These days, it’s not uncommon for shooters to bring electrical gadgets to the shooting range, particularly when testing loads. You’ll see guys running chronos with laptop computers, or loading with electronic powder dispensers (such as the RCBS ChargeMaster). If your favorite range doesn’t have AC outlets, how do you keep all that stuff powered up? You can get one of those portable 120v power supplies (basically a big battery with inverter and carry handle), but they are heavy and fairly expensive.
Another option, for those needing 120v AC to drive powder dispensers, laptops etc., is to use your car battery. Compact, affordable, and reliable inverters are now available that let you draw current from your car/truck’s cigarette lighter or accessory jack. Yes, it would be possible to run-down your battery, but if you start with a healthy vehicle battery, you’re not going to drain it by throwing a couple dozen charges with a ChargeMaster.
Black & Decker makes a rugged 100-Watt Inverter that converts your vehicle’s 12-volt DC power into 115-volt AC power. The unit has a single AC outlet, with an accessory plug that adjusts 45 degrees for convenience. An automatic low battery shutdown prevents draining the vehicle battery, and an LED indicator shows charging status. Black & Decker backs its inverter with a 2-year warranty. The Black & Decker 100-Watt Inverter costs $22.96 at Amazon.com.
Duracell has a similar Pocket Power Inverter fitted with a cord on the 12V end. (The cord is much longer than shown in picture). The cord can be helpful if your power take-off or cigarette lighter jack is hard to access. The Duracell unit has been popular, but, unlike the Black & Decker, the Duracell only delivers 100 Watts for for 5 minutes, after that it delivers 80 watts. That’s still enough to drive most of the gadgets you’ll use for load testing at the range. Duracells Pocket Power Inverter sells for $19.99 on Amazon.com. A more powerful 175 watt version sells for $48.75.
Right now Cabela’s.com is running a major Hunting Gear SALE with some popular items discounted 30% or more. You’ll find great deals on Bushnell, Leupold, and Nikon optics. Rifle ammo for a wide variety of calibers is on sale, and you’ll find good deals on knives and hunting accessories.
To make this sale even more attractive, Cabela’s is offering $5 flat-rate shipping, now through February 16, 2010. To qualify, your order must total AT LEAST $150.00, and you need to use Promo Code 2XFLAT when checking out.
Mark Trope, Webmaster of the Gun Owner Network website, has written a very thorough review of the SEB Coaxial front rest. Mark’s SEB Rest Review covers all the bases, showing how the rest works with a variety of rifle types, including both wide-forearm match rifles and narrow-forearm sporter rifles.
Mark provides dozens of good photos of the rest, including many close-ups showing the fine points of SEB’s impressive design. The review shows how to set-up and level the rest, and how to tune the “feel” of the joystick to suit your preferences. Some rest users prefer the joystick to move quite freely, while others prefer to dial in some resistance so there is no chance of movement when you remove your hand from the joystick.
After covering the features and performance of the SEB Rest, Trope turns his attention to the SEB “BigFoot” rear bag. He explains why it’s a super-stable choice in rear bags, one of the best products available. You’ll note we acquired a SEB BigFoot rear bag for our latest AccurateShooter.com Project Rifle (see story above). After providing tips on how to fill the bag with heavy sand, Trope shows how to adapt a RubberMaid “ActionPacker” plastic storage bin to carry both the SEB Front Rest and the BigFoot Bag.
If you are considering the purchase of a joystick-style front rest, or joystick-style rest top, you should definitely read Trope’s Rest Review. It will definitely help you identify the features you need, so you can make an informed decision, whatever brand you ultimately choose. To learn more about the SEB coaxial rest, or to place an order, contact Sebastian Lambang’s American dealer, Ernie Bishop:
Ernie Bishop
306 West Flying Circle Drive
Gillette, WY 82716
(307) 257-7431
ernieemily [at] yahoo.com
Colorado’s Trinidad State Junior College first launched a gunsmithing school in 1947. That makes Trinidad’s gunsmithing program the oldest active gunsmith school in the nation, and the first of its kind ever offered by an American college. The gunsmithing program immediately attracted capacity enrollment, dominated by veterans of World War II. In its 63 years of existence, the school has earned the respect and support of many leading companies in the shooting industry, including Brownells and Sinclair International.
