At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
⏺ Great Value on versatile security cabinet — good secondary safe
In addition to a heavy, primary gunsafe, many gun-owners can use a smaller security cabinet for another area of the house, for the garage, or even for an RV. If you’re looking for a good basic gun locker, check out the SnapSafe Premium 12-Gun Tactical Cabinet. It has a simple key-lock system and can fit in most closets. Purchasers praised this unit given the low cost: “For a gun case below $200 you can’t get much better than this” and “More of a light-weight gun locker … it is well made and sturdy though, and is much better than I expected for the price.”
2. Palmetto Armory — Black Aces 12GA Pump Shotgun, $349.99
⏺ Killer Deal on 12ga tactical with good sights, top rail, hard case
It’s hard to beat a good shotgun for home defense. However, many good defensive shotguns have been sold out, or the prices have been artificially inflated by sellers. Here’s a good defensive scattergun at a great price. The Black Aces Tactical 18.5″ Shotgun boasts 5-round capacity, and has large sights plus a rail for fitting a Red Dot optic. This matte black shotgun ships with 3 chokes, an accessory grip, and even a hard case, all for a low $349.99 price.
⏺ This tool is easy to use — measures run out on case and bullet
Loading straight and true cartridges is the cornerstone of precision shooting. However, without some kind of concentricity gauge you’re just guessing. If you want to start measuring case neck and bullet run-out to assess the quality of your handloads, consider getting the Hornady Lock-N-Load Concentricity Tool. It features precise alignment of most bottleneck cartridges from .22 up to .45 Caliber, an easy-to-use precision adjustment knob, plus a sturdy frame that can be bolted to your bench.
⏺ Every shooter can use a Kestrel; this has key functions
Disappointed with cheap wind meters or tired of clunky cellphone impeller attachments that are time-consuming to set up? Save time and trouble by getting the Kestrel 2000 Pocket Wind and Temperature Meter. This quality unit features current wind speed, maximum wind gust, average wind speed, temperature, wind chill. It’s also waterproof, has an easy-to-read display with backlight, and it floats.
⏺ Truly one of the highest-quality soft rifle cases you can buy
Tired of poorly-made soft cases that wear out after one season? If you want to get a top-quality case that will last for years, check out the Creedmoor Blue Deluxe 55″ or 60″ Rifle Case. These hand-made cases provide an incredible level of protection with quality fabrics and padding. Smart design, high-grade zippers, and top-quality sewing make a noticeable difference. And right now you can get either the 55″ or 60″ model for $124.45 — a $25 savings off the regular $149.95 price. You will see many of the nation’s top Palma and F-Class shooters using these cases.
⏺ Great scope deal PLUS nice hunting knife with 5 blades
The Bushnell Nitro 2.5-10×44 SFP 30mm Rifle Scope is a solid, reliable optic. Right now, if you purchase this riflescope for the low $189.99 sale price, you get a FREE Havalon hunting knife with FIVE replaceable blades. This Bushnell Nitro optic features good light transmission and EXO Barrier lens coating that repels water, oil, dust, debris and scratches. Buyers have given this scope very good reviews: “This [scope] is way better than I expected for the money. I liked it so well I ordered another one.” This special saves you $160.00 on the scope PLUS you get a nice knife kit as a bonus.
⏺ Pack has many good features and is very versatile
Any range bag, bug-out bag, or hiking pack needs to be well-made and have ample storage capacity, with a variety of compartments for various types of gear. The EEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack boasts multiple compartments, plenty of pockets, nice shoulder straps, plus MOLLE attachments. It is also hydration bladder compatible. It’s hard to beat this tactical pack for the money. Grab one while it’s on sale.
8. Amazon — MTM TMC15 Tactical Mag Can, $29.79
⏺ Good way to carry loaded mags securely — case has handle and lock hasp
Storing P-mags or other AR-style mags is never easy. They don’t stack well and bags don’t make it any easier. Now with the MTM TMC15 Tactical Mag Can you can safely and easily store and travel with up to 15 magazines and never worry about damage. This is also a great way to transport loaded magazines in states where ammo needs to be locked up while traveling.
