The Vanquish Pro ($109.99 on Amazon) has BlueTooth. The basic model does NOT have Bluetooth.
Many readers use electronic muffs during matches so they can hear range commands. The Howard Light Impact Sport muffs are popular and affordable at around $53.00 on Amazon. Now there is a new alternative from Bushnell/Champion — the Vanquish Series electronic muffs. These feature ultra-fast under 1 millisecond sound compression with HD speakers. The Vanquish Pro and Pro Elite models offer Bluetooth connectivity, so users can take phone calls or listen to music at the range. The Elite models also offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). On all Vanquish models, the earpads are a nice soft foam for comfort, and the shell design is angled at the rear to provide more clearance on gunstocks. That’s smart.
Vanquish Muffs Offer Ultra-Fast Reaction Time with less than 1 millisecond Sound Compression:
So far, Vanquish muff users have been impressed. Audio quality is good. The 3X sound amplification on the basic model ($54.00 on Amazon) provides ample volume for conversations (Pro Model goes up to 5X). The ear foam is soft for all-day comfort. Top PRS competitor Bryan Sikes states: “Been a big fan of these new muffs for a while. been using the Vanquish Pros and it’s nice to listen to some Taylor Swift via Bluetooth or take a call if I need to when denting primers. Comfortable and less than half the cost of Sordins.”
Consider Running Plugs Under Muffs
The basic Vanquish Muffs have a 22 NRR (Noise Reduction Rating), same as the Howard Leight Impact Pros. That’s not enough, in our opinion, for sustained multi-hour exposure to firearm noises, particular indoors, or outdoors on a busy firing line. The Vanquish Pro ($109.99 on Amazon) has a better 24 NRR, but we would still recommend using ear-plugs under the muffs, for superior noise reduction. We like the Howard Leight MAX-1 plugs, which offer 33db NRR by themselves.
The 6mm Creedmoor has become one of the most popular cartridges for PRS/NRL competition, and it also works great in the varmint fields. There are many 6mm Creedmoor factory rifle options now, such as the Savage Model 10 in GRS stock and the Ruger Precision Rifle (6mm Creedmoor).
Do-It-Yourself 6mm Creedmoor Rifle Project — UltimateReloader.com
Another cost-effective option for 6mm Creedmoor fans is to build your own rifle, starting with a Howa barreled action. The Howa 1500 is a mag-fed, flat-bottomed bolt action that ships with the excellent HACT 2-stage trigger. Howa barreled actions are available with a variety of barrel lengths and contours, starting at about $430.00 at Brownells. There are quite a few good stocks/chassis systems now offered for Howa 1500 actions, including the excellent KRG Bravo Chassis, which features an ergonomic composite outer shell over a precision-machined inner chassis.
Gavin Gear fitted a KRG enclosed fore-end and Mystic Precision MPOD to his 6mm Creedmoor rifle.
Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com has built a nice 6mm Creedmoor rifle using a Howa 1500 heavy-barreled action and KRG Bravo Chassis. This project has proven very successful. The rifle has shown impressive accuracy and outstanding reliability. Gavin hopes to use this rifle in practical/tactical competitions later this year.
In this video, Gavin fits KRG’s enclosed fore-end to the KRG Bravo chassis. This accessory fore-end features a top Picatinny rail and various attachment options on the sides and lower section. Here you can see the enclosed fore-end (upper right) next to the factory forend included with the KRG Bravo (lower left):
Gavin then fits a Mystic Precision MPod from EGW. This stable, wide-base bipod uses a T-Slot rail for rifle attachment, and has legs that adjust independently for height. The video shows the rifle coming together step-by-step. This is something the average guy can do with simple tools — no gunsmithing is required, because the Howa barreled action is pre-chambered for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge.
In the video above Gavin unboxes his Howa 1500 barreled action from Brownells. He then mounts the barreled action to the KRG Bravo stock, checking the torque levels. Next Gavin borescopes the hammer-forged barrel (5:55) noting: “What I saw I liked — there are practically no tooling marks. The finish on the lands and grooves looks really good”. Lastly, Gavin tested the trigger with his TriggerScan TS-11 (6:24), confirming a two-stage pull weight of about 2.25 pounds out of the box.
