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March 7th, 2008
Recently, we have been updating our Event Calendar with 2008 entries. We have a sophisticated template that allows you to easily search by keyword, date range, event type (BR, Long-Range, F-Class etc.), or location.
Submit Important Events for Calendar
Folks, please send in your events for inclusion in our calendar. We especially need info on major state, regional, and national matches, and popular “fun shoots” such as the Hickory Ground Hog Match. Be sure to include basic info on the type of competition (and classes of rifles), along with cost. It also helps to provide a link to your club website or match registration webpage. Note: While we don’t have space to include most regularly scheduled club-level events, don’t hesitate to submit info on special events (such as an annual championship) that may be of interest to a larger audience.
Send Photos and Range Maps
Our Calendar software allows us to display photos, club logos, or range maps, so you can attach those to your submissions. Please send your calendar items to: mailbox@6mmBR.com . Thanks!
We reserve the right to edit any entries.
March 7th, 2008
 Legendary shooter Lones Wigger Jr. is among 18 finalists selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee for the Olympian Hall of Fame. Now 70, Wigger is a three-time Olympian, having competed at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico and the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, where he won a combined two gold medals and one silver. Wigger also set multiple world records and has won many world championships, both individually and as a Team USA member. Vote for Wigger online at USOlympicHallof Fame.com to help him in joining the Olympic Hall of Fame inductees. To learn more about Wigger’s accomplishments, visit the USA Shooting Team site.
 Lones Wigger, along with fellow Olympic shooter Lonny Bassham, has created one of the best guides to wind reading, Winning in the Wind, an interactive DVD. Winning in the Wind covers mirage and the strategies for shooting in different wind conditions. The DVD has over 100 digital graphics, photos, and ilustrations, plus a complete interactive shot chart showing wind effects. The DVD also offers helpful hints for staying mentally focused when dealing with fickle and erratic winds. This CD-Rom is available for $35.00 from Champion’s Choice, or directly from the Lanny Basham website, MentalManagement.com.
Lones Wigger (center), 1972 Olympic Gold Medalist, 300m Free Rifle. (This centerfire event is no longer held in the Olympics.)
March 7th, 2008
Now through March 31, 2008, MidwayUSA has Ramshot X-Terminator powder on sale for just $10.49 per pound, marked WAY down from the $20.49 regular price. X-Terminator is a double-based, high-energy ball powder that is designed for the varmint hunters who demand a clean burning powder. X-Terminator’s small, spherical kernels meter easily and precisely, so this is a good choice if you plan to load a large quantity of ammo on a progressive press. X-Terminator has a burn rate similar to Accurate 2230, Hodgdon H322, and Win 748. X-Terminator is well-suited for the 222 Remington, 223 Remington and 22 BR cartridges.
Note, the sale price does NOT includes a $20.00 hazmat charges and $9.99 special handling fee. You may want to combine your order with fellow shooters to “amortize” the hazmat fee over a larger quantity of powder.
Powder Burn Rate Chart from The Reload Bench.
March 6th, 2008
On March 5, 2008, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released an extensive study on the feasibility of a national ballistic imaging database(sometimes misleadingly referred to as “ballistic fingerprinting”). The study concludes, “A national database containing images of ballistic markings from all new and imported guns sold in the U.S. should not be created at this time”.
The contemplated national ballistic imaging system would require that a fired cartridge casing from every newly manufactured and imported firearm sold at retail in the United States be sent to a federal agency to be imaged and up-loaded into a massive government-run database.
Forensic experts at the California Department of Justice raised questions about the feasibility of such a system when the California legislature was considering establishing a statewide system like New York and Maryland. The California DOJ concluded, “Automated computer matching [ballistic imaging] systems do not provide conclusive results.”
The Maryland and New York ballistic imaging programs have been in place for almost a decade but neither has produced a single arrest or prosecution despite several million dollars of taxpayer funding. The Maryland State Police Department has called for their program to be repealed.
