Are you looking to get started in PRS and NRL practical precision rifle competition? Or perhaps you’d like to advance your skill set so you can place higher in big matches (and get your hands on those prize table items)? Of course there is no substitute for trigger time in the field, but there ARE some great print resources. These four books can help you select the right equipment, improve your shooting skills, make better wind calls, increase your fitness, and develop a more efficient between-match training program.
1. Precision Rifle Marksmanship: The Fundamentals
Frank Galli, $20.50 Paperback, $15.99 Kindle
Frank Galli (aka “LowLight”) is the founder/head honcho of SnipersHide.com, the most active tactical community on the internet. Galli is also a retired USMC scout-sniper. Practical Precision Rifle shooting is one of the hottest trends in competitive shooting today. PRS and NRL matches draw big turn-outs and boast impressive prize tables. Galli’s Precision Rifle Marksmanship (#ad) book covers the fundamentals of precision marksmanship with easy-to-understand methodology. The book uses the same instruction process that Galli uses in his live marksmanship classes.
As Sniper’s Hide guru Frank Galli explains, there is no voodoo when it comes to precision rifle marksmanship, but there are techniques that, when practiced, make the difference between good marksmanship and great marksmanship. Understanding the reasons that a bullet hits or doesn’t hit its intended target at ultra-long distances is a crucial element to learning. Galli’s explanations of how to understand and compensate for wind speed and direction are excellent — great wind-reading advice.
Published in 2020, this 272-page well-illustrated book covers the latest equipment (scopes, LRFs, chassis systems, mags, bags, bipods, tripods) favored by tactical competitors in PRS/NRL type matches.
2. Long Range Shooting Handbook
Ryan Cleckner, $22.46 Paperback, $9.99 Kindle
Ryan Cleckner’s Long Range Shooting Handbook (#ad) is the best-selling modern book on practical rifle skills. A former U.S. Army sniper instructor, Cleckner is knowledgeable, and his text is well-organized and chock full of good information. You can view Sample Chapters on Amazon.com.
Ryan Cleckner’s highly-regarded Long Range Shooting Handbook is designed as an intro to important fundamental concepts such as MOA vs. Mils, External Ballistics, and Environmental Effects. Included are personal tips and advice based on Cleckner’s years of experience as a sniper instructor and special operations sniper.
The Long Range Shooting Handbook is divided into three main categories: What It Is/How It Works, Fundamentals, and How to Use It. “What It Is/How It Works” covers equipment, terminology, and basic principles. “Fundamentals” covers the theory of long range shooting. “How to Use It” gives practical advice on implementing what you’ve learned, so you can progress as a skilled, long range shooter. This book will benefit any long-range shooter, not just PRS/NRL competitors.
3. IMPACT! — Training and Preparing for Precision Rifle Matches
Rodney Maze, $14.99 Paperback, $4.99 Kindle
Impact!, by PRS competitor Rodney Maze, is an entry/intermediate level guide to preparing yourself and your equipment to compete in precision rifle type matches. It will also benefit anyone looking to learn about practical-style long range and precision shooting. We recommend you check it out for yourself — there are 20 Pages of free sample content (#ad) on Amazon. Topics covered include:
— Rifle, optic, and equipment selection
— Setting up your rifle, bags, tripods for PRS/NRL matches
— Understanding ballistics and how to record and use ballistic data
— Techniques for using holdovers for multi-target stages
— Gun skills, rapid fire techniques, clearing malfunctions
— Shooting off of barricades, and specialty stages
— Effects of wind and how to improve your wind calls
— Tips for live fire and dry fire practice
— Preparing yourself and your equipment for a match
— Mental strategies and techniques
Impact! is illustrated with plenty of photographs. Topics are divided logically, and concepts are explained in clear language. Also included is an extensive glossary of terms used in precision shooting and a list of additional resources you can use to further pursue your precision shooting knowledge. This book also includes a handy Appendix with formatted pages for recording data about your rifle, scope, and ammunition. There is also a Wind table for recording your rifle “dope” and wind hold-offs. Lastly, Impact! has a useful table of unit conversions.