To help celebrate National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM), rifle and gear manufacturers are offering big prize packages — the Gearbox Giveaways. Enter to win rifles, pistols, ammo, and other valuable prizes. Many of the Gearbox packages are worth over $3000 with the most valuable package worth over $5000! Enter as many of the Gearbox Giveaways as you choose. You can’t win if you don’t enter.
You’ll find all the Gearbox Giveaways on the NSSF website. Shown below are TEN current Gearbox Giveaways ranked in order of value — starting with the most valuable prize package. Good luck!
Sierra Bullets has recently released load data for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, a necked-down version of the 6.5 Creedmoor, a popular PRS, tactical, and hunting cartridge. Sierra has released very comprehensive 6mm Creedmoor load data, covering fifteen (15) different bullets from 55 to 110 grains. NOTE: Hornady-brand brass was used for Sierra’s 6mm Creedmoor load tests, not the newer, stronger Lapua 6.5 CM brass with small primer pockets. Hand-loaders using Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor brass necked to 6mm may have to adjust their loads.
Sierra writes: “As soon as the 6.5 Creedmoor was released in 2007, a 6mm version was being envisioned. After the 6mm Creedmoor demonstrated its worth at 1000 yards it began to catch the attention of Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competitors. The 6mm/6.5 Creedmoor is a great fit for those looking for an AR platform-friendly cartridge. It delivers velocities very similar to the .243 Win and yet fits the AR10 magazine length[.] The 30-degree shoulder makes this a very efficient case and helps prolong case life as well. The 6mm/6.5 Creedmoor works well with powders such as H4350, RE-17, and Ramshot Hunter for heavier long-range bullet weights. Slightly faster powders such as RE-15, Win 760, and Vihtavuori N540 work well with lighter weight bullets.”
Sierra Bullets Tested for 6mm Creedmoor Load Data
55gr BlitzKing (#1502)
60gr HP (#1500)
70gr HPBT (#1505)
70gr BlitzKing (#1507)
75gr HP (#1510)
In developing its 6mm Creedmoor load data, Sierra tested a very wide selection of propellants, two dozen overall. For the smaller bullets, fast-burning powders such as Benchmark, H4895, and CFE223 were tested. For the heavier 100+ grain bullets, Sierra tested a selection of medium-burn-rate powders including H4350, Reloder 16, Reloder 17, Varget, and Superformance. Sierra did a very thorough job. We know this information will be welcomed by 6mm Creedmoor shooters.
Don’t know what powder to try first? For the 107-110 grain bullets, if you want best accuracy and low ES/SD, our Forum members recommend Alliant Reloder 16 and Hodgdon H4350. If you are seeking max velocity with the 110-grainer, look at Hodgdon Superformance and Reloder 19.
Here are Sierra’s 6mm Creedmoor Load Data Charts for the 107gr MK and 110gr MK. There are a half-dozen other tables for lighter-weight bullets.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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 — Complete AR Lowers $120-$150
Guys, this is the lowest price we’ve seen for non-blem, name-brand AR-15 platform complete lowers. If you are building an AR for varminting, 3-Gun, or home defense, check out Palmetto’s Going Overboard Sale. Get the MOE FDE Edition for just $119.99. Or for $30 more choose the STR Edition or ACS-L edition, both offered for $149.99. All these models have quality Magpul stocks and grips and include full trigger groups. Use the money you save with these bargain lowers to buy a top-grade barrel for your upper.
2. Brownells — Lapua Scenar-L Bullets
Lapua Scenar-L match bullets are extremely consistent in weight and base to ogive length. In our experience they shoot great, and they definitely deserve a try-out along with Bergers and Sierras. We’ve seen success in various calibers and even found some barrels prefer them over anything else. If you want to try these excellent Lapua projectiles, right now Brownells is selling Lapua Scenar-L bullets at up to 28% off! These discounted Scenar-Ls are offered in .224, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm and .308 (30 Caliber) — all the most popular match calibers.