In the NAS study, the NAS researchers questioned the validity of the science underlying this technology. “The fundamental assumption underlying forensic firearms identification – that every gun leaves microscopic marks on bullets and cartridge cases that are unique to that weapon and remain the same over repeated firings – has not yet been fully demonstrated scientifically. A number of problems would hinder the usefulness and accuracy of a national database.”
NAS Questions Micro-Stamping
The NAS study also examined a newly developed technology called “firearms microstamping”. Microstamping is a patented sole-source process that laser engraves the firearm’s make, model and serial number on the tip of the gun’s firing pin so that, in theory, it imprints the information on discharged cartridge cases.
 A recent peer-reviewed study published in the professional journal for forensic firearms examiners proved that the technology of microstamping is unreliable and does not function as the patent holder claims. It can be easily defeated in mere seconds using common household tools or criminals could simply switch the engraved firing pin for readily available unmarked spare parts.
Experts at the University of California at Davis recently finished a study of the technology. The U.C. Davis researchers found the technology “flawed” and concluded that “further testing, analysis and evaluation is required.” Similarly, the NAS report noted that “further studies are needed on the durability of microstamping marks under various firing conditions and their susceptibility to tampering, as well as on the their cost impact for manufacturers and consumers.”
Last year California enacted legislation to require that all new models of semi-automatic pistols sold in the state be microstamped beginning January, 2010. “Microstamping will add approximately $200 to the price of each firearm,” noted NSSF Sr. VP and Gen’l Counsel Lawrence Keane.
This news report was provided by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
CLICK HERE for Ballistic Imaging Fact Sheet.
CLICK HERE for Info on Firearms Microstamping.
March 6th, 2008
Our report on the new M2008 custom action from Badger Ordnance created quite a stir. Badger’s Marty Bordson says his phone has been ringing off the hook. We provided details of the action in our March 1st Daily Bulletin. Marty told us that he’s recently tested a prototype action, placed in an Accuracy Int’l Chassis. Here’s a video of that test session:
We spoke to Marty today, and he wanted to explain a couple of points, addressing questions he’s received from callers. First, the bolt uses an M16 style extractor. Second, the Picatinny rail will be longer than the one shown in the prototype. The rail is attached to the action via four screws and two pins.
 Marty said: “We originally considered milling the rail as an integral part of the receiver, but this way, the customer has a choice of flat or angled rail. And if you change your scope and need more elevation, you can change the rail to fit your new requirements.”
Many folks had questions about the extended “abutments” for the action screws. Marty explained that the abutments provide enhanced thread contact for the action screws. Marty noted that some factory actions have only four or five threads in actual contact with the action screws.
March 5th, 2008
The folks at Sinclair International have compiled a list of major 2008 shooting events. Mark your calendars. For future reference, we’ve added these and other match dates to our searchable Event Calendar.
