Wouldn’t it be cool if your rifle scope had a built-in laser rangefinder, plus a weather sensor, a ballistics calculator, compass, and even wireless communication? Yes that would be very cool indeed, and that is why the Pentagon is spending at least $20 million on an amazing new “smart optic” from Vortex.
Vortex Optics has been awarded the contract for the U.S. military’s “Next Generation Squad Weapon–Fire Control” (NGSW-FC) optic. Under this contract, Vortex will provide up to 250,000 XM157 NGSW-FC optics over 10 years. These XM157 optics include an amazing set of features: variable magnification optic, backup etched reticle, laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, atmospheric sensor suite, compass, Intra-Soldier Wireless, visible and infrared aiming lasers, and a digital display overlay.
The new XM157 smart optic is described as a “computer atop the weapon” since it can calculate range, ballistics, atmospherics, directional information, and digital overlay. The fire control system will replace the close combat optic, rifle combat optic, and machine gun optic used by U.S. Special Operations units, Marine Corps, and Army infantry units.
The XM157 is a Low Powered Variable Optic (LPVO) with a display overlay, Laser Rangefinder (LRF), ballistic solver, environmental sensors, aiming lasers, digital compass, and wireless communication to provide for seamless connectivity on the battlefield. The XM157 is based on a 1-8x30mm LPVO with glass-etched reticle on USA-made lenses. The XM157 weighs less than the combined weight of traditional LPVOs plus weapon-mounted Laser Rangefinders.
Vortex Contract Worth at Least $20 Million… And Potentially $2.7 Billion!
With a starting price of $20 million, the NGSW-FC Optic contract stipulates that Vortex will receive at least $20 million from the Pentagon. This will cover the XM157 advanced optics as well as supporting accessories, spare parts, repairs, and engineering services. The Vortex subsidiary Sheltered Wings will fulfill the contract.
As reported in Guns.com: “The 10-year contract… covers the production and delivery of up to 250,000 XM157 Next Generation Squad Weapons-Fire Control systems. The NGSW-FC will be the common sight for the Army’s new NGSW-Rifle, set to replace the M4 Carbine in front line service, and the NGSW-Automatic Rifle, the intended replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. The contract minimum is set at $20 million, with a fantastic $2.7 billion maximum mentioned if all options are taken, pointing to a unit price for each NGSW-FC optic as being in the neighborhood of $10,800. However, it should be noted that, going past the sights themselves, the contract includes supporting accessories, contractor support, spare parts, repairs, and engineering efforts, likely pointing to a significantly lower per-unit cost than the basic math would imply.”
Vortex Nation Podcast About NGSW Fire Control Optic
The Pentagon chose Vortex to provide its Next Generation Squad Weapon – Fire Control Optic (NGSW-FC). But what is an NGSW-FC? What is Vortex’s new scope replacing? What weapons will it ultimately sit on? What features/capabilities does it have? What is Active Reticle? What is Intra-Soldier Wireless? How do the features work? How was it tested? Is it easy to use? Vortex Rep Alexander Lewis answers these questions and more in the 49-minute Podcast linked below.
Vortex Podcast Answers Key Questions about new XM157 Smart Optic
Podcast Highlights about NSGW-FC Optic:
00:00 – NGSW-FC Intro
08:44 – A Traditional LPVO at its Core
16:22 – Smart Scope Technology
19:43 – The “Active Reticle” (Rendering)
23:40 – Smart Scope Technology
29:07 – Size/Weight
33:08 – Laser Rangefinder and Interfaces
42:53 – Battery and Power
Next Generation Squad Weapons Program
Launched in 2017, the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program is a U.S. military initiative to develop operationally relevant squad-level lethality against various threats. Three defense firms have been selected to provide weapons and ammunition prototypes for the program: SIG Sauer, General Dynamics, and Textron Systems. The weapon system also provides soldiers with significant range and signature management capability improvements.
This is big news for the PRS/NRL and tactical game. Savage Arms has adapted its Impulse straight pull action for the tactical market. Savage’s new Impulse Elite Precision combines the award-winning Savage Impulse straight-pull action with a precision MDT aluminum alloy chassis. The ability to shoot faster, with less rifle movement, is potentially a game-changer for the tactical/precision rifle competitions where stages run “on the clock” and fast follow-up shots are very important. And with a $2499.00 MSRP (for 6mm Creedmoor and .308 Win), and $2719.00 for 6.5 Creedmoor, the Impulse Elite Precision qualifies for the PRS Production Division, which is now capped at $3000 for rifle and $2500 for optic under 2023 PRS Rules (2.3.1). The Production rifle max price was $2500.00 in 2022.