The NRA Blog recently interviewed Trinidad Professor of Gunsmithing Dave Nolan to learn more about the program. Nolan explained that: “Each student chooses whether to pursue an Associate’s degree of Applied Science or a Certificate of Gunsmithing”. Students come from all across the nation, according to Nolan, shown above with colleague Keith Gipson. Most students enrol in a two-year program, but Trinidad recently added a new Advanced Third Year Gunsmithing Program, which launched in January 2010.
While the courses, ranging from Firearms Safety to Custom Pistolsmithing, make up the bulk of the two-year program, there is also a hands-on experience called the “Gunsmithing Cooperative Program”. Much like a short-term apprenticeship, the Cooperative Program places students in a real working environment. This requires that students learn about business management and financial planning as well as just smithing techniques. “It’s the real deal,” Nolan said. Each student must enroll in the 13-week program in order to graduate.
Conveniently, the campus houses its own full-scale gunsmithing shop, complete with storefront and real customers. If you’re interested in gunsmithing but don’t have the two years necessary to complete the Certificate course, consider one of the Trinidad Gunsmithing Seminars. These are one or two weeks long and attract a variety of pupils — both college age students and older workers looking to learn a new trade.
Article by Danielle Sturgis, courtesy NRABlog.com.
Bob “The Nailer” Swagger is back in Stephen Hunter’s new novel, I, Sniper. Released at the end of 2009, Hunter’s new Bob Lee Swagger story has earned praise as “the best Stephen Hunter book in years.”
In I, Sniper, four Vietnam-era peaceniks are shot dead and retired military sniper Carl Hitchcock is framed for their murders. (The Hitchcock character is based, as you’ve guessed, on famed USMC sniper Carlos Hathcock). Swagger soon realizes that Hitchcock, a fellow ex-Marine and Vietnam vet, is innocent, while the real killer, who’s using high-tech, electronic sniper gear, is still at large. Swagger sets out to find the actual shooter.
If you liked Hunter’s Point of Impact, you’ll probably love the new book. The plot is compelling and Bob Lee Swagger remains the ultimate marksman/crime solver. Hunter, an avid shooter and Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist, knows his firearms, so the gunfights and other action scenes are believable, and the discussions of long-range shooting and ballistics are correct.
One of the best things about I, Sniper is that Hunter takes on the liberal media. One character is a New York Times reporter, who is used as a foil to show the ignorance of the mainstream media about gun matters. In an interview with American Rifleman magazine, Hunter explains: “One of the themes in I, Sniper is how an extremely sophisticated news organization can make a really stupid gun error and have no idea that they’re doing it. How can you be so certain of your politics if you have such an infirm grasp of the reality of the instrument (firearms). You know, maybe if your grasp of the reality of the instrument is ludicrously incorrect, maybe your grasp of the politics of the instrument is ludicrously incorrect [also], and you want to re-examine both issues.”
Below is Michael Bane’s DownrangeTV VIDEO Interview with Stephen Hunter:
If you’re thinking about buying this book, read some of the 50+ reviews on Amazon.com. Most reviews are four-star or five-star, but some folks feel Hunter’s writing is sloppy in places and the book should have been more tightly edited. Other critics say Hunter gets “too political” in this book. This Editor believes the jabs at the liberal media are one of the book’s better features. I suspect Hunter’s viewpoints will be welcomed by most of his readers. Here are representative reader reviews from Amazon.com:
This book is classic Bob Lee Swagger. Great read. Also, as a gun owner and 2nd Amendment supporter, I love the not-so-subtle-jabs at the liberal media and their woeful understanding of the south, gun culture, law abiding citizens who own guns legally. [Hunter] picks on the New York Times, which is hilarious and accurate. Great job Mr. Hunter.
