What kind of accuracy do you think is possible from a rimfire benchrest rifle? If we said 0.44 MOA you might not be surprised, thinking this was at 50 yards. But how about 0.44 MOA accuracy at TWO HUNDRED yards. Now that’s impressive. Consider this — at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little 40gr bullet 15.3 inches. Here’s the story, which comes from the Land Down-Under, Australia.
A few seasons back, Australian John Lavaring shot a group at 200 yards that would make most centerfire shooters proud. The five-shot group, with all shots in the center 10-Ring, measured just 0.93 inches. That works out to 0.44 MOA at 200 — mighty impressive for a .22 LR. Recorded at a Rimfire Fly Shoot benchrest event in Canberra, Australia, this 200-yard target set two new Australian SSAA National records! John was using ELEY Tenex ammunition.
Congratulations to John Lavaring for a spectacular demonstration of how well a rimfire rig can shoot — even at 200 yards. We rarely shoot our .22 LR rifles past 50 meters. Maybe it’s time to start a Rimfire ELR series, with targets at 200 or even 300 yards. What do you think of the Rimfire ELR idea? Leave comments below.
Anschutz 54 Benchrest Rig
The rifle was a Anschutz model 54 Match in a custom benchrest stock. John’s record-setting rig features a barrel block, which you can see forward of the action. Scope is a Bausch & Lomb BR model. We don’t have the round count on Lavaring’s barrel, but good rimfire benchrest rifles can often get 10,000 rounds (or more) of accurate life.
Rimfire Ballistics at 200 Yards
Some folks may be wondering about .22 LR ballistics at 200 yards. Well, with a 25-yard zero, the 200-yard drop for John’s 40gr Tenex ammo is 54 inches, assuming 0.145 G1 BC and 1085 fps muzzle velocity per ELEY website. And at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little bullet 15.3 inches! We’re told the winds were pretty tricky when Lavary shot his record group. This makes his achievement all the more impressive — we have to admire John’s wind-reading ability.
This ELEY ammo has proven to be exceptionally accurate. Here is a short video showing TEN rounds of Tenex shot from a machine rest with target at 50 meters.
The IWA Outdoor Classics, aka the “Euro SHOT Show”, is underway right now in Nuremberg, Germany. This event, the largest gun/hunting/outdoors trade show in Europe, opened on February 29th, and concludes Sunday, March 3, 2024. Over 1080 companies from 53 nations have exhibits on display with thousands of products including rifles, pistols, optics, hunting accessories, and ammunition. In terms of exhibitor numbers, the IWA Outdoor Classics ranks second only to the USA’s SHOT Show as a global trade show for shooting, hunting, and outdoor activities. 2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of the IWA Outdoor Classics.
For this Saturday Video Showcase, we feature new rifles and new optics. Many of the videos were produced by the LowReady Magazine Youtube Channel. This channel now has nearly 100 videos created at the 2024 IWA Outdoor Classics — an amazing amount of content released in just two days!
Bergara Premier Elite — Metal Chassis PRS/NRL Rifle
Bergara is now in the tactical rifle game offering the impressive new Premiere Elite Rifle suitable for PRS and NRL Competition. This rifle is offered in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win chamberings. The new Premier Elite boasts a top-quality MDT ACC Elite metal chassis, TriggerTech Diamond trigger, and Bergara profile 7 competition barrel.
STEINER eRanger 8 Scope and eRanger Rangefinder Binoculars
In this video, the lovely Danielle Valkyrie interviews Steiner Rep Christoph Weigler. They discuss the features of the impressive new eRanger 8 scopes. These have environmental sensors and integrated ballistics solvers which can display the proper hold at any distance. The eRanger scopes “talk” to the new eRanger LRF 10X42 rangefinding binoculars. This allows the rangefinder data to appear in the scope’s view. There is also Steiner GeoApp which can map locations on a smart phone.
Beretta APX A1 Optics-Ready Pistol
In this video Product Manager Christian Schulte shows Danielle Valkyrie the Beretta APX A1 pistol in both full-size and compact configurations. NOTE: This video also features Danielle shooting an APX the day before (2:14 time-mark). The modular, striker-fired APX A1 Tactical is a “flexible and reliable all-rounder”. The serial number is now placed on the internal chassis, so the polymer grip can be exchanged.
Merkel K5 Break-Action Rifle
This All4Hunters video features the stunning, single-shot Merkel K5 hunting rifle, one of Merkel’s best-selling firearms. The break-action rifle is sleek, easy to handle and, above all, light. Merkel is now offering the K5 in a 6.5×55 SE version, plus a K5 chambered in .270 Winchester — both with longer barrels to better exploit the full energy of the cartridges. In response to consumer requests, Merkel now offers the K5 with 23.6″ (600mm) barrels in .270 Winchester and 6.5×55 SE.
