Many hunters and precision rifle competitors use muzzle brakes because these ported devices reduce felt recoil significantly. That make s real difference getting back on target for quick follow-up shots. While many rifle owners appreciate the benefits of muzzle brakes, they may also neglect their brakes, allowing hard carbon and powder residue to build up. Not good. You should regularly clean your muzzle brake to remove fouling and carbon build-up.
As Mark Edgreen posted: “Carbon build up on the crown and in the brake is a recipe for poor accuracy.” And another gunsmith reported that customers complained about guns that “shot out way too early” but they only needed to have the brakes cleaned.
Gunsmith and PRS/NRL competitor Jim See recently reminded his Facebook Fans about the importance of cleaning muzzle brakes: “How many times do I have to say it? You need to maintain your rifles. Clean your muzzle brakes people!”. Jim, who runs Elite Accuracy LLC, notes that hard carbon build-up in brakes can definitely harm accuracy. Look at this example:
Muzzle Brake Cleaning Methods
There are various methods for cleaning a brake, we list a variety of techniques, but we would start with NON-corrosive ultrasound. You’ll want to remove the muzzle device before doing these tasks.
1. Use Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine with cleaning solution. This may be the most efficient method: “I place my brake in the ultrasonic cleaner. Shiney as new.” (Jim Moseley).
2. Spray with commercial Carb Cleaner and brush. Then apply anti-corrosion coating.
3. Soak in half hydrogen peroxide and half vinegar. Suggestion: “Let sit over night and carbon melts off. Brush remaining carbon off, rinse and put the brake back on.” Apply anti-corrosive before mounting.
4. Soak in 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar and brush. (Be sure to apply anti-corrosion coating, such as Eezox, after soaking).
5. Tumble in liquid solution with stainless pins. Comment: “Comes out slightly faded, but perfectly clean on stainless, non-painted brakes though.” Warning — do NOT do this with threaded brakes — tumbling could affect threads of screw-on brakes. Also, tumbling can harm painted or Cerakote finishes.
Gunsmithing Tip: By fitting the muzzle brake so that the barrel crown is slightly forward, it is easier to wipe carbon fouling off the end of the barrel. See photo:
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GunsAmerica Digest has a new Suppressor Academy webpage that provides host of helpful information about suppressors (aka “silencers” and “cans”). The Suppressor Academy online resource page features in-depth articles with important information for anyone considering acquiring a suppressor. The articles explain the key benefits of suppressors, how to choose a suppressor, and how to comply with Federal and state laws regulating suppressors. Below we link to four Suppressor Academy articles. Click the title for each topic to read the full-length article.
Suppressors are now legal in 42 U.S. States. There are certain legal requirements for obtaining a suppressor, including paying a $200 Tax Stamp. To own a suppressor you must be legally eligible to purchase a firearm, pass a BATFE background check, pay a one time $200 Transfer Tax, and satisfy age requirements. (SEE ALL Requirements). In most (but not all) of those states you can use a suppressor for hunting. The eight (mostly blue) states which still prohibit civilian suppressor ownership are: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. READ FULL ARTICLE on GunsAmerica Digest.
Suppressors serve one main purposes — to reduce the sound levels produced when firing pistol or rifle rounds. But GunsAmerica Digest editor True Pearce notes there are many other reasons to own a suppressor. A suppressor can reduce muzzle blast and felt recoil. The suppressor may prevent hearing damage that occurs through bone conduction better than earplugs and muffs because it reduces the noise energy at the source. When hunting, the reduced shot noise can help avoid spooking game. Having a suppressor also makes it easier to communicate when working as a team on a hunt. And, when compared to a muzzle BRAKE, suppressors are much less likely to kick up dust, dirt, sand, and snow when you shoot prone. READ FULL ARTICLE on GunsAmerica Digest.
There is some confusion surrounding the laws concerning suppressors, which are now legal in 42 U.S. States. In most jurisdictions that allow suppressor ownership, no additional state permit or license is required. But you do have to comply with Federal requirements when acquiring the suppressor. You may wish to create a trust to own the suppressor — there are some important practical advantages to having a suppressor trust. The Traditional NFA Gun Trust allows multiple responsible parties, i.e. “trustees”, to legally have possession of the suppressor. Each trustee must be verified and for each suppressor owned by the trust there will be a $200 Tax Stamp. READ FULL ARTICLE on GunsAmerica Digest.