The new Impulse Elite Precision features a straight-pull action fitted in a ACC (adjustable core competition) chassis from Modular Driven Technologies™ (MDT). With a full-length ARCA rail, the Impulse Elite Precision can be easily customized for individual balance preferences. You can add weight and accessories on the fore-arm easily through the ARCA mounts. And the rear section offers adjustable length of pull and cheekpiece height. The ambidextrous bolt can be fitted on either right or left sides.
This Impulse straight-pull action is bedded in an Adjustable Core Competition chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). From its full-length ARCA rail to its nitride coatings, the Impulse Elite Precision is optimized for the PRS/NRL game.
“The Elite Precision has changed the way Savage shooters think about long-range capability,” said Jessica Treglia, Senior Brand Manager for Savage Arms. “The addition of the Impulse straight-pull action is going to add a new element of speed to an already efficient rifle. When split times are an important aspect of the competition, Impulse Elite Precision will be a game-changer.”
The new Impulse Elite Precision will initially be offered in seven chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum. MSRP for the rifle in the four smaller chamberings (all with 26″ barrels) is $2619.00 while the .300 PRC and magnums will cost $2839.00. The .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 LM have 30″ barrels.
Hunting Version of Impulse Named 2021 Rifle of the Year
The Savage Impulse straight-pull hunting rifle recently won the coveted NRA American Hunter 2022 Golden Bullseye Award as Rifle of the Year. Previously, Guns & Ammo magazine editors also named Savage’s Impulse the 2021 Rifle of the Year.
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Action — Overview
Savage’s Impulse series of straight-pull bolt rifles is the first American-designed and crafted straight-pull centerfire rifle. The new Impulse features an innovative Hexlock bolt-locking mechanism with six spherical bearings that move radially outward into a ring in the barrel extension, thereby locking the bolt in place. That barrel extension is held in the receiver assembly by four cross-bolts on the lower front section. Ahead of the barrel extension is a conventional recoil lug and a familiar Savage barrel nut.
Innovative Hexlock Bolt System in New Savage Impulse
When the bolt is closed, the Hexlock system holds it in place instead of conventional lugs. With the Hexlock, six (6) hardened steel bearings lock the bolt in place inside the receiver’s barrel extension. Savage says “As pressure increases, Hexlock’s hold tightens, ensuring that there can be no rearward movement of the bolt. Once the round has left the barrel, the pressure subsides, and the action can safely open again with the straight pull of the bolt handle.”
Savage Impulse — Hexlock System (Bolt Locks in Barrel Extension)
The .375 EnABELR cartridge was developed to offer magazine-feeding capabilities with the highest-BC solid bullets available. The .375 EnABELR cartridge is slightly shorter than a .375 CheyTac so it allows the round to mag-feed. Applied Ballistics is currently using brass made by Peterson. The .375 EnABELR has achieved impressive velocities — 2990 FPS — with prototype Berger 379-grain solid bullets fired from a 1:7″-twist 30″ barrel. Applied Ballistics may also test 1:8″-twist and 1:9″-twist barrels. READ Bullet Testing Report.
The .375 EnABELR cartridge was designed to offer .375 CheyTac performance in a slightly shorter package: “The problem with the .375 CheyTac is that, when loaded with the highest performance .375 caliber bullets (379-407 gr Berger Solids, and the 400-425 grain Cutting Edge Lazers) the round is not magazine feed-able in any action that’s sized for CheyTac cartridges.
Here is Mitchell Fitzpatrick, shooting the 375 EnABELR in an ELR Competition.
“Knowing the .375 CheyTac produced substantial performance, and that it was just too long for magazine feeding, made it easy to converge on a design for the .375 EnABELR. We just had to make the case short enough to achieve magazine length with the desired bullets, while adding a little more diameter to keep the case capacity similar to the .375 CheyTac. The resulting basic shape is quite similar in proportions to the successful .338 Norma Magnum Cartridge which, interestingly, was selected as the cartridge for General Dynamics Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG).”
Do you use an AR15 for service rifle, 3-Gun, or tactical competitions? Then you should consider dry-fire training. Many top competitors spend an hour (or more) dry-firing for every minute they shoot live cartridges in competition. The allows effective training without spending a fortune on live ammunition (which can run $1.00 per round or more).