IWA Show (European Shot Show)
Nurnberg, Germany
March 14 to March 17, 2008
Hog Roast Benchrest Match
Fairchange, Pennsylvania
May 3 to May 4, 2008
NRA Show and Annual Meetings
Kentucky Fair and Expo Center, Louisville, Kentucky
May 16 to May 18, 2008
Super Shoot Benchrest Match
Kelbly’s Range, North Lawrence, Ohio
May 19 to May 24, 2008
Midwest Palma Championship – 9th Annual
Lodi, Wisconsin
June 16 to June 20, 2008
East – West Benchrest Match
Benchrest Rifle Club of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
June 28 to June 29, 2008
Camp Perry National Matches
Camp Perry, Port Clinton, Ohio
July 7 to August 13, 2008
Camp Perry Match Schedule:
NRA Pistol Matches July 8 to July 13, 2008
NRA Small Bore Matches July 17 to July 24, 2008
CMP High Power Rifle Matches July 27 to August 1, 2008
CMP M1 Carbine Match July 31, 2008
Springfield/Military Bolt Rifle Match August 1, 2008
CMP Garand Match August 2, 2008
NRA Springfield Match August 3, 2008
NRA High Power Matches August 4 to August 8, 2008
NRA Long Rang Rifle Matches August 9 to August 11, 2008
NRA Palma Individual Match August 12, 2008
Palma Team Match (New) August 13, 2008
Rocky Mountain Palma Match
NRA Whittington Center
Raton, New Mexico
July 10 to July 13, 2008
Varmint Hunter Jamboree
Pierre, South Dakota
July 21 to July 25, 2008
IBS Benchrest Nationals
Kelbly’s Range, North Lawrence, Ohio
August 11 to August 16 2008
F-Class Nationals
Lodi, Wisconsin
September 30 to October 4, 2008
NBRSA Benchrest 100/200 Group Nationals
Ben Avery Range, Phoenix, Arizona
October 6 to October 11, 2008
March 5th, 2008
Butch Lambert of ShadeTree Engineering sent us these photos of his new barrel tuner for centerfire Benchrest guns. Developed with the aid of Shelley Davidson, the new tuner weighs 6.4 ounces and should work for both Heavy Varmint and Light Varmint Rifle. A special barrel contour has been developed so that even a 10.5-pound-class rifle can make weight with the tuner installed.
Butch tells us: “We were given a two-week delivery date by the CNC shop and an additional week for the laser engraving. Shilen and Bartlein barrels have agreed to to do a barrel contour of our design to be able to make weight with a 6.4 ounce tuner. Esten Spears, a Florida-based vibration engineer, did the basic design work and Varmint Al did the FEA analysis to prove the design. Ten prototypes are out there and the initial tests are looking real good. Esten’s studies have shown that the beyond the muzzle tuner will move the node out to the muzzle. Conversely, weights behind the muzzle will change the harmonics, but not move the node out to where it needs to be. The weights behind the muzzle need constant attention, much the same as changing your powder tune. We have found that the weight beyond the muzzle tuner has a much wider range of tune and takes very little tweeking during the day.”
March 5th, 2008
 You may have received donation requests from an organization called the American Hunters and Shooters Association (AHSA). Beware. The American Hunters and Shooters Association entices hunters and sportsmen into contributing money by claiming to share their interests. From the group’s name, you’d think its primary purpose is to promote shooting and hunting. Wrong. The AHSA has supported anti-gun lawsuits and gun bans. AHSA’s leaders have given money to the Brady Campaign and to anti-gun politicians like John Kerry, Al Gore, Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein, and Ted Kennedy. We’re not surprised that the AHSA refuses to refund any donations.
The NSSF (Nat’l Shooting Sports Foundation) and NRA believe that the AHSA is an anti-gun front group. The NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action states that the “AHSA would be more correctly called the ‘American Association for the Protection of Anti-Gun Politicians’.” Notably, in its “friend of the court” brief in the D.C. vs. Heller case, the AHSA states: “The argument advanced by [AHSA] would in no way prevent the D.C. Council from enacting reasonable regulations…. the District’s Gun Law was a laudable effort.” No organization that truly supported individual Second Amendment rights would make such a statement in an important legal proceeding.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Practices of the AHSA
March 4th, 2008
Lou Murdica captured the Two-Gun title at this weekend’s Cactus Classic benchrest match in Phoenix, AZ. Lou’s Two-Gun .2715 Aggregate placed him ahead of runner-up Mike Ratigan (.3177). Lou also won the Heavy Varmint (HV) Grand Agg (with a .2209), and won the HV 200 on Sunday in wicked conditions described as “horrendous” and “a tornado”. In the HV 200, Lou shot an impressive .2209. The next best score was Larry Costa’s .3457. Match Director Gary Ocock called Lou’s HV 200 performance a “Monster Blow Out Win–it was like Lou was shooting on another range.”