When shopping for a suppressor there are many factors to consider: price, build quality, materials, sound level reduction effectiveness, weight, ease of mounting, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. We recommend that all suppressor buyers research the options. Check the manufacturer’s reputation, check diagrams for disassembly and maintenance. There are always trade-offs. Shorter suppressors may save some weight, but if they don’t cut the decibels as well you may be disappointed. You also need to consider the caliber — will your suppressor be used on multiple firearms? If so then get one that fits the largest caliber you will shoot. READ FULL ARTICLE on GunsAmerica Digest.
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The 2022 PRS Pro Series Finale was held November 5-6 at the K&M Precision Rifle Training Complex in Finger, Tennessee. The Finale brings together the best of the best within the PRS Pro Series to crown the annual champion. Competitors qualify through regional events to attend the Finale based on previous match results through the season. The 2022 PRS Finale is the headline feature on Shooting USA TV today.
Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) is the leading organization running Precision Rifle (tactical-style) competition. In ten years, PRS has grown exponentially, not only in the USA but also internationally. The PRS records results from local and regional competitions to establish a world leader board to invite the top competitors to the Finale at the K & M Precision Complex in Tennessee.
Great K&M Complex video — overhead and action shots — Click II pause button to halt:
PRS Finale Hardware
You’ll find the latest and greatest PRS hardware at the PRS Finale. Notable in recent seasons was the fact that many top competitors moved down from the 6.5/6mm Creedmoor to the smaller, more efficient 6mm Dasher, 6BRA, 6GT and other 6mm cartridges. The 6mm Dasher offers excellent accuracy with less recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor. New magazine designs allow very reliable feeding with the shorter cartridges.
Allison Zane Takes Top Honors among Lady PRS Competitors
Congratulations to Team Lapua’s Allison Zane for winning overall Top Lady for the 2022 Precision Rifle Series (PRS). Zane, who scored a 169 at the PRS Pro Series Finale, clinched the Top Lady title for the third consecutive year. That’s an impressive “Three-Peat” for the Ladies’ title. Out of 260 competitors, Zane finished Top Lady and placed 27th overall.
Zane competed at the worlds with a 6mm Creedmoor rifle shooting Lapua brass and Berger 109gr LRHT bullets. Her precision rifle was built by Short Action Customs using a Defiance Machine Ruckus Tactical action, Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) ACC chassis system, Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 scope, Hawk Hill Custom Marksman Contour barrel with MDT brake, and Huber two-stage trigger.
Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Finale
Attendance at the PRS Finale is by invitation. The Precision Rifle Series collects scoring information/results from regional competitions to compile a ranked world leader board over the course of an annual season. The top competitors from the season are thereby qualified for the Finale at the state-of-the-art K & M Training complex in Tennessee — one of the best precision shooting facilities in the world.
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Wouldn’t it be cool if you could have one large carry case that could hold your rifle, PLUS your ammunition, earmuffs, paper targets, rear bag, bipod, Magnetospeed, spotting scope, and all the other gear you might want to bring to the range? Well MTM Case-Gard has finally created such a do-it-all case, one of the first of its kind ever offered.
MTM’s new TRC39 Tactical Rifle Crate is an all-in-one solution for hunting and shooting gear transport and storage. The TRC39 has a foam-padded 39″ x 11.7″ x 3.1″ gun compartment on the top, and a storage compartment below. Up top, firearms are protected and held in place with MTM’s egg shell foam padding. Beneath the lift-out gun tray is a large compartment equipped with removable partitions. Total storage capacity of the 39″ x 11″ x 7.1″ (deep) lower compartment is 54 quarts. That’s plenty of room for gear and ammo in that lower storage area. And the TRC39 is rated to haul up to 75 pounds of guns and gear.
For security, the TRC39 has four snap latches, padlock tabs, and a water-resistant O-ring seal. To ease transport the TRC39 has two recessed wheels. And there are formed polymer handles on either end of the case. MTM Case-Gard’s TRC39 MSRP is $139.99, but we expect the TRC39 to sell for about $129.00.
We can see this TRC39 case being very popular with tactical shooters and varminters who can carry a rifle, pistol, binoculars, spotting scope, ammunition, and rear bag, all in one large case. We just wish a longer version was also available — the max rifle length that can be stored would be 39″, unless the barreled action is separated from the stock.
