Many of our readers have never had a chance to shoot much past 600 yards. How far away does a 1000-yard+ target really seem to the naked eye? Well this short video answers that question. Gorilla Ammo, the video’s producers, used a camera-carrying aerial drone to fly downrange from the firing line all the way out to 1122 yards (and back again). Watch the drone footage at 0:00-0:07 and especially 0:48-1:03. The “bird’s-eye view” really gives you a sense of the distance. The “fly-back” at 0:48-1:03 time-mark is what makes this video worth watching.
The video features prone shooting at steel targets placed at 750 and 1122 yards. We do apologize for the lame, “oh so serious” voice-over which attempts to make this rather ordinary range session seem like some kind of life-changing experience. (Frankly, you may just want to turn the sound off — it’s that annoying.) It’s really not that big a deal to hit steel at 750 yards with a quality AR-15, chambered in .223 Rem, shooting Sierra 77 grain MatchKings.
Hitting Steel at 1122 Yards with 2540 FPS Ammo Can Be Challenging
The 1122-yard hits are a bit more impressive. Gorilla Ammo lists a relatively sedate 2540 fps Muzzle Velocity for its .223 Rem 77gr SMK ammunition. According to JBM Ballistics, at 1125 yards, that 2540 fps load has 68.3 MOA of drop from a 100-yard zero (firing at sea level and 80° F ambient). Morever the bullet goes trans-sonic around 750 yards (losing stability) and is traveling just 933 fps at impact. And the wind’s the killer — at 1125 yards, with this bullet/load, a mere 2 mph, full-value wind change can move the Point of Impact over three feet!
At a time when most major shooting championships have been cancelled, it’s great to see an event still taking place. The High Desert 3-Gun Championship in Idaho will be going forward June 12-14, 2020. Set at the Parma Rod & Gun Club in Idaho, it great to see an outdoor shooting competition going forward even as much of America still rankles under Pandemic stay-at-home orders. Match Registration is still open.
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pierce will be shooting the event, and he’s excited about the chance to compete in a beautiful location. He recently authored a story: Top 10 Reasons to Shoot the Aero Precision 3-Gun Championship. Pierce explains the appeal of the match — big prize table, excellent stages, and even a bit of PRS — there are long-range bonus stages with rifle targets out to 1000 yards.
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pierce at 2019 High Desert 3-Gun Championship. Note the Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun (on wood benchtop).
Among True Pierce’s reasons for attending the match, here are the most compelling:
1. Great Prize Payout — This year there is over $50,000 worth of prizes. Every one of the 200+ competitors should receive something. Prizes include guns, triggers, optics, ammo, gear, tools and more.
2. Great Stages — This is a true 3-gun match where you shoot ALL your firearms (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun) on ALL 10 stages. There are even bonus long-range targets out to 1000 yards. Bring an optional precision rifle for these long-range segments.
3. Great Location — The match is held in Idaho in a scenic outdoor setting at the Parma Rod & Gun Club Range, located an hour from Boise. There is outdoor camping at the range for just $10/night.
4. Great Experience — True Pierce reports: “It’s fun! Really fun! You’ll be shooting in bays, shoot houses, towers, natural terrain, and using cool props. The average shooter will spend four minutes shooting each stage and will shoot about 300 rounds of rifle, 300 rounds of pistol, 200 rounds of birdshot, 40 slugs, and 30 rounds of long-range.”
Long Range Precision (LRP) is a useful series of videos product by Ballistic Magazine and sponsored by Remington, Barnes Bullets, and Eotech. All six of the Season 1 LRP videos are embedded below for easy “binge watching”. In addition, all seven Season 2 episodes can be watched online on BallisticMag.com.
In this video series host Sean Utley covers many gear-related topics including rifle configuration, scope selection, chambering choices, ammunition options, bipods/tripods, and chronographs. In addition, the series covers training methods, bullet ballistics, wind reading, and rifle handling.
Most of this is pretty basic stuff, but it can be helpful for newcomers to long range shooting. For example, Season 1 Episode 4 covers chambering options including 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.