There is a handy new system that resets the trigger on AR-platform rifles — the Mantis Blackbeard (see videos below). This permits you to make multiple successive shots without having to alter your grip and manually recycle the charging handle. This two-part system employs a replacement bolt carrier/bolt and replacement magazine. With these two components installed, your AR can automatically reset the trigger instantly after you pull the trigger. It works, it’s effective, and it’s affordable at $219.00 MSRP.
The Blackbeard system is used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army (including Special Forces), so you know it works. During training the Mantis Blackbeard allows unlimited, repetitive Dry Firing without resetting the charging handle. That eliminates a tedious task that requires altering your hold on the rifle.
No Gun Modifications
Same Trigger Weight, Break, and Reset
Installs in under a minute
Up to 10 shots per second
Up to 100,000 Shots per Charge
Save on Ammunition Costs
In the video below Top Shot Champion Dustin Ellermann shows how to use the Mantis Blackbeard. He vividly demonstrates the clear advantage of the Blackbeard compared to manually pulling the charging handle over and over (See 00:02 – 00:20 time).
Dustin Ellermann Review of Mantis Blackbeard Trigger Reset System
This next video, from the manufacturer Mantis, shows how to install the Mantis Blackbeard, how to set the zero, and how to operate the unit with your AR-platform rifle.
The easy-to-install-Mantis Blackbeard replaces your bolt carrier and magazine in less than a minute, allowing easy training transitions. The magazine battery pack is good for 100,000 shots per charge and the Blackbeard is rated to reset as quickly as 10 shots per second, allowing rapid fire training for 3-Gun and tactical competitions.
Americans love AR-platform rifles. However, they can be maintenance-intensive, as hot gasses are directed right back into the action to operate the bolt. Because ARs have a somewhat unique (and dirty) semi-auto operating system, we think all AR owners should learn how their rifles operate — from the inside out. This feature provides an “inside look” at the AR, with X-Ray and Cutaway views created through advanced 3D computer modeling.
AR15 Functions Revealed with 3D Computer Animation
Ever wondered how the parts inside an AR15 work together? Just exactly how does the reciprocating bolt carrier feed rounds from the magazine? How do the elements in the trigger group work and reset after each shot? How does the gas system bleed gas from the barrel and operate the bolt carrier? These and other questions are answered in this eye-opening video from 45Snipers. Using “cutaway” 3D computer animation, this 5-minute video shows all features of an AR15 inside and out. This fascinating firearms animation allows the viewer to look inside the upper and lower receivers, into the bolt carrier, chamber, barrel, and magazine.
This video starts off slow and has annoying background music, but it is well worth watching if you own or shoot any AR-platform rifle. It illustrates all the key operations during the charging, loading, firing, and ejection processes. The cutaway animation shows how rounds are stripped from the magazine and then chambered. It then shows how every part of the trigger group works, and how the firing pin strikes the primer. You can even watch the bullet move down the barrel before the empty shell casing is removed from the chamber and tossed out the ejection port. Here are sample frames from the video:
How AR-Platform Rifles Work — General Introduction
To help reader understand the general operation of AR-type rifles, this video shows the control functions of an AR and how the upper and lower sections work together.
Cutaway 3D Animation of AR15/M16 Action — Watch Video
Here is an excellent “cutaway” animation by Thomas Schwenke that shows how an AR-15 functions — how the entire loading cycle works from start to finish.
AR platform rifles are semi-automatics version of the M16. These feature distinctive upper and lower receivers which can be readily separated via front and rear pins. The upper includes the barrel, handguard, forward gas tube, and bolt assembly, while the lower contains grip, trigger group, fire selector, and mag well. In addition the lower is attached to the stock which encloses the buffer assembly.
The original ArmaLite AR-15 was a select-fire, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle designed by American gun manufacturer ArmaLite in 1956. It was based on Armalite’s AR-10 rifle chambered for the 7.62×51 NATO (.308 Win). In 1959, ArmaLite sold its rights to the AR-10 and AR-15 to Colt. Some key modifications were made — most notably, the charging handle was re-located from under the carrying handle to the rear of the receiver. The redesigned rifle was adopted by the U.S. military as the M16 carbine, which went into production in March 1964.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. EuroOptic — Save 15% on Christensen Arms Rifles with Code
⏺ Excellent chassis rifles and hunting rigs, save 15% with discount
Christensen Arms (CA) makes very high-quality rifles with good barrels and excellent stocks and chassis. These are some of the best production rifles you can buy. The CA Modern Precision Rifle series features a very high-quality chassis with folding stock. Hunters will like the light-weight Ridgeline series with Carbon-Fiber wrapped barrel and available Titanium action. Use EuroOptic promo code SHOOT15 to save 15% on these and other CA rifles. However, you better act soon — his special promo code is a limited time offer.