Mike Ratigan also did very well in Phoenix. Mike finished second in the Two-Gun, while winning the Light Varmint (LV) Grand with a .3076. Mike also won the LV 200 on Sunday with a .3976. (This was a 4-target Agg because the LV 200 match was cut short by wind and time problems). Larry Costa finished third in Two-Gun with a .3303, and won the HV 100 on Saturday with an impressive .1972 average.
Don Nielson reports: “Lou did not shoot a tuner on either of his guns. He shot a prototype, modified BAT 3-lug action in a Larson wood stock in Light Gun, and a Grizzley in a John Maxon walnut stock in HG.” Both of Lou’s rifles had Bartlein cut-rifled barrels chambered by Don Nielson. One was a 14-twist, while the other had a 1:13.5″ twist. Lou used Bart’s .790 jacket, 65gr boat-tail bullets.
As did most of the top shooters, Lou used March scopes on both his rifles. Lou ran a 40X on the HV, and a 50X on the LV. Both scopes featured a special raised reticle. This has the intersection of the crosshairs well above center. This allows Lou to see more flags in his scope while he’s aiming. Lou noted: “That reticle gives me a quick edge I think. I can see four flags in the scope. When a flag moved, I could pick that up instantly. That really helped me do well on Sunday.”
DaveB, posting on Benchrest Central, noted: “I can’t express how impressed I was with the preformance Lou put on for both Saturday and Sunday. He had time to talk with whomever wanted to ‘chat’ … and still keep his focus to shoot small in every condition imaginable. This was no turkey shoot guys. The best and toughest competitors were there. Lou not only kicked our butt, but made it look easy and was gracious about it.”
Here are Overall Match results, courtesy Gary Ocock:
| HV Grand |
LV Grand |
Two-Gun |
1. Lou Murdica .2209
2. Larry Costa .2715
3. Bart Sauter .3067
4. Herman Hefta .3242
5. Mike Ratigan .3278 |
1. Mike Ratigan .3076
2. Bill Summers .3092
3. Gary Sinclair .3190
4. Lou Murdica .3221
5. Roy Damron .3383 |
1. Lou Murdica .2715
2. Mike Ratigan .3177
3. Larry Costa .3303
4. Bill Summers .3426
5. Gary Sinclair .3431 |
Interestingly, in our Jan. 29th Bulletin, we published Lou Murdica’s advice on Benchrest shooting along with the results of Lou’s testing of turned vs. no-turn necks. Lou certainly demonstrated he’s on top of the game right now. Lou told us:
“Since 1991 when I was on the winning team at the 1st World Shoot in France, I started to experiment and shoot every weird thing I could find or build. I tried more crap, bought and built more guns and while doing this I tried to shoot every shoot I could across the country. I took Tony Boyer’s class three years back, and the first thing he told me was pick a couple of guns out of all of them and shoot 6 PPC and nothing else for the next couple years. He told me to spend my money on barrels for those guns. Well, I did as he suggested and boy, it made a difference in my shooting.
What I’m trying to say to all the guys that have been shooting benchrest for a while and are starting to travel to the bigger matches is, stick with proven goods that have dominated for years, like the 6 PPC, with turned necks. You can try the weird stuff in practice.”
March 4th, 2008
On March 3, 2008, 57 years after extraordinary acts of heroism in the Korean War, M. Sgt. Woodrow Wilson (“Woody”) Keeble, was awarded the Medal of Honor. Keeble was a full-blooded Sioux, the first to be so honored. Keeble, who passed away in 1982, was twice recommended for the nation’s highest honor decades ago, but the nomination papers were lost. Through a special act of Congress, he was finally honored.
This is a story worth telling. A much-decorated veteran of the War in the Pacific, Keeble fought at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and in the Philippines. When he volunteered to fight again in Korea, he told officers: ““Somebody has to teach these kids how to fight.”
 Keeble, known as “Chief” to his fellow soldiers, was immensely strong and athletic. He was recruited by the Chicago White Sox as a baseball pitcher, but the war came along. Nearly a head taller than most of his fellow soldiers, he was an expert with the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). His other great weapon was his pitching arm–he could toss grenades like baseballs. James Fenelon, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North & South Dakota who fought with Keeble on Guadalcanal, once remarked that “The safest place to be was right next to Woody.”