New Leupold Mark 4HD Riflescopes
Leupold unveiled its new Mark 4HD series with five riflescope models, all with a four times zoom factor: 1-4.5x24mm and 2.5-10x42mm (with 30mm main tube), plus 4.5-18x52mm, 6-24x52mm and 8-32x56mm (all with 34mm tube).
Mark 4HD scopes cost considerably less than Leupold’s Mark 5HD series, and 4HD models use the more common 30mm or 34mm rings. (Most 5HD scopes require 35mm rings.) In this All4Hunters.com video, Leupold representative Tim Lesser explains the features of the new 4HD series optics. Shown below is a video showing the 4.5-18×52 model. For varmint hunting we’d probably step up to the 6-24x52mm model.
Bergara B14² CREST Carbon/Carbon Rifle
If you’re looking for a very light-weight field rifle, consider the Bergara B14² CREST Carbon rifle. This features a carbon-laminate stock plus a carbon-wrapped barrel. Before optics, all-up weight is 6.8 pounds for short-action models. A wide range of chamberings are offered: .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Win Mag.
Todd Jarrett is one of the world’s best handgun shooters. A multi-time World Champion, Todd knows a thing or two about semi-auto pistols, particularly 1911s and 1911-based raceguns. Jarrett has been IPSC Open Division World Champion, has won the Steel Challenge World title four times (Limited Division), and has won than 100 Area championships, as well as many other action shooting events. Jarrett is the only USPSA Triple Crown Winner and he holds four USPSA National titles: Open, Limited, Production, and Limited-10. Jarrett revealed in an interview that between 1988 and 2001 he shot about 1.7 million rounds during practice: “I had a gun in my hand for two hours every day for 10 years to develop my skill level”.
In the video below, Todd explains how to get the proper grip on your handgun, and how to employ a proper stance. We’ve watched many videos on pistol shooting. This is one of the best handgun instructional videos we’ve seen. Todd explains, in easy-to-understand terms, the key elements of grip and stance. One very important point he demonstrates is how to align the grip in your hand so that the gun points naturally — something very important when rapid aiming is required. If you watch this video, you’ll learn valuable lessons — whether you shoot competitively or just want to have better control and accuracy when using your handgun defensively.
Recommended Thumbs-Forward Shooting Grip for 1911s
“Shooting semiautomatic pistols using the thumbs-forward method really becomes useful … where speed and accuracy are both needed. By positioning the thumbs-forward along the slide (or slightly off of the slide) you are in essence creating a second sighting device: wherever your shooting thumb is pointing is where the pistol is pointing. This makes it incredibly fast to draw the pistol, get your proper grip, and press forward to the target without needing to hunt around for the front sight.” — Cheaper Than Dirt Blog.
Day 2 of the IWA Outdoor Classics event (aka “Euro SHOT Show”) is underway. There will be two more days, with the show concluding on Sunday, March 3, 2024. This year’s event has been very popular, with high attendance. The show directors say there are over 1080 exhibiting companies from 53 nations at this year’s event. CLICK HERE to see hundreds of hi-rez photos from manufacturers’ displays at the 2024 IWA Outdoor Classics.
European Market for Civilian Firearms is Thriving
Europe’s civilian firearms industries are thriving, based on data from the European Institute of Hunting and Sporting Arms (IEACS). “Global production of civilian firearms has increased in recent years, as has European production, which recorded 3.6 million firearms produced in 2020, of which 2.7 million were pistols and 900,000 were shotguns and rifles. Compared to the previous year, this represents a 34% increase in European firearms production,” said Nicola Perrotti, IEACS president.
You’ll find over 130 new products on the IWA Outdoor Classics NEW Product Showcase. Product names are listed alphabetically, and you can also search by product type and/or country. Along with the new products you can also access ALL Products at the show. Here are three notable new products we found:
AZ-P1 Giant .38 Special Match Pistol from ARMA ZEKA s.r.o.
Ares LRF Thermal Scope from Thermtec
FZ-8 Hardshell Eco-Leather Full-Length Gun Case from Acropolis
IWA Outdoor Classics Special Programs
There are some cool special programs at this year’s IWA Outdoor Classics. Along with the expert speaker program, there is a Knife Demo Area, an Airsoft Shooting Range, and a very cool Optics Testing Area. We’d like to see that at SHOT Show in the USA.
New Product Showcase Video (English and German)
This video covers a variety of pistols and rifles on display at the 2024 IWA Outdoor Classics event. NOTE: This runs in English for 17 minutes, then the second half of the video is in German language.