4. Practical Shooter’s Guide
Marcus Blanchard, $19.99 Paperback, $9.99 Kindle
Thinking of getting started in the Practical/Tactical shooting game? Looking for ways to be more stable when shooting from unconventional positions? Then you may want to read Marcus Blanchard’s Practical Shooter’s Guide (A How-To Approach for Unconventional Firing Positions and Training) (#ad). Unlike almost every “how to shoot” book on the market, Blanchard’s work focuses on the shooting skills and positions you need to succeed in PRS matches and similar tactical competitions. Blanchard provides clear advice on shooting from barricades, from roof-tops, from steep angles. Blanchard says you need to train for these types of challenges: “I believe the largest factor in the improvement of the average shooter isn’t necessarily the gear; it’s the way the shooter approaches obstacles and how they properly train for them.”
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GunGoddess.com features a variety of products and shooting accessories especially chosen for lady shooters. You’ll find colorful apparel, carry purses, holsters, and even jewelry crafted from bullet castings.
GunGoddess.com was started by Athena Means, an active IDPA and USPSA pistol shooter. Athena, whose husband Mike served 20 years in the military, was inspired to create the site after searching in vain for shooting apparel and accessories in colors other than black, green, and tan. Athena wanted something with more appeal to the feminine eye: “I set out to find fabulous products that women shooters would love, and bring them all together here. Ladies who love to shoot will find all the traditional gear they need, but in neon pink and leopard print instead of traditional black!”
GunGoddess.com Has Gift Items for All Members of the Family
Though it specializes in products for women, GunGoddess.com also offers gift selections that will work for gun guys as well. If you’re looking for a gift for a guy, you’ll find unisex holsters, range bags (for pistols), compact gun safes, ear muffs, shooting glasses, indoor concealment furniture, and more. There are many unique items on the GunGoddess webstore that will make great holiday gifts.
Today’s Saturday video showcase is a wheelgun extravaganza. We offer eight videos covering some of the most famous double-action revolvers in existence. Check out reviews of Colt, Smith & Wesson, Korth, Dan Wesson, Ruger, and other models, in a variety of chamberings, both centerfire and rimfire. We think every serious gun enthusiast should have at least two revolvers in his collection — one centerfire and one rimfire. This Editor owns a stainless, 10-shot .22 LR Smith & Wesson Model 617. It has probably shot more rounds than all my other pistols combined, and it is still performing flawlessly after 25 years.
Multiple Revolver Line-up: S&W, Colt, Ruger, Taurus, Dan Wesson, Chiappa, Charter Arms, Webley and More
This 12-minute video provides a quick introduction to eleven interesting wheelguns: Smith & Wesson Model 29 (00:22), Colt Python (1:22), Ruger GP100 (2:25), Taurus Model 66 (3:40), Smith & Wesson Model 686 (4:38), Charter Arms Bulldog (5:41), Chiappa Rhino (6:32), Webley Revolver (7:27), Dan Wesson 715 (8:21), H&R Model 929 (9:59), Taurus Judge Public Defender (10:52). NOTE: This video also includes a review of the Bersa .380 which is NOT a revolver, so the video title is a little misleading. There are 12 handguns, but only 11 revolvers.
Colt Python .357 Mag 1000-Round Test
How well do modern wheelguns hold up to extended use? This video provides an answer. Honest Outlaw’s testers put 1000 rounds through a new-generation Colt Python chambered for the legendary .357 Magnum round. The Python showed outstanding accuracy, and the tester praised the trigger. Testing was done indoors and outdoors, both rapid-fire and slow-fire. After a couple hundred rounds, the Python needed a thorough cleaning of cylinder and barrel, but otherwise the revolver performed really well.
