Presumed Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, called the firearm industry “the enemy” from the debate stage one year ago. Now the Democratic Party’s Official Platform lays out an agenda to dismantle the firearm and ammunition industry and destroy Second Amendment rights in America.
How do the Democrats plan to attack your gun rights? CLICK HERE to find out. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) posted the party’s draft platform online. This platform will be formally adopted during the Democratic convention in Milwaukee in mid-August. Just two paragraphs of the 80-page document are dedicated to firearms, but the message is clear. The DNC Draft Platform includes:
Halting and criminalizing online firearm and ammunition sales
Forcing states to require licenses for owning any firearms
Instituting delay processes for background checks
Criminalizing private firearm transfers
Banning the manufacture and sale of modern sporting rifles
Banning the manufacture and sale of 10+ Rd capacity magazines
Enacting ex parte “red flag” laws to seize guns without legal recourse
Mandating home storage requirements under penalty of law
Repealing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act
Require Licenses for Firearm Ownership
The right to “keep and bear arms” is a fundamental right recognized by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, the Democrats want to restrict Second Amendment freedoms by requiring that all Americans first obtain a license before being allowed to purchase any firearms. This licensing scheme would be carried out by incentivizing “states to enact licensing requirements to own firearms[.]
Ban and Confiscate ARs and other Modern Sporting Rifles
The DNC platform contemplates the confiscation of modern sporting rifles. Biden has told voters he would appoint former U.S. Rep. Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke as his gun control sheriff, after O’Rourke said “Hell, yes…” to forcibly confiscating modern sporting rifles. Biden answered CNN’s Anderson Cooper when he asked if his federal buyback plan would mean the government would confiscate firearms. “Bingo,” Biden said. “You’re right, if you have an assault weapon. The fact of the matter is they should be illegal, period.”
Authorize Delays in FBI NICS Background Check System
Changes called for in the DNC platform will cause delays in the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System for gun sales. Right now, 91% of all NICs background checks are completed within a few minutes. Just 9% are delayed. Of those, 88% are finalized within three working days. The Democrats want to see background checks held up and delayed for many reasons.
Repeal of Protections for Gun Makers against Litigation
The DNC also seeks to revoke the Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which blocks lawsuits against gun-makers arising from criminal activity by individuals. Such lawsuits threaten a vital American industry. Allowing a lawsuit against a firearms company for the actions of a deranged criminal would be like allowing a lawsuit against an automaker if a drunk driver runs a red light or deliberately runs over a pedestrian. The maker of the car, or firearm, should NOT be financially responsible for the illegal actions of product users.
AccurateShooter’s Target Page provides over 50 FREE downloadable targets. You’ll find all types of targets — sight-in targets, varmint targets, rimfire targets, bullseye targets, tactical targets, load development targets and more. CLICK HERE for all our free targets, including our popular LOAD DEV target.
On this load development target, all your load data fits neatly in the boxes under each target. The diamonds have 1/2″ sides and you can align your cross-hairs on the horizontal and vertical lines. When we test, we crank in a little elevation, setting the point-of-impact higher. That way our shots fall in the gray circles, leaving the red diamonds intact for precise aiming.
Storm Tactical Targets — Hundreds of FREE, Printable Targets
If you want an even greater selection of targets, specialized for PRS and NRL shooters, Storm Tactical offers a vast collection of tactical targets, available in three different versions: MOA, MIL Yards, and MIL Meters. Storm Tactical also has a rimfire target set. This includes side-by-side target blocks for fun, one-on-one competition. Overall there are 299 Storm Tactical Targets in four downloadable sets.
CLICK links to launch each Storm Tactical target collection. Then you can click the download icon to save to your hard drive. OR, you can scroll up and down to select the target(s) you like which you can tell your printer to print. We do recommend downloading the complete archives. File sizes are listed.
Here’s a Tikka T3 in Third Eye Tactical cerakoted chassis.
Rimfire Twin Target, for One-on-One Shooter Challenges
You’ll find this fun target on the third page of the Rimfire Target Pack. Just download the PDF file and instruct your printer to deliver page three. Or print out all six (6) rimfire targets if you like.
Here’s good news for PRS/NRL shooters, and factory-class competitors at local bench and varmint matches. Berger is now offering factory-loaded ammunition with Lapua brass and Berger’s outstanding, match-proven Long Range Hybrid Target™ (LRHT) bullets. This new loaded ammo is offered for the 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges. Get the 109gr LRHT bullet in 6mm Creedmoor, or choose a 144gr or 153.5gr LRHT bullet in 6.5 Creedmoor.