3. Amazon — Tipton Ultra Gun Vise, $125.99
Cleaning and working on your guns requires a solid platform. Most gun cleaning stands aren’t adjustable enough, or are too flimsy. Not so 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. It 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 3″-wide forearms you may have to remove or modify the front pad(s). Our Deals Editor, who owns this gun vise, reports: “this is a phenomenal vise — the best anybody makes — it is well worth the $125.99″.
As optics technology advances, scope performance-for-the-price improves too. A good example is Vortex Optics, which offers fine scopes at very reasonable prices. The Vortex 3-9x40mm Tactical has good features and a rock-solid warranty. It’s a lot of scope for $279.99 but now you can grab this versatile Vortex for the crazy low price of $189.49 at Natchez.
5. Bruno Shooters Supply — Berger Bullets at Great Prices
Match season is in full swing — so make sure you don’t run short on bullets. One of our go-to sources for reloading components is Bruno Shooters Supply. Bruno’s just recently updated its website, so you should check out the new features. While you’re there, look at Bruno’s selection of Berger bullets advertised at “lowest prices on the internet”. Berger match bullets are in high demand, but Bruno’s is offering great prices on many popular calibers and bullet weights.
6. EuroOptic — 50% Off Minox with Mauser Rifle Purchase
The Mauser M18 is a proven hunting rifle offered in many popular hunting calibers/cartridge types. If you’re looking for a fine, affordable hunting rifle definitely consider the M18. And for added incentive, right now you can get 50% off a Minox scope with the purchase of a Mauser M18 rifle from EuroOptic.com. CLICK HERE to get the Mauser coupon which you can redeem with Minox USA after your purchase. This is a great promo that can save you a ton of money.
7. Grizzly — 60″ Padded Rifle Case, $40.97
Do you cringe every time you place expensive rifles into old cases that are dirty or damaged? Here’s a great case for long match rifles at a great price. Grizzly is now selling excellent 60″ Bald Eagle rifle cases for just $40.97. These cases are well made, heavily-padded with lots of pockets. They compare favorably to other soft cases costing $65 or more. It can be hard to find quality cases that hold very long rifles. NOTE: Grizzly has other case colors and sizes on sale for a few bucks more.
8. Midsouth — Nosler 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr Ammo, $24.99 per box
Nosler 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition features top-of-the-line 140gr ballistic tip bullets (0.509 G1 BC). These B-Tips feature tapered jackets to control expansion and allow good penetration and a deep wound cavity. These are excellent hunting bullets for deer, antelope, and hogs. Nosler used top-quality brass, powders, and primers for its 6.5 Creedmoor B-Tip ammo. These cartridges have a 2550 FPS Muzzle Velocity.
9. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite, $99.99
Lots of people love wet-tumbling their brass in stainless pins but not everyone want to do it in a giant unit. We found a sweet deal on the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite. Amazon has this unit on sale for $99.99. This tumbler is small enough to fit on a counter but still big enough to hold 300 pieces of .223 Rem brass. For folks on a limited budget who want to get started with wet tumbling, this is a solid choice.
10. Amazon – Proster Wind Meter, $16.99
This Proster wind meter is a great bargain. The previous model had a very impressive 4.2 star overall rating (with 300+ reviews), and the latest version has some improvements (including a square base so it can stand). Now on sale for just $16.99, this is a very useful tool for a bargain basement price. To provide reliable wind inputs for ballistics calculations, you really do need a Wind Meter. And unlike a costly Kestrel, with this budget wind meter, you won’t feel too bad if it gets lost or misplaced.
Do you own a Springfield M1A (or wish you did)? Then you should watch this 5-minute video from the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI). This video shows the basics of the operation of the popular M1A rifle, the civilian version of the military M14. In this video, gunsmith John Bush field-strips the M1A and shows how the bolt, op rod, and trigger group fits together and operates. This video contains excerpts from the M1A Rifle Armorer’s Course, AGI Course #1584. The full Armorer’s Course is available on DVD from www.AmericanGunsmith.com.