Hickok45 Shoots the New Colt Anaconda in .44 Magnum
Hickok45 is a respected YouTube video reviewer. In this detailed 19.5-minute video, Hickok45 reviews and tests a new generation Colt Anaconda revolver, chambered for the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge. This Hickok45 review is one of the most popular wheelgun videos on YouTube, having logged over 1.4 million views in three years.
Colt King Cobra Target .22 LR Revolver
This TFB Showtime episode examines the new .22 LR rimfire Colt King Cobra Target. The King Cobra Target .22 LR features a 10-shot cylinder, and the same adjustable target sights as the .357 Magnum version.
At the NRA Annual Meetings in 2022, Colt Manufacturing introduced an impressive new rimfire revolver — the King Cobra Target .22 LR. Colt states: “From competition to plinking and small game hunting, this baby Cobra does it all and packs 10-rounds of .22 LR in its cylinder”. The King Cobra Target 22 LR is available with 4.25-inch and 6-inch barrel lengths, both with 1:16″ RH rifling twist. MSRP is $999.00.
The Massive Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum X-Frame
If bigger is better, then a Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum should be in your collection. This jumbo-size wheelgun shoots a huge 50-caliber cartridge, the .500 S&W Magnum. Even with compensator slots on the end of the barrel, the recoil is massive — enough so that we would NOT recommend this big revolver to novice shooters.
In 2003 the engineers at Smith & Wesson wanted to deliver maximum power for serious handgun hunters. The power they sought required an entirely new frame, the massive “X-Frame”. That became the basis for the new Model S&W 500, the most powerful production revolver in the world.
Colt vs. Smith & Wesson
Here’s a pretty informative video, with two qualified experts, Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn. This covers the basic differences between Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers. This video explores the classic “Ford vs. Chevy debate” of the revolver world. Both S&W and the Colt revolvers have their die hard loyalists. In this episode, the Gun Guys weigh the merits of Bill’s Colt Shooting Master and Ken’s S&W Registered Magnum.
Korth Super Sport STX Revolver — $4,393.00 Wheelgun
Germany’s Korth Arms makes some of the best revolvers on the planet. Korth’s machining tolerances are second to none. The triggers are superb and the accuracy is excellent. At the 2022 IWA Outdoor Classics Expo, Korth featured a “badass” black heavy-barreled wheelgun, the Super Sport STX Revolver. This features a full-length scope rail and slab sides, for use in Bianchi Cup-type competitions.
Korth states: “In addition to the National Standard Super Sport STX, we present the weight-reduced ALX version. Both weapon types are equipped with a 4-position rear sight”. You’ll need serious bucks to buy a Korth Super Sport STX. Currently the 8-shot STX model in .357 Magnum sells for €4,077.00 Euros (about $4,393.00 U.S.). Below are a trio of blued Korth revolvers:
Smith & Wesson Model 648 in .22 WMR
We love Smith & Wesson rimfire revolvers. We have put thousands of rounds through S&W Model 617 revolvers, with 4″ and 6″ barrels. These stainless .22 LR handguns are accurate, superbly reliable, and they hold their value. In general we’ve found that Smith & Wesson rimfire revolvers may be less fussy with ammo, and more trouble-free than typical semi-auto rimfires. Bottom line, we feel that everyone should have an S&W rimfire wheelgun in their collection.
Along with its .22 LR wheelguns, S&W now offers another very impressive Rimfire Revolver option — the “revived” Model 648 in .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire). This stainless Model 648 brings a more powerful cartridge to S&W rimfire revolver fans.