Season 1, Episode 1: Anatomy of a Long Range Precision Rifle
Season 1, Episode 2: Foundations of Long Range Shooting
Season 1, Episode 3: Mechanics of Long Range Shooting
Season 1, Episode 4: Best Calibers for Long Range Shooting
Season 1, Episode 5: Anatomy of Bullet Flight
Season 1, Episode 6: Critical Equipment for Long Range Shooting
Watch Latest Long Range Precision Season 2 Videos
Along with all these Season 1 videos, there are seven Season 2 videos available on BallisticMag.com. Season 2, Episode 2 is a good video on Adjusting for Wind. And if you are interested in learning how Doppler Radar is used to develop bullet designs, we recommend Episode 7 from Season 2. This 7-minute video covers the latest technology in ballistics radar. CLICK HERE to watch video.
We found two impressive optics sales for Memorial Day Weekend. Both these sales can potentially save you $500.00 or more. There are great deals on Horus optics, including a multi-product combo kit with scope, LRF, and Weather Meter. Or, if you are Law Enforcement or Military personnel, you can save 20% on top-tier Schmidt & Bender riflescopes.
Horus Optics — 15% Off Sitewide Plus Package Deal
Get 15% OFF site-wide and 25% OFF the HoVR Complete Long Range Solution Kit now through May 25th. You can save on scopes, Laser Rangefinders, Weather Meters and more. Note — this is a limited time offer, while supplies last. DEAL HERE.
The HoVR Kit features the HoVR 5-20×50 F1 Riflescope with TREMOR3 Reticle, the HoVR 2000 BT Laser Range Finder, and the HoVR Weather Meter. Use all devices with the FREE Horus Ballistics App for quick and accurate firing solutions. Save 25% this weekend only. DEAL HERE.
EuroOptic.com — 20% Off Schmidt & Bender for LE/MIL
Here’s a great deal if you are a Law Enforcement worker or member of the U.S. Military. Now through 11:59 pm on Monday May 25, 2020 (Memorial Day), you can save a full 20% on top-of-the-line Schmidt & Bender riflescopes and optics accessories.
Our friend Jason Baney explained that EuropOptic wanted to recognize the hard work and sacrifice of our LE/Mil community. Accordingly EuroOptic has created a special LE/MIL sale: “Now through Monday, any LE/MIL accounts that are set up with us will be eligible for 20% off all Schmidt & Bender scopes for Memorial Day weekend.” Note — you must have a LE/MIL registered account to see the 20% Off price. Jason explains: “Reduced pricing will show when you login to view.”
Horus Sale Tip from ELRResearcher. We welcome reader submissions.
Some have smaller stature. Ladies, on average, have smaller torsos and shorter arms than men. Junior shooters are also smaller than adults. For all these types of competitors, particularly ladies and juniors, McMillan Fiberglass Stocks has created the new A-10 stock. This new stock is shorter, lighter, and more compact than other popular McMillan stocks, such as the A-5 and A-6. It has a modified, more-forward grip, and the LOP adjusts down to 12 inches.
The A-10 incorporates features of McMillan’s popular tactical stocks but in a more compact format to match the ergonomic needs of smaller-frame shooters. The new A-10 is a well-balanced tactical design that combines a thinner forearm like the A3-5, a butt hook similar to the A-5, and the sleek lines of the A-6.
The vertical grip is positioned further forward than other A-series stocks, which allows for a more relaxed 90-degree trigger finger placement and shorter trigger reach — perfect for shooters with smaller hands. The grip also features a small shelf to assist in consistent hand placement and reduce fatigue. To further accommodate smaller-frame shooters, the adjustable buttstock can deliver a length-of-pull as short as 12 inches. An adjustable cheek-riser ensures optimal head alignment.
Britainy McMillan, McMillan V.P. of Operations, revealed how the A-10 was developed:
“We consulted many of the top shooters in the country throughout the R&D process of the A-10, including Regina Milkovich, one of the top competitors in PRS competition. We wanted to know what the pros would like to see in a precision stock, and the result is the A-10.
We feel this is the optimal rifle platform not only for women and other small-stature shooters, but especially for the youth shooter. The overall design, coupled with full adjustability in length-of-pull and cheek piece height, provides a stock that younger shooters can ‘grow with and not grow out of.’ We also went with the A-10 designation because this is a totally new stock in the McMillan lineup.”
If you’ve ever used a Harris Swivel Bipod, you know that, without tools, it is difficult to put enough tension on the swivel locking knob to really lock the unit solid. And, if you do manage to get the knob really tight (perhaps by using pliers), it is difficult to loosen with fingers alone.