Hunter is at his best in I, Sniper. Dialogue? Crisp, real, down to earth, and sometimes hysterically funny. Action? Have a box of Depends at the ready. Technical support? Pay attention. Reading Hunter is like taking a Master’s course in armament.
The innovative Zeiss 2.5-10x50mm Diarange riflescope with built-in Laser Rangefinder is now on sale at EuroOptic.com for $2400.00. That’s an amazing price — the Zeiss Victory Diarange 2.5-10x50mm normally sells for $3949.00. This represents a $1549.00 savings over the regular price — almost 40% off. (EuroOptic.com also has the Zeiss Victory Diarange 3-12×56 T* demo models for $3,200.00 marked down from $3,999.00.)
EuroOptic.com has about 40 units at this price. They are offered with either Rapid Z 800 or Rapid Z 600 reticles (both illuminated). The Zeiss Diarange is a unique products that combines a very high-grade riflescope with an integrated laser rangefinder. Measuring range for the laser is from 10-999 yards, with a measuring accuracy of ± 1 yard up to 600 yards and ± 0.5 % of reading at ranges beyond 600 yards. Ranging is fast and the scope offers outstanding low-light performance.
For a hunter looking to simplify his load-out, the Diarange allows you to sight your prey and range it with one device. You can keep both hands on the rifle at all times and you can keep your muzzle on target while you’re ranging. Eurooptics’ $2400.00 price is a lot of money, to be sure, but consider that the discounted Diarange gives you a high-end scope AND a rangefinder for about the same price as a Zeiss Diavari scope by itself.
We have a very active FREE Classifieds section in our Shooters’ Forum. Our Classifieds are currently grouped into two (2) basic categories: 1) Guns, Actions, Stocks, and Barrels; and 2) Tools, Dies, Optics & Miscellaneous. As our Forum has grown, so have the number of Classified listings. Some Forum members want us to create more Classifieds categories, so it will be easier to locate specific items, such as barrels or brass. Many other readers like the system just the way it is, since they can find a wide variety of items all in one place.
We want your opinion on the subject. Should we create more Forum Classifieds Categories? And should we include a paid section for Commercial listings? That way retail vendors could list new products, special bargains, or group buy offers. Express your views in the Poll below (you can pick more than one answer). If you have specific suggestions, post them in this Forum Classifieds Update Topic.
In December, we published the rules controlling choice of caliber and bullet weight for Palma competition. (CLICK HERE to Read.) In the USA, some events are still limited to 156gr or lighter bullets for .308-caliber shooters. But where such restrictions don’t exist, many shooters are using heavy 175-190gr bullets in their .308s. Is the heavier bullet always better? What considerations favor the lighter 155gr-class bullets in Palma competition? Top Palma shooter Kelly Bachand addresses these questions in today’s commentary.
Factors That Favor the 155s by Kelly Bachand
It is clear that 155gr bullets are adequate. In the Palma game, more matches have been won and more 450 scores have been shot with 155gr bullets than with any other weight projectile. With the NRA allowing heavier bullets in Palma matches, many shooters prefer to shoot the longer, heavier bullets when possible. With their higher BCs, the longer bullets would seem to offer a ballistic advantage. There may be an edge, but in my opinion, it comes at a high cost.
Shooting a heavier bullet adds complications. You’ll probably need a different powder and new load development will have to be done. New zeroes must be calculated and confirmed on the range. An expensive new barrel with a faster twist rate may be needed to stabilize the heavier bullets. And unless you’re lucky, there’s a chance that the new barrel is less accurate than your existing barrel. (If you’ve got a “hummer” barrel for the 155s, what are the odds of getting another one as good for the 190s?) For a shooter who only competes domestically and who has plenty of time and money, this does not pose much of a problem, as he can work up multiple loads and acquire multiple barrels, or even build up a second complete rifle. But shooting BOTH the 155s and the heavy bullets (which may require a new barrel) certainly adds to the cost of competing, and the time required to work up loads. One who also competes internationally has much more to worry about, since you’ll likely be switching between the heavy bullets for most domestic matches and the 155s for most international matches.
