Here’s a radical new rifle. Instead of a vertical trigger that moves rearward when pulled by the index finger, this Blackwater T.O.R. A1 rifle has a lever INSIDE the lower receiver. That lever is moved by the operator’s THUMB, causing the rifle to fire. The claimed benefits of the “thumb-gun” are: 1) Improved Ergonomics (thumb stays in alignment with point of aim); 2) Better Mechanics (thumb is strongest digit and can manipulate lever easily); 3) Enhanced Safety (trigger blade/lever is not exposed).
This AR-type rifle was developed by Iron Horse, now partnered with Blackwater Worldwide. The new T.O.R. (aka “Thumb Operated Receiver”) A1 is the industry’s first AR-platform rifle incorporating patent-pending, lever-driven fire technology.
Iron Horse A1 Precision Rifle
The manufacturer has made some interesting claims about this new thumb-lever system. Blackwater/Iron Horse claims that “Multiple samples of users show a shorter learning curve and reduced shot group size”, and that the design “lends to greater accuracy in precision shooting… with its inherent natural ergonomics.” One claim we do believe, is that the thumb lever may help disabled shooters. Additionally the manufacturer notes that because the “trigger guard completely encases the trigger” there is less chance of snagging the trigger in brush or vegetation.
How the Lever Trigger Works
The operator’s thumb goes into a port in the top of the polymer grip (see grip photo above). This allows ambidextrous firing by right- or left-handed shooters. The thumb points forward, in line with the barrel. The lever itself is contained INSIDE the lower. Watch this video to see how it works:
Is the Thumb Lever a Game-Changer?
“Ironhorse’s revolutionary trigger system has the potential to be a game changer” states Eric Prince, Founder of Blackwater Worldwide. “Our in-house testing has shown a significant decrease in shot group size when compared to a traditional AR-15 trigger set. We think this technology … could replace traditional triggers altogether at some point.” The manufacturer states that the thumb-operated trigger “has been shown to greatly enhance the experience of a large portion of the shooting community and makes shooting possible for those who have limited mobility or severely injured fingers.”
About Iron Horse and Blackwater Worldwide Iron Horse Firearms, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, was founded by a former U.S. Marine Ryan McDonald. The Patent-Pending Thumb-Operated Receiver was first developed in August of 2016 and became a fully operational system in the fall of 2018. Moving forward, Iron Horse Firearms will be doing business as part of Blackwater Worldwide.
In 2019, Blackwater Worldwide re-entered the firearms and ammunition market in the United States. In its first year of operation, it has acquired or developed multiple firearms lines and a proprietary ammunition line. The company is headquartered in Concord, NC.
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.
This is a great deal — you can buy this Weatherby Vanguard Modular Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor for just $799.99 on sale. That’s less than you’d pay for most custom actions by themselves. Yes this Weatherby rifle qualifies for PRS Production class — it’s 100% within the rules.
Put the hundreds of dollars you save into optics, ammo, and a suppressor — the 20″ barrel comes pre-threaded for brake or suppressor. This rifle has a nice 2-stage trigger, and Luth AR adjustable buttstock fitted to a CNC-machined anodized aluminum chassis. Weatherby guarantees SUB-MOA accuracy with premium ammo. As tested by American Rifleman, this Weatherby has shown outstanding accuracy for a factory rifle — close to half-MOA for five shots. Three factory ammo types shot 0.53″, 0.55″, and 0.57″ respectively. That’s impressive.
2. Midsouth Shooters — Good Selection of Popular Powders
You need to visit Midsouth Shooters NOW and check out the powder supplies. As of the date of this story, Midsouth has quantities of very hard-to-find Hodgdon powders including H4350 and H4831. Those propellants will probably sell out quickly. In addition, there are extensive supplies of popular Alliant, IMR, Norma, Vihtavuori and Winchester powders. Yes Midsouth has Vihtavuori N133 for you 6PPC shooters. Sorry Reloder 16 and Reloder 23 are out-of-stock. [Update 4/6/20 11:20 EDT: H4350 and H4831 still available, but Varget is sold out.]
3. Costco — Cannon Large Executive Safe, $699.99 (Save $200!)
$200 manufacturer’s savings is valid 3/30/20 through 4/27/20. While supplies last.
Being a responsible gun owner means securing your weapons at all times. However, not everyone can afford a multi-thousand dollar safe. Cannon Safe has been making quality yet affordable safes for decades. Now you can grab Cannon’s Executive Series Safe for $699.99. This is a BIG, 43.8 cubic foot-capacity vault with 60 minutes fire protection. Price for this large 59″ H x 45″ W Safe is just $699.99 INCLUDING SHIPPING! This is an amazing deal for a very big safe. NOTE: Just last week this same safe was $899.99 at COSTCO, so you Save $200!
4. Midsouth Shooters — Hornady Auto Progressive Press, $439.99
Plus BONUS — 500 FREE Hornady Bullets
Hornady’s Lock-N-Load AP Auto-Progressive Press is an excellent high-output device with many outstanding features. The powder measure is very precise and much easier to adjust than Dillon systems. Lock-N-Load bushings allow fast die changes. This auto-indexing progressive press advances the shell plate one station with each pull of the handle. This Hornady AP press features a Quick Change Priming System, Quick Change Metering Inserts, EX-Ject case ejection, and Case-Activated Metering. This Hornady press in on sale now at Midsouth for just $439.99. IMPORTANT: Purchasers of this press qualify for 500 FREE Bullets through the Hornady “Get Loaded” Promotion.
We’ve seen Vortex scopes on crazy low prices before but they’re usually lower power models. Now you can grab a Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm with the BDC reticle for the amazingly low price of $249.99. Vortex offers one of the best warranties in the business, and this is an outstanding value. This scope previously sold for $429.99.
6. My Patriot Supply — 2-Week Emergency Food Supply, $87.00
This full 4-Week Emergency Food Supply contains 92 servings with eight food varieties for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. All meals are stowed in resealable, heavy-duty, 4-layer pouches. You’ll find 12 food varieties, with up to 25-year shelf life. Patriot Supply also sells a 4-week Food Supply for $197. That includes 12 food supplies and 282 servings.
7. MidwayUSA — Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat, $39.99
The MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat is now on sale for just $39.99, 33% off the regular $59.99 price. The Pro Series mat measures a full 73.5″ x 35.5″. Zippered pockets on the front flap hold ammo or log books. And there are webbing “pockets” for bipod feet so you can pre-load your bipod with forward pressure. This quality mat boasts 0.35″ thick padding, multiple pockets, 6 grommets for staking, and a nice carry strap. It’s easy to transport, rolling up to about nine inches in diameter. User reviews of this $39.99 Shooting Mat have been very positive.
8. Brownells — Electronic Muffs, $24.99 (40% Off)
Brownells new, Second Generation Premium Electronic Earmuffs incorporate dual microphones that let you hear range commands while suppressing harmful noises. These affordable NRR23 muffs fold for easy storage, and you can plug your smartphone into the 3.5mm input jack. The bottom half of the muffs are shaped for more clearance. Right now these muffs are discounted from $41.99 to $24.99 — a 40% savings!
9. Cabelas — 1000 rounds Browning .22 LR, $39.99
We’ve heard that folks are hoarding .22 LR rimfire ammunitino again. Thankfully some big retailers have NOT raised their prices. In fact, Cabela’s in running a sale right now on .22 LR Browning Performance Rimfire (BPR) Ammo. You can buy 1000 rounds for just $39.99, just 4 cents per round. If you don’t need that many rounds, Academy Sports has a great deal on Aguila .22 LR HiVel 40gr ammo. Right now you can get a 50rd box for $2.29! That’s just 4.6 cents per round.
10. Amazon — 30000 mAh Battery Pack Power Bank, $36.99
These days, we are using our battery-powered mobile devices more than ever. It’s easy to run your smart-phone down in a few hours. We recommend having a high-storage battery pack. We’ve tried quite a few over the last couple years, and frankly, some were disappointing. There are very good owner reviews for this Bextoo USB Power Bank, rated at 30000 mAh. We like the red case, which is easy to find in luggage. This unit boasts a handy LCD read-out showing remaining capacity. When fully charged, this Bextoo Battery Pack should provide 9 charges for iPhone 11, almost 7 charges for Samsung Galaxy S10, and 2.5 charges for an iPad Mini.
For our readers who are stuck at home under government orders, we are reprising a video feature about hunting in Norway. For those whose horizons have been limited due to the “shelter at home” response to the Coronavirus pandemic, we offer this getaway to scenic Vesterålen in northern Norway…
This is one of the finest shooting videos we’ve ever seen. Set in the scenic Vesterålen archipelago of northern Norway, this high-quality 15-minute video is part National Geograhic travelog, part ballistics lesson, part gear review. Given the current COVID-19 lockdowns, we wish we had the opportunity to join Ulf Lindroth and Thomas Haugland on their remarkable shooting adventure. This video was originally created for Great Britain’s Fieldsports TV Channel.
This is an outstanding video, recommended for anyone interested in long-range hunting.
Long range shooters Lindroth and Haugland traveled to the Arctic Circle to field test a new .338 LM Blaser R8 (in GRS stock) fitted with a Zeiss Victory V8 4.8-35x60mm scope. (Ammo is Norma-brand .338 Lapua Magnum). The video shows how they confirm the ballistics of the Norma factory ammo in the Blaser R8 rifle system.
Ulf and Thomas initially test out the system confirming drop at multiple yardages, and then use the rifle for practical accuracy. Ulf says: “If you know your hunting will demand a long shot, and you want to push the limit but still be sure to make the first-shot kill… If you want to do an ethical hunt, if you want to push that limit, you have to do [this kind of testing].”
Ulf Lindroth (above) observed: “We shot [at 808 meters] observed the misses, clicked our way into the target, and now we have the true drop at that distance… in this air pressure, in this temperature. From there we can start working to find our TRUE trajectory. And when we have THAT… we can get serious about some target shooting.”
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. Palmetto State Armory — JTS M12AK 12ga Shotgun, $399.99
For home defense, it’s hard to beat a shotgun. And a magazine-fed, semi-auto AK-type shotgun offers serious firepower in a compact package. This JTS M12AK 12ga 18″ Shotgun, features the proven, ultra-reliable AK47-type action. Yes it works great with shotshells. This 18″-barrel, 4.9-Star rated, semi-auto firearm takes a variety of magazine sizes, and is Saiga-mag compatible. If you want a high-capacity scatter-gun, this is a solid value at $399.99 from Palmetto State Armory.
2. Costco — Cannon Large Executive Safe, $699.99 (Save $200!)
$200 manufacturer’s savings is valid 3/30/20 through 4/27/20. While supplies last.
Being a responsible gun owner means securing your weapons at all times. However, not everyone can afford a multi-thousand dollar safe. Cannon Safe has been making quality yet affordable safes for decades. Now you can grab Cannon’s Executive Series Safe for $699.99. This is a BIG, 43.8 cubic foot-capacity vault with 60 minutes fire protection. Price for this large 59″ H x 45″ W Safe is just $699.99 INCLUDING SHIPPING! This is an amazing deal for a very big safe. NOTE: Just last week this same safe was $899.99 at COSTCO, so you Save $200!
3. Midsouth Shooters — Fiocchi 9mm Luger Ammo, $12.99/50
Currently pistol ammunition is in very high demand, particularly 9mm Luger (9x19mm). Some dealers have doubled or even tripled the price of their 9mm pistol ammo. Thankfully, Midsouth Shooters continues to offer Fiocchi 9mm Luger ammo for just $12.99 per 50ct box. That works out to $0.26 per round. This is reliable ammo with 115gr FMJ bullets and reloadable brass cases.
With plenty of high-end spotting scopes available on the market it’s easy to forget there are some very good, affordable spotters out there. Among the better budget-priced spotting scopes is the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x60mm Spotting Scope. Both angled and straight-body versions are on sale now for $399.00. This spotter is backed by a rock-solid, Vortex lifetime warranty. The 20-60X zoom range is ideal for viewing mirage or bullet holes on distant targets.
Do you need an electronic powder scale and dispenser? Check out this great deal at Midsouth Shooters Supply. Suggested retail for the ChargeMaster Lite is $299.99. Amazon’s best price for this unit is $269.99. But now you can get it for just $219.99 at Midsouth. So you can save $50.00 with this Midsouth sale. Put the money saved into bullets or powder. The RCBS ChargeMaster Lite is the modern second generation Scale/Dispenser, descended from the original ChargeMaster. The ChargeMaster Lite features an easy-to-use LCD touchscreen. Dispenser precision is plus/minus 0.1 grains. The unit comes with twin check weights and a convenient plastic cover for the powder pan.
6. Graf’s — Tipton Ultra Gun Vise, $99.95
Cleaning and working on your guns requires a solid platform. Most gun cleaning stands aren’t adjustable enough or are too flimsy. Not so with the Tipton Ultra Gun Vise. Weighing-in at about 10 pounds, this beefy gun vise provides a steady base. The frame is metal for strength, features stout adjustable jaws, specialized AR holder, and several accessory trays. Threaded feet allow the vise to be leveled on your bench (or the ground). With this system you can work on just about anything including bolt-action rifles, AR-platform rifles, shotguns, pistols, and even compound bows and crossbows. To fit wide forearms, you may have to remove or modify the front pad(s). Our Deals Editor, who owns this gun vise, reports this is an outstanding product, well worth the $99.95.
Are you tired of big heavy sleds for range shooting but they don’t provide any kind of easy adjustment or target acquisition? Check out the Caldwell Precision Adjustable Turret Rest. It offers quick horizontal and vertical adjustment making it great for target shooting as well as varminting from a bench. Amazon user ‘Jet Mech 1′ reports “…it’s REALLY solid! Solid steel legs and everything is heavy duty. It’s really compact. Easily fits in the smallest car trunk. So, if you’re limited on space going to the range, this is ideal. It holds your firearm very securely. The tilt and pan is super smooth and precise. This is the perfect platform for an AR-style rifle but works equally well for just about anything.”
8. Grizzly or Amazon — Dewalt Storage Box on Wheels, $69.99
Grizzly offers FREE Shipping on this rolling Dewalt box and all non-freight items over $35.00.
More and more we see range bags being traded out for rolling range boxes. Wheeled toolboxes such as the Dewalt TSTAK storage box have become the new go-to way of easily transporting gear to the line. The best part of these systems is that you can easily stack a smaller fitted Dewalt box on top such as the flat top toolbox or the deep drawer organizer and create the range box combo that works best for you. These smaller boxes mate with recesses in the top of the larger TSTAK Deep Box with Wheels.
9. Amazon — Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System, $19.97
The current pandemic has made many people realize they were not prepared for unexpected events. Safe drinking water is vital. If clean tap water is not available, and your bottled water runs out, having an emergency filter is important. At only $19.97 the Sawyer MINI Water Filter is a small and inexpensive way to have an emergency water source during times of crisis.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, many of our readers are dusting off their AR-platform rifles. 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 Sunday GunDay 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.
With the USA in the throes of a pandemic, home security is more important than ever. A large, heavy conventional safe is still the best way to store your full firearms collection. However, when seconds count, a rapid-access system may be a smart option. Using RFiD technology, and a spring-loaded door, this kind of rapid-access vault lets you instantly get your hands on your primary defensive rifle or shotgun.
For home use, we like this RAPiD Safe AR Gunlocker from Hornady. The spring-loaded door opens instantly when activated by the owner’s personal RFID devices. The AR Gunlocker ($389.99 on Amazon) also has a keypad so you can enter a combination if your RFID “key” is not around. Or you can use the supplied manual barrel-style metal key. Watch the video to see how the system works:
The RAPiD Safe AR Gunlocker RFID safe secures long guns in a steel-walled vault that can be stored in a closet, under a bed, or even in your vehicle. This will hold an AR and a shotgun with foam inserts. There are several options for entry: 1) Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag system; 2) KeyPad; 3) Manual barrel-style metal key.
Provided Access Devices
For the AR Gunlocker, Hornady provides one RFID Wristband, one RFID Key Fob, and two RFID “stickers”. As a secondary entry method, you can program a four- to six-digit security code. Finally, you can use a manual lock if all power fails.
RAPiD Safe AR Gunlocker Specifications:
Exterior: 42″ Wide x 15.25″ Deep x 6.75″ High
Interior: 40.5″ Wide x 13.5″ Deep x 5.5″ High
Weight: 55 pounds
Power: 12-volt DC (with transformer from AC wall outlet) or four (4) AA batteries.
Here are some gun-industry news highlights for the week. With the Coronovirus pandemic dominating the news, there have been some important developments. First, we are seeing a huge spike in ammo sales, along with significant growth in gun purchases. Second, groups are fighting State Executive Orders mandating closures of gun stores. Third, a number of gun accessory companies are gearing up to provide health-related products such as N95 masks and disinfectants.
Ammunition Sales Spike with Widespread Concerns Over Coronavirus Pandemic
The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) SCOPE data platform reported a 168% spike in ammunition shipments for the week ending March 14. For all of 2020 so far, ammo shipments are up 21%.
Ammo Sales up 168% Nationwide
During the week ending March 14, distributors shipped close to $10,000,000 worth of ammunition, representing a 168% bump above the 3-year average for the same week. In some states, SCOPE DLX shows up to a 600% growth in ammunition shipments. Overall, ammunition shipments are up 21% year-to-date (YTD).
Gun Sales Rising Significantly
Concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic continue to drive firearms sales as well. According to Chris Means, NASGW Director and President of Tactical Gear Distributors, ammunition was the first category to spike but firearms have been following, with high demand for carry guns are ARs. Firearms shipments were up 13.74% compared to the 3-year average for March 8-14.
About the Data Tracker: NASGW SCOPE is an analytics platform for shooting sports manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. SCOPE DLX collects weekly shipment data from 20 leading distributors that represent demand from FFLs across the United States.
AR15s Are in High Demand Again — Sales are Rising
Gun Industry News — Coping with a Crisis
Legal Challenge to New Jersey Closure of Firearms Dealers
The Second Amendment Foundation has filed a lawsuit challenging New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s order shutting down firearms dealers in the Garden State. In Kashinsky v. Murphy, the SAF is joined by the New Jersey Second Amendment Society in alleging violation of “civil rights under color of law” by shutting down firearms dealerships, preventing citizens and businesses from exercising their rights under the Second and Fourteenth Amendments. Federal Judge Judge Shipp has set Friday, April 3 as the deadline for the state’s opposition brief to the SAF’s suit. This important Second Amendment case could have ramifications across the nation.
New York Shutters Kimber Manufacturing Plant in Yonkers NY
In related news, the Kimber Plant in New York state has been closed in response to executive orders. Due to the New York state decision to shutter non-essential businesses as part of the COVID-19 response plan, Kimber Mfg. Inc. has stopped production at its New York facilities. Production continues at Kimber’s new, state-of-the-art Troy, Alabama manufacturing facility.
NOTE: In many other states, firearms and ammunition production facilities, along with retail gunstores, ARE recognized as “essential businesses” and therefore allowed to stay open. For a state-by-state run-down, read the NSSF Covid-19 Information and Resources for FFLs.
Radians Donates 14,000 N95 Masks to TN Hospitals
Radians, manufacturer of quality safety eyewear and hearing protection for shooters and hunters, donated over 14,000 N95 masks to medical facilities in Memphis, TN. Wisely, in 2018 Radians added the N95 respirator to its line of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Radians CEO, Mike Tutor, said the N95 mask donation “represents Radians’ corporate responsibility to help during challenging times. With a worldwide shortage of respirator masks, we knew this donation would quickly assist first responders and health care workers [during] the COVID-19 crisis. The respirators will also be of service at COVID-19 test sites.”
Otis Technology Joins the Fight Against COVID-19
Otis Technology has partnered with Saint Lawrence Spirits to make, bottle and distribute hand sanitizer to first responders in desperate need during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Otis Technology began using its facilities — normally used to manufacture firearms maintenance products — to immediately begin manufacturing personal protective equipment.
Here are the main tools you’ll need to assemble an AR-platform rifle
In these challenging times, many Americans are buying an AR-type rifle, or starting an AR project — assembling the rifle from available uppers, lowers, and parts kits.
If you are planning to put together an AR-platform rifle or upgrade your AR with a new barrel, stock, or trigger group, here’s a tip. Check out the AR-15 Rifle Build DVD from our friends at UltimateReloader.com. This DVD covers all the details of a custom build, using high-resolution video sequences, and helpful supporting graphics.
In this DVD, Gavin Gear guides you through the entire process including selecting components, acquiring and using the necessary tools, assembly steps and details for each component, and even mounting a scope. Building an AR-15 can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance and help it’s not difficult and can be very rewarding. With this DVD you’ll be able to build your AR-15 with confidence.
Upper: Barrel / Gas Block / Gas Tube
Upper: Handguard Installation
UltimateReloader.com’s AR-15 Build DVD is available just $9.90 (plus $3.80 shipping/handling). This DVD can pay for itself many times over by showing you how to do your own gunsmithing (and get quality AR components at attractive prices).
Buy a Schmidt & Bender PMII Scope, and get a Tikka Tactical Rifle for $199.00.
Yes, you read that right.
Here’s the deal — if you purchase a Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56mm PMII riflescope from EuroOptic, you will receive a complete .308 Win Tikka T3X TAC A1 Rifle for just $199.00. Total Scope + Rifle Price is $3499.00. Effectively you save $1599.00. But you have to act quickly — this special Scope + Rifle Sale ends 3/29/2020 at 11:59 pm EDT.
Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56mm PMII FFP Scope
This is an ultra-high quality German-made First Focal Plane (FFP) scope with 0.1 MRAD Click values. The double-turn elevation turret offers a full 26 MRAD of vertical adjustment. The reticle is the excellent illuminated P4LF design. This 5-25x56mm scope boasts 3.54″ of eye relief plus 90% light transmission. In the FFP tactical optics world, this is as good as it gets. S&B PMII Scope Specifications HERE.
Tikka T3x TAC A1 in .308 Winchester
The Tikka T3x is the latest generation of the T3 rifle. The T3X boasts a 3-shot sub-MOA accuracy guarantee right out of the box (expect considerably better than that with your handloads). Great for tactical disciplines, this rifle features an adjustable 2-stage trigger (2-4 lbs.), and adjustable modular chassis. For this deal, the Tikka T3x is chambered in .308 Winchester ONLY with choice of 20″ or 24″ barrel. A factory muzzle brake is included. With the 20″ barrel, rifle weight is 10.8 lbs. and OAL is 39.8″. FWIW, owners realy like this rifle. One buyer posted: “This rifle can flat-out shoot! I have one in 6.5 Creedmoor and love it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.” The Tikka T3X A1 rifle retails for $1798.00 by itself, so this is a great deal. Tikka T3x Rifle Specifications HERE.
Precision Rifle Challenge on Shooting USA This Week
This week, Shooting USA TV features a show that should interest PRS/NRL fans, tactical marksmen, and long range hunters. Run in Utah’s backcountry, the Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge is a unique long range competition with serious wind and elevation changes. This isn’t a typical PRS Pro Series match by any means. Participants in this challenging Precision Rifle match will have to deal with tough conditions not typically seen in other tactical matches. The match runs in summer in Utah, just across the state line from Evanston, Wyoming. Watch the show 3/25/20 on the Outdoor Channel.
Shooting USA will air Wednesday, March 25, at 9:00 PM Eastern (8:00 PM Central) on the Outdoor Channel. If you miss that, it runs again on Thursday afternoon. Look for Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel. In addition, you can watch all episodes of Shooting USA on the VIMEO channel by subscription. Each episode is just $0.99, about 1/10th what a movie ticket costs these days.
In addition to the Precision Rifle challenge, this week’s Shooting USA episode features to interesting rifles — one new, one historic.
Volquartsen Summit — Toggle Bolt Rimfire Precision Rifle
With the help of Volquartsen, John Scoutten has created a prototype .22 LR Rimfire Precision Rifle based on the toggle-bolt Summit action fitted in a modular chassis.
The Summit’s straight-pull toggle action is similar to the actions on competition Biathlon rifles. This allows very fast cycle times, without disturbing rifle placement. The Summit fits stocks made for the Ruger 10/22 and uses 10/22 magazines. But it’s a manual action, not blow-back semi-auto.
Enfield L42 A1 Sniper Rifle — History’s Guns
This week’s show also features a legendary WWII sniper rifle, Britain’s Enfield L42 A1. This special sniper rig was the last in a long line of military arms built on the famous Enfield .303-caliber bolt action.
Here’s a radical new rifle. Instead of a vertical trigger that moves rearward when pulled by the index finger, this Blackwater T.O.R. A1 rifle has a lever INSIDE the lower receiver. That lever is moved by the operator’s THUMB, causing the rifle to fire. The claimed benefits of the “thumb-gun” are: 1) Improved Ergonomics (thumb stays in alignment with point of aim); 2) Better Mechanics (thumb is strongest digit and can manipulate lever easily); 3) Enhanced Safety (trigger blade/lever is not exposed).
This is a great deal — you can buy this 
Ammunition Sales Spike with Widespread Concerns Over Coronavirus Pandemic
Volquartsen Summit — Toggle Bolt Rimfire Precision Rifle