Berger Long Range Hybrid Target ammunition features Berger’s high-BC, LRHT bullet, which is Doppler Radar-verified to less than 1% BC variation. LRHT ammo is assembled with Lapua cartridge cases and clean-burning, temperature insensitive propellants. These Berger cartridges are meticulously constructed to exacting tolerances — you will be pleased with the accuracy and low ES numbers.
Berger Long Range Hybrid Target™ Ammunition is available now in these offerings:
6mm Creedmoor 109 gr LRHT | 6.5 Creedmoor 144 gr LRHT | 6.5 Creedmoor 153.5 gr LRHT
Another major outdoor industry event falls to pandemic pressures. The 39th Annual BLADE Show, scheduled for August 7-9 in Atlanta, Georgia, has been officially cancelled. The organizers hope to hold the event June 4-6, 2021 (next year), at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. IMPORTANT: Current Exhibitors and Ticket Holders will receive further instructions via email.
Posting on BladeShow.com, event organizers declared:
Unfortunately, we have reluctantly come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of all concerned to cancel BLADE Show 2020.
Please know that we did not reach this decision lightly. Having been in daily contact with guests, exhibitors, local officials and the show venue for the past two months, it has become apparent that we cannot present a 2020 event that meets exhibitor and attendee expectations and BLADE Show standards.
While the state of Georgia continues to grapple with decisions about new guidelines and restrictions to deal with the pandemic, BLADE Show too recognizes its responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. BLADE Magazine and the BLADE Show staff appreciate the support we received from our many industry friends who worked with us to plan for the alternate August dates after we were forced to cancel the original June event.
What will blade and knife fans be missing? Check out this video from Blade Show 2019:
The Sniper’s Hide Cup competition went forward this year, despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event took place June 20-21, 2020 in Colville, WA. This was a backcountry match, set in beautiful green mountain scenery. Here are images from the 2020 SH Cup as posted on the Sniper’s Hide Facebook Page. Congrats to Frank Galli (aka “Lowlight”), founder of Sniper’s Hide, and all the participants in the event. Looks like a great two days of shooting.
The Everyday Sniper Episode 260: Sniper’s Hide Cup 2020
After the 2020 SH Cup event, Frank Galli hosted an informative podcast:
Topics include: Stages, Targets, Equipment, Mindset, First-Time Competitors
Frank: “I’m back from the Sniper’s Hide Cup in Colville, Washington. I’ll be breaking down some lessons learned and give you my observations from the field and competitors with whom I spoke. [We cover] the experience of attending a match and helping new shooters — the juniors, the first time competitors, and how you work with them. Thanks for listening, sharing, and commenting on the Everyday Sniper Podcast.”
Modern F-Class and Palma Rifles are long. With barrels up to 32″ in length these big rigs won’t fit in your average gun case — either fabric covered or hard shell. Likewise, it seems like PRS rifle are getting longer each season, as competitors find longer barrels provide greater velocity and heavier rifles have more stability, allowing shooters to see hits better.
So, if you have a rifle that measures over 48″ in length, you have two options for transport — first separate the stock from the barreled action, or get a very large carry case that allows extended length rifles to be transported. This article reviews hard and soft rifle cases options for long-barreled rifles.
Large Hard Shell Rifle Cases (at least 50″ Interior)
What to Look For in Hard Rifle Carry Cases
When you are considering a large rifle case you, first measure your rifle and make sure it will fit within the INTERIOR dimensions. With some rifles you can make more clearance by removing or adjusting the buttplate system. Then consider the duties. If you will be traveling by commercial airline, you definitely need a hard case — no way around that. Will you be carrying one rifle or two — that will dictate the case you buy. For max flexibility you’ll want foam like the SKB so you can have various rifles. For max security during transport, however, it makes sense to have dense foam that is customized to fit your rifle.
SKB Double Rifle Case, 56″
Expensive but built like a tank — that describes SKB Cases. These high-quality hard sided cases are ideal for airline transport, with very tough exteriors, great padding, and strong hinges. The SKB model 2SKB5009 Double Rifle Case is an excellent choice for carrying two rifles long distances. This has a very tough exterior with a metal middle frame for extra strength. Priced at $304.99, this case has exterior dimensions: 56″ L x 16.5″ W x 9.5″ H. This photo shows the case carrying both an M1A and an M1 Garand. NOTE: The foam is not really customizable. This is not the best choice if you plan to carry a single rifle and a spotting scope and a second barrel.