TRC39 Tactical Rifle Crate Features:
Gun compartment holds tactical and short rifles up to 39″ long
Lift-out upper rifle tray, protected with quality foam padding
Two removable dividers in 39″ x 11″ x 7.1″ lower compartment
A full 54 quarts of storage capacity in lower compartment
Two recessed wheels can support up to 75 lbs. of gear
Stackable design with tie-down and strap-over points
Four rugged, no-break snap latches with padlock tabs
No-rust, high-impact, polypropylene construction
Water-resistant O-ring seal (non-submersible)
External Size: 43.5″ x 14.7″ x 11.5″ (Tall)
Engineered and manufactured in America
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The National Rifle League (NRL) started off sponsoring major centerfire tactical matches, similar to PRS competitions. That proved successful so the NRL added a .22 LR Rimfire series, called NRL22. The NRL22 rimfire discipline has been a major success, as rimfire guns are fun to shoot and ammo is very affordable. The most popular NRL22 matches have drawn up to 200 rimfire competitors. And now there is a companion rimfire long-range series, NRL22X. Learn more about NRL22 and NRL22X at NRL22.org.
NRL22 is a great way to get into competition shooting with minimal expense. There are six (6) classes: Open, Base, Ladies, Young Guns (8-16), OG (60+)/Adaptive, and Air Rifle. Base Class is for the budget-minded shooter — the combined MSRP of Rifle and Optic may not exceed $1200.00 (so you could spend $700 on a rifle and $500 on a scope for example). That keeps the sport affordable.
Open, Youth, OG, and Ladies Classes have no price limits on rifle and optic. Visit NRL22.org to find an NRL22 match near you. CLICK HERE for a full set of NRL22/NRL22X rules. The NRL also sponsors NRL22X matches. These involve significantly longer distances for greater challenge. Currently, an NRL22 membership costs $60/year for adult classes or $25/year for Young Guns Class.
March 2023 NRL22 Course of Fire
For actual NRL22 competitors, this is a very useful video. It shows how shooting from a variety of positions, and it includes very cool through-the-lens views. This covers the NRL22 March 2023 course of fire.
NRL22 Competition with Base Class ($1200 Max) Rifle
One good thing about NRL22 competition is you don’t need to spend a fortune to compete. Base class is limited to $1200.00 for rifle and optic. You can do very well even at this budget level. This video, complete with through-the-lens imagery, shows an NRL22 match shot with a Base Class Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle.
NRL22 and NRL22X are not just for guys. The ladies enjoy the competition too and do very well. There is a separate Ladies class, but women can also compete in other classes. Photo by Jonathan Ocab.
Interview with NRL22 Founder Travis Ishida
This Vortex Nation video features an 80-minute interview with Travis Ishida, one of the original founders of the NRL22 and NRL22X disciplines. Travis told us that the NRL now runs 7-8 times as many rimfire matches as centerfire matches.
NRL22 Competition Guide — Match Procedures and Equipment
If you want a basic overview about NRL 22 Competition, there is a good NRL22 Competition Guide on the Widener’s website. This covers the classes, the rules, target dimensions, the types of supports used, and match strategies. Here are some samples:
Any rifle system that comes in under a combined MSRP of $1200 shall be eligible to compete in the Base class. This combined MSRP price is for the rifle and scope only. It excludes scope rings and bases, bipods, suppressors, data cardholders, magazines, spare magazine holders, auto bolt releases, aftermarket triggers, and extended magazine releases. Adjustments are also allowed in this division as well as adding rails of any type. If any shooter goes over the MSRP amount of $1200, they get bumped into Open class.
One of the most obvious rules is that all rifles must be chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Magnum and like rimfire cartridges are not allowed. It is recommended that whatever rifle you choose has a removable magazine rather than a fixed, tubular magazine since it’s harder to make safe, but they are allowed.
You can use any equipment in NRL22 unless a specific course of fire rules out using an item specifically. The only exception is tripods are never allowed. The sharing of equipment is allowed as well as slings to assist in unsupported positional shooting.
The steel target dimensions range from .25 inches wide to 6 inches wide. Some stages will require 10 rounds to be shot, while others may have you shoot 12 rounds. Most often, you’ll have 120 seconds to shoot a course of fire.
Ammunition Selection for NRL22 and NRL22X
Our friend F-Class John, a top F-Open competitor, has recently started tactical rimfire matches. He enjoys the challenge. And he admits a big part of the appeal is the MUCH cheaper ammunition. He has seen good results with relatively inexpensive Norma Tac-22 ammo, but he now favors SK ammo which he says offers great performance for the price. In this video, F-Class John tests SK Rifle Match Ammo vs. the premium Lapua Center-X ammo. He tested using a benchrest set-up with his MPA chassis rimfire rifle.
How to Register for NRL22 Competitions
Looking to get started in NRL22 or NRL22X (long range) competition? CLICK HERE to visit the NRL22 home page. The NRL22/NRL22X website has a registration page along with information on equipment rules, match locations, match rules, and the 2023 Match Schedule. CLICK HERE for NRL22 rules and CLICK HERE for NRL22X-specific Rules.