2. Academy Sports — Cannon 65-Gun Safe, $799.99
⏺ Save HUNDREDS on a BIG safe, this deal won’t last long!
Here’s a BIG gun safe at a great price. This large Cannon AP5540 safe is rated for 65 guns, but that’s for thin rifles with iron sights. In the real world you CAN hold 20+ scoped rifles and 20+ handguns with ease. The safe is 55″ high, 40″ wide, and 25″ deep. It weighs 465 pounds and boasts seven 4″ locking bolts. It ships with adjustable shelves, carpeted interior, and door organizers. It has a 30-minute fire rating with FIN fire seal. There is a fast electronic lock with a handy back-up key. This is a LOT of safe for the money.
3. Bruno’s — McMillan Stocks $50 Off Sale
⏺ Save $50 and avoid the wait for a quality McMillan Fiberglass stock
Right now at Bruno Shooters Supplies, McMillan Fiberglass Stocks in inventory have been discounted $50.00. If you need a top-grade stock, here’s your chance to save $50.00 and have your new stock delivered immediately (no wait). A large variety of stock designs are offered for competition, tactical, and hunting applications. Shown above are just a few of the nearly 30 stocks available now.
4. Locked & Loaded — Timney Trigger Blow-Out Sale
⏺ Big Discounts on Timney triggers for bolt guns and ARs
Need a trigger for your next gun project, or plan to upgrade an existing rifle? Then consider a Timney. Right now Locked & Loaded has a variety of quality Timney triggers on sale. Save up to $90 with this December Timney Trigger Blow-out Sale. On sale are triggers for Rem 700s (and clones), for ARs, and for the SIG MPX.
5. Midsouth — LEE Automatic Case Primer (ACP) Press — $74.95
⏺ Speeds up priming, works well, case feeder $24 extra
The Lee Automatic Case Primer (ACP) is the world’s first automatic-feeding priming tool that does not need shell-holders. Cases are guided into position by a sliding “finger guide”. The “dead length” priming device ensures that primers are seated uniformly without “feel” or adjustments required. This is very efficient and relatively easy, once the primers are loaded into the triangular tray. This ACP tool is on sale now at Midsouth for just $74.95, 20% off the regular price.
To increase output, there are various, affordable LEE ACP upgrades including the Lee Universal Case Feed Magazine ($23.79), Lee Case Feed Collator ($10.96), and Lee Roller Handle (part #91629). In addition, the ACP can DE-PRIME cases efficiently with the inexpensive ($7.29) ACP depriming kit. SEE LEE ACP Product Info Sheet with all accessories.
6. Palmetto SA — CCI Blazer Brass 9mm Ammo, $19.99/50
⏺ Very good price on reliable, reloadable USA-made 9mm pistol ammo
We like CCI ammo — it is reliable and consistent. This reloadable CCI Blazer brass-cased 9mm Luger ammo has served us well for many practice sessions and IDPA matches. Right now, Palmetto State Armory has this 9mm ammo on SALE for just $19.99 per 50rd box. That works out to just $0.40/round — a great price these days.
7. MidwayUSA — Walker’s Alpha Power Electronic Muffs
⏺ Excellent price and good NRR for electronic muffs
This is an outstanding deal for quality electronic earmuffs with a very good 26dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). These muffs are on sale for just $39.99, 50% off the regular price. Two hi-gain, omni-directional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions, which preservers and enhances your ability to hear. The Alpha Power’s sound dampening composite housing aids comfort and having a separate volume control for each ear is a big plus.. Users say these muffs are very comfortable and work well: “I still use ear plugs and the Walker’s [dual] volume control helps to hear range commands and communicate with other shooters.”