Report based on NSSF News Release
We congratulate the USA Shooting team on its achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where team members earned five medals (1 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze). The 2024 Paris Olympics saw many firsts for USA Shooting, marking a significant chapter in the history of U.S. shooting sports. See all of Team USA’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games medals below:
Vincent Hancock: Gold, Men’s Skeet
Conner Prince: Silver, Men’s Skeet
Austen Smith: Bronze, Women’s Skeet
Vincent Hancock and Austen Smith: Silver, Mixed Team Skeet
Sagen Maddalena: Silver, Women’s 50m Smallbore Rifle
Vincent Hancock Secures Gold in Men’s Skeet and Silver in Mixed Skeet
Vincent Hancock’s victory in Paris cements his place among the greatest Olympic shooters ever. Earning his fourth gold medal in men’s skeet, Hancock joins an elite group of athletes who have also won four gold medals — competitors such as Michael Phelps, Carl Lewis, and Katie Ledecky. Competing at the Châteauroux Shooting Range, Hancock delivered an almost flawless performance. In the finals, Hancock hit 58 out of 60 targets, securing the gold medal.
Conner Prince Takes Silver in Men’s Skeet
In his Olympic debut, Conner Prince delivered a remarkable performance, claiming silver in Men’s Skeet. His achievement, alongside Hancock’s, marks the first time Team USA has secured multiple medals in this event at a single Olympic Games.
Austen Smith Earns Two Medals in Skeet Events
In Women’s Skeet, Austen Smith earned a well-deserved bronze medal. Her consistency and focus were evident as she navigated a highly competitive field. Smith also partnered with Vincent Hancock in the Mixed Team Skeet event, where the pair earned a silver medal.
Sagen Maddalena Wins Silver in Women’s Smallbore Rifle
Sagen Maddalena demonstrated exceptional resilience in the Women’s 50m Smallbore Rifle, 3 Positions event. Maddalena’s skill and determination allowed her to execute a series of impressive shots in the single-shot eliminations, ultimately securing the silver medal.
NEXT UP — Paris Paralympic Games Commence August 28
American Shooters Will Compete in 2024 Paralympics August 28 – September 8
The Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a historic moment for the USA Shooting team. With five medals and history-making performances. The excitement continues with the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games, where USA Shooting’s Paralympians will compete from August 28 to September 8.
Paralympics Shooting Finals event will be broadcast on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. CLICK HERE to review the full Paralympics Shooting Sports broadcast schedule.
Find Shooting Sports Events Near You
August is National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM). This coast-to-coast celebration spotlights the fun and enjoyment of target shooting. The NSSF’s ShootingSportsMonth.org website offers a comprehensive, searchable database. This lets you search by state to find ranges, events, and sales promotions near you. Visit the NSSF online database of NSSM shooting events to find matches, clinics, training sessions, special sales — and much more.
Great FREE Targets for Fun at the Range
To promote National Shooting Sports Month, the NSSF offers 17 FREE Downloadable Targets. There are regular bullseyes, as well as Darts, Golf, and more. We really like the Billiards target and kids love the Water Balloons target. You can download all 17 targets for free, and then print them out, ideally with a color printer. Below are six of our favorite targets. Click HERE to download these six targets (3.5 mb ZIP).
Fall hunting season is coming soon. When you’re trekking many miles in the back-country on a hunt, rifle weight DOES matter. Many hunters want to keep their rifle weight as low as possible to reduce the overall load they must carry in the field. Howa now offers a series of Super Lite rifles that weigh under four and a half pounds (without scope, sling, or ammo). That’s impressive.
Howa claims that its Super Lite rifle is the “absolute lightest centerfire rifle on the market”. We can’t confirm that. But at a listed 4 pounds, 7 ounces (without optics), the carbon-fiber stock Super Lite model is very low in weight and mass (4.4375 pounds to be exact, without scope). And there is a Super Lite Short Barrel model (with 16.25″ barrel) that is just 4 pounds, 3 ounces (without scope). Either version is VERY light indeed — an important plus for hunters carrying their gear for long hours in the field.
Both standard and short-barrel versions of the Howa Super Lite rifle are currently available in .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem, and .308 Winchester, four very popular hunting chamberings.
Photo shows Howa Super Lite Rifle with Kyptek Altitude Camo finish.
For 2024 the Howa Super Lite is offered with six carbon stock finishes, including three impressive camo types: Kryptek Obskura Transitional, Kryptek Altitude, and XK7 Kings Camo. Fitted with the strong but light Stocky’s Carbon Fiber stock, these Super Lite models feature a black webbing and soft touch for added texture and enhanced grip on the low-mass carbon stock. Howa also offers a walnut-stocked version of the Super Lite rifle. This weighs a bit more — 5 pounds, 9 ounces.
Howa Super Lite Rifle Features
Stock Options: Gray, Tan, Green, Kryptek Obskura Transitional Camo, Kryptek Altitude Camo, XK7 Kings Camo, and Walnut Wood (no wood for short barrel models)
Rifle Weight: Standard 4 lbs. 7 oz. | Short Bbl 4 lbs. 3 oz. | Walnut Stock, 5 lbs. 9 oz.
Chamberings: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, .308 Win
Stock: Stocky’s Carbon Fiber Stock with Accublock patented Lug Bed
Standard Barrel: 20″ Blued barrel threaded (½”-28) and Suppressor Ready
Short Barrel: 16.25″ Blued
Trigger: 2-Stage Match Trigger with 3-position Safety
Optics Mounting: Included one-piece Picatinny Rail
Stock Feature: Limbsaver Butt Pad
Warranty: Lifetime Howa Warranty
Accuracy Claim: Sub-MOA 3-shot group at 100 yards with premium factory ammo
The Howa Super Lite also has some interesting mechanical features, including machined receiver and gorged bolt, tool-less firing pin removal, and a reliable M-16 style extractor/ejector. CLICK HERE for more INFO on HOWA Super Lite rifles and the rest of the Legacy Sport International product line.
Hunting season is starting soon. We know many of our readers will be driving to other states. If you plan to travel across state lines with your guns, this book can really help. With over 100 changes from last year, the 2024 edition of Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States is a must-read for anyone planning to travel around the country with firearms. In addition, the book also covers the firearms travel laws for Canada and Mexico.
For $15.95 you can purchase a state-by-state Traveler’s Guide to firearms laws. This book can help ensure you comply with all state laws during your trip. Highways Magazine states: “If you carry a weapon in your rig, you need this book.” This 68-page guide covers all firearms types and all 50 states. It even has info for Canada and Mexico. The Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States has sold more than 2,000,000 copies since it was first released in 1996.
This 27th edition of the Traveler’s Guide covers important topics such as carry of firearms in a motor vehicle, concealed carry reciprocity, which states preempt local gun regulation, tips on handling a traffic stop, concealed carry in state and National Parks, vehicle carry and possession on college campuses and much more. Best of all, the text is in plain, easy-to-read English.
Written and researched by J. Scott Kappas, an attorney and Class III Firearms Dealer, the 2024 Traveler’s Guide has a preface that defines many key terms important for anyone traveling with a firearm across state lines. The latest edition also has new formatting for easier reading.
The Traveler’s Guide is especially useful for shooters traveling in RVs and motorhomes. The American Rifleman Magazine declared: “This book is a must-have for truck drivers, motor home enthusiasts, campers and other travelers…easy to read and understand, well-organized and concise….” One reader from Texas adds: “I used to think that my RV was the same as my home when it came to gun carry….the Traveler’s Guide set me straight. Now I know my motorhome is subject to the same laws as any vehicle when it comes to guns.”
Many barrel-makers mark the twist rate and bore dimensions on their barrel blanks.
Does muzzle velocity change with faster or slower barrel twist rates? Absolutely, but much less than you might think. Faster twist rates do slow down bullets somewhat, but the speed loss is NOT that significant. With Bartlein .308 Win barrels of identical length and contour, a 1:12″-twist barrel was only 8 fps faster than a 1:8″-twist barrel. That was the result of testing by Applied Ballistics.
The Applied Ballistics team tested six (6) same-length/same-contour Bartlein barrels to observe how twist rate might affect muzzle velocity. This unique, multi-barrel test is featured in the book Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting, Vol. 1. That book includes other fascinating field tests, including a comprehensive chronograph comparison.