BONUS — Rimfire Practice Targets
SPECIAL BONUS–Rimfire Tactical Precision Targets
These FREE targets by DesertFrog are offered in Adobe Acrobat format for easy printing. CLICK HERE to download all six targets as a .ZIP archive.
This article Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. Any reproduction without authorization gives rise to penalties under 17 U.S. Code § 501.
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Many guys getting started in long range shooting are confused about what kind of scope they should buy — specifically whether it should have MIL-based clicks or MOA-based clicks. Before you can make that decision, you need to understand the terminology. This article, with a video by Bryan Litz, explains MILS and MOA so you can choose the right type of scope for your intended application.
You probably know that MOA stands for “Minute of Angle” (or more precisely “minute of arc”), but could you define the terms “Milrad” or “MIL”? In a helpful video, Bryan Litz of Applied Ballitics explains MOA and MILs (short for “milliradians”). Bryan defines those terms and explains how they are used. One MOA is an angular measurement (1/60th of one degree) that subtends 1.047″ at 100 yards. One MIL (i.e. one milliradian) subtends 1/10th meter at 100 meters; that means that 0.1 Mil is one centimeter (1 cm) at 100 meters. Is one angular measurement system better than another? Not necessarily… Bryan explains that Mildot scopes may be handy for ranging, but scopes with MOA-based clicks work just fine for precision work at known distances. Also because one MOA is almost exactly one inch at 100 yards, the MOA system is convenient for expressing a rifle’s accuracy. By common parlance, a “half-MOA” rifle can shoot groups that are 1/2-inch (or smaller) at 100 yards.
What is a “Minute” of Angle?
When talking about angular degrees, a “minute” is simply 1/60th. So a “Minute of Angle” is simply 1/60th of one degree of a central angle, measured either up and down (for elevation) or side to side (for windage). At 100 yards, 1 MOA equals 1.047″ on the target. This is often rounded to one inch for simplicity. Say, for example, you click up 1 MOA (four clicks on a 1/4-MOA scope). That is roughly 1 inch at 100 yards, or roughly 4 inches at 400 yards, since the target area measured by an MOA subtension increases with the distance.
MIL vs. MOA for Target Ranging
MIL or MOA — which angular measuring system is better for target ranging (and hold-offs)? In a recent article on his PrecisionRifleBlog.com website, Cal Zant tackles that question. Analyzing the pros and cons of each, Zant concludes that both systems work well, provided you have compatible click values on your scope. Zant does note that a 1/4 MOA division is “slightly more precise” than 1/10th mil, but that’s really not a big deal: “Technically, 1/4 MOA clicks provide a little finer adjustments than 1/10 MIL. This difference is very slight… it only equates to 0.1″ difference in adjustments at 100 yards or 1″ at 1,000 yards[.]” Zant adds that, in practical terms, both 1/4-MOA clicks and 1/10th-MIL clicks work well in the field: “Most shooters agree that 1/4 MOA or 1/10 MIL are both right around that sweet spot.”
Read full story in GunsAmerica Digest for all 18 reasons to own a suppressor.
Do you own a suppressor yet? If you live in a state where silencers are allowed, there are many good reasons to get a modern suppressor. The process for acquisition has been streamlined. Vendors such as SilencerCo can now handle most of the legal paperwork required. And the choice of suppressors is greater than ever before.
Along with basic noise reduction, what are the key reasons to get a suppressor? There are actually many. True Pearce, Editor of the GunsAmerica Digest, has written an excellent article about the benefits of suppressors: Why a Silencer Might Prevent Dementia & 17 Other Reasons You Need a Suppressor. Here are FIVE of the 18 reasons outlined in the article. We recommend you read the full story to access ALL 18 reasons. That full article has worthwhile insights for anyone considering getting a suppressor.
Reason — Protect Your Hearing
Owning and using a suppressor helps prevent hearing loss. Hearing loss is a legitimate health concern that all firearms owners should be concerned about. Firearms are loud. The average firearm without a suppressor is between 140-165 dB and creates what is called an impulse noise (i.e. a noise that lasts for less than one second).
OSHA’s limit for impact/impulse noise is 140 dB…. Every time you fire a gun (including a .22 LR) without hearing protection or a suppressor, you can permanently lose hearing and it never returns. Surgery and hearing aids cannot restore the hearing you lose — it’s gone forever. Suppressors do not make your gun silent! However, they can make the impulse noise much less than 140 dB.