⏺ Fast, easy AR15 rimfire conversion — save on ammo costs
If you shoot an AR15 in service rifle or tactical matches, it makes sense to train with rimfire ammo. First, .22 LR ammo is WAY cheaper than .223 Rem match ammo. (Rimfire ammo starts at about $0.10/rd.) Second, shooting .22 LR at 100 yards duplicates the wind drift of a .223 Rem at much longer ranges. Right now the CMMG Bravo Rimfire Conversion Kit (replacement bolt/carrier plus 10-rd magazine) is $179.99 at Brownells on sale. Or, for just $10 more ($189.99), you can get the CMMG .22 LR Bravo Conversion with THREE 25-rd rimfire magazines. NOTE: CMMG recommends Federal 36gr plated RN ammo for best performance. This CMMG kit is designed for Direct Impingement AR-15s only.
9. MidwayUSA — Hoppes Gun Vise and Cleaning Kit, $39.99
⏺ Good basic gun vise at great price with bonus cleaning kit
The Hoppe’s Gun Vise is a good basic support for working on your firearms. Clamping brackets in the front and rear hold your rifle or shotgun securely without scratching. The vise is made out of a durable, chemical resistant polymer and has multiple compartments for your cleaning chemicals, tools, and accessories. Included with this vise is a 12-piece Cleaning Kit for rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Features include: Dual lockable no-scratch brackets, multiple compartments for tools, and adjustable feet.
⏺ Quality name-brand shooting eyewear — buy multiples at this price
Every shooter needs eye protection EVERY TIME you go to the shooting range. Right now Midsouth has the good Radians clear Lens Outback Shooting Glasses for just $5.88. These ANSI Z87.1 Radians Shooting Glasses provide 99.9% UVA/UVB protection with the coated lenses. These offer excellent wrap-around protection and are fairly light and comfortable. A handy neck cord is included. With this low $5.88 price, you can buy 3 or 4 sets and keep spares for yourself and your shooting buddies.
This week, Shooting USA TV spotlights the 2021 GAP Grind, the largest PRS Pro-Am Tactical match with nearly 400 competitors. The 2021 GAP Grind/Bushnell Pro/Am took place in October at the K&M Precision Shooting Complex in Finger, Tennessee. The 3-day event, the biggest PRS match of the year, included professional and “amateur” classes with both individual and team competition. Here are highlights from the 2021 event in this Area419-produced video:
GAP Grind 2021 in Tennessee:
SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
The GAP Grind is held at the impressive K&M Shooting Complex in Tennessee:
Lots of Action, with 20+ Stages
The GAP Grind is a challenging, “high tempo” match with minimal down-time between stages. Over the course of 20+ stages, competitors will fire 200+ shots at a variety of steel, paper, moving, and reactive targets out to 1,200 yards. Targets vary in size/difficulty based on the shooter’s position, distance, and time allotted. Most stages include “stressors” — i.e. time limits or required movement(s).
The GAP Grind typically attracts over 300 competitors — half experienced shooters and the other half newcomers to the sport. The key to growing the shooting sports is attracting new shooters. The best way to bring in “new blood” seems to be the Pro-Am type format. At the GAP Grind, experienced shooters share their knowledge and guide the new shooters through the competition.
Great video shows K&M Complex — overhead and action shots — Click II pause to halt:
GAP Grind Hardware
You’ll find the latest and greatest PRS hardware at the GAP Grind. Notable in 2021 was the fact that many top competitors “stepped down” from the 6.5/6mm Creedmoor to the smaller, more efficient 6mm Dasher, 6BRA and other 6mm cartridges. The Dasher offers excellent accuracy with less recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor. Also, many top shooters are now running Kahles optics and we predict will be running the new Zeiss FFP scopes in 2022. Photo by Shelley Giddings.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
⏺ Fast, programmable, accurate dispenser at great price
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper is a high-quality powder scale dispenser. It’s accurate to +/- one-tenth of a grain, dispenses in seconds, and can be controlled by a handy mobile App that can store various charges weights for different cartridges. This unit has a 7000-grain capacity with both Auto and manual trickle capability. This price won’t last long, so act soon to get the Intellidropper for $195.46 on sale.
2. Brownells — Black Rifle Christmas Sale — Big Discounts
⏺ Wide variety of AR uppers, lowers, accessories, magazines, and optics
3. KYGUNCO — S&W M&P9 Shield EZ Range Bundle, $445.95
⏺ Good 9mm S&W pistol plus hard case, eye protection and muffs
For the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm Shield pistol by itself, $445.95 is a good value. But you get more — a LOT more. This package includes a nice Plano hard case, Walker’s NRR 22 low profile ear muffs, Walker’s ANSI-certified shooting glasses, and even a pull-through cleaning cord. This great package deal is part of KYGUNCO’s 12 Days/Deals of Christmas.