Barrel Twist Rate vs. Velocity — What Tests Reveal by Bryan Litz
When considering barrel twist rates, it’s a common belief that faster twist rates will reduce muzzle velocity. The thinking is that the faster twist rate will resist forward motion of the bullet and slow it down. There are anecdotal accounts of this, such as when someone replaces a barrel of one brand/twist with a different brand and twist and observes a different muzzle velocity. But how do you know the twist rate is what affected muzzle velocity and not the barrel finish, or bore/groove dimensions? Did you use the same chronograph to measure velocity from both barrels? Do you really trust your chronograph?
Summary of Test Results
After all the smoke cleared, we found that muzzle velocity correlates to twist rate at the average rate of approximately 1.33 FPS per inch of twist. In other words, your velocity is reduced by about 5 FPS if you go from a 1:12″ twist to a 1:8″ twist. — Bryan Litz
Savage Test Rifle with Six Bartlein Barrels
Most shooters don’t have access to the equipment required to fully explore questions like this. These are exactly the kinds of things we examine in the book Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting, Vol. 1. In that book, we present experiments conducted in the Applied Ballistics lab. Some of those experiments took on a “Myth Buster” tone as we sought to confirm (or deny) popular pre-conceptions. For example, here’s how we approached the question of barrel twist and muzzle velocity.
Six .308 Win Barrels from Bartlein — All Shot from the Same Rifle
We acquired six (6) barrels from the same manufacturer (Bartlein), all the same length and contour, and all chambered with the same reamer (SAAMI spec .308 Winchester). All these barrels were fitted to the same Savage Precision Target action, and fired from the same stock, and bench set-up. Common ammo was fired from all six barrels having different twist rates and rifling configurations. In this way, we’re truly able to compare what effect the actual twist rate has on muzzle velocity with a reasonable degree of confidence.
Prior to live fire testing, we explored the theoretical basis of the project, doing the physics. In this case, an energy balance is presented which predicts how much velocity you should expect to lose for a bullet that’s got a little more rotational energy from the faster twist. In the case of the .30 caliber 175 grain bullets, the math predicts a loss of 1.25 fps per inch-unit of barrel twist (e.g. a 1:8″ twist is predicted to be 1.25 fps slower than a 1:9″ twist).
Above, data shows relationship between Twist Rate and Muzzle Velocity (MV) for various barrel twist rates and rifling types. From fast to slow, the three 1:10″ twist barrels are: 5R (canted land), 5 Groove, 5 Groove left-hand twist.
We proceeded with testing all 6 barrels, with twist rates from 1:8″ to 1:12″. After all the smoke cleared, we found that muzzle velocity correlates to twist rate at the average rate of approximately 1.33 fps per inch of twist. In other words, your velocity is reduced by about 5 fps if you go from a 1:12″ twist to a 1:8″ twist. [Editor: That’s an average for all the lengths tested. The actual variance between 1:12″ and 1:8″ here was 8 FPS.] In this case the math prediction was pretty close, and we have to remember that there’s always uncertainty in the live fire results. Uncertainty is always considered in terms of what conclusions the results can actually support with confidence.
This is just a brief synopsis of a single test case. The coverage of twist rates in Modern Advancements in Long-Range Shooting Vol. 1 is more detailed, with multiple live fire tests. Results are extrapolated for other calibers and bullet weights. Needless to say, the question of “how twist rate affects muzzle velocity” is fully answered.
Other chapters in the book’s twist rate section include: · Stability and Drag — Supersonic
· Stability and Drag — Transonic
· Spin Rate Decay
· Effect of Twist rate on Precision
Other sections of the book include: Modern Rifles, Scopes, and Bullets as well as Advancements in Predictive Modeling. This book is sold through the Applied Ballistics online store. Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting is also available as an eBook in Amazon Kindle format.
This illustration shows headspace measurement for the popular .308 Winchester cartridge, which headspaces on the shoulder. Image copyright 2015 Ultimate Reloader.