Watch Highlights of AGI M1A Rifle Armorer’s Course:
2019 CMP Springfield M1A Match at Camp Perry
The 13th annual Springfield Armory M1A Match will take place during the 2019 CMP National Rifle Matches. The CMP will host the event on Sunday, August 4, 2019, the day after the John C. Garand Match. Competitors of all experience levels are encouraged to bring their M1A rifles to Camp Perry and compete. Online Registration is still possible. The match is open to all individuals ages 12 and above. For more information contact the CMP at competitions@thecmp.org or call 419-635-2141 ext. 724 or 714.
The Springfield Armory M1A match began with one man’s idea and passion. Springfield Armory’s Mike Doy witnessed the waning of classic M1 Garand and M1A rifles from the competitive High Power firing lines. “I really wanted to get those M1A rifles out of safes and closets and back out onto the field. So 11 years ago, I promoted the idea of running an M1A-specific match at Camp Perry. That first year we had over 600 competitors and spectators.” Now the match offers some of the biggest pay-outs at Camp Perry. In recent years, Springfield Armory has donated over $25,000 worth of cash and prizes, including a $2,000 cash award to the overall winner.
Today, July 20, 2019, a Guardian Long Range Competition will be held in Lake City, Michigan. This one-day shooting event is part of a national Guadian series that raises money for foster children and orphans. One hundred percent of the proceeds generated from Guardian events help support orphan and foster care programs. Since 2014, the Guardian events have raised over $750,000 for child placement and family assistance. For more information, visit GuardianLongRange.com.
The Lake City match will follow the general format of Guardian full-day precision shooting events held around the country. Competitors will engage targets at known distances from 100 to 1000 yards. Calibers are restricted to .300 Win Mag and smaller to preserve the steel targets. Guardian matches follow a modest tempo with minimal breaks between stages. Shooters often have 90 seconds to engage a target. Most stages will include “stressors”– either time and/or short movements to the shooting stage area.
The Guardian course of fire combines aspects of law enforcement, military, and practical marksman disciplines. The competition format varies based on the host facility, but usually require anywhere from 80 to 120 rounds to complete several stages. Target size will vary in difficulty based on the shooter’s position, distance, and stage time allotted.
How the Guardian Program Supports Needy Kids
Guardian Match proceeds go toward helping foster children, orphans, and the families who care for those kids in need. Since 2014, the Guardian has raised over $750,000 in this effort. To date all of the proceeds raised by this competition will help reduce the orphan crisis by helping offset the financial cost for parents considering adoption or foster care.
McMillan Fiberglass Stocks will be a leading sponsor of the Lake City Guardian match. McMillan manufactures custom rifle stocks and accessories. Product areas include Tactical, Competition, Benchrest, Hunting & Sport, and Ultralight.
Own a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR)? Looking for the single best hardware upgrade that will improve inherent accuracy and shot-to-shot consistency? Here’s your answer. Krieger Barrels is now producing Pre-Fit barrels for the RPR in seven popular chamberings: 6XC, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Win, 6.5 PRC, .308 Winchester, and .300 Win Mag. These $550.00 “Drop-In Ready” barrels come finish-chambered and threaded to fit the Ruger action. The Ruger barrel attachment system allows correct headspace with a pre-chambered barrel. Krieger explains: “Thanks to Ruger’s proprietary barrel nut design, a competent gunsmith will be able to swap out your barrel using an AR15 barrel wrench and proper headspace gauges.”
Kreiger’s 6.5 Creedmoor RPR barrel is an 1:8″-twist with 26″ finished length, 0.750″ at muzzle. The .308 Win RPR barrel is a 1:10″-twist with 24″ finished length, also 0.750″ at muzzle. Both these Krieger RPR Pre-Fits feature muzzles with factory-spec thread so you can re-install the factory muzzle brake.
