|
|
July 24th, 2013
Birchwood Casey’s new splattering Pregame™ Targets offer shooters three new games for shooting alone or for some friendly competition with other shooters. New technology now creates reactive zones within each target, making it easy to see scoring hits. Shots inside the reactive zones show a white halo. Shots outside of the main aiming points display without a halo effect.
The new Pregame Targets include the Trick Shot™ pool game, Star Burst™ (three rows of red, green and blue stars), and the Checkered Flag™ race game. Shooters can make up their own rules and shoot against a competitor or time themselves and shoot against the clock. Watch the Video to see how the new targets’ reactive zones function. The 12″ x 18″ (30cm x 45cm) targets offer dozens of different possibilities. Pregame Targets come in packs of eight and sell for $12.60. For more information visit www.birchwoodcasey.com.
Watch Video to See How New Reactive Zone Splatter Targets Work:
July 23rd, 2013
 On the Applied Ballistics Facebook page, Ballistician Bryan Litz regularly offers a “Tuesday Trivia” question about ballistics. Today’s brain-teaser is a true/false question about bullet stabilization. On shooting forums you often find heated arguments about “over-stabilization”. Bryan wants readers to consider the issue of over-stabilization and answer a challenge question…
Is This Statement TRUE or FALSE?
“The problem with ‘over-stabilizing’ a bullet (by shooting it from an excessively fast twist rate) is that the bullet will fly ‘nose high’ on a long range shot. The nose-high orientation induces extra drag and reduces the effective BC of the bullet.”
True or False, and WHY?
Click the “Post Comment” link below to post your reply (and explain your reasoning).
Bullet Movement in Flight — More Complicated Than You May Think
Bullets do not follow a laser beam-like, perfectly straight line to the target, nor does the nose of the bullet always point exactly at the point of aim. Multiple forces are in effect that may cause the bullet to yaw (rotate side to side around its axis), tilt nose-up (pitch), or precess (like a spinning top) in flight. These effects (in exaggerated form) are shown below:
Yaw refers to movement of the nose of the bullet away from the line of flight. Precession is a change in the orientation of the rotational axis of a rotating body. It can be defined as a change in direction of the rotation axis in which the second Euler angle (nutation) is constant. In physics, there are two types of precession: torque-free and torque-induced. Nutation refers to small circular movement at the bullet tip.
Diagram from the University of Utah Health Sciences Library Firearm Ballistics Tutorial
July 23rd, 2013
The popular vertical-loading Airglide rifle case from Plano is on sale again. You may want to strike while the price is right. Amazon.com is offering the Plano Airglide for $42.95 with FREE shipping. Free shipping is important as transport fees add $10-15 to the price with many vendors. CLICK HERE to order from Amazon with FREE shipping.
Among injection-molded rifle cases, Plano’s AirGlide™ case is unique in holding a rifle vertically, in foam cradles. This allows ample room for the 3″-wide fore-ends on BR and Varmint rifles. The foam blocks front and rear can even be trimmed for a custom fit, and velcro webbing straps hold the rifle securely.
 |
|
Airglide Will Hold a Benchrest Rifle with Wide Fore-end and 28″ Barrel
Measuring 51 1/2″L x 7 3/4″W x 12 1/4″H, the AirGlide can easily handle rifles up to 50″ in length. That should hold BR rifles with barrels up to 28.5″ (or 28″ if you have a thick recoil pad). With its 27.5″ barrel, my 6BR is exactly 49″ long (including pad) and there is about 1.3 inches to spare in an Airglide. My 6BRDX (in a Tracker ST-1000 stock with a thin metal buttplate) has a 29″ barrel and it fits. If you have a real long barrel or extended buttpad, measure the gun first. The AirGlide has proven very popular with Varmint shooters and BR competitors. Lockable and airline-approved, the AirGlide is a unique product at an affordable price. This Editor owns three Airglides and they are my favorite cases for transporting wide-stocked rifles to the range. (For airline transport, I do prefer a heavy-duty, wheeled aluminum safari case with recessed locks.)