Pelican Vault Series Rifle Cases
Pelican Products, known for premium hard-shell transport cases also offers a more affordable VAULT series of cases. Pelican’s VAULT cases offer durability and security at a lower price point. VAULT cases range in price from $39.99 to $199.95 and are backed by a 1-year guarantee. The VAULT rifle cases all feature wheels, easy-to-use push-button latches, and four stainless steel lock hasps for security. There is also a brightly colored Hi-Viz strip on the front of Pelican’s VAULT cases. This will make it easier to spot your case at airport baggage areas. At around $200.00, the model V800 double-rifle case features a 53″ x 16″ x 6″ interior. That’s long enough for F-Class rifles and tactical rigs with brakes. The model V770 single-rifle case is 50″ × 10″ × 6″ inside. That’s still big enough for most hunting, varmint, and benchrest rifles.
Plano Two-Gun Tactical Case
This Plano two-gun case is Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in wheeled, heavy-duty firearms cases. This is offered in three sizes: 36″, 42″, and 52″. We like the biggest 52″ version, ($115.99 on Amazon), as it is long enough inside to fit most scoped match rifles. Alternatively, if you have a really long F-Class, ELR, or Palma rig, you can detach the barreled action from the stock, and run the two sections in the shorter 42″ case. The big case lets you easily carry TWO scoped hunting rifles. That’s great because this case is strong enough for airline travel, meeting FAA requirements for checked baggage. This Plano case offers a good balance between strength and weight, all for a reasonable cost.
Large Soft Rifle Cases (at Least 50″ Interior)
What to Look For in Soft Rifle Carry Cases
With soft cases, look at the quality of zippers, slings, and shoulder straps. It’s nice to have pockets, but remember most of your accessories (spotting scopes, stands, bipods, rear bags etc.) will be carried separately, so the pockets may not really be that critical. Consider the fabric — is it waterproof? That’s important if you live in a wet region such as Oregon or Washington.
Champions Choice Deluxe 58″ Rifle Case, $72.00
Many of our readers shoot Palma, F-Class, and ELR rifles with long barrels (up to 35″). It’s difficult to find high-quality, well-padded cases that fit very long rifles. Champion’s Choice offers just such a product, the 58″ Deluxe Soft Rifle Case. With thick 1″ padding on each side, big pockets, and backpack straps, this black/blue/white gun case has earned rave reviews from our Forum members. There’s plenty of room for big scopes, and it even comes with an internal tube to hold your cleaning rod.
Bulldog 54″ Long Range Rifle Case, $106.99
Highly rated by buyers, Bulldog Long Range Rifle Case fits rifles up to 52.5″ long. Priced at $106.99 at Guncases.com, the Bulldog LR has many impressive features, and is one of the best soft cases you can buy for long match rifles. This versatile case boasts a tough 600-dernier water-resistent outer shell, plus quilted inner lining with Velcro tie downs. There are two zippered center pockets plus an external zippered pocket at front for suppressor storage. The main compartment zippers are lockable.
Creedmoor Sports 52″ Nylon Case for Match Rifles, $76.95
52″ Creedmoor Sports Soft Case
At the request of many High Power shooters, Creedmoor Sports has created a high-grade 52″x10″ softcase. That’s tall and long enough to fit a Tubb 2000, or AR-based spacegun with long barrel. The Creedmoor case is one quality offering, with nice 1″ thick close-cell foam padding plus tough Cordura nylon on the outside and nylon pack cloth on the inside. Both materials are urethane-coated for water proofing. Another nice feature are the integral backpack straps (see photo left). These free your hands to carry rests, spotting scopes or other gear.
Savior double rifle cases come in sizes from 36″ to 55″ in an assortment of colors. A great choice for long PRS and match rifles, the biggest Savior Gun Case (55″ model) can hold two rifles up to about 53.5″ OAL. Multiple colors and five lengths are available: 36″, 42″, 46″, 51″, 55″. The big 55″ case is $96.99 at Amazon while the 51″ version is $91.99. With comfortable shoulder straps, these cases can hold TWO rifles and just about all the accessories you’d want to pack.
Extreme 52″ Midsouth Gun Case (Budget Option)
For those on a tight budget, Midsouth Shooters Supply offers an Extreme 52″ padded gun case for just $30.16. This thickly-padded case is high enough in the center to fit most scoped rifles — even with big Nightforce scopes. Made by Bulldog Cases, the all-black Extreme 52″ case features a soft faux-fur inner lining, an external accessory pocket, and a removable shoulder strap.