9. Amazon — Silicone Gun Socks with Multiple Sizes, From $4.39
⏺ Long guns should be in gun socks or borestores when in gunsafes
Most people think that once you put firearms in a gunvault they are safe from corrosion but that’s not true. It’s not uncommon for folks to stow guns in a safe only to find rust on them months (or years) later. Avoid future disappointment by using these affordable silicone treated socks. Offered in assorted sizes for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, prices range from $4.39 (pistol) to $7.39 (tactical rifle). We also recommend using Eezox or other good corrosion inhibitor on metal parts. With that and a good treated gun sock and a Goldenrod, rust should not be a worry anymore.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871 by Civil War veterans. Since that beginning, 150 years ago, the goals of the NRA have been to advance marksmanship training, foster sport shooting, protect the rights of gun owners, and preserve Second Amendment freedoms. The NRA now boasts over 5,000,000 members. In 2021, the NRA celebrates 150 years as the nation’s largest association of gun owners and “America’s oldest civil-rights organization”.
“The NRA has diligently protected our right to keep and bear arms longer than any other organization”, NRA President Carolyn Meadows said. “We are humbled to serve our more than 5 million members and all law-abiding gun owners. We invite you to join our organization as we celebrate this historic milestone.” To take part in NRA’s 150th Anniversary celebrations, you can sign-up online or call 1-866-672-2020 to join.
Over the past century-and-a-half, the NRA has served firearm owners through training, legislative action, and other initiatives that promote sport shooting, hunting, and personal protection. Today, the organization offers a wide range of programs for firearm owners including competitive shooting, hunter education, political action and more.
Online Resources for NRA Members
The NRA has a wide variety of online resource for its members. These include information for competitive shooters, online training for hunters, and firearms safety sites. To access ALL the many NRA online resources go to NRA.org, and then click on the RED “NRA Explore” tab upper left. A pull-down, 3-column directory will appear.
The NRA also offers some very good, informative websites, including Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA.org). Guided by Editor John Parker, SSUSA.org offers dozens of good feature stories every month. We also recommend the American Hunter website, AmericanHunter.org.
NRA Publications Feature 150 Years of NRA History
To mark its 150th Anniversary, the NRA will run historical features in four of its magazines: American Rifleman, American Hunter, America’s 1st Freedom, and Shooting Illustrated. Throughout 2021, each issue will spotlight significant events and leaders that shaped the organization and its mission. The NRA will also publish a showpiece coffee-table book, “NRA — 150 Years Strong”, in September 2021.
The NRA in the Early Years — 1871 to 1907
Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) has a good article on the origins and history of the National Rifle Association. This timeline feature covers the first 36 years of NRA history from 1871 to 1907. The NRA was founded in 1871, and 1907 marked the first year of Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.
SSUSA explains the NRA’s original mission: “The NRA’s program during its youthful years centered mainly on improving marksmanship among the military. Rifle tournaments at ranges in Creedmoor (NY), Sea Girt (NJ), and Camp Perry (OH) captured the country’s spirit of nationalism and resulted in key improvements in rifles and target scoring. NRA also set standards for military rifle training and even inspired the federal government to form its own segment within the War Department to focus on promoting rifle practice among soldiers as well as civilians.”
1871 — A group of New York National Guardsmen founded the National Rifle Association to promote marksmanship training. Figures such as Capt. George Wingate had called for better rifle marksmanship to support the nation’s defense.
1872 — The NRA acquires Creed’s Farm in Long Island, New York for $26,250. Renamed “Creedmoor”, this becomes the NRA’s first range. The first match was held in 1873.
1874 — The NRA hosts its first International Match, shot at the Creedmoor Range in New York.