Reason — Reduce Muzzle Blast
A suppressor reduces or eliminates muzzle blast. Traditionally, we associate flinching with recoil, and while recoil can contribute to flinching, many shooters are finding that when using a suppressor on a caliber with no recoil they don’t suffer from the concussion, noise, and blast. As a result, they don’t close their eyes, flinch, or jerk the trigger.
Reason — Reduce Felt Recoil
A suppressor … reduces recoil or kick. Nobody that’s telling the truth enjoys getting punched in the shoulder, and that’s essentially what happens when you shoot a lightweight centerfire magnum rifle. Suppressors are very effective at slowing the recoil down or [reducing it significantly]. I personally observed a small (70-lb) 12-year-old boy shoot a 5.5-pound 6.5 PRC with a suppressor. After shooting he got up smiling and said, “That didn’t kick at all!”.
Reason — Reduce Muzzle Rise to Keep Your View on Target
Suppressors reduce muzzle rise and make it possible to stay on target through your shot [so you can watch the trace and impact]. This allows you to make your own wind calls and corrections.
Reason — Reduce Dust and Dirt Kicked Up from Muzzle Blast
Suppressors prevent snow, dust, dirt, or other debris from blowing up when you shoot prone. If you’ve shot much with muzzle brakes, you know this is a real thing.
It is estimated that over 21.5 million Americans are currently licensed/permitted to carry concealed weapons.* And with the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen, we can expect that number to increase significantly. That landmark case stated that the Second Amendment guarantees citizens the right to bear arms outside their homes.
There are now seven (7) major business entities which provide insurance coverage and legal services for CCW holders. These providers are listed below. We suggest, BEFORE you commit to any particular policy/membership, you comparison shop at least three different options. We also recommend you read the full 3400-word GunDigest Article that examines, in detail, the coverage offered by these seven companies:
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gun Insurance Program:
Attorney Fees and Expert Fees
The key benefit of any CCW insurance plan is coverage for attorneys fees. If you need a lawyer for a civil case or criminal defense, the fees pile up very fast. Good lawyers can charge $400-$500 per hour, and a trial can go on for many days. GunDigest explains: “If your case goes to trial you might find a bill that runs up to six figures.” You should check to see if a policy covers lawyer retainer, hourly fees, expert fees, AND potential damages.
Bail Bond Coverage
If you are involved in an incident, and an arrest is made, you want to avoid spending time in a jail cell. That’s why it’s important to have a CCW insurance plan that will quickly provide funding for bail bonds. As GunDigest notes: “bail-bond coverage is typically part of a sound concealed carry insurance policy”.
Multi-State Coverage
Gun laws vary among states, and state insurance laws vary as well. This affects the coverage an insurance program can and will provide. When choosing a policy, ask questions to determine how coverage may vary from state to state. With some programs you can purchase additional coverage for trips outside your home state. These can be time-limited for cost savings.
Policy Limits (Dollar Amounts)
When considering a CCW insurance program you need to look at the policy limits — the amount the program might pay to provide legal assistance and potentially settle a claim. You need to read the fine print here, just as you would with an automobile or home policy.
The detailed GunDigest article on CCW Insurance Coverage, notes that there are some additional factors to consider when choosing CCW Insurance:
“You’ll find there are other areas covered by some concealed carry insurance plans worth contemplating. Many of them fall within the policies themselves, however, some cost extra. In many cases, CCW policies go well beyond legal expenses and cover some other aspects you might not have considered:”
Crime Scene Clean Up
Negligent Discharge
Spouse And Family Self-Defense
Property Damage
Firearms Replacement
Work Loss Coverage
Personal Use Of Firearm (non-defensive)
* According to a recent estimate by the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), over 21.5 million Americans are now licensed to carry a firearm in the United States. And the numbers are growing — the NRA-ILA posted that the number of concealed handgun permits reached 18.66 million in 2019 – a 304% increase since 2007.
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We’ve always liked the capacious, durable range boxes from MTM Case-Gard. And MTM offers a special “Tactical” version for AR shooters. This detachable-lid Tactical Range Box features a magwell-filling “action block insert” to support your AR securely during cleaning. Magwell posts like this have been used for years by AR gunsmiths. It’s a fast and convenient way to secure your AR.
The Tactical Range Box also comes with two adjustable cradles that will support most conventional bolt-action rifles and lever guns. These plastic cradles are gentle on fancy stocks, and they can be removed and stowed in the bottom of the box during transport.
The Tactical Range Box uses a two-piece design. The removable top storage compartment holds oils, solvents, brushes, patches, and small accessories. Unlatch the top box to reveal a large, deep storage area that will hold tools, earmuffs, ammo boxes and other larger items. MTM Range Boxes are big enough to hold pretty much everything you need at the range, except your front rest and rear sandbag. Midsouth Shooters Supply offers the MTM Tactical Range Box (item 008-TRB40) for just $52.72. Like MTM’s standard Shooting Range Box, the Tactical Range Box is well-built and much less flexy than generic plastic tool-boxes. Check out the features of this range box in the video below.