4. MidwayUSA — Vortex Sale, Riflescopes and Spotting Scopes
⏺ Save 30-44% on Vortex Viper Scopes and Razor HD Spotters
As a holiday promotion, MidwayUSA has a large selection of Vortex Optics Riflescopes and Spotting Scopes on sale. Save up to 44% on scopes. The 6.5-20x44mm Viper HS is a steal right now at just $259.99, a 34% savings. And for long range varmint hunters the 5-25x50mm Viper PST RZR is hard to beat at $699.00 a 30% discount. There are also good deals on Vortex binoculars and Razor HD Spotting scopes.
5. Palmetto SA — S&W M&P15-22 Sport Rimfire Package, $429.99
⏺ Good, reliable rimfire AR clone for NRL22 and cross-training
This Smith & Wesson AR-style M&P15-22 provides the fun of an AR15 with the low cost of rimfire ammo. This can work well for cross-training or NRL22 matches. The S&W M&P15-22 SPORT features a slim M-LOK handguard that easily accepts a variety of accessories without removing the handguard. The M&P15-22 SPORT comes standard with removable Magpul MBUS front and rear folding sights. This $429.99 package includes 3 magazines and a nice gun case.
6. Midsouth — Tipton Basic Gun Vise, $39.99
⏺ Durable, easy to move around, versatile — at great price
The original Tipton Gun Vise is ON SALE for just $39.99 at Midsouth. Great Deal — this sells for up to $59.99 elsewhere. This is a tough, versatile product you’ll use for years. This Editor has used one of these for more 16 years (with all sorts of rifles) and it is still going strong. This vise has handled everything from an 18″-barreled lever gun to a 32″-barreled F-Class rifle. The unit works well for many tasks: cleaning barrels, stock refinishing/bedding, scope mounting, trigger adjusting, bore-scoping barrels, and checking throat length with a Hornady OAL tool.
7. Midsouth — Aguila Super Extra .22 LR Ammo, $3.99 for 50rds
⏺ Decent .22 LR rimfire ammo at pre-Pandemic price
Well this is encouraging — $3.99 for a 50ct box of decent .22 LR rimfire ammo. We haven’t seen that kind of price in a long time. This Aguila Super Extra Hi-Vel (1255 fps) 40gr ammunition is decent training ammo for NRL22 matches or good fodder for fun plinking on reactive targets. Order soon before Midsouth sells out. This price works out to just 8 cents per round.
8. Browning — Gun Safe Rebate, save up to $100
⏺ Save $50, $75, or $100 on high-quality large Browning gun safes
Need a high-quality gun safe for your growing firearms collection> This Rebate offer from Browning can save you up to $100. Receive a manufacturer’s rebate of $50, $75, or $100 when you purchase a new, eligible Browning ProSteel safe at retail between November 22 and December 31, 2021.
9. Midsouth — Berry’s Tri-Can Ammo Carrier, $21.99
⏺ Very Handy New Product has Three Clear-Top Compartments
The Tri-Can Utility Box Carrier is on sale now at Midsouth. Choose either black containers or tan containers for the same $21.99 price (31% off the previous price). This Berry’s Tri-Can is a handy, versatile organizational tool that simplifies range trips. The tough injection molded plastic base and lids, rubber seal gaskets, and cam-lock latches keep contents safe. The Tri-Can boasts a strong, handy carry handle. The Tri-Can is made up of three translucent-lid containers with three internal compartments. If you need even more capacity, MTM offers a 5-can Ammo Crate system for $35.66.
⏺ Compact cleaning kit for pistols, rifles, shotguns from .22 Cal to 12ga
Here’s a handy pack for gun cleaning on the go. NOTE: For quality match rifles we recommend using a one-piece cleaning rod with a fitted bore guide. But if you have ARs, pistols or shotguns that need a quick clean, this compact Remington/Bushmaster kit can do the job. The Bore Squeeg-E Cleaning System Kit contains cleaning tools for ARs, rifles, shotguns and handguns in .223/5.56mm, .308/7.62mm, .357/.380/.38/9mm, .44/.45 and 12/16/20/28GA. The compact canvas pack features quiet zipper pulls, and MOLLE mountable rear-velcro straps. There are rifle and handgun Pull Cables with T-pull handle.