The First-Ever Creedmoor Challenge Match in 1874
The Irish International Shooting team arrived in New York on the 16th of September and proceeded to “take in the sights”, which was understandable, before some practice at the Creedmoor range. On September 26th they presented themselves for the match with confidence and in high spirits. The crowds that day were reported to be between 5,000 and 10,000 strong, which showed the huge support already growing for the fledgling sport in America.
Here’s a handy product from Midsouth Shooters Supply: 250 self-adhesive Benchrest Targets on a convenient roll. Not just for benchrest competitors, these handy stick-on targets work great for anyone doing load development. We’ve used then and they work well. Each target offers a precision 1/4″ grid at the top with diamond aiming box below. This is similar to official targets used in Benechrest matches, with the addition of the upper grid lines which allow you to instantly estimate group size. These targets also include an area to list your load components. Midsouth Shooters sells the 250-target roll for $12.49. That works out to just five cents per target!
This target was designed for benchrest shooting, developing new loads or cataloging existing ones. This easy-to-use target has a 1/4″ grid pattern at the top which helps measure groups. The vertical aiming square at the bottom helps align the cross hairs of your scope for consistent shot placement. At the very bottom of the target there is room to record your reloading information. Each Target sticker measures 6″ x 4″ with a 4.5″ x 2.5″ printed area.
We think everyone should have a Garand in their gun collection…
In our AccurateShooter Forum, you’ll find a popular thread: “Anybody Get Gun Stuff for Christmas?”. One notable post featured a very special Christmas-week arrival — an M1 Garand barreled action. A Forum member received this CMP-sourced barreled action from a friend and then transformed it with a stunning wood stock and other components. We’d say this is a very successful and handsome holiday project. And get this — the skilled owner, who works as a volunteer armorer, assembled his new M1 Garand in record time: “Well, it took three weeks in-transit for my [Christmas] gift to myself to arrive, but I picked her up at 1400 hours yesterday. Had her built into a complete rifle by 1530….”
If you would like to put together a handsome M1 Garand like the Christmas rifle shown above, you’ll need to start with a barreled action. You can order these, as well as complete M1 Garand rifles, from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Below we explain how to order an M1 Garand from the CMP, and how to select the right grade for your needs and budget.
If you have questions about assembling a Garand, contact us and we will put you in touch with the builder of the Christmas M1 Garand rifle. He is a CMP-trained armorer who works to maintain ceremonial rifles for VFW, American Legion, and Disabled Veterans Posts throughout Kentucky.
Ordering an M1 Garand from the CMP — Qualifications
How to Order an M1 Garand from the CMP
To purchase an M1 Garand through the CMP, you must be an adult U.S. Citizen, and a member of an affiliated organization who has participated in a “Marksmanship Activity”. This basically means you need to join a gun club and participate in a clinic or match. Proof of club membership and citizenship is mandatory for all ages. However, the marksmanship requirement is waived for those over 60 years of age. M1 Garands must be ordered by mail or through official CMP Auctions.
Here are two videos that explain the procedure for ordering an M1 Garand from the CMP. Along with mail-order sales, the CMP has two stores where M1 Garands can be ordered over the counter and then transferred via your FFL (in compliance with state law). The three CMP stores are located in Anniston, Alabama, Talladega, Alabama, and Port Clinton (Camp Perry), Ohio.
Ordering a Barrel — If you already have an M1 Garand, but the barrel has seen better days, you can order a pre-chambered Criterion barrel in .30-06 Springfield. Criterion tell us: “This is a direct replacement barrel for the M1 Garand rifle, manufactured to mil-spec print #6535448. It has the original G.I. contour and Parkerized finish. Receiver threads are timed, all milling cuts are made, and all M1 Garand barrels are hand-lapped.” NOTE: Each barrel is .010 short-chambered and should be properly headspaced by a qualified gunsmith. These Criterion .30-06 replacement barrels, priced at $259.95, are legal for use in Service Rifle and John C. Garand matches.