Practical USER TIP — Keep some heavy items in the box for more stability. Forum member Tom Alvez explains: “I have one of those range boxes… It’s a great product, really. But, unless there is some pretty heavy stuff in the box when the rifle cleaning starts it may get pretty skittery. Maybe [add] a block or two of lead — that could come in handy later.”
For more info, contact MTM® Molded Products at (937) 890-7461 or visit MTMCase-gard.com.
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AR owners know that their black rifles require regular cleaning and maintenance. And this modular platform allows many options for stocks, fore-arms, and optics mounting. That ability to customize is one of the AR’s major attractions, but customization requires solid understanding of the AR’s design and components.
To help AR owners optimize their rifles and maintain their rifles properly, Gun Digest Media offers an excellent 320-page illustrated book: AR-15 Setup, Maintenance and Repair. Authored by Patrick Sweeney, this book is a “one-stop guide to repairing, maintaining and modifying America’s favorite rifle.” The MSRP for the paperbook resource is $32.99 from Gun Digest, but it is available on Amazon for $28.76 with FREE shipping. Digital editions are offered by GunDigest for $30.99.
If you need to disassemble and maintain your AR rifle, swap barrels or handguards, add optics, or customize the stock, Gun Digest’s AR-15 Setup, Maintenance and Repair book tells you what you need to know. From field-stripping to barrel mounting and trigger installations, the book covers a wide range of topics. The book provides step-by-step instructions for set-up and maintenance, with hundreds of detailed photos. The book also includes AR gunsmithing chapters with reviews of recommended tools.
Author Patrick Sweeney is a certified master gunsmith and armorer instructor for police departments. Sweeney has also authored the notable 4-volume Gunsmithing the AR-15 series (Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, and Vol. 4) and 20+ other titles for Gun Digest Books.
Whether you want to learn about disassembling your AR for regular maintenance, field-stripping, swapping out parts, adding optics or customizing a stock, AR-15 Setup, Maintenance and Repair guides you through everything you need to know to keep your AR-platform rifle running well. There are also tips on how to improve accuracy, and maintain your bolt carrier group properly.
Authored by Patrick Sweeney
Published by Gun Digest Books
ISBN-13: 978-1951115470
320 pages, softcover, 8 ¼ x 10 7/8 inches
Editor’s NOTE: The key to keeping an AR running reliably is proper lubrication (in the RIGHT places), and regular cleaning of the bolt carrier and bolt, including ejector recess and extractor recess. The majority of non-functioning ARs we’ve seen had gunk, lube, carbon, and brass shavings in those recesses.
Other AR Books by Patrick Sweeney
Bonus Video — AR15 Maintenance with Jerry Miculek
In this helpful video, legendary shooting Jerry Miculek explains how he cleans and maintains his AR-platform rifles. Miculek shoots ARs in three-gun competitions.
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No republication is allowed without advance permisson and fees.
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Bushnell unveiled a new set of 15-power binoculars at SHOT Show 2023. These have a MilRad reticle for ranging and determining shot locations. The new Match Pro ED 15×56 Binoculars with Shot-Call reticle combines a high-magnification binocular with an MRAD-based reticle for ranging, target sizing, and shot correction. The benefit is that this 15X binocular optic could replace a bigger, heavier reticle-equipped spotting scope. This Match Pro ED Binocular can be quickly mounted on a tripod for enhanced stability. We recommend that because it is pretty hard to hold a 15X optic very steady with hands alone.
The Match Pro ED’s offset SHOT-CALL reticle, located in the right barrel, has a dedicated focus adjustment and can be rotated for leveling after IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment (i.e. how far the eyepieces are spread apart). Users can secure their preferred IPD with the included BRIDGESET stabilizer, which ensures the binocular is set for quick use and is stable when mounted on a tripod. Claimed light transmission is 92%. Suggested MSRP for the Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars is $699.99.
Our friend Jonathan Ocab reviewed the new Match Pro ED 15x56mm binoculars: “Bushnell Optics showed off their new Match Pro ED 15×56 binocular, which is based off of their Forge binocular design. The Forge 15×56 has a good reputation as a budget-friendly binocular with good performance at its price range. The Match Pro ED 15×56 is a hefty binocular with a magnesium chassis coming in at 51 ounces with what is dubbed the SHOT-CALL MRAD reticle. The reticle [rotates in the right barrel] so that it can be leveled for the user’s eyes after the barrels are adjusted to the pupil distance.”