This video shows Hornady’s AR-compatible, 22 ARC cartridge and Hornady’s new polymer-tipped ELD-VT bullet.
This video shows new Victrix model Tactical Bolt-action rifles suitable for PRS/NRL matches.
Blast from the Past — Eye-Catching Guns from 2023 IWA
If you like high-grade wood and handsome engraved metal, then watch this video compiled at the 2023 IWA Outdoor Classics. Similar eye-catching firearms are on display this year as well. In a world of polymer pistols and bland black MSRs it’s great to see classic high-grade wood and beautiful metal work.
The IWA Outdoor Classics show is very much about hunting. Here’s a display of the latest and greatest camo and Hi-Viz (day-glo) apparel for hunters.
Need high-quality reloading powder for your rifle or pistol? Now is a great time to order VihtaVuori powder from Midsouth Shooters Supply. If you purchase in-stock VihtaVuori powders, you will receive, at no charge, TWO VihtaVurori print reloading manuals. That’s right you get both VihtaVuori 2023 & 2024 Reloading Guides for FREE while supplies last. This deal is limited to one set of two VV manuals per order.
Receive both 2023 & 2024 Reloading Guides for FREE with purchase of any In-Stock VihtaVuori Powders! Offer is valid on qualifying purchases while supplies last! Start Date: 2/14/2024 End Date: 12/31/2024
Learn About VihtaVuori Powders with Informative Videos
This video shows how VihtaVuori powders are produced. The video covers the multiple production phases and the sophisticated testing procedures.
VihtaVuori marked its 100th Anniversary in 2022. Today, VihtaVuori Powders is stronger than ever and is respected by serious competitive shooters, accuracy enthusiasts, and hunters. In this video, Team VihtaVuori shooter Ian Klemm shows how he loads with VihtaVuori powder. One of the best F-TR shooters on the planet, Ian is a 4-time F-class National Champion.
Accurate, modular, and supremely versatile, the AR15 is America’s favorite semi-auto rifle. But let’s face it, the AR is a maintenance hog. The AR’s gas tube blows carbon and soot right into the middle of the bolt assembly where it cakes on to the metal. The AR bolt also has many tiny parts, and small recesses, which must be cleaned regularly. This author has seen numerous ARs fail simply because there was gunk (dried lube, carbon, brass shavings) in the ejector slot or extractor spring recess.
A Clean AR is a Happy AR — Whether You Run ‘Wet’ or ‘Dry’
There are various schools of thought when it comes to maintaining an AR. Some folks prefer to run their AR “dry” with minimal lube on the lugs and friction surfaces. Other shooters prefer to run their ARs “wet”, with lots of lube. But whatever your preference, you need to clean your AR regularly. And nothing is more important than the AR’s bolt/carrier assembly. Because it is involved in feeding, firing, and extracting, the AR-15 bolt/carrier assembly can be considered the most critical portion of the AR-15 from a maintenance standpoint.
Bolt Take-Down Guide on Top Quark Blog
The editor of the Top Quark Blog has created an excellent illustrated AR15 Bolt Take-Down Guide that shows how to disassemble an AR15 bolt and carrier for regular cleaning. Even if you’re an experienced AR15 shooter, you can learn something from this page (sample at right), and you may want to bookmark it for future reference. The photos are large and clear and there are helpful hints for each step of the process.
The author knows his stuff and offers some important insights. For example, he notes that “Extractor springs in most AR15 bolt assemblies are fairly weak, and this can lead to various extraction-related failures. One of the few high points about Colt assemblies is their usage of higher-strength extractor springs. You can tell the difference by looking at the inner plastic insert. ‘Normal’ springs feature a blue plastic insert, Colt strong springs have a black insert.”
There is one notable oversight on this page — the author doesn’t cover disassembly and cleaning of the ejector assembly. This is actually quite important. A few small brass shavings, combined with carbon and lube in the ejector slot, WILL cause malfunctions. In fact, when this editor is called to diagnose problem ARs, the first things I look at (after swapping magazines) are the ejector recess and the slot for the extractor. Clogged ejectors are responsible for fail-to-ejects and other jams. It is essential that you keep the ejector hole clean. Old, gooey lube residues mixed with carbon and tiny brass shavings in the ejector recess will create all sorts of problems. As shown in the diagram below, it is simple to remove the ejector (#6) and ejector spring (#5), by drifting the ejector retaining pin (#4).
NOTE: The original Quark Blog Article appears to be offline (See Quark LINK.) However, this excellent article has been preserved via the WayBack Machine Internet Archives. CLICK HERE to access the Full Quark Blog Article via WayBack Machine Archive.