That was why Terry Cross and the folks at KMW Long Range Solutions invented the Pod-Loc™. This system replaces the knurled swivel tension knob with a push-button adjustable handle. Using the handle you can easily set the swivel tension at any level from loose to “rock solid”. And you can release tension to adjust the bipod to different terrain just as easily. The genuine KMW Pod-Loc™ retails for $33.99 at Brownells.com.
How to Build Your Own Bipod Swivel Locking System
While we use genuine KMW Pod-Locs on our rifles, readers on a tight budget, or who have a large collection of bipod-equipped rifles, can economize by putting together their own swivel locking systems from off-the-shelf components. You can buy suitable levers from www.T-Nuts.com. This vendor offers a variety of appropriate handles, ranging in price from $7.70 to $10.00. So, by sourcing the parts, you can outfit four bipods with swivel adjusters for the cost of one Pod-Loc.
We recommend the Nylon/Stainless BPL/NS model ($7.70), but you may prefer the all-metal BPL-ZS ($8.50), or the shorter BPL-Micro model ($8.25). The compact Micro lock does not protrude past the body of the bipod, yet is still easily grasped. T-Nuts supplies one 3/16″ spacer with most of its bipod handles. T-Nuts handles are also available with a metric M6x1.0 thread for use with imported bipods such as Outers and Rockport.
Installation is Easy — With the Right Socket
To install a swivel locking system, first you’ll need a 1/4″ socket to remove the keeper nut from the threaded pivot rod. (During this process, you’ll need to keep pressure on the pivot rod retaining pin on the opposite side of the bipod.) Don’t try to remove the keeper nut with pliers or an open-end wrench. You really need the correct socket. Once that keeper nut is removed, then unscrew the knurled tension knob/ring. This is attached to the same threaded shaft as the keeper nut but you should be able to remove it without tools.
After the knurled tension ring is off, it is easy to put your handle on the bipod. First slip the 3/16″ spacer over the threaded pivot rod. Keeping finger pressure on the pivot rod retaining pin (on reverse side), then spin on the T-Nuts handle. Rotate the handle inwards until it firmly locks the bipod swivel mechanism. By pushing the button in the head of the handle, you can swing the handle left or right to set its position without altering the swivel tension.
We like AR-style .22LR rigs for Rimfire Tactical Matches and 3-Gun cross-training. With an AR-style rimfire rifle you can train with low-cost ammunition while enjoying the same ergonomics, controls, and sighting systems found on your centerfire ARs.
Smith & Wesson offers an upgraded version of its M&P 15-22, a fun rifle that we’ve praised in the past. The enhanced M&P 15-22 Sport MOE SL model (Magpul Original Equipment Slim Line) features a more comfortable handguard, an improved grip, and an adjustable Magpul buttstock. The dedicated .22 LR M&P rifle retains the look and features of the company’s popular M&P rifle line, with the enhanced ergonomics of Magpul furniture. The M&P 15-22 Sport MOE SL model is offered with either Flat Dark Earth (Tan) stock and grips, or with Matte Black components. MSRP is $505.00, with street price around $450.00.
Click Image for full Spec Sheet.
Here is an interesting Long-Term Test of the M&P 15-22 Sport MOE SL:
IMPORTANT: If you are considering buying an M&P 15-22, then definitely watch this video. It explains which types of ammo (CCI, Browning) work well, and which caused issues (Federal bulk). In addition the video explains how best to clean and maintain the rifle.
The M&P 15-22 Sport MOE SL features a high-strength polymer upper and lower receiver. In addition to the standard features of the M&P 15-22 Sport rifle, which include front and rear MBUS folding sights and the M&P Slim M-LOK handguard, the new MOE SL version comes with a Magpul mil-spec carbine stock, SL Grip, and Magpul Type2 M-LOK rail covers. The M&P 15-22 SPORT MOE SL is available in matte black or flat dark earth finishes and comes with a 25-round .22 LR magazine.
S&W 15-22 MOE SL Notable New Features:
— Adjustable stock with improved sloped comb profile.
— Shielded ambidextrous release lever prevents snagging and accidental adjustment.
— Push button QD socket and sling loops.
— Grip is slimmer with more vertical grip angle and Beavertail backstrap.
— Heavily textured grip contact surface.