Here’s a great Do-It-Yourself project for tactical shooters. Ed and Steve of the 65Guys.com have created a versatile wooden barricade designed for easy transport. The goal with this design was to create a stable barricade that offers a variety of shooting positions, but can also fit in the bed of a pick-up or the back of an SUV. The 69″ tall barricade is hinged in the middle, so it’s just 27″ wide. To deploy the Barricade you simply fold it open and then nest the lower wings in ground-level stands.
We call this the BYOB Project — Build Your Own Barricade. Anyone with basic wood-working skills should find the Barricade prettyeasy to make. The only tricky part is cutting the side Dado joints for the left and right lower wings. But when you’ve got it completed, you have a low-cost unit that is versatile and sturdy yet easy to pack in a truck and carry out on the range. In the video below the 6.5 Guys showcase their Gen 2 barricade and explain how to build one just like it.
Looking at the 6.5 Guys Modular Barricade
The Modular Barricade was drawn up by Steve in PowerPoint and then dimensions added. Once the entire plan was created, Steve cut components to size and then used ordinary wood screws and wood glue to assemble the barricade frame. This was done to ensure maximum rigidity due to the light weight construction using 2″ x 2″ frame members. A long piano hinge was used to allow the Barricade to fold in half, while still having high torsional rigidity. Each of the Barricade openings are 12″ x 12″ square. This consistent ‘window’ spacing allows interchangeable panels with different cut-out shapes to be placed at varies heights/locations in the Barricade.
Modular Barricade Key Features
— Lightweight construction using low-cost 2×2 wood beams.
— Collapsible frame with center hinges for easy transport and deployment.
— Multiple Support levels at 6″ vertical intervals (6″ variance R to L).
— Modular port design allows ports to be changed and moved as desired.
6.5 Guys’ Modular Barricade — Construction Tips
The Modular Barricade can be constructed over a weekend with the proper materials and basic shop tools such as a power saw and electric screwdriver. Steve used a router for the side panel dado joints but a table saw could also be used for that task. Steve’s only real issue with the build involved the port panels — getting them to fit right. The 2″ x 2″ frame wood wasn’t always straight; even a small variation in the wood could cause a port panel to be too tight or too loose. Steve had to do a lot of extra sanding and planing to get the port panels to fit just right.
Where and How to Use the Barricade for Training
Because the 6.5 Guys’ Modular Barricade is so easy to move, you can simply pack it up and deploy it at your local range for practice. (Do ensure club/range rules allow shooting from barricades.) While the Barricade is designed to sit on the natural ground, the base stands can also be placed on concrete if your range does not allow deployment forward of the normal firing line. While you can use the Barricade for training on your own, Ed and Steve say novice shooters can benefit from a formal clinic.
MIL-system scopes are popular with tactical shooters. One advantage of MIL scopes is that the mil-dot divisions in the reticle can be used to estimate range to a target. If you know the actual size of a target, you can calculate the distance to the target relatively easily with a mil-based ranging reticle. Watch this helpful NRA video to see how this is done:
Milliradian Definition and Yardage Ranging Formula
“MIL” or “Milrad” is short-hand for Milliradian, a unit of angular measurement. The subtension of 1 mil equals 3.6 inches at 100 yards or 36 inches at 1,000 yards. (In metric units, 1 mil equals 10 centimeters at 100 meters or 1 meter at 1,000 meters.) Knowing this subtension and knowing the size of the target (or a reference object near the target) allows the distance to the target to be estimated with considerable accuracy. The formula used to calculate range (in yards) based on MIL measurement is:
Height of Target in inches (divided by 36) x 1000, divided by the number of mils.
For example, if a 14″ tall target spans 3 mils from top to bottom, the distance is 129.67 yards calculated as follows: 14/36 x 1000 = 389, then divided by 3 = 129.67. You can also use a different conversion to find distance in meters.
Can You Estimate Range with an MOA-Marked Reticle? Yes You Can…
Reader Josh offers this handy advice: “It worth noting that the ability to measure range is not unique to mil-based systems. A MIL is just another unit for measuring angles, and any angular measurement will work. Considering that just about everybody knows that 1 MOA is about an inch per hundred yards, similar formulae can be developed for ranging with MOA marks. The advantage with mils is the precise relationship between units — the MOA-inch measurement is imprecise (being off by 0.047″) — so in principle MILs are a better unit”.