Jonathan added: “My initial impressions of this binocular are positive. It is definitely a bigger, heavier binocular and is not going to be one for field use. This is definitely the type of binocular one would employ on the range at NRL/PRS matches to spot for a shooter.” CLICK HERE for full SHOT Show 2023 Optics report by Jonathan Ocab.
Recoil Web also did a review of these new 15×56 binoculars stating: “The new Bushnell Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars [offering] is a big deal, but maybe just to a niche crowd. For a long time, spotting scopes have often come with a MIL or MOA reticle in the eyepiece so one could spot shots at long range and call corrections or for use in ranging a target if a laser rangefinder wasn’t available. With a reticle in the right barrel, you get a MIL grid for ranging and shot correction like a spotting scope but the [wide] field of view and outstanding glass of the binoculars.”
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Palmetto State Armory (PSA) is running a Valentine’s Day Sale with some great deals on rifles, pistols, rifle components, and optics. Some of these deals run for the next few days, while others expire at 11:59 pm on February 14, 2020.
Here are some of the best deals we found. The S&W 15-22 is a fun little rimfire rifle. It’s great for NRL-22 Matches, plus S&W is offering a $75 Factory Rebate. The Taurus G3 Pistol is a real bargain at $229.99. And the SIG Sauer KILO 1600BDX Laser Rangefinder is an absolute steal at $199.99. Along with these 8 hot deals, there are 150+ other Valentine’s Day Sale items at PSA:
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CMP Acquires Surplus Ammunition with Sales Planned for Coming Months
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced the recent acquisition of vast quantities of surplus ammunition: M2 Ball (.30-06 Springfield), .30 Carbine, .22 Pistol, and .22 Long Rifle. This surplus ammunition supply will soon become available to CMP customers, and will be sold at matches to CMP shooters. At this time, the recently-acquired surplus ammunition supplies are being assessed and cataloged by CMP personnel.
The CMP intends on maintaining a surplus ammo inventory large enough to support CMP Matches for the next several years and to provide discounted surplus ammo to competitors attending CMP events. All sales will include set limits to remain in compliance with guidelines specified in the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of the Army and the CMP.
“The CMP plans to make the ammunition available to our loyal constituents sometime this spring, after the surplus ammo goes through all CMP in-processing procedures”. said Mark Johnson, CMP’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of Civilian Marksmanship. “Purchase limits and restrictions will be set to ensure that the mission of CMP is well served.”
NOTE: This video shows an M1 Garand shooting modern CMP M2 Ball ammo NOT older surplus. The surplus M2 Ball ammo obtained by the CMP is older, but should have similar velocities with 150gr bullets.
Further surplus sales details will be forthcoming in the near future. Commercial ammunition sales are currently available on the CMP E-Store to qualified individuals. Register for an account or browse the CMP E-Store at https://estore.thecmp.org.
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One of the CMP’s most popular competitions is the M1 Carbine Match. The little carbines are easy to hold and easy to shoot, with relatively low recoil compared to an M1 Garand or M1903 shooting the full-power .30-06 cartridge. Unfortunately, genuine GI-issue M1 Carbines are now hard to find at affordable prices. The CMP has announced: “CMP’S Carbine Inventory has been exhausted and we do not expect to receive any additional shipments.” Authentic surplus U.S. Military M1 Carbines are selling for $1600 to $3500 these days on Gunbroker.com.
For Android users, there is a FREE App which shows How the M1 Carbine works. This complements the YouTube Video linked above. The App creator, Noble Empire, has 21 more illustrative Apps for other firearms, including the M16, M1911 pistol, 9mm Uzi, FN SCAR and more.
Over the years, the CMP has offered several different grades of M1 Carbines, from serviceable to excellent condition. Inventories have been shrinking in recent years, but now and then the CMP is offers M1 Carbines on its CMP Auction website. Prices start at about $1500.00 for Service Grade, with rare Unissued Models commanding $3000 or more. More information can be found on the CMP’s M1 Info Page.
Good Hickok45 Video with Genuine WWII Era M1 Carbine produced by Standard Products
There is an excellent history of the M1 Carbine (all versions) on the Pew Pew Tactical website. There are many historical photos, along with videos of two M1 Carbine variants being tested in the field.