In this Brownells Tech Tip Video, Brownells gun tech Steve Ostrem explains what headspace is and why it’s one of the most critical measurements for nearly all firearms. Even if you’re an experienced rifle shooter, it’s worth watching this video to refresh your understanding of headspace measurements, and the correct use of “GO” and “NO-GO” gauges.
Headspace Definition
In firearms, headspace is the distance measured from the part of the chamber that stops forward motion of the cartridge (the datum reference) to the face of the bolt. Different cartridges have their datum lines in different positions in relation to the cartridge. For example, 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition headspaces off the shoulder of the cartridge, whereas .303 British headspaces off the forward rim of the cartridge. If the headspace is too short, ammunition that is in specification may not chamber correctly. If headspace is too large, the ammunition may not fit as intended or designed and the cartridge case may rupture, possibly damaging the firearm and injuring the shooter. (Source: Wikipedia)
Problems Caused by Too Much Headspace
Excessive headspace issues can include: light primer strikes, failure to fire, bulged/blown cases, case separations, split shoulders, or unseated primers after firing. Case ruptures caused by excessive headspace can lead to catastrophic failures causing serious injury. That is why headspace is such an important measurement.
Problems Cause by Too Little Headspace
Insufficent (or excessively tight) headspace can prevent the firearm from going into battery, resulting in failure to fire or deformation of the cartridge case. Various feeding and functioning problems can be caused by cases with too little headspace, even if a round can be chambered (with effort).
Headspace Gauges
Headspace is measured with a set of two headspace gauges: a “Go” gauge, and a “No-Go” gauge. Headspace gauges resemble the cartridges for the chambers they are designed to headspace, and are typically made of heat-treated tool steel. Both a “Go” and a “No-Go” gauge are required for a gunsmith to headspace a firearm properly. A third gauge, the “Field” gauge, is used (as the name implies) in the field to indicate the absolute maximum safe headspace. This gauge is used because, over time, the bolt and receiver will wear, the bolt and lugs compress, and the receiver may stretch, all causing the headspace to gradually increase from the “factory specs” measured by the “Go” and “No-Go” gauges. A bolt that closes on “No-Go” but not on “Field” is close to being unsafe to fire, and may malfunction on cartridges that are slightly out of spec. (Source: Wikipedia)
You need to understand Headspace Gauges and how to use them. There are “Go”, “No-Go”, and “Field” gauges. The “Field” is actually the longest. Brownells explains: “The GO gauge corresponds to the SAAMI minimum chamber length, while the FIELD gauge usually matches the maximum chamber depth, or slightly less. NO-GO gauges are an intermediate length between minimum and maximum, that, technically, is a voluntary dimension. A firearm that closes on a NO-GO gauge and does not close on a FIELD gauge may not give good accuracy and may have very short cartridge case life [.]”
Long Range Scope for Hunters — Quigley-Ford Dual Focal Plane
By James Mock
I recently tested a 5-20x50mm Quigley-Ford Dual Focal Plane Scope. This unique $3049.00 optic essentially offers DUAL focal reticles. The primary reticle is in the First Focal Plane while there is a SECOND reticle in the Second Focal plane. How is that possible? The scope is basically a First Focal Plane one, but there is an secondary Second Focal Plane reticle that does not change size (or thickness) when the magnification level changes. Quigley-Ford states: “The ONLY long range scope that is built with dual focal plane capability (without electronics or batteries) to make it effective for both long range shots AND close up.” The design holds U.S. Patent #D943050. This scope is assembled in Canada with German-crafted HD multi-coated lenses and a main tube from China.