If you want to re-chamber your M1 Garand to .308 Winchester, the CMP eStore sells brand new Criterion-made barrels in .308 Win for $199.95. These authentic-profile barrels are chambered and headspaced within .010″ of finished size, with final fitting to be done by a competent gunsmith. The barrels are also externally Parkerized to match your vintage M1 Garand.
Once you have an M1 Garand in your collection, you’ll want to keep it in tip-top condition so it works flawlessly for vintage military matches and fun shoooting. Below we’ve linked two good SSUSA articles on M1 Garand maintenance. Following that you’ll find two excellent videos covering M1 Garand Disassembly, Cleaning, and Lubrication. Finally there are links to recommended print manuals for the M1 Garand.
M1 Service and Maintenance Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) published an excellent article on Service and Maintenance of M1 Garand Rifles. This offers some smart tricks, such as using smoke from burning masking tape to darken the front sight post. There is also an older SSUSA article that covers basic cleaning and servicing and also explains how to upgrade the performance of your Garands. READ Article HERE.
M1 Garand Disassembly, Cleaning, and Lubrication
Recommended M1 Garand Service Manuals
Among the many M1 Garand manuals available, we recommend the CMP’s U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1: ‘Read This First’ Manual. This booklet covers take-down, reassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and operation. The manual comes with CMP rifles or can be purchased for $3.25 from the CMP eStore. The author of Garand Tips & Tricks says: “It’s one of the best firearms manuals I’ve seen and I highly recommend it.” The CMP also offers many other M1 Garand print resources including:
Do you own an M1 Garand, or have you always wanted to acquire one of these legendary semi-auto battle rifles? Well then here is a valuable new resource: The Essential M1 Garand: A Practical and Historical Guide for Shooters and Collectors. This new book by Jim Thompson covers the history of the M1 Garand, and offers practical advice for Garand owners, along with complete parts lists. The book includes annotated military and National Match manuals, a troubleshooting chart, and a section on hand-loading for the Garand. The final Section addresses common questions about the rifle and offers detailed instructions for maintaining this wartime classic. First published in February, 2020, The Essential M1 Garand is available in Print Paperback and Kindle eBook versions. View Table of Contents.
A high-end, full custom Benchrest, F-Class, ELR or PRS rifle can cost upwards of $5500.00 (with optic). Some top-tier competition and tactical scopes (March, Kahles, Schmidt & Bender) cost $2500-$3600 by themselves. If you’re transporting three or four custom rifles with premium scopes to the range, you could easily be hauling $20,000 worth of hardware. Bring along a Co-Axial rest, spotting scope, rangefinder, Kestrel, and LabRadar chronograph, and that could push the total closer to $25,000. Think about that — your guns and gear could be worth way more than your vehicle!
How do you safeguard a big-money collection of guns (without driving around in a Brinks armored truck)? One of the best storage systems available is the Truck-Vault, built in Washington state. Truck-vaults are custom-fitted, locking storage cabinets that fit in a Pick-up truck bed, SUV, or station wagon. Various designs are available, including a waterproof “Extreme Series.” Both single-drawer and multi-draw layouts are offered with lengths up to 60″ overall, and top-load capacity of 2000 pounds. A variety of interior configurations are available.
For transporting scoped match rifles, we suggest Truck-Vault’s “Magnum Line”, which has two drawers with 10.5″ of vertical clearance. This offers two primary sliding compartments (on roller casters), plus smaller storage boxes where you can keep valuable gear securely out of sight.