Product Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Here’s our friend Jim See, who won the 2015 Heatstroke Open, topping 120 other shooters.
The 2019 Heatstroke Open will be held July 19-21 near Camargo in NW Oklahoma. This major PRS match should attract 120+ competitors. The event schedule includes check-in and sight-in beginning at noon on Friday, July 19, followed by side matches. The two-day match begins on Saturday and concludes at the end of the shooting session on Sunday. An awards ceremony in town will conclude the event.
The Heatstroke Open is one of the longest-running Practical Precision matches in the country. This match venue is a natural terrain field with just a few man-made props. Many targets are tough while other are more-than-generous. Stage time-limits are enough to get all rounds off on each stage. No matter what the shooter’s experience level, this match should be challenging and rewarding. But note, wind reading is critical — conditions have been known to be pretty brutal. Here are three videos covering the last three Heatstroke Open Events in Oklahoma:
2017 Heatstroke Open
2016 Heatstroke Open
2015 Heatstroke Open
McMillan — Heatstroke Open Key Sponsor McMillan Fiberglass Stocks is sponsoring this year’s Heatstroke Open as well as other events on the National Rifle League’s event roster. Through sponsorship, McMillan works to promote the NRL’s mission to encourage the growth and education of precision rifle shooting. CLICK HERE for complete listing of 2019 NRL-sanctioned matches.
Remaining Major 2019 NRL matches, and Match Directors: Heatstroke Open – Camargo, Oklahoma, July 20-21, 2019 | Matt Clem, B.J. Bailey Rock Lake NRL Steel Challenge – Cheney, Washington. Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2019 | Doug Glorfield Monster Lake Mayhem – Cody, Wyoming, September 27-28, 2019 | Phillip Velayo, Caylen Wojcik West Coast Showdown – Pala, California, October 19-20, 2019 | Jorge Ortiz, Scott Satterlee 2019 NRL Championship – Navasota, Texas December 6 – 8, 2019 | Dave Ferguson, Prentice Wink
Do you carry a handgun for self-defense, or maybe keep a firearm in your vehicle “just in case”? Then you may want to attend the upcoming NRA Personal Protection Expo in Fort Worth, Texas. The event will be held September 6-8, 2019, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
The NRA Personal Protection Expo (formerly NRA Carry Guard Expo) is a three-day trade show for individuals interested in increasing their knowledge and skills of personal protection, concealed carry and home defense. This event showcases “the products, skills, knowledge and mindset necessary to be prepared to respond when a threat arises.”
This Video Review Various Insurance Options for CCW Holders:
Expo Seminar Topics
Expo visitors can attend more than 120 seminars and workshops. These will include self-defense techniques, home defense and preparedness, situational awareness, concealed carry techniques and lifestyle, medical and trauma training, and much more. The Expo will also conduct a Concealed Carry Fashion Show for concealment clothing and gear designed for men and women.
The World of Compact Handguns for Concealed Carry
There are literally hundreds of choices for carry handguns, starting with deringers and going all the way up to full-size rigs. Both semi-auto pistols and wheelguns (revolvers) are popular. Among wheelguns, we like the Smith & Wesson Model 638 Airweight, a 5-shot Aluminum-frame snubnose, with cockable, shielded hammer. You can shoot it rapidly double-action, but you still have the option of cocking the hammer for slow, precise fire.
Many experts consider the Heckler & Koch P7m8 one of the very best carry pistols ever. On HK’s famous fixed-barrel “squeeze-cocker”, the striker is cocked by squeezing the grip, and then de-cocked when pressure on the grip is released. This makes it extremely safe to carry.
If you are looking for a great deal on a reliable 9mm subcompact, consider the S&P M&P Shield. Right now this fine little pistol is just $249.99 at Palmetto State Armory — a $100 Savings!
To learn more about the NRA Personal Protection Expo, visit the EXPO Website. Check back regularly for updates on training opportunities, and seminars scheduled for the event.
