipods has introduced a new kind of rifle support that combines the best qualities of both a field bipod and shooting sticks. And we saw a nice swivel field bench that offered very good stability.
Swagger demonstrated its new Stalker QD42 (quick detach) and Stalker Lite bipods. The QD42 is a lighter, more compact design of the already-established hunter series that allows for fast attach and removal via the push of a button. The quick attach/detach is a great feature that allows hunters to carry the bipod in their pack until it’s time to shoot. The Stalker Lite offers similar advantages in that it is extremely light and folds up like tent poles so it can be carried in a pack or side pocket. Both systems demonstrate the maneuverability swagger is known for and are reasonably priced.
Many Industry Day exhibitors were using the well-made and versatile DOA Shooting Bench. These benches feature a strong steel base supporting a very stable top that rotates to change rifle aim points in seconds. In addition, the DOA bench features a swivel seat. We liked the build quality on these DOA benches. Varmint hunters would like this bench — it would work well in a prairie dog field.
About Industry Day and the Range
With two dozen shooting bays, plus an elevated shooting station with targets out to 400 yards, there is plenty of action. Here’s the layout:
We definitely need to remember why we are able to continue to own and shoot firearms in this nation…
Next best thing to being there — this 5-minute video, produced last year, shows Industry Day highlights. It’s a great overview featuring a wide variety of rifles, pistols and shotguns. The biggest commercial, hands-on “live fire” gun demonstration in the world, Industry Day at the Range is attended by over 1700 journalists and buyers.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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.
If you have been waiting to get a Magnetospeed… wait no longer. Priced at just $159.99 at MidwayUSA, the Magnetospeed Sporter model costs less than half as much as Magnetospeed’s V3 models. This chronograph attaches directly to your barrel so you don’t have to go downrange to position tripods and set up skyscreens. For most people the Sporter Model contains all the features they need. Using Magnetospeed’s XFR adapter (sold separately), data can be transferred easily from the display module to your mobile device. READ Magnetospeed Sporter Review. NOTE: You need to add the item to cart to see the $159.99 price. This sells elsewhere up to $190.00.
2. Bruno Shooters Supply — Lapua Brass Sale
This isn’t the first time we’ve featured Lapua brass from Bruno Shooters Supply. But you may want to act soon because prices are going up. Bruno’s is offering very good pricing now for existing Lapua brass inventory. However, Bruno’s managers tell us that future supplies will likely cost more — this will be the last opportunity to get Lapua Brass at low, 2018 mark-down prices. So get ready for the new shooting season and stock up on brass now with Bruno’s favorable pricing.
3. Amazon — Protektor Model Rear Bags
When it comes to rear bags there’s really only a few brands that the pros use and Protektor is always one of them. Protektor leather rear shooting bags are well made, hold up to abuse, and do their job rain or shine. Now you can purchase these quality Protektor rear rest bags from Amazon. That means you’re getting a very competitive price with super-fast Prime Shipping available. if you need a rear bag quickly for that next match, this is a smart option.
4. EuroOptic — Vortex Viper & Razor Close-Outs, Save Hundreds
Here is an awesome deal on the popular Vortex Viper scopes, a top choice for hunters and tactical shooters. EuroOptic has slashed prices on last year’s model Vipers so you can save hundreds. Get the First Focal Plane (F1) 4-16x50mm Viper PST for $499.99. That’s a whopping $400 off the original price. Or, grab the higher-magnification F1 6-24x50mm Viper PST for $649.99, a $300 savings. Both scopes have a great reputation, and the Vortex warranty is second to none. Buy with confidence.
If you want a true high-end tactical optic, there are also great deals on the premium Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm scopes — save $650.00.
5. EuroOptic — FN Pistol Sale
Who couldn’t use a quality pistol crafted by a legendary manufacturer for up to 45% off? EuroOptic is clearing out its FN America Pistols at super-low prices. Chose from a wide variety of models in popular chamberings such as 9mm Luger and .40 S&W. There are full-size, compact pistols, and sub-compact FN pistols on sale. For example the FNS-40 Compact NMS (.40 SW) is just $339.00, hundreds less than you’d pay for a compact Glock. If you are looking for a quality semi-auto handgun for targets shooting or self-defense, check out these deals.