July 23rd, 2013
 In-Ground Storage
With the price of ammo at all-time highs, folks are looking for ways they can stash ammo reserves securely, without using up precious space in their gunsafes. Additionally, there are important reasons why a locked, steel-walled gunsafe is not recommended for long-term ammo storage (see local fire regulations on the subject of ammo storage). MTM CaseGard now offers a heavy-duty, drum-style PVC container for underground storage of ammunition or other important items.
MTM’s Survivor Ammo Container features a rugged, bucket-style body with a double-O-Ring sealed lid and protective outer cap. The inner lid is held down with multiple screws to provide a secure seal. Then the larger “mushroom head” top fits in place over the whole assembly. Each container includes a heavy-duty Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) plastic bag plus a moisture-absorbing desiccant pack. The 13.5″ x 10″ drum costs $22.10 at Midsouth Shooter’s Supply. That’s less than the cost of a box of bullets these days. Internal capacity is equivalent to a .50-Cal metal ammo can. The MTM Survivor will hold up to 600 rounds of .45 ACP or 223 ammo. It can also hold about 15-20 AR-15 magazines.
Outside Dimensions: 13.5″ (H) x 10″ (D) | Inside Dimensions: 12.4″ (D) x 7″ (H)
This is a convenient way to hide ammunition, bullets, copies of important documents, emergency money, coins and other small items. Just make sure of two things. First, remember exactly where you buried your Survivor container. You may want to include a small notation on a site plot that you place in a safe-deposit box or give to trusted family members. Second, don’t just dig a hole, drop the unit in the ground and shovel some fresh dirt over the top. Restore a “natural look” to the vegetation or ground cover over the hole. Otherwise your prominent round dirt pile may attract unwanted attention.
July 22nd, 2013
 There was an excellent article about Mirage on the South Texas Marksmanship Training Center (STMTC) website. This article explains what causes mirage and how mirage can move the perceived aiming point on your target. Most importantly, the article explains, in considerable detail, how you can “read” mirage to discern wind speeds and wind directions. With simple but effective graphic illustrations, this is one of the best explanations of mirage (and mirage reading) we have found on the internet. This is a “must-read” for any serious competitive shooter. Here is a brief sample from the article, along with an illustration. NOTE: the full article is six times longer and has 8 diagrams.
The term “mirage” as used by the shooter does not refer to a true mirage, but to heat waves and the refraction of light as it is bent passing through air layers of different density. Light which passes obliquely from one wind medium to another it undergoes an abrupt change in direction, whenever its velocity in the second medium is different from the velocity in the first wind medium; the shooter will see a “mirage”.
The density of air, and therefore its refraction, varies with its temperature. A condition of cool air overlaying warm air next to the ground is the cause of heat waves or “mirage”. The warm air, having a lower index of refraction, is mixed with the cooler air above by convection, irregularly bending the light transmitting the target image to the shooter’s eye. Figure 1 shows (greatly exaggerated) the vertical displacement of the target image by heat waves.
Heat waves are easily seen with the unaided eye on a hot, bright day and can be seen with spotting scope on all but the coldest days. To observe heat waves, the scope should be focused on a point about midway to the target. This will cause the target to appear slightly out of focus, but since the high power rifle shooter generally does not try to spot bullet holes, the lack in target clarity is more than compensated by clarity of the heat waves.
CLICK HERE to Read Complete Mirage Article
Mirage Is Your Friend
While hot days with lots of mirage can be frustrating, mirage can reveal how the wind is flowing (and changing). If you learn how to recognize and read mirage patterns, you can use that information to shoot higher scores. That’s why many leading long-range shooters tell us: “Mirage is your friend.” As the STMTC article explains: “A mirage condition is not a handicap, since it offers a very accurate method of perceiving small wind changes[.]”
Story tip from Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.
July 21st, 2013
Story based on Report by Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
It takes lots of labor to make the National Matches at Camp Perry run smoothly. Many hard-working young people are involved each summer with the range crew and the target crew. Range crew personnel assemble (and later remove) range facilities used for the events. Target crew members collectively paste 250+ High Power targets a day and 80,000 pistol targets a season. The crew members’ countless hours on the Camp Perry ranges don’t go unnoticed. The National Match partners, the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Ohio National Guard, and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) are grateful to have hard-working, dedicated young people working the Camp Perry ranges.