For many riflemen, reading the wind is the toughest challenge in long-range shooting. Wind speeds and directions can change rapidly, mirage can be misleading, and terrain features can cause hard-to-predict effects. To become a competent wind reader, you need range-time and expert mentoring. In the latter department, Frank Galli, founder of Sniper’s Hide, offers a detailed digital resource: Wind Reading Basics for the Tactical Shooter.
Wind Reading Basics is much more than a 47-page eBook — it has charts, instructions for ballistic calculators, and even embedded videos. Galli explains: “We break down the formulas, walk you through using a ballistic computer, and give you all the information in one place. From videos, to useful charts, we make it simple to get started. It’s all about having a plan, and we give you that plan.”
Galli’s Wind Reading Basics, priced at $7.99, can be downloaded from iTunes for iPads, iPhones and iOS compatible devices. Here are sample sections from the eBook (which includes videos):
Shooting USA will broadcast a great episode today, January 15, 2020. There are three segments worth watching. First the TV show spotlights the popular GAP Grind, a Pro-Am PRS event at the K&M Precision complex in Tennessee. Then this episode covers the NRA World Shooting Championship (WSC) in Virginia. This unique Pro-Am event challenges shooters with a dozen stages, employing a wide variety of pistols, rifles, and shotguns supplied by the manufacturers. The WSC offers huge rewards — over $250,000 in cash and prizes! Finally, there is a historical feature on the Spencer Rifle this week.
SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs July 1, 2020 (Wednesday) at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central.
PART ONE– 2019 GAP Grind Feature on Shooting USA
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 is held at the impressive K&M Shooting Complex:
The GAP Grind 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.
Josh Temnnen Facebook photo.
GAP Grind Hardware
You’ll find the latest and greatest PRS hardware at the GAP Grind. Notable in 2019 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. Photo by Shelley Giddings.
PART TWO — NRA World Shooting Championship
In 2019, its sixth consecutive year, the NRA World Shooting Championship (WSC) returned to the Peacemaker National Training Center in Glengary, West Virginia. One of the nation’s biggest Pro-Am events, the WSC attracted many of the USA’s top professional shooters, along with talented amateurs. [NOTE: This year’s 2020 WSC has been cancelled due to COVID-19.]
This unique 3-day multi-gun match, held Sept. 18-21, 2019 tested competitors’ skills across twelve challenging stages involving nearly every major shooting discipline for rifles, shotguns, and pistols. Stages included fan favorites like 3-Gun, High-Power Silhouette, Cowboy Action, and more. For more information on the match, check out wsc.nra.org or email NRAhighpower@nrahq.org.
Is factory 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition good enough to win a PRS or NRL competition? The answer is a resounding “YES” if we’re talking about Berger ammunition. Produced with Berger match bullets and premium Lapua brass, this Berger 6.5 ammunition demonstrated excellent accuracy, impressive velocity, and very good ES/SD numbers. When tested at 1000 yards with an MPA-stocked PRS rig with Rem 700 action, this ammo showed just half-MOA of vertical, and produced a group that would have been a 50-1X in F-Class competition. That’s quite impressive for a PRS rig.
This ammo test was performed by our friend Erik Cortina from Texas. Erik is a top F-Class competitor who also shoots tactical matches (for fun and glory). Erik recently built a new 6.5 Creedmoor with a Remington 700 action. Though this rifle sports a top-shelf MPA chassis and premium Kahles scope, Erik calls this his “budget build” because it has a plain Rem 700 factory action rather than the elite Borden actions he normally runs. Erik’s actions of choice are the Borden Mountaineer for PRS and Borden BRM-XD for F-Class.
Erik posted: “Shot my budget 6.5 Creedmoor today with Berger Bullets factory ammo. I shot five rounds over the chrono to get speed. I used BC info from the box and it all lined up properly. I adjusted my ECTuner to tune load and it took just 15 shots to get it shooting well. It’s simple with good components.”
This Berger factory ammo features Berger 130gr Hybrid OTM Tactical bullets. The Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor cases have a large rifle primer. You can see this ammo displays good velocity with Extreme Spread and Standard Deviation rivaling good hand-loads.
Cortina says the very accurate Brux barrel and razor-sharp 6-24x56mm Kahles scope help achieve this kind of outstanding performance at 1000 yards. Here are the key components for Erik’s latest PRS rig:
Barrel Tuner by Erik Cortina — Fits Behind Muzzle Brake
This rifle features a barrel tuner designed and crafted by Erik Cortina. You can the ECTuner alone, or, as you can see, the ECTuner can be fitted BEHIND a muzzle brake. Erik tells us: “The ECTuner allowed me to tune the barrel to my ammo rather than tuning the ammo for barrel as is done when reloading. With the tuner, there is no need to try different brands of ammo as they can all be tuned to shoot as good as possible in my rifle.”