WATCH Truck-Vault Video Showing Break-In Attempt:
Truck-Vaults carry a big price-tag. One-drawer SUV models start at around $1195.00, but you can pay over $2500.00 for a unit with all the bells and whistles. Balance that cost against the value of the all firearms and accessories you are transporting. If you spend much time on the road with a pricey collection of guns, optics, and accessories, a Truck-Vault may be a wise investment. This editor first saw a Truck-Vault on a Chevy Suburban belonging to an Arizona gunsmith who does a lot of work for the military. It was not unusual for him to haul $50,000 worth of Class III weapons. For him, the Truck-Vault was an essential security feature. For more info, visit TruckVault.com or call (800) 967-8107. CLICK HERE to see the full line of TruckVault systems with photos, specifications, and retail prices.
Right now compact 9mm carry guns are in very high demand. Many gun vendors have limited inventory. But there are Taurus models still available now at very reasonable prices — under $300.00. For the Taurus G2 and G3 series of 9x19mm handguns, here are three great deals. Choose the G2c for $279.99. Or get either the G3c or G3 for $299.99. All three handguns definitely offer excellent “bang for the buck”.
Taurus G2c — $279.99 at KYGUNCO and Impact Gun
The Taurus G2c is a good little compact carry gun at an attractive price — half what you might pay for a 9mm Glock 19 these days. KYGUNCO has the black-on-black 9mm Taurus G2c for just $279.99 (cash price). At 6.25″ OAL, and weighing just 21.2 oz. unloaded, this affordable 9mm handgun is a true compact. Despite its small size, the G2c has a 12-round magazine. We like the fact it has a left-side manual safety (unlike the Glock). The G2c is also currently $279.99 at Impact Guns with discount CODE “WELCOME 20″.
Taurus G3c — $299.99 at KYGUNCO
The new Taurus G3c builds on the proven G-Series foundation while advancing function and reliability. The G3c has a 3.2″ barrel and weighs 22 oz. unloaded. It includes an upgraded Flat Trigger System, plus serrations at the front and rear of the slide for a positive grip. The Glock-style Tenifer finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. This G3c pistol comes standard with three 12-round magazines (check state regulations). There is a Picatinny rail on the forward frame and the rear sight is drift-adjustable.
Taurus G3 — $299.99 at Palmetto State Armory
With a 4″ barrel and 7.28″ OAL, the Taurus G3 can be considered a full-size pistol, though it certainly can be carried easily on-body in the right holster since the width is just 1.2″. The trigger has a 6-lb pull and the frame features a Picatinny rail in front. The Taurus G3 is on sale now for $299.99 at Palmetto State Armory.
Gun-makers and barrel builders have adopted aerospace technology, using carbon fiber in their stocks and composite barrels. Today you’ll find carbon components on dozens of rifle brands. Some rifles sport full carbon stocks AND carbon-wrapped barrels. Others features a carbon stock with steel barrel, or a carbon-wrapped barrel in a conventional stock. Carbon is definitely here to stay. This advanced material allows rifles to be lighter yet stronger. The advantages for the hunter in the field are real — a carbon-wrapped barrel can save quite a few pounds. Here are some of the most notable carbon applications we saw at SHOT Show.
Sako 85 Carbon Wolf
One of the the best-looking carbon-stocked factory rifles is the Sako 85 Carbon Wolf, featured in our Top Photo. Introduced in 2018, this rifle features a full carbon composite stock, with the signature carbon fiber weave visible throughout. We found this rig very ergonomic and nice to handle. The advanced-design RTW carbon fiber stock offers quick, push-button adjustments for comb height and LOP. Though not carbon-wrapped, the conventional 24″ blued steel barrel is fluted, reducing the overall weight of the rifle. Without optics, this rifle weighs well under 8 pounds. We were impressed by the Carbon Wolf, but choked on the steep $3600.00 MSRP. Street price will be lower — EuroOptic.com is listing a $3148.00 price for the Sako 85 Carbon Wolf.
The Firearm Blog says: “The stock features Soft Touch coating. Is is not at all slippery or loud like some carbon stocks can be. The barrels are factory threaded as well. Both the weight and the balance of the Carbon Wolf rifle felt perfect. I may have to add one to my Finnish rifle collection.” This is offered in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Mag, and .300 Win Mag.