This year the IWA Outdoor Classics, aka “Euro Shot Show”, marks its 50th year as Europe’s leading outdoor, hunting, and target shooting trade show. The event opened today February 29, and runs through Sunday March 3, 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany. For the next four days, the Nuremberg metropolitan region will once again focus on hunting, target shooting, and the outdoor adventure market. In its 50th year, the IWA Outdoor Classics is a huge event, drawing over 1,080 exhibitors from 53 countries.
In 2024, the IWA Outdoor Classics celebrates its Golden Anniversary. For more than 50 years, outdoor and shooting industry companies have come together in Nuremberg to present the latest products and services for hunting and shooting sports. For 2024, Europe’s leading outdoor trade show will host more than 1,080 German and international exhibitors in nine exhibition halls. In addition, there will be a wide variety of seminars, meetings, and interactive demonstrations.
Stefanie Leege, Exhibition Director of IWA OutdoorClassics posted: “This year we are particularly honored to welcome exhibitors, visitors, and press representatives to IWA Outdoor Classics. Our 50th anniversary is definitely an honor for us, but even more so for the commitment of our customers and [exhibitors]. We … look forward to an unforgettable Anniversary edition.”
Manufacturers and vendors from the hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor segments offer a vast range of products this year. From hunting, sport shooting, and airsoft firearms to optics and technologies, ammunition, knives, hunting accessories, clothing and outdoor equipment, there is plenty to discover in the nine halls at IWA Outdoor Classics 2024. IWA Outdoor Classics allows buyers and retailers from around the world to see thousands of new products from international manufacturers all in one convenient setting.
Handguns, Shotguns, Rifles, and More
Wheelgun Showcase at Korth Arms
Modern Scopes and Optics on Display
Outdoor Gear, Shooting Equipment, and Hunting Accesories
Along with the firearms, optics, stocks, and reloading products, there were many booths features outdoor clothing, hunting gear, and shooting accessories.
Official INTRO Video for IWA Outdoor Classics 2024
Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com often gets to test the latest and greatest reloading tools before they hit the market. He does a good job showing the features of new products with informative videos. Today we present three interesting products that Gavin has reviewed. First off is the impressive new RCBS Rebel reloading press. Next is the versatile three-head Case Prep Trio machine from Hornady. Third, Gavin reviews new Die Lock Rings and Breech Lock Die Bushings from Lee Precision.
RCBS Rebel Single-Stage Reloading Press
Most hand-loaders have used an RCBS Rock Chucker press at one time or another. Recently RCBS unveiled its new Rebel single-stage press. Like the Rock Chucker, the Rebel has a Cast Iron frame, but with a bigger base and taller arch (for a larger opening). The most important change is that this new Rebel press ejects primers out the bottom of the ram. This a big deal — just put a bin under the press to collect spent primers. However — take note — the Rebel has no on-press priming. You need to prime your cases separately. That’s not really a major issue, as we know the majority of our readers prime separately using hand or bench priming tools.
In this video Gavin loads ammo on the new the Rebel single-stage press and explains its notable features, including the primer ejection through the ram.
Currently Midsouth Shooters Supply is running a major RCBS Products Sale, with significant savings. The RCBS Rebel Press is now on sale for $219.99 at Midsouth, $30 off the regular price — a good deal for a press that can last a lifetime.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Case Prep Trio
Hornady’s compact Case Prep Trio machine (item 050160) packs a lot of functionality in a small package. This triple-threat tool has a small footprint, yet it can perform three tasks as well as much more expensive, tower-style case prep units.
Gavin Gear does a nice job explaining the features of the Case Prep trio. Watch this video to see how it can help you perform chamfering, deburring, and pimer pocket uniforming tasks more efficiently.
With three active stations, you can chamfer, deburr and clean primer pockets without having to change tools. The Case Prep Trio ships with inside chamfer, outside chamfer, and deburr tools. You can also use the machine with other optional 8/32 threaded accessories such as primer pocket reamers and case neck brushes. We’ve used this machine and it works well. The only negative is that you will get metal shavings on your bench (unlike some of the larger case prep centers). We’ve seen some guys put a small pan under the power head — then you can just dump the shavings out of the pan.
Lee Die Lock Rings and Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushings
New basic lock ring in left hand. Older non-splined ring in right hand.
In this video Gavin Gear reviews three types of die accessories from LEE. These work for virtually all standard dies, not just LEE-brand reloading dies. The new LEE basic silver-finish die lock rings now feature splines for enhanced grip and compatibility with LEE’s new die lock ring wrench (photo right). They still boast a rubber 0-Ring that helps “float” the die for improved cartridge concentricity.