6. Graf & Sons — Free Sierra Ballistics Software w/ $75 purchase
Graf & Sons is running a great promotion right now for anyone who is serious about precision hand-loading and long-range shooting. Purchase $75 worth of Sierra Bullets and get the Sierra Infinity Ballistics Software for FREE. That’s a $39.95 value just for buying the bullets you love to shoot anyway. The ballistics program is very sophisticated and includes hundreds of bullet profiles.
Anyone can print out paper targets but what’s the fun in that? For only $22.00 you can grab 100 of these multi-color reactive splatter targets and know exactly where your shots are landing. A bright-colored Hi-Viz “halo” appears each shot in the black bull. These targets are made of a weather-resistant material, so you can use them in light rain without worrying about them getting soggy or falling apart (as would normal paper targets). NOTE: Reactive splatter targets typically cost much more. With this deal each target costs just twenty-two cents, less than a quarter — a real bargain.
Note: You get one set of muffs (either gray or camo, NOT both) for $8.88 plus S/H.
Good muffs that offer 27 db Noise Reduction and won’t spoil your cheekweld — for under ten bucks? Can’t argue with that. Right now CDNN is offering a killer deal on Kryptek Sound Soldier 27 NRR muffs that sell elsewhere for around $24.00. Get these in either Highlander Camo or Typhon Grey for just $8.88. These passive muffs have low profile shells engineered to stay out of the way when shouldering your weapon. The ergonomic headband keeps the muffs aligned, in their proper position. Purchasers report the soft leatherette ear seals are surprisingly comfortable. These muffs provide a pretty high NRR considering the low profile design. And the price, just $8.88 on sale, is hard to beat! NOTE: Other vendors have a more conservative 25 NRR for these type of muffs. That’s still quite good.
A clean gun is a happy gun and since patches are the core of any cleaning regimen why not grab some great patches for a great price? Amazon sells 1000-count packs of Boosteady Professional Cleaning Patches starting at just $8.99 for 1″ square patches — a great bargain for 1000. Now you won’t feel so bad running a few extra patches every time you clean just make sure you got the last bit of crud out. Boosteady patches are very highly rated by purchasers and come in 1″ square ($8.99), 2″ square ($11.99), and 2.5″ square ($13.99) sizes, inside a convenient box.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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. Field & Cave Outfitters – AR500 Gong 5-Pack, $69.99
Field & Cave Outfitters is now running a great SALE on its 3/8″ AR500 Gong Combo Packs. These 5-Packs include 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″ & 12″ laser-cut steel round gongs with two hanging “ears”. For the rest of January, or while supplies last, Field & Cave is offering these for $69.99 DELIVERED! Grab one of these packs of AR500 targets before they run out. This super-low price won’t last long. These are not seconds or imports and are laser-cut in Texas from prime domestic NuCor AR500 plate. Gongs ship USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail, so customers are getting them in as few as two days after ordering (USA addresses only).
2. Bruno Shooters Supply – Krieger Barrel Sale, $25 Off
Krieger produces some of the finest cut-rifled barrels on the planet. They are in high demand, but thankfully Bruno’s always stocks a large selection of Krieger barrels in a variety of calibers and contours. Right now you can save $25 on super-premium Krieger barrels with Bruno’s barrel bargain days. All Krieger Barrels are now $25 off. Bruno’s has a great selection right now including some of the hard-to-find 6.5mm and .284 barrels.
We like Kahr pistols for self-defense. They are slim, the grips are comfortable, and the DAO triggers are pretty smooth. Kahr pistols are also an excellent value. Right now, the hard-hitting .40 S&W Kahr CT40 is on sale at Brownells. The CT40 features a polymer frame, stainless steel slide, 4″ barrel, and white bar-dot sight configuration. This pistol is just 0.94″ thick and weighs just 21.8 oz. with empty magazine. This is a slim, relatively light-weight carry option. Right now the CT40 is on sale at Brownells for $279.99 with a $10 FFL fee. Use Code M8Y to save $20 with free shipping. That lowers your net cost to $269.99 delivered — a heck of a bargain. Inset image from Guns America CT40 Review.