“The Matches would not exist without these kids,” said Tommy Whitten, CMP logistics department manager. Whitten has been with the CMP since 1994.
 Joe DeCosta, now 81 years old, has run the National Match Summer Crew program for 30 years. Generally, each summer Joe hires about 60 boys and girls around the ages of 14 or 15, who have the potential to return for years to come, which, more often than not, they do.
“I don’t just want a worker. I want a young man or woman to be proud to be here, to be building this range for the National Championship,” he said. “Loyalty is very important, and these kids have been very loyal to me over the years.”
One of his loyal employees is Steve Young, 20, of Oak Harbor, who has been working at Camp Perry for the past six years. Steve enjoys the job: “You can start at a really young age, and make a pretty good amount of money. I like being able to sit back and watch the Matches. It’s fun with the guys out here too.”
Ralph Reichman, assistant range engineer, observes: “We get a different set of 4, 5, 6 kids from one family. Once one leaves, then the youngest one comes through. We’re like a big family.”
Brian Wyss, 18, of Oak Harbor, has been helping CMP for the last three summers. After shooting at the CMP Marksmanship Center, he wanted to become a part of the process: “I shot a lot of air rifle, so I know most of the people, and it’s fun getting to meet other people from around the world”.
July 21st, 2013
 In 2003, the venerable Colt business enterprise, was divided into different entities, Colt Defense LLC and Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC. Now those two business are being combined back into one company again. Colt Defense LLC has acquired New Colt Holding Corp., the parent company of Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC, which makes firearms for the civilian and sporting markets. Now, for the first time since the separation a decade ago, a single Colt company will develop, manufacture and sell firearms under the Colt name for all markets.
About Colt: Colt is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of firearms. The company has supplied military, law enforcement and individual customers in the United States and throughout the world for more than 175 years. Colt’s subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation, is the Canadian government’s source for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. Colt operates its manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. For more information on Colt and its subsidiaries, please visit www.colt.com, www.coltsmfg.com, and www.coltcanada.com.
Story Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader Submissions.
July 20th, 2013
We thought the USA enjoyed the coolest shooting stuff. But the Brits may have one-upped us this time. Now available in the United Kingdom (but not the USA) are Firebird exploding, reactive targets. These affordable, pyrotecnic targets are offered in four different models: Hi-velocity rifle (rimfire and centerfire), Air Rifle, Shotgun, and Archery. Unlike the binary explosive kits available in the USA, Firebird targets are ready-to go right out of the box. You just take the adhesive-backed target disc out of the box, and place it on the target frame. (The air rifle version requires a small retaining cup behind the target disc.) For the shotgun Firebird targets, you simply stick the Firebird disc on the back of a clay pigeon. Peel and stick — simple as that.
Here’s a video showing Firebird targets in use. (See more videos on the Firebird website). Looks like good fun to us — the targets go bang with a puff of smoke when hit. Simple to use. No messy chemicals. No mixing required. Just stick ‘em on the target backer and shoot. Kudos to the Brits for bringing this to market in the UK. Hopefully we will see Firebird targets on this side of the Atlantic sometime soon.
 Sniperfire Exploding Targets
The Firebird SniperFire 40mm and 65mm are designed specifically for use with any high velocity firearm, rimfire or centerfire. Backed with double-sided tape, SniperFire targets can be affixed to any clean, dray and uniform surface such as plywood, fluted plastic, or stiff cardboard. Now being used by military and police units in many countries, the Firebird SniperFire is a practical training tool that gives shooters “instant gratification” when hitting the target. SniperFire targets cost £18.95 ($28.92) for twenty 40mm discs, or £19.95 ($30.45) for twenty 65mm discs.