Nosler M48 Long-Range Carbon Rifle
Nosler offers the M48 Long-Range Carbon rifle with the addition of a PROOF Research, carbon fiber-wrapped, match-grade barrel that significantly reduces the overall weight of the rifle. The carbon-wrapped Proof barrel is mated to a trued M48 receiver and bedded in a Manners MCS-T carbon fiber-strengthened stock. Nosler says: “The Model 48 Long-Range Carbon is an excellent choice for mountain hunting, backcountry excursions and long range competition where weight is a concern.” This rifle has been offered in 6.5 Creedmoor, 26 Nosler, 28 Nosler, 30 Nosler, .300 Win Mag, and 33 Nosler.
Christensen Arms TFM — Carbon Galore for 7.3-lb Rifle
As you can see there’s a whole lot of carbon fiber in the Christensen Arms TFM rifle. With a carbon-wrapped barrel and full carbon-fiber stock, this handsome rig weighs just 7.3 pounds (short action) or 7.8 pounds (long action). The carbon-wrapped stainless barrel and fully-adjustable Aerograde carbon-fiber stock are mated to a precision-machined action via integrated carbon fiber pillars. In addition, the TFM includes an integrated, 20-MOA optics rail, detachable magazine, and a titanium side-port brake. Impressively, Christensen Arms guarantees 0.5 MOA (half-MOA) accuracy.
Manners Full-Carbon F-Class Stock
For many years now, Manners Composite Stocks has offered an ultra-stiff, Low-Profile ‘Fish Belly’ F-Class Stock. The shell is 100% carbon fiber with a very long, stiff fore-end. From the back of the action to the tip of the fore-end the stock measures 27″ long which is around 7 1/2″ longer than the Manners T4 stock. The idea is to provide a longer wheelbase to better balance the long, 30-32″ barrels favored by many F-Class competitors. The front half of the fore-end is very thin (from top to bottom) to achieve a low profile on the bags. Much thought has gone into controlling fore-end flex. The stock achieves greater vertical rigidity (less deflection under load) through an innovative “fish belly” design. The rounded undersection, like a canoe hull, strengthens the fore-end considerably.
Carbon Rival Rifle from Fierce Firearms
Fierce Firearms also offers a long-range hunting rig with a carbon-wrapped barrel. The Fierce RIVAL is an extremely light rig. Without scope or optional muzzle brake, the short-action version weighs just 6.5 pounds. It is available in a six different Camo finishes including Kuiu Vias and Kuiu Verde patterns. Then choose three different Cerakote finishes for the action. All this lightweight tech doesn’t come cheap. The Carbon rival starts at $2810.00. Add $100-$195 for your choice of steel or carbon muzzle brake. Fierce does offer a 0.5 MOA (half-MOA) accuracy guarantee, quite notable for an ultra-lightweight hunting rifle.
Weatherby Mark V with Carbon-Wrapped Barrel
Weatherby now offers rifles with Proof Research carbon fiber-wrapped barrels. The aerospace-grade carbon fiber in the Mark V Carbon barrel makes the barrel up to 64% lighter than traditional steel barrels of the same contour. Weatherby claims the carbon-fiber technology improves heat dissipation — so the barrel does not heat up as quickly with extended strings of fire. The 26” #4 contour carbon-wrapped barrel has a cut-rifled, hand-lapped 416R grade stainless steel core with a flush thread cap and 5/8-24 muzzle threads. It’s finished in tactical grey Cerakote. The Mark V Carbon carries Weatherby’s SUB-MOA (at 100 yards) accuracy guarantee when used with Weatherby factory or premium ammunition.