Consider the challenges you’ll encounter switching between a heavy-bullet domestic load and a 155gr international load. Will changing between two different loads (with very different recoil levels) alter your gun-handling and follow-through? Will having two loads (with different ballistics) create confusion when making wind calls? And if you DO shoot both 155s and 190s, should you have two different barrels, or should you stick to one barrel which is adequate for both bullet weights, but perhaps not optimal for either? The heavier bullets typically have a better BC which means they should be less bothered by the wind. At the same time the heavier bullets travel at a much slower velocity. Does this negate the ballistic advantage? You need to check the ballistic tables carefully, looking at BOTH BC and velocity.
As a person who prefers to keep things simple and stick with what works, it’s no surprise I continue to shoot 155gr bullets exclusively in Palma competitions. But I understand this is just one viewpoint. A Palma shooter reading this should survey competitors who are consistently putting themselves in the winner’s circle. Talk to top shooters and then make your own rational, informed decision about which bullets to use. Good luck and keep them in the center.
Every prone shooter needs a shooting mat, whether you’re shooting in competition, or stalking critters on a walk-around varmint safari. If you’re looking for an inexpensive mat that’s easy to carry, check out the MidwayUSA Competition Shooting Mat. Regularly priced at $49.99, this mat is on sale right now for just $24.99. The $24.99 sale price is good now through Feb 28, 2010.
Sized 69″ Long x 27″ Wide, this mat rolls up into a 6-7″ diameter “sausage” for transport or storage. The mat has rubberized elbow and knee pads; the mat is about .325″ thick at the elbow pads and .350″ thick at the knee pads. While we prefer a wider mat (with more room for ammo boxes and shooting accessories), this mat has many nice features. Grommets on the corners allow the mat to be staked down in high winds. The bottom has a non-skid texture so it doesn’t slide around, and the mat comes with both a carry handle and a shoulder strap.
The new IMR 8208 XBR powder is quickly acquiring a reputation for accuracy and pressure stability over a very wide range of temperatures. In addition, it looks like 8208 XBR has a huge load window for accuracy, at least in the 6 PPC cartridge. Here are five successive targets shot by journalist James Mock. With loads range from 30.5 grains to 31.5 grains, Mock nailed five “zero” groups in a row. (These were all three-shot groups.) Mock nailed “zeroes” over a full grain load-weight spread. That’s very impressive, and it bodes well for those who want to spend less time “tuning” their loads.
James observes: “[Here are] 5 consecutive ‘zeroes’ with charges from 30.5 to 31.5. I used a Krieger barrel (583 rounds) and a BAT Model B action. The bullets are from Del Bishop. I used both Wolf SR and Fed 205 primers.The combination that I used that day was really working. The Bishop 65 grain FB bullets were seated to just touch the lands in a barrel with 583 rounds.”
Bob “The Nailer” Swagger is back in Stephen Hunter’s new novel, 
One of the best things about I, Sniper is that Hunter takes on the liberal media. One character is a New York Times reporter, who is used as a foil to show the ignorance of the mainstream media about gun matters. In an interview with 
EuroOptic.com has about 40 units at this price. They are offered with either Rapid Z 800 or Rapid Z 600 reticles (both illuminated). The Zeiss Diarange is a unique products that combines a very high-grade riflescope with an integrated laser rangefinder. Measuring range for the laser is from 10-999 yards, with a measuring accuracy of ± 1 yard up to 600 yards and ± 0.5 % of reading at ranges beyond 600 yards. Ranging is fast and the scope offers outstanding low-light performance.
In December, we published the rules controlling choice of caliber and bullet weight for Palma competition. (