 Airflash Standard Air Rifle Exploding Targets
Specifically designed for use with air rifles, Firebird Airflash Targets come in 40mm or 65mm sizes. Once hit with an air rifle pellet, the target ignites with “a significant pyrotechnic reaction and loud report” as the Brits say. In other words, it goes “bang” with big cloud of smoke. The £24.95 Airflash Starter Kit includes twenty 40mm reactive targets and an Airflash Magplate (sort of like a small-cupholder). Airflash 40mm refills (with 20 targets) cost £18.45. The 65mm refills are £19.95.
July 20th, 2013
 Bushnell Outdoor Products has introduced a new compact, roof prism spotting scope. The new Bushnell Elite Tactical 8-40x60mm Lightweight Modular Spotting Scope (LMSS) features a rubber-armored housing, ED Glass, and an optional (extra cost) H32 ranging reticle. A Picatinny rail is supplied that fits to the bottom of the LMSS.
The Elite Tactical 8-40x 60mm LMSS features ED Prime glass, BAK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics. The LMSS is available in both a standard (clear view) model or with the Horus Vision H32 reticle, a highly-regarded ranging reticle. With a minimum 8X magnification, and a maximum of 40 power, the LMSS is extremely versatile.
Sheathed in rubber armor, the LMSS spotting scope is fog-proof and meets IPX7 waterproof standards. It also features the water-repellant RainGuard HD lens coating, a patented Bushnell technology that we have found works very well.
The spotting scope includes a detachable picatinny rail, giving users the ability to quickly and easily mount the spotter to a firearm or tripod system. The Elite Tactical 8-40x 60mm LMSS is available for an estimated retail price of $1699.99 or $2,199.99 with the Horus H32 reticle.
Bushnell Bulletproof 100% Money-Back Guarantee
Every product in the Elite Tactical series is covered by the Bushnell limited lifetime warranty. The entire product line is also backed with the new one-year, no-risk Bushnell Bulletproof Guarantee. The 100% money-back guarantee is valid up until one year from date of purchase.
July 20th, 2013
 Would you like to help lead the fight for gun rights in the Golden State? Then read on. The California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA) is now seeking a full-time Field Rep with a salary of $45,000 per year. With 42,000 members statewide, the CRPA is the largest and oldest pro-Second Amendment/Pro-Hunting organization headquartered in California.
The Field Representative job is an exciting, challenging position that takes you out of the office. You’ll get paid to travel all around California spreading the “good news” about the CRPA at shooting competitions, gun shows, sporting goods stores, and ranges. The Field Rep holds a key position. You will be the primary “point man” for the CRPA at many events statewide.
CRPA Protects and Defends Second Amendment and Hunting Rights in California. Since its founding in 1875, the CRPA has been the guiding force in the development and coordination of statewide shooting championships. In addition, the CRPA serves as the official state affiliate of the National Rifle Association. The CRPA coordinates an aggressive legislative advocacy and effective litigation programs.
Position Title: Field Representative
Location: CALIFORNIA (Extensive ongoing travel, throughout the state)
Salary: $45,000 Annually, plus company vehicle, benefits, expense reimbursement, lap top computer, and cell phone.
Education – An A.A., A.S., or higher degree in public relations, communications, political science, business or public administration, criminal justice or a related field is desirable.
Position Key Characteristics: Under the general direction of the Executive Director, incumbent serves as the sole Field Rep. for the CRPA. Incumbent’s primary focus is membership development and making the CRPA name, goals, and objectives widely known by the public. Incumbent must possess a strong knowledge of shooting sports, firearms, and hunting activities. This position requires frequent ongoing travel and working days, unusual hours, evenings, and most weekends. This position will write a monthly column in our publication and provide staff support to the CRPA Volunteer Development Committee and the CRPA Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Committee. Incumbent must be mature, professional, and possess excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
To Apply: Call CRPA at 1-800-305-2772 or email contact@crpa.org and ask for the CRPA application packet, including supplemental questions, emailed to you. Recruitment Closing Date: THE COMPLETED CRPA APPLICATION PACKET MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, August 13, 2013 – 4:00 PM (No postmarks).
NOTE: This is an “at will” position and only one year of funding for this position has been secured at this time. Future funding will be based on the contribution this position makes to the CRPA.
|