MPA Chassis Configuration Guide
Erik’s “budget” PRS rifle employs a MasterPiece Arms (MPA) BA Competition Chassis with Rapid Adjustment Technology (RAT). This MPA Arms Video shows how to set up an MPA Chassis to suit the owner:
Way back in 2008 we shot rimfire tactical events in California. These 22 LR Tactical Precision Matches were fun, with affordable rifles and low-cost ammo. And since you don’t have to spend long hours loading ammo, rimfire tactical matches are also great for people with limited free time. You experience the fun of shooting tactical comps with much lower cost and WAY less prep time.
Over the past few seasons, NRL22 competitions have become popular nationwide. Now the leaders of the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) are planning to join the rimfire tactical game. Earlier this month, PRS organizers announced that the PRS will launch a new PRS Rimfire Series for 2020-2021:
The 2020-2021 PRS Rimfire Series is Launching Soon!
The PRS has been inundated with requests to put the PRS engine, national infrastructure, and outstanding partnerships behind the launch of a brand new PRS Rimfire Series for the 2020 and 2021 season. Over the last few months match directors, regional directors, our shooters, and PRS industry partners have communicated loud and clear that you want a Rimfire Series done the PRS way — and done right.
The Ruger Precision Rimfire should be a popular Factory Class option for PRS Rimfire
Rimfire tactical shooting offers outstanding “bang for the buck” compared to centerfire PRS. Rifles cost less, and .22 LR ammo costs a fraction of centerfire rounds. You don’t have to spend hours hand-loading your ammo. Travel time is reduced because you only need a range with targets out to 200 yards or so.
John Parker, Editor of Shooting Sports USA, explains the appeal of a rimfire PRS series: “PRS … has evolved into a top-tier shooting league, complete with a slick website and leaderboard rankings with data gathered from regional matches held across the country. The group plans to take the same approach with the proposed rimfire series[.] By throwing its hat into precision rimfire competition, PRS joins established .22 LR long-range games like the Lapua Practical Rimfire Challenge and NRL22[.]”
With ergonomics identical to a full-size centerfire fire, the .22 LR Bergara B-14 could become a popular choice for the future PRS Rimfire series. Photo by UltimateReloader.com.
PRS Seeks Input from Match Directors and Competitors
The PRS leadership is excited about its new national rimfire series: “Match Directors, shooters, and our partners appreciate that nothing that comes close to the PRS national level organization, leadership, experience and unrivaled website capabilities. Our series score tracking capabilities from the individual club level to the national level are simply unmatched.
We know that the rimfire community is primarily at your local club level and we have ensured that clubs will be able to provide their shooters with a PRS series that is easy to be a part of and provides loads of PRS benefits. Every PRS Rimfire club will have [its] own club page on our website that automatically calculates and tracks internal club rimfire series scores using the same simple upload system you have all come to love. Scores from each Rimfire Club will populate the corresponding Regional PRS Rimfire Series, modeled after the booming PRS Regional Series. Rimfire shooters will compete for standings at their local club level and also within their region… all rimfire shooters will receive a PRS Rimfire profile that tracks all of their scores, highlights their equipment, and celebrates their achievements.
Over the next few weeks, we will be gathering more of your input. We are forming a PRS Rimfire Committee composed of shooters, industry partners, and match directors. If you are a shooter, sponsor, or MD and would like to be a part of this conversation, email info@precisionrifleseries.com.”
PRS Rimfire Preview — .22 LR Long Range Precision Match in Minnesota
Want a preview of PRS Rimfire competition? In this video, Dave Timm of GunsandTactics.com shoots a Vudoo V-22 bolt gun in the Minnesota .22 LR Long Range Precision Rimfire Match at the Rush Lake Range. This PRS-style match had targets out to 300 yards during the main match, followed by a long range challenge out to 465 yards. Dave’s Vudoo Gunworks V-22 rifle features a Grayboe Ridgeback stock and Trijicon Accupower 4.5-30x56mm FFP scope. Dave was shooting Lapua Center-X .22 LR ammunition.
If you want an even greater selection of targets, specialized for PRS and NRL shooters, 
52″ Creedmoor Sports Soft Case
Cortina says the very accurate Brux barrel and razor-sharp 6-24x56mm Kahles scope help achieve this kind of outstanding performance at 1000 yards. Here are the key components for Erik’s latest PRS rig:
