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April 11th, 2010
For many folks, a fly-in trip to a remote Alaskan fishing lodge would be a “vacation of a lifetime”. Serious anglers spend $5,000 per week (or more) at some of the exclusive Alaskan lodges.
 What does this have to do with precision shooting? Well, Shooters’ Forum member Mark W. (aka warrbuk) purchased a $3,200 Alaskan fishing holiday at a Safari Club Int’l (SCI) event, but he’s unable to make the trip this year. Mark wants to trade the trip for a rifle, scope or other shooting gear. Mark posted: “I would like to get $750 out of it, or trade for gear of that value.” If you want to make an offer to Mark, CLICK HERE for Mark’s Forum thread.
So, here’s your chance to get a trip of a lifetime for a fraction of the going price. The trip is a 6-day fully guided fishing holiday at the MacDougall Lodge in Lake Creek, AK. Lake Creek starts at the base of Mt. McKinley and runs 65 miles to the Yentna River. MacDougall Lodge sits approximately 1.5 miles from the mouth of Lake Creek. All five species of Pacific salmon run Lake Creek at different times of the year. Rainbow Trout, Grayling and Northern Pike can be caught year round. MacDougall Lodge was recently featured on the Outdoor Channel (see video below).
April 11th, 2010
 There’s a big cash incentive for first-time female competitors at this year’s NRA Bianchi Cup, May 26-29, 2010, in Columbia, Missouri. Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA have donated big bucks for first-time female competitors, using a production handgun, who achieve the highest Aggregate score of all four championship events (moving target, falling plate, barricade, and practical). A qualifying production handgun must be “right out of the box”, unmodified, with no customizations.
First Place in the 1st time women’s category will receive $2,500, Second Place $1,500 and Third Place $750. Right now, with six weeks to go before the match, few women registrants meet the requirements to win this first-time shooters’ award. So, ladies, here’s a chance to win serious money. And guys, if you know a skilled female shooter, encourage her to sign up. For more information on the 2010 NRA Bianchi Cup, call 703-267-1451 or email BianchiCup [at] nrahq.org.
April 10th, 2010
 The 2010 14th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules for Service Rifle, Service Pistol and As-Issued Military Rifle shooting has just been released. These new rules go into effect immediately. The new rulebook can be downloaded from the CMP website. Printed copies of the new rules, which can be purchased from the CMP for $3.00 each, will be furnished to each match sponsor and National Matches competitor.
CLICK HERE to download 2010 CMP Competition Rules (14th Ed.)
There are fewer changes this year than there have been in any of the past 10 years — a sign that military rifle and pistol rules have stabilized. Most competitors in CMP-sanctioned Service Rifle, Service Pistol, and As-Issued Military Rifle Matches will NOT have to adapt to any significant changes this year. But there are a few changes to rules regarding AR15 stocks, rapid-fire time limits in Garand matches, and coaching during Military Rifle Matches. To learn more, read the CMP website’s point-by-point Summary of 2010 Rule Changes
April 10th, 2010
The MidwayUSA Competition Range Bag is on sale, through April 20, 2010, for $39.99. That’s $20.00 off the regular $59.99 price. With 14 total pockets or pouches, this 22″L x 15″W x 10″H bag has plenty of carrying capacity. This is a BIG bag, nearly twice as wide as some other range bags. We saw many of these Midway Range Bags in use by top shooters at the recent 2010 F-Class Nationals. Don’t be fooled by the discount price — this is a quality piece of kit that is very versatile, thanks to the removable components inside the large main bag. These include a removable stage bag/ammunition carrier, two removable pistol rugs and a removable fired brass or ammunition carrying bag.
The bag has earned consistent “five-star” reviews from owners, who praise the bag’s ruggedness and ability to haul lots of gear. B. Schue of Minnesota wrote: “This bag is huge. The inside bag is bigger than most of those low-priced range bags sold elsewhere. I carry everything to the range in this bag. The zippers are top quality, and so is the stitchery.” Here are some other comments:
“I love the removable ‘bag’ within the bag. You can load up and take out only what you need at that moment. The material is light weight but very sturdy. I don’t think they make a bigger/better bag for the money. Definite buy!” – R. Sebastian, FL
“I ordered the bag after reading several favorable reviews. Other reviewers were right. Well-made bag with lots of pockets for magazines, etc. Even has a bag within a bag, outside water bottle pocket, a detachable mesh bag for brass, a couple of flat pouches that can double as gun mats, etc. — and it is big. If you can’t fit it in this bag, you don’t need it. A great value.” – D. Moard, WI
NOTE: The bag is currently back-ordered, but it should be back in stock by 4/18/2010. The $39.99 special price applies to black-colored bags. Also, a handsome new olive drab version will be offered for $59.99, with availability in mid-summer, 2010.
April 9th, 2010
We know many of our readers have a Ruger 10/22 for varminting, fun shooting, or rimfire tactical competition. Here’s an affordable new product for the Ruger 10/22 that will fit the highly-accurate Volquartsen rimfires as well. The new TriMag™ magazine coupler secures three standard, 10-round 10/22 rotary magazines together, giving you extra ammo capacity with full factory reliability. Yes there are long, banana-style magazines for the 10/22, but a TriMag 3-mag assembly won’t interfere with prone or off-hand shooting. And when varminting, you won’t have to set your tripod super-high to provide clearance for a long single-column magazine. This is ideal for rimfire tactical matches.
Designed and crafted by Alangator of Hayden Lake, Idaho, the $9.95 patent-pending TriMag™ is a clever, U.S.-made invention that any 10/22 or Volquartsen owner can afford. Puchasers give the TriMag™ high marks. One Cabela’s customer writes: “One of the best 10/22 products ever! As everyone who owns a 10/22 knows, aftermarket or non-factory extended capacity 10/22 magazines perform terribly. This product resolves that issue because you have 30 rounds available using your perfectly-functioning factory magazines.” Another buyer adds: “IMO one of the best accessories for the 10/22… one of those things that you can’t go without. An added bonus is that when you set your gun on a bench it holds it up right.”
Where to Buy
The TriMag™ is currently offered by Cabela’s, Volquartsen, and other vendors starting at $9.95. Volquartsen says the device fits all Volquartsen .22 LR semi-auto rifles.
April 9th, 2010
.223 WSSM and 6mmBR Disaster — Report by Dr. Jim Clary
Under most circumstances, shooters don’t have to worry about chambering the wrong cartridge into the wrong rifle. After all, the cartridges are well marked and we all know which rifle we are shooting on any given day. In many cases, incorrect cartridges cannot be chambered — larger cases will not fit in smaller chambers, for example. No problem! That being said, I can tell you that even an experienced, careful and normally safe shooter can make a mistake.
The following is an account of just such a mistake that could have resulted in death or dismemberment. Fortunately, the shooter was not hurt, but the rifle was completely destroyed.
Last year, a friend purchased a Savage Precision right bolt, left port, single shot bolt action in 6mmBR Norma. It was an incredible prairie dog gun and he spent the summer burning powder and busting dogs. In October, he purchased a stainless steel Browning A-Bolt Varmint in .223 WSSM. The weather in the upper Midwest turned sour by the time he got the brass tuned up and he only got to fire it a few times before he was “socked in” for the winter. Thus, he spent his evenings loading ammo for the spring thaw.
During a break in the weather, he grabbed both rifles and a couple of bags of .223 WSSM and 6mmBR cartridges and headed to the range to check out his new loads. In case you are not familiar, the 6mmBR is smaller in diameter and a mite shorter than the .223 WSSM. Because of this, it will chamber in a .223 WSSM, but the .24 caliber bullet is too big for the .22 caliber bore. That is what happened to my friend.
The rest is history; when he squeezed the trigger, all hell broke loose. The entire bottom of the rifle blew out, including the magazine assembly. The explosion actually cut the stock into two pieces. However, the bolt held and amazing as it may seem, the .243 bullet was “swaged” right out of the .223 barrel.
6mmBR (left) and .223 WSSM (right) cartridges above the remains of Browning A-Bolt rifle.
One Small Mistake Is All It Takes
Now, realize that my friend has been shooting all manner of firearms, safely, for over half a century. He is meticulous, thorough and conscientious in his approach to reloading and shooting. However, he made one mistake. He put some lose 6BR cartridges in a baggie as he packed up from a prairie dog hunt last summer, without noticing that the baggie was marked .223 WSSM in black marker. Then, when the break in his winter weather came, he grabbed the bag, believing it to be the WSSM cartridges and didn’t check the head stamp.
Couldn’t happen to you? How many times have we emptied our pockets of cartridges and dropped them into a plastic container on the shooting bench? How many times have we set down to a marathon reloading session, loading several calibers in a row? How many times have we put the wrong bullets, cases or primers into the incorrect container? My point is that even the safest of us can make a mistake. So, look at the picture above and take a bit more time when you reload your ammunition at home or chamber a round in the field. It might save your life.
Story and photo © Dr. Jim Clary, All Rights Reserved.
COMMENT: In a thread inspired by the above story, the moderator of another gun forum wrote:
“There was a rifle (or what was left of it) mounted above the door of a range I used to go to. The story behind it was of a guy who was shooting a .30-06 and set it aside to shoot his .25-06 instead. He didn’t bother putting the larger cartridges away first and of course one found its way into his gun. The explosion took three fingers off his left hand, two off his right and stuck a piece of the bolt in his face. He recovered but was never the same again. The pieces of the gun were gathered and mounted to show others why it pays to be mindful of what you’re doing. It was effective as there was never another such accident at that range.”
April 7th, 2010
Congratulations to Carl Boswell, Vince Bottomley, Andy Dubreuil, Laurie Holland and all the staff at Target Shooter online magazine. Target Shooter has released its April 2010 First Anniversary issue, and it may be the best yet. The hardware photography is high quality and there is something for everyone — from Benchresters to Tactical shooters. You can view the 110-page April issue for FREE at www.targetshooter.co.uk.
Carl tells us: “Yes, this is our first anniversary issue and we have it packed with articles.” Here are some of the recommended articles in the April Anniversary Edition of Target Shooter:
- Loading for the .308, Part 6 — Laurie Holland continues his informative reloading series.
- SEB Neo Coaxial Rest — Vince Bottomley reviews one of the most impressive rests on the market. This is a very thorough review which compares the old SEB Coax with the SEB NEO side by side.
- Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest — Carl Boswell looks at these rapidly evolving disciplines.
- Gallery Rifle 1500 — Gwyn Roberts continues his course on Gallery Rifle Basics.
- New GBR Custom Action — A New Rem 700-footprint action made in the UK.
- Steyr LG110 Field Test — Tim Finley reviews the Steyr LG110 rifle for Field Target.
Definitely check out the latest edition of Target Shooter magazine. Laurie Holland is one of the best technical gun writers in the business, and when Vince Bottomley reviews a product, he delivers intelligent conclusions you can “take to the bank”. As a special bonus, this April edition includes exclusive reports from the IWA Expo in Germany — the “Euro Shot Show”.
April 7th, 2010
 At the request of some younger Forum members who are Facebook fans, AccurateShooter.com has added a Facebook Page. This will feature brief notices of recent feature stories, planned events, and site news. We will also be building a photo gallery and video archive as time permits. What’s cool about Facebook is that readers who link up as AccurateShooter.com “Fans” can then post items of interest on our Facebook “Wall”. Use this feature to alert other readers about upcoming matches and shooting events, or to report a hot deal on shooting gear.
So, get involved with social networking. If you’re a registered Facebook user, just click the “Become a Fan” button below to join up with our Facebook Page. Let’s see how quickly we can add 100, 200, 300 “Fans”. We started with Fan #1 when this story was released. Thanks in advance for participating!
April 6th, 2010
 Summer is just a couple months away. If you’re looking for supervised shooting opportunities for your youngsters this summer, the NSSF has created a list of suitable programs. Parents can choose from shotgun, rifle and/or handgun programs with certified adult instructors. All the programs listed below offer an introduction to target shooting, and some provide opportunities for individual and team competition. To learn more about training programs for young people, read “A Parent’s Guide to Recreational Shooting for Youngsters,” which is available online at www.nssf.org/lit.
AIM (Academics, Integrity, Marksmanship): AIM provides a safe, positive experience with firearms and registered trapshooting for youth, elementary school through college age. AIM encourages good sportsmanship and personal responsibility. Learn more at www.shootata.com/aim/aim4ata.html.
American Legion: Thousands of male and female junior shooters have participated in the American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program, which has a perfect safety record. The Junior Program includes a Basic Marksmanship Course, Qualification Awards and Air Rifle Competition. To learn more, visit www.legion.org/shooting.
Civilian Marksmanship Program: The CMP offers many programs for youth shooters, including indoor air rifle clinics, summer shooting camps, and Rimfire Sporter competitions which are held natiowide. CLICK HERE to read about Rimfire Sporter matches, and learn more about all CMP youth programs at www.odcmp.com.
Junior USA Shooting Patch Program: This NSSF patch program allows youngsters to get started in target shooting. Under adult supervision, participants learn safety and shooting basics while earning official Junior USA Shooting team rifle or shotgun patches. Learn more at www.nssf.org/JRUSA/.
National 4-H Shooting Sports: More than 300,000 4-H members have been introduced to shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader and handgun shooting through this program, which emphasizes the development of youth as responsible, productive citizens. Learn more at www.4-hshootingsports.org.
Scholastic Clay Target Program: Directed by adult coaches, the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) provides team competition for youth in skeet, trap and sporting clays, with the opportunity to win state and national championships. Learn more at www.sssfonline.org.
Scholastic Steel Challenge: The SSC provides the opportunity for young adults aged 12 through 20 to participate in the challenging sport of “speed steel” in a supportive environment taught by trained adult coaches who focus on the safe handling and use of handguns.
April 6th, 2010
Now through April 18, 2010, if you purchase a Browning firearm, Browning will refund the amount you pay in sales tax, up to 8%. Under the terms of Browning’s Tax Relief offer, purchase any new Browning firearm (other than Buck Mark Pistols) at your local preferred Browning dealer starting April 2, 2010 through April 18, 2010 and Browning will reimburse you up to 8% in U.S. funds for the sales tax. Participating dealers should have flyers and coupons available at their stores. Or, CLICK HERE to download Browning Tax Relief Promotion Flyer.
To get your 8% sales tax rebate you must:
1. Make your purchase from April 2, 2010 through April 18, 2010 at your Preferred Browning Dealer.
2. Make or get a copy of your sales receipt.
3. Fill out the Tax Relief program coupon and send it in to Browning.
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