Got four-and-half grand to burn? Looking for a new rifle that will impress your buddies at the range? Then check out Remington’s updated .50 BMG rifle, the R2Mi. In appearance, it sort of looks like an AR10 on steroids. But this thing is massive. It weighs about 30 pounds and has a 30″ Walther barrel. Though it may look like a semi-auto in the photo, this is a LEFT Bolt, Right port bolt-action gun.
GunsAmerica Digest says the R2Mi is based on the Bushmaster BA50: “The R2Mi has upper and lower receivers that follow the basic design of AR-pattern rifles, but it is a manually operated bolt-action rifle with a left-side charging handle that works the bolt carrier directly. The upper receiver is railed like most modern AR rifles as a scope mount. The R2Mi comes standard with a Lothar Walther 30″ barrel with a 1:15″-twist and a free-floating railed handguard that serves as an accessory mount for low light optics and other accessories along with the included folding steel bipod.”
For the hefty investment ($4599.00 MSRP, $3999.00 Street Price), at least Remington tosses in some good gear. The R2Mi ships in a big Pelican Storm transport case, and comes complete with a bipod, two 10-round magazines, eye protection, ear protection, and cable lock. Those accessories are worth $450.00 or so.
The Remington R2Mi is closely related to the Bushmaster BA50*, shown in this video:
The R2Mi is fitted with a Magpul PRS Gen 3 stock and ErgoGrip Deluxe Tactical pistol grip. If you want to change out those components, the R2Mi is compatible with various AR components including grips and stocks. The controls are similar to AR controls including the selector lever and magazine release.
Here is Remington’s product description: “The free-floated barrel, with 1:15″ twist and 8-groove rifling is perfectly suited for harnessing sub-MOA accuracy from the .50 BMG. And its left-hand operated, right-hand eject bolt-action and 10-round box magazine, ensure comfortable cycling with no need for the shooter to adjust position. The R2Mi is also one of the simplest .50-caliber rifles to assemble and maintain. Its upper receiver locks to the lower receiver with two integral pins, and its full-length Picatinny rail accommodates a wide range of optics.”
Remington R2Mi Features:
• Left Bolt, Right Port Action
• Billet Aluminum Lower Receiver
• Compatible with AR Accessories
• AAC Cyclops Muzzle brake
• Ships with Steel Folding Bipod
• AR-type Take-down for maintenance
Price is Hefty — MSRP is $4599.00
Is this a good value? It depends — this is a mag-fed rifle, with some interesting features. But $4599.00 is still a steep price for a rifle that is not an everyday shooter. On the other hand GunsAmerica states: “It can be very expensive to shoot .50 BMG and many repeating rifles chambered for the round can cost thousands more. The MSRP for the R2MI is only a little more than what some single-shot .50s cost, which means this rifle has a good value.”
* The BA50 was the original design of Cobb Manufacturing. Bushmaster purchased the design, upgraded some features, and released the rifle as the Bushmaster BA50. This bolt-action, magazine-fed .50 BMG rifle featured a 22″ or 30″ Lothar Walther free-floating barrel with a 1:15″-twist rate. Bushmaster claimed the BA50 was capable of shooting 1 Minute of Angle (MOA) groups with M33 ball ammunition.
In an unprecedented move, the central government of Canada, without parliamentary vote or debate, has banned a vast number of rifles, including most modern mag-fed, semi-auto rifles currently for sale. This action banning the firearms was done by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau via “Order-in-Council”, with no political debate and no vote of elected representatives. It was essentially an Executive action, rule by fiat, like a decree issued by a dictator.
Starting now, around 1,500 models of long-arms have become illegal to sell, transport, import or use in the Canada, according to CBC News.
“The government implemented the ban immediately, and without the need for legislation in Parliament, by reclassifying about 1,500 firearm models as prohibited. In the meantime, a two-year amnesty is now in effect for Canadians who own the banned firearms and government officials said gun owners will also have the option to be ‘grandfathered’ in with weapons they currently own, although no details were available for that program yet”. Source: NationalPost.com
Nova Scotia Killer Posed as Police Officer
This action came in response to the Nova Scotia killings by a madman, Gabriel Wortman, who dressed in a police uniform and used vehicles with law enforcement markings and lightbars. Wortman was NOT licensed to possess his weapons and had obtained his firearms illegally. According to Global News: “During the shooting, the gunman was traveling in a replica police vehicle and wearing an authentic police uniform.”