In Korea — Taking a Hill Single-Handed
The events leading to Keeble’s Medal of Honor took place from October 15-20, 1951. Attached to the 19th Infantry Regiment of the 24th Div., Keeble’s unit had to take a series of hills protecting an enemy supply depot in Kumsong.
Official records confirm Keeble was initially wounded on October 15, and then again on October 17, 18 and 20. For his bravery on the 18th he was awarded a Silver Star. His heroism on the 20th made Keeble a legend and earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor.
Keeble’s company was in its sixth day of round-the-clock fighting. They were facing entrenched Chinese soldiers on Hill 675-770, the last remaining mountain between UN forces and Kumsong. Keeble had already sustained two rifle wounds to his left arm, a face wound, and 83 pieces of shrapnel from a concussion grenade. On the 20th, Medic Dale Selby told Keeble to stay back because of his wounds, but Keeble refused to let his men go up the mountain without him.
On October 20th, replacing officers who had fallen in combat, Keeble was serving as an acting platoon leader with an infantry company. On that date Sergeant Keeble’s company was moving forward in an attack against Chinese forces on a hilltop. Leading the support platoon, Sergeant Keeble suddenly saw that the attacking elements had become pinned down on the precipitous slope by a murderous volume of fire of machine-gun positions from three well-fortified and carefully placed enemy positions.
With complete disregard for his personal safety, he dashed forward and joined the pinned-down platoon. Then, hugging the ground, he crawled forward alone until he was in close proximity to one of the hostile machine-gun emplacements. Ignoring the stream of fire which the enemy crew trained on him, he activated a grenade and, throwing it with great accuracy, successfully destroyed the position.
Continuing his one-man assault, he moved to the second enemy position and destroyed it with another grenade. Despite the fact that the hostile troops were now directing their entire firepower against him and unleashing a shower of grenades in a fanatic attempt to stop his advance, he moved forward against the third hostile emplacement. Stunned by an enemy concussion grenade, he hesitated only long enough to regain his senses, then renewed his assault and skillful neutralized the remaining enemy position with exceptionally accurate rifle fire.
Single-handedly, Keeble destroyed three enemy machine-gun bunkers and killed an additional seven enemy soldiers in nearby trenches.
Later in life, Keeble fell on hard times and was forced to pawn his medals. Keeble’s family was presented with a duplicate set of medals in May 2006, and they, along with his uniform and other memorabilia, are housed at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
Medal of Honor Ceremony
At the March 3rd, 2008 ceremony honoring Woody Keeble at the White House, President Bush recounted: “Woody Keeble’s act of heroism saved many American lives, and earned him a permanent place in his fellow soldiers’ hearts. Years later, some of those tough soldiers’ eyes would fill with tears when they saw Woody again. One said: ‘He was the most respected person I ever knew in my life.’ Another said: ‘I would have followed him anywhere.’
… On behalf of our grateful nation, I deeply regret that this tribute comes decades too late. Woody will never hold this Medal in his hands or wear it on his uniform. He will never hear a President thank him for his heroism. He will never stand here to see the pride of his friends and loved ones, as I see in their eyes now. But there are some things we can still do for him. We can tell his story. We can honor his memory.
At the request of the Keeble family and in accordance with the Sioux tradition, two empty chairs have been placed on this stage to represent Woody and [his wife] Blossom and to acknowledge their passing into the spiritual world. The Sioux have a saying: ‘The life of a man is a circle.’ Well, today, we complete Woody Keeble’s circle — from an example to his men to an example for the ages. And if we honor his life and take lessons from his good and noble service, then Master Sergeant Woody Keeble will serve his country once again.”
CLICK HERE for full transcript of Medal of Honor Ceremony
CLICK HERE to view MSNBC Video on Woody Keeble
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