The first M1 Carbines were delivered in mid-1942, with initial priority given to troops in the European theatre of war. According to the CMP: “The M1 Carbine was designed primarily to offer noncombat troops a better defensive weapon than a pistol or submachine gun, with greater accuracy and range, but without the recoil, cost, or weight of a full-power infantry rifle. The carbine was also easier for less experienced soldiers and smaller-framed people to fire than the .30 caliber infantry rifles of the day. The carbine was more convenient to carry for officers, NCOs, or specialists encumbered with weapons, field glasses, radios, or other gear. Tankers, drivers, artillery crews, mortar crews, and other personnel were also issued the M1 Carbine in lieu of the larger, heavier M1 Garand. Belatedly, a folding-stock version of the M1 Carbine was developed, after a request was made for a compact and light infantry arm for airborne troops.”
CMP M1 Carbine Matches — Fun with an Easy-to-Handle Rifle
CMP M1 Carbine Matches — Growing in Popularity
The CMP M1 Carbine Match is part of the CMP Games program that already includes Garand, Springfield and Vintage Military Rifle Matches. “As-issued” U. S. Military M1 Carbines are fired over a 45-shot course of fire at 100 yards on either the old military “A” target or the “SR” target. The course includes 5 sighters and 10 shots for record prone slow fire in 15 minutes, a 10-shot rapid fire prone series in 60 seconds, a 10-shot rapid fire sitting series in 60 seconds and 10 shots slow fire standing in 10 minutes.
CMP M1 Carbine Match at Western CMP Games
A good intro to M1 Carbine features, this video has over 6.7 million views on YouTube.
New Production M1 Carbines
Thankfully, you don’t need to source a real WWII-era M1 to enjoy CMP M1 Matches. You can now get a brand new, American-made M1 Carbine clone significantly less than the price of old CMP rifle. Sportsman’s Warehouse sells American-made KAHR Auto Ordnance .30-Caliber M1 Carbines that look, feel, and shoot just like the originals, for a lot less money. There are two versions:
Auto-Ordance is now part of the KAHR firearms group. These Auto Ordnance M1 Carbines are currently out of stock at many vendors, but we expect them to be available later this year.
Another producer of M1 Carbine replica rifles is Inland Manufacturing, a modern company which shares the name of a leading WWII M1 Carbine maker. These made-in-the-USA, newly manufactured M1 Carbines are very authentic copies of the original carbines from the World War II era. With a $1139.00 starting MSRP, they feature authentic 1944-type adjustable sights, push button safety, round bolt, “low wood” walnut stock, and a 10–round or 15-round magazine. There are three (3) versions: M1 1944 style, M1 1945 style, and M1A1 Paratrooper model.
GunsAmerica.com report compares new Inland M1 Carbines side-by-side with original vintage M1 Carbines: “We had to get in close to tell the difference. Overall, the two examples we were able to handle looked great and held up when next to the originals. The stampings are even close to correct with a few minor differences that were chosen to stop the new Inlands from being mistaken for originals. Take a look at the photos and see for yourself.” READ M1 Carbine Review.
Inland Firearms M1 Carbine Shooting Demonstration by Hickok45
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No republication is authorized. Any appearance of this story on another site obliges that site to pay liquidated damages and licensing fees.
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AR-platform rifles run dirty — very dirty. The gas system blows carbon and powder residues back into the action and into the bolt carrier group. That’s why you need to clean your ARs regularly, and you have to pay special attention to the nooks and crannies in the bolt and bolt carrer. The majority of AR failures we’ve witnessed have been from a combination of lube, carbon, and tiny brass shavings that collected in the ejector recess and the extractor spring recess. After that, plain carbon build-up on the bolt can be a gun-stopper too. And you need to keep the barrel extension clean too.
If you’re new to the (dirty) world of ARs, here are two helpful videos from the folks who make Froglube. That line of cleaners/lubes is pretty good stuff, though not our first choice for all AR lubrication and cleaning chores. But these videos do provide many helpful tips. They show the disassembly process and highlight the problem areas to which you must pay special attention.
How to Clean Your AR-15 Bolt Carrier Assembly
How to Clean Your AR-15 Lower Receiver Assembly
NOTE: Froglube also makes a video showing AR upper, chamber, and barrel cleaning. There are practices shown there that we do NOT recommend. Nor do we recommend Froglube products for bore cleaning. We think there are more effective cleaning products.
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We’ve always liked the capacious, durable range boxes from 
The Match Pro ED’s offset SHOT-CALL reticle, located in the right barrel, has a dedicated focus adjustment and can be rotated for leveling after IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment (i.e. how far the eyepieces are spread apart). Users can secure their preferred IPD with the included BRIDGESET stabilizer, which ensures the binocular is set for quick use and is stable when mounted on a tripod. Claimed light transmission is 92%. Suggested MSRP for the Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars is $699.99.