Canadian Investigators said Gabriel Wortman had several semi-automatic handguns and at least two semi-auto rifles, which may have been AR-type rifles, but we are not certain about the exact configurations of Wortman’s long guns. Notably, most if not all of Wortman’s guns were already ILLEGAL for Wortman to own under existing Canadian laws. The crazed shooter had violated multiple firearms laws already on the books, and did NOT possess his weapons legally (it is believed he sourced them from outside Canada). AR-type rifles required a special permit in Canada. And of course he violated multiple laws in impersonating a law enforcement officer.
Trudeau Exploits Nova Scotia Shooting to Ban Guns without Normal Legislation
Prime Minister Trudeau used the Nova Scotia mass killing as the impetus to fulfill his campaign promises to ban so-called “assault-type” weapons. Seven months ago, Trudeau pledged to ban modern semi-auto rifles, which he called “assault rifles”. Trudeau opportunistically leveraged the mass shooting to execute his plan with no public debate and no vote by elected officials.
Trudeau’s actions were criticized by many in Canada. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer declared: “Taking firearms away from law-abiding citizens does nothing to stop dangerous criminals who obtain their guns illegally”. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney stated: “Today’s order does little to target criminals … instead, Ottawa is singling out law-abiding gun Canadians who purchased their property legally”. And Alison de Groot, Director of the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association, said Trudeau’s gun ban “will strand somewhere between $200 to $300 million worth of pre-paid merchandise in stores”. READ MORE.
Q: Would a Ban on Semi-Auto Rifles Have Prevented the Nova Scotia Tragedy?
A: No. The killer Gabriel Wortman also used pistols, and could have been just as deadly with a pump shotgun. And nine of the 22 killed “died in house fires” set by Wortman. (Source: RCMP per Reuters.) Remember that fact — 40% of the victims were burned to death: “Of the 22 people killed, 13 were shot and nine died in house fires.” Source: CNN.com.
The real reason for the high kill count was that Gabriel Wortman was an insane maniac wearing a police uniform and driving a police car. The important questions to ask are how did he get the uniform and why were vehicles sold complete with police markings?
Terms of Canada’s Broad New Gun Ban
Under the Canadian gun ban, owners of prohibited firearms now have two years to turn in their rifles. According to CTV News: “Owners will also have the ability to be compensated through a buyback program, though the details of these options have yet to be outlined. Gun owners must be in compliance with the law by April 2022. Those who have not disposed of any banned firearms by that time may face sanctions under the Criminal Code.”
Was Trudeau’s massive gun ban necessary? Consider this comment from a Canadian gun owner: “Handguns and AR15s in Canada [were] highly regulated already. To get the license you go through a 2-day course. There was a 3- to 6-month wait for your application. Spouse must sign. No history of metal disorders. [Authorities conduct] phone interviews with credible people who know you. When you get your licence you must join a shooting club[.] Now you have your restricted license … and a government issued travel licence.”
Here is a list of all the firearms that have been banned (without Parliamentary vote) by Trudeau’s government. This includes AR15-platform rifle, AR10 rifles, Ruger Mini-14s, Semi-Auto M14-type rifles, and many other varients. Some big bolt-action guns will banned as well. ELR Researcher notes: “Read down to section 96: ‘Any firearm capable of discharging a projectile with a muzzle energy greater than 10,000 joules[.]’. Well 10,000 joules is 7375 foot-pounds, meaning [this would ban] ALL firearms chambered for most commercially-available .408 CheyTac, .416 Barrett, and .50 BMG ammo.”
Use the scoll bar (on right) to move through the list of prohibited firearms.
Are you looking for a very high-quality, premium fiberglass stock for your next hunting rifle or tactical rifle project? Now’s a great time to buy — McMillan Fiberglass Stocks is running a Major Stock Sale with substantial savings — up to 33%. McMillan posted: “[Here’s our] first sale of the year and it’s a big one! McMillan has decided to empty out the stocks on our online retail store. Browse the stocks on the site for a chance to grab one at major discounts.” NOTE: Don’t delay — this sale ends Monday, May 4, 2020 at 11:59 pm. Here are some of the stocks on sale. A dozen other types are available at McMillanUSA.com.
If you’ve ever used a Harris Swivel Bipod, you know that, without tools, it is difficult to put enough tension on the swivel locking knob to really lock the unit solid. And, if you do manage to get the knob really tight (perhaps by using pliers), it is difficult to loosen with fingers alone.