We see more people storing their guns and valuable in multiple safes. This way you can have rapid access to home-defense weapons, while still keeping your main collection in a big heavy safe. You may also want a secondary safe for a separate work-room or storage area. The Barska Biometric Safe is a great size for small rooms, yet it still holds full-size long guns. This safe features instant access with a Biometric scanner that reads the owner’s fingerprint. This Barska provides a very high-tech storage solution for $299.49 — a reasonable cost. Get one now and they’ll even throw in a FREE $25 value dehumidifier!
5. EuroOptic — Leica CRF 2000-B, $399.00
This may be the best deal we’ve seen on the vaunted Leica 2000-B Laser Rangefinder (LRF) with 7-power optic. This unit is rated out to 2000 yards on reflective objects (in real-world use it will laze a deer well past 800 if you can hold steady). The Leica 2000-B features air pressure and temperature sensors, plus on-board inclinometer. Angle correction works out to 1200 horizontal yards equivalent, with the true hold-over displayed in both MILs and MOA. The compact Leica CRF 2000-B weighs just 6.5 ounces and measures 4.5″ L x 2.25″ H x 1.25″ W. It has a waterproof outer shell.
6. Various Retailers – Springfield Gear Up Giveaway, $265 value
The Springfield M1A rifle, descended from the military’s M14 battle rifle, has an impressive pedigree. If you’d like to add an M1A to your gun collection, now’s a great time to buy. When you purchase a qualifying M1A rifle, Springfield Armory will give you two (2) additional magazines plus a scope mount for FREE. Those mags and the mount represent a $265.00 value! In addition, you can buy Vortex scopes at significant savings — up to 57% off MSRP. Below are the Vortex scopes you can buy at a huge discount:
For more details on the M1A promotion, CLICK HERE. You’ll find qualifying M1A rifles at Cabelas.com and other large retailers. If an M1A has been on your wish list, this is an attractive offer.
7. Stocky’s — LR Stocks with Aluminum Bedding Block, $199.99
Here’s a good deal on a versatile Stocky’s Long Range Stock with aluminum V-block bedding system. For just $199.99, order this for Rem/Rem Clone long actions or short actions, with either narrow or wide (varmint/tactical) barrel channel. This would be a good choice for a varmint rifle. This is also offered with handsome hydrographic or web-pattern baked-on textured finishes for $219.99.
8. Creedmoor Sports – MTM Tactical Range Box, $44.95
When you head to range do you always seem to leave something behind? Pick up this MTM Tactical Range Box and you’ll be able to fit everything you need inside — ammo, cleaning supplies, tools, target stickers, Kestrel and even a set of earmuffs. This range box include multiple small parts trays, plus two padded stirrups that anchor into the base so you can use the range box as a field cleaning stand. The MTM Range Box also has a vertical support bracket that fits in the magazine well of AR-platform rifles. On sale now at Creedmoor Sports for $44.95, this is an versatile item that can tote your ammo, accessories, and serve as a cleaning station at the range.
9. Amazon – Proster Wind Meter, $16.99
Wish you had a modern impeller-style wind meter but only shoot a couple matches a year and can’t justify spending $150 (or more) on one? This Proster wind meter has a very impressive 4.5 star overall rating (with hundreds of reviews), so buy with confidence. Now on sale for just $16.99, this is a very useful tool for a bargain basement price. Get this affordable Wind Meter to ensure you have reliable wind readings for ballistics calculations. And unlike a costly Kestrel, with this low-priced wind meter, you won’t feel too bad if it gets lost or misplaced some time.
When it comes to long-range optics, some folks can’t have too much magnification. At 500 yards and beyond, when the air’s misty or the mirage is thick, you can’t always use extreme magnification. But, when the conditions are excellent, it’s nice to have 50X magnification (or more) on tap. You can always “crank it back down”.