LEE’s latest Ultimate Die Lock Rings have two major improvements — a colorful anodized finish, and a split-ring design with a tensioning screw, that allows these rings to be clamped securely to your dies. Available as a set, this package includes three ultimate die lock rings, and a plastic die lock ring wrench.
Gavin also reviews Lee’s Spline Drive Breech Lock Bushings for use with presses fitted with LEE’s Breech Lock system. These new Breech Lock bushings allow rapid change-out of dies without modifying the setting. The colorful new bushings feature splines on top that work with the new Lee Lock ring wrench shown above. In addition, the Breech Lock Bushings have a clamp to preserve die depth setting.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWBI) is selling a matched set of its new model 1854 Lever-action rifle and a matching Model 29. Both firearms feature handsome engraving with 22-karat Gold Inlay. These are great-looking guns as you can see. Just 100 copies of this matched pair, both chambered for .44 Magnum, will be sold. NOTE: We don’t have a price yet for the matched pair of engraved guns, but we expect it will be over $5000.00 as a limited edition Model 1854 Rifle is $3499.00 by itself.
In addition, S&W is now auctioning off the special Commemorative Edition engraved Model 1854 rifle and matching Model 29 revolver, set number 001. This Gunbroker Auction ends March 10, 2024.
With just 100 units being produced, this pair of .44 Magnums is extremely rare and boasts striking engraving with 22-karat gold inlay done by Baron Engraving. The limited-edition set features a PVD gloss black finish, complemented by high-grade walnut furniture that highlights true craftsmanship, and yields a classic aesthetic. Included with the nicely-designed display case is a letter of authenticity from Smith & Wesson President & CEO, Mark Smith, offering documentation on the set’s origin and limited status. Rifle/handgun set Serial number 001 of 100 is now available for auction on GunBroker.com.
Exclusively on Gunbroker Smith & Wesson is auctioning off No. 001 of 100 of S&W’s extremely limited edition Model 1854 accompanied by a Model 29. With custom gold inlay and high-grade walnut stocks, this is a great chance to own a piece of history!
Auction Proceeds Will Go to Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation and Safari Club International
Proceeds of the auction are being donated to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International. The current bid is now over $25,000.00! The auction ends on March 10, 2024.
Team Vihtavuori won the Southwest Nationals (SWN) F-Open Grand Aggregate Team Award with a score of 2589-156X (out of a possible 2600) at the popular match, which was held, February 14-18, 2024. Team Vihtavuori achieved the overall victory by first winning the Palma Team Match with a score of 1790-111 (out of a possible 1800). Then followed with a 799-45 in the 1,000 Yard Team Match.
We congratulate Vihtavuori team members Gwen Basalla, Brandon Zwahr, Matthew Basalla, Tracy Harrold, and Doug Skogman, with Norm Harrold as Team Captain and Tim Vaught as Coach. Additionally, team members Tim Vaught, Norm Harrold, and Tracy Harrold added individual accomplishments: Tim took Second Place overall, Norm was High Senior, and and Tracy was High Woman. These impressive F-Open Grand Aggregate individual awards showcased how dominating Team Vihtavuori’s members were at the 2024 SWN event.
SWN F-0pen Team Top 5
Team Vihtavuori 2589-156X
Bayou Boys 2580-155X
Team Grizzly 2577-128X
Team Lapua-Brux-Borden 2576-162X
Team Canada Red 2571-131X
F-Open LR Top Five
Jay Christopherson 1248-79X Tim Vaught 1247-83X
William Kolodziej 1247-74X
Johnny Ingram 1246-82X Norman Harrold 1246-69X
The 2024 Southwest Nationals were held February 14-18 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, AZ. Hosted by the Desert Sharpshooters Rifle Club, the Southwest Nationals is a “must-attend” event for competitive long-range shooters around the world. The Southwest Nationals features F-Open, F-TR, and Sling disciplines. Competitors from over five different countries were in attendance this year.
About Vihtavuori
Vihtavuori is world renowned for producing the cleanest-burning and temperature stable smokeless powders with unprecedented lot-to-lot consistency. Vihtavuori is a part of the Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Vihtavuori.com.
Anschutz 54 Benchrest Rig
In this video Gavin Gear reviews three types of die accessories from LEE. These work for virtually all standard dies, not just LEE-brand reloading dies. The new LEE basic silver-finish die lock rings now feature splines for enhanced grip and compatibility with LEE’s new die lock ring wrench (photo right). They still boast a rubber 0-Ring that helps “float” the die for improved cartridge concentricity.