How Good Are Proof Research Carbon Barrels? — Commentary by Mike Davis
Over the past 15 years Davis Custom Rifle has installed barrels from most major barrel manufacturers. We are very fortunate to have such quality barrel makers. I think Proof Research falls into that top-of-the-line category. Proof Research carbon-wrapped steel barrels are super light-weight, yet offer rigidity and superb accuracy. I have used them for 22-250, 6mm/6.5mm Creedmoor, .308 Win builds and multiple long range hunting rifles in .280, .280 AI, .300 WSM, .300 Win Mag, 28 Nosler, and 30 Nosler. These builds with Proof Research barrels typically deliver quarter-MOA accuracy or better.
The Proof Research technology allows us to build lighter rifles with outstanding accuracy, easy cleaning, and the ability to shoot long strings without point of impact shift. It’s not hard to understand why hunting rifles with these capabilities are in high demand. Combined with other light-weight components (such as Titanium actions), it’s not difficult to get these rifles down to 6.25 to 7 pounds total weight before optics.
Need something for the walls of your “man cave” or reloading room? The creators of the Cartridge Comparison Guide offer a collection of wall posters showing ammunition types from .17 caliber rimfire cartridges all the way up to giant 35mm military rounds. ChamberIt.com offers 17 different large wall posters that display a huge variety of cartridge types.
The American Standard poster (shown above) contains every standardized cartridge mass produced in the USA in 2020. The cartridges are “life size”, i.e. 100% to scale. Priced at $13.32, this 24″ tall by 36″ wide poster includes cartridges for rifles, handguns, and shotguns. There are 164 unique Rifle Cartridges, 54 Handgun Cartridges, 9 different Shotgun gauges, all printed at true size. The Rifle section covers cartridges from the 17 Mach 2 up through the .577 Nitro Express.
For example, the Rifleman’s Classic Poster (below), a full 38″ wide and 27″ tall, is the most comprehensive. This $17.99 poster displays over 300 rifle cartridge types at true size (within 4/1000 of an inch). Cartridges shown range from .17 caliber all the way up to the big boomers (including some cannon shells). The Rifleman’s Classic Poster includes nearly all American Standardized Rifle Cartridges and many European rifle cartridges.
Rifleman’s Classic Poster Click to view large size poster.
Ammunition Performance Specifications Poster
There is also an interesting Ammo Performance Specs poster. This shows dozens of popular hunting cartridges with the velocity, energy, momentum and recoil for each cartridge displayed in a bar graph.
This shows the actual size of the Ammo Performance Poster as displayed on a wall.
While nearly everybody now favors digital photography over “old-fashioned” 35mm film, don’t toss those old 35mm film canisters, especially the clear Fuji-type with secure snap-in lids. Small plastic film canisters have a multitude of uses for the shooter and reloader.
Here Are Things You Can Do with Plastic Film Canisters:
1. Hold thrown powder charges. If you weigh powder charges after throwing them with a manual powder dispenser, throw the charges first into a film canister and then use that to drop the powder into the measuring pan on your scale. The canister will catch every kernel of powder. If you throw charges directly into a weighing pan, powder can sometimes bounce out. Using the film canister will help keep spilled powder off your loading bench and floor.
2. Store extra sets of foam ear-plugs in the canister. You never want to be without ear protection. This editor has four film canisters filled with plugs. Two go in the range kit, one goes in the car’s glove compartment, and a second stays in a lock box I use to transport pistols. This way I never find myself at the range without ear protection.
3. Place smaller cotton patches in film canisters, marked by caliber. If you use the water-tight Fuji-style canisters, you can even pre-soak the patches with solvent. You can have one canister for wet patches, another for dry patches. That saves time when you’re at the range, and avoids spillage. One caution–some solvents may react with plastic, so test this first before you put a solvent-filled canister in your range kit.
4. Store your neck bushings, sorted by caliber in film canisters. With a permanent marking pen, you can mark the side or top of the canister with the bushing sizes, or caliber.
5. Store your favorite Bolt Grease (for rifles) or anti-seize compound (good for pistol slide rails), in the canister. You don’t need to fill it all the way up — a little dab will do ya. We only recommend this with the snap-top Fuji canisters.