The manufacturer explains: “The patented Dual Focal Plane scope provides a super bold Second Focal Plane etched aiming point … on all power settings PLUS a First Focal Plane reticle to provide the ability to shoot at any distance on any power. With this innovative combination a hunter in near darkness, using the lowest power setting can still pick up an aiming point on an animal with ease.” See how it works:
As seen in the photo, the two dark horizontal lines are in the second focal plane and are there to aid the “hunter” when the power is turned down and the fine cross hairs are difficult to see. This is an ingenious arrangement that allows one to use low power settings in dim light without losing sight of the reticle. NOTE: When ordering one of these scopes, one must give Randy Ford the particulars of the load to be shot. The required data includes caliber, bullet weight, bullet BC, and velocity. My load data sent to Randy was: 32.2 grains Varget, CCI 400 SR primer, 108gr Berger BT at 2910 FPS.
Randy emphasized that there are other factors to consider such as altitude, but his reticle is seldom off on distant targets more than 2 inches. He repeated that his system is designed for the hunter to quickly find an aiming point. They recommend a default altitude of 5000 feet. That way the reticle will still be very effective from sea level to 10,000 ft.
To set up the FFP system, one zeroes the rifle at 200 yards. The center crosshair will be for 200 yards with hash marks to 1000 yards with smaller marks between the longer 100-yard marks.
In the photos below, I first shot over the chronograph to check my velocity. It is very important to match the velocity for which the reticle was designed. The velocity was within a few FPS of the velocity I provided to Randy. His system utilizes marks for hold-over rather than having to dial the scope. It is a very ingenious system. Although I am 79 years old, I still enjoy shooting. I wish I could have had a scope like this one when shooting at a mule deer in Colorado back in 1980. After checking velocity, one must obtain a 200-yard zero. I did this at my friend Kent Bennett’s 200-yard range…on which I have shot for many years. My rifle is a Stolle Panda with 28″, 1:7.5″-twist Krieger barrel chambered in 6mm Dasher.
Speaking of Kent, he was impressed with his initial contact with this scope. He stated that the optics were very sharp and clear. I will add that the adjustments were spot on and the parallax was easily removed. My next trip to the range was to another friend’s 600-yard range.
Parallax Adjustment: Side-focus
Click Adjustments: 1/4″ @ 100 yards
Length: 15.75″ plus sunshade
Weight: 25.5 ounces
Finish: Matte black
With the preparations completed, I took my Dasher with the Quigley-Ford scope to a friend’s range. He had targets set up at 200, 300, 400, and 600 yards. The morning was foggy with light drizzle, but the rain held off until I finished the test.
I started by checking my 200-yard zero and it was close, although not perfect. Next, I shot 300 yards, 400 yards, and at a 600-yard steel gong. The 300-yard shot (shown at right) was perfect except for being a tad right. I was very satisfied with the results so far. I skipped 500 yards temporarily, but went to the gong at 600 yards. There was a very satisfying “bong!” when the 108gr bullet arrived. This showed that the scope can provide precise elevations for distances from 200 to 600 yards.
I then set up a plywood dummy deer (crafted by my son years ago) at 500 yards and shot it twice. One shot was with the 108gr Berger BT and the other was with a 105gr, Bart’s VLD. Both were about 2910 FPS and have a BC that is very close. When I went to the target, I was pleasantly surprised in that the bullets were close to center and less than 1 inch apart. Both were 10s and one was an “X”.
Conclusion: I will continue more testing of this Dual Focal Plane scope. So far, I find that it is a very worthwhile addition to a long-range hunter’s rifle. I was amazed at how precise the reticle was from 200 to 600 yards. The Dual Focal Plane functionality is unique and very useful — offering the “best of both worlds” for hunting — you have a highly visible horizontal bar, combined with a FFP reticle which allows precise holds at multiple ranges. Stay tuned, James Mock.
If bigger is better, then a 
Written and researched by J. Scott Kappas, an attorney and Class III Firearms Dealer, the 2024 Traveler’s Guide has a preface that defines many key terms important for anyone traveling with a firearm across state lines. The latest edition also has new formatting for easier reading.
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With the preparations completed, I took my Dasher with the Quigley-Ford scope to a friend’s range. He had targets set up at 200, 300, 400, and 600 yards. The morning was foggy with light drizzle, but the rain held off until I finished the test.