6. Protect your muzzles with canisters, during transport. When shipping a rifle or barrel, slip the film canister over the muzzle, then secure it with electrical tape. This will protect the precious crown of a match barrel from dings or damage.
7. Protect front sights with linked film canisters. Forum member SPClark explains: “I’ve seen several shooters use film canisters to make up front match sight protection. Use some elastic cord between two canisters… that’s easy to remove once you get to the line.”
TELL US Your Tips!
There are countless other uses for 35mm film canisters. We invite readers to respond with their own tips on using these handy containers. If you don’t have some stashed in your workshop already, you can get empties for free at most film processing centers. The clear plastic Fuji canisters are the best — you can see what’s inside and the lids are watertight.
Happy New Year to all our readers worldwide, and especially the 54,000+ members of our AccurateShooter Forum. We hope 2021 brings you happiness in your lives and success in your endeavors. We wish for small groups, high scores, and successful hunts in the New Year. And, yes, we wish for mankind’s victory over COVID-19, so we can return to our normal lives, before all the lock-downs and cancelled events.
Forum Members — Upgrade Your Membership to Get Unlimited Classifieds for 12 Months.
Looking Forward to 2021 Every year we work to improve AccurateShooter.com. This fall, in October 2020, we upgraded the Forum to Xenforo Version 2.X, making the Forum faster, much more secure, and more mobile-friendly. In 2019 we added more security measures, expanded our popular Deals of the Week, and commenced our first-ever exclusive Promos for Gold and Silver members. In 2018 we started vetting every new sign-up to block scammers. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy our feature articles, our Deals of the Week, our match reports, and our Forum Classifieds. The formula seems to be working — our audience is bigger than ever, with membership growing faster than ever.
Forum Membership Increased 12.3% in 2020
Our Shooters’ Forum grew significantly in 2020. Total registered membership grew by 12.3% as Forum ranks swelled to 54,115 members! More people are successfully buying and selling through our Forum Classifieds services than ever before. Silver and Gold members get unlimited Classifieds for 12 months. Gold members also get custom Avatars and other privileges.
We need your support. For 17 years the site has relied largely on volunteer efforts. But as the site grows, we need the assistance of Forum moderators, product testers, web gurus, and computer software experts. Those guys don’t work for glory alone.
Consider this — you might pay $25 for a single box of 9mm ammo these days. For the same twenty-five dollars you can become a Silver Forum member for an entire YEAR and help this site provide info, tests, tech tips, bargains, and shooting news.
And consider the benefits — Silver or Gold Members get unlimited classifieds for 12 months. If you were to sell just ONE $1500 rifle through Gunbroker.com, you would pay $58.75 in fees! That’s more than our Gold Membership — just to sell one single rifle.
In the last quarter of 2020 about 510 site users have donated or upgraded their Forum membership. That’s less than 1% of the membership. We thank all those who have generously contributed. But that still leaves tens of thousands of users who access the site every week without contributing. With more donations we can deliver more premium content and offer more services to our members.
How to Contribute
If you ARE a Forum member, you can help the site by UPGRADING your membership. CLICK HERE to UPGRADE.
If you are NOT a Forum member, you can still help by making a donation. Donating is simple and easy. Just click on the orange “Donate” button at right. If you have a credit card, you don’t need a PayPal account to contribute.
IMPORTANT: After you click on the orange button a PayPal screen will load. You’ll also see a field that says “0.00”. Fill in the amount you want to give. For example, to give $25, type 25.00 in the amount field. You choose the amount.
Help Support this Site by Making a Secure Donation.
If You Don’t Like PayPal, You Can Send a Check.
Make the check payable to: Jeff Williams. Please list your Shooters’ Forum Log-In Name (if any), and mail the check to:
Jeff Williams
P.O. Box 240
Solon Springs, WI 54873
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