Don’t have time to hand-load your own ammo, or don’t have all the equipment and dies needed? There’s a new option — something that’s actually quite revolutionary in the ammo industry. Federal is now offering custom-loaded ammunition. You choose the cartridge type and bullet type and Federal technicians put the ammo together. Think about it — this could be an interesting option for hunters who only need a few rounds a year, or if you want to try out a bullet/cartridge combo for the first time.
“Each round is painstakingly handloaded to order by our team of expert engineers in our state-of-the-art reloading workshop. Veteran craftsmen combine the best components with extra quality checks at every stage for the most consistent velocity, accuracy, and overall performance. Loads are then hand-checked for final inspection and cleaned before being custom-packed in durable, personalized packaging.”
26 Centerfire Rifle Cartridge Types + Many Bullet Options
Currently, you can choose from 26 rifle cartridge types and a wide selection of quality bullets from Barnes, Berger, Sierra, Nosler, Federal, Hornady, Swift, and more. NOTE: Federal Custom Shop ammo will be sold direct-to-consumer only. Along with rifle ammo, Federal will offer custom TSS Shotshells.
Bullet Types Offered: BARNES TIPPED TSX, BERGER HYBRID HUNTER, HORNADY ELD-X, NOSLER ACCUBOND (and Accubond LR), NOSLER PARTITION, SIERRA MATCHKING, SWIFT A-FRAME, WOODLEIGH HYDRO SOLID; and Federal TERMINAL ASCENT, TROPHY BOND BEAR CLAW, TROPHY BONDED SLEDGEHAMMER, TROPHY COPPER.
Please note: Federal Custom Shop ammunition is built to order — not pulled out of inventory in a warehouse. As such, please allow more time for processing and delivery. Typically, your Custom Shop order will take two weeks to build, plus standard delivery time. The Custom Shop handloading center is located at Federal’s main factory in Anoka, Minnesota. For more information, including how to order, what specific load options are available, and shipping details, visit: FederalPremium.com/custom-shop.html.
“If it’s not in Federal’s vast catalog as factory-loaded ammo, we may have it listed on our website as a load we will custom hand-load for you,” notes Federal Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink. “For example, Barnes 120-grain Tipped TSX in 6.5-284 Norma and 28-gauge TSS turkey loads aren’t products we list in our catalog, but you can certainly order them through our Custom Shop.”
Many shooters are familiar with ballistics tables, weather programs, and even wind meters for smart devices, but few may know about a very handy Leveling Tool that comes factory-installed on Apple iPhones. The leveling function is a little-known option in Apple’s Compass App. It works well for a multitude of tasks.
There are a numerous reasons that a leveling tool should be in every rifleman’s range bag. From leveling optics during mounting to figuring out how much extra compensation is going to be required for a tricky angled shot, knowing just how far off things are from plumb can go a long way towards realizing success in the field.
This writer has used the leveling app on his iPhone to level a rifle on a rest while at the range. It definitely worked for “field expedient” leveling duties. That’s especially important for long-range applications. Just one degree of cant (tilt) can move your point of impact 7 inches at 1000 yards.
Of course, the iPhone level doesn’t use an actual bubble to find angles. Rather, it relies on the device’s sophisticated accelerometer to do so, and with a great degree of accuracy. Navigating to the level is done by first selecting the Compass App (Utilities folder), at which point the device will need to be calibrated by rotating it a full 360 degrees. Once the compass is fully calibrated, simply make swipe LEFT gesture to bring up the level — it will start operating immediately. Swipe right to return to compass. NOTE: On some newer iPhones the Level feature is part of the Measure App, so to access it you go to Utilities > Measure, and it’s listed at the bottom.
From there, use is intuitive and easy, like most iPhone Apps. Switching from horizontal plane to vertical is done by simply changing the physical axis of the phone. How do you know when you’ve got things just right — well the entire lower half of the screen turns green when everything is perfectly level. You’ll also see a zero° read-out, like this:
Bottom Line: If you already own an iPhone, you should definitely give this App a try. The price is right (free), and for a wide variety of tasks the iPhone Level App is actually pretty handy.
For Android Phone Users — FREE Leveling Apps
Don’t have an iPhone? No worries — there are a multitude of Bubble Level Apps available for Android OS phones. We found over 40 leveling Apps. Most are free, others cost a few dollars. Most of these Apps work in multiple orientations. Choose the App that offers the display views you find most convenient or pleasing to the eye. You may want to try two or three before you settle on a favorite.
Thomas Haugland, a Shooters’ Forum member from Norway, is a long-range target shooter and hunter. He has created an interesting video showing how to gauge wind velocities by watching trees, grass, and other natural vegetation. The video commentary is in English, but the units of wind speed (and distance) are metric. Haugland explains: “This is not a full tutorial, but rather a short heads-up to make you draw the lines between the dots yourself”. Here are some conversions that will help when watching the video:
.5 m/s = 1.1 mph | 1 m/s = 2.2 mph | 2 m/s = 4.5 mph
3 m/s = 6.7 mph | 4 m/s = 8.9 mph | 5 m/s =11.2 mph
How to Gauge Wind Speed and Hold Off Using Reticles
This field video shows how to observe natural indicators — trees and vegetation — to estimate wind velocity. Then it shows how to calculate hold-offs using the reticle hash-marks. Thomas shoots a fast-cycling Blaser R93 rifle with Norma 6XC ammunition.
Bryan Blake, a very clever machinist and gunsmith, has created an ultra-precise and speedy neck-turning machine. Bryan, who runs Blake Machine, Blake Barrel, and F-Class Products has created a system that uses twin precision cutter tips to turn case necks inside and out quickly and efficiently, with superior precision. This advanced IDOD Neck Turning Machine holds cases securely in a precision-machined spindle attached to an electric motor. Twin blades move precisely during the cutting process, milling the necks inside and out. The turned necks come out perfect every time, with the shoulders trimmed exactly (with doughnut removed) as well. If you turn hundreds of cases during a shooting season, you may want to consider getting an IDOD from F-Class Products. Bryan was able to turn 30 cases in just 6 minutes. And there is an even more advanced version, called the AUTODOD, shown in the last video below.
Our friend Erik Cortina recently visited Bryan Blake in Phoenix. Erik saw the IDOD in action and was impressed. Erik notes: “For a very long time, we have been turning brass the exact same way. Use a mandrel as a pilot and have a cutter with a specified gap go around the perimeter and turn the necks to specified thickness. The IDOD uses a technique called ‘pinch turning’ to turn the ID and the OD (IDOD) at the same time.” You can watch how it works in Erik’s video below (action starts at 7:55 time-mark):
The secret to the efficiency of the Blake IDOD is a vibration-free motor, high-mass case-holder, precision OD/ID-adjustable cutter, along with an advanced tracking system that moves the cutter heads towards the case neck (and back again) with absolute, 100% repeatable precision. Watch the video from 8:30 to 10:10 to see Bryan explain how to adjust the system for a perfect result.
This shows how to set up the IDOD Neck-turning machine for a particular cartridge type:
This video shows a close-up of a neck being with perfect neck-wall consistency:
This latest video from Blake Machine shows the new AUTODOD machine with power controls. This speeds up and simplifies neck-turning process.
SAF, NRA File Appeal Brief in Federal Challenge of WA Gun Control Measure
Attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation, National Rifle Association, two Washington state gun retailers and three private citizens have filed an appeal brief with the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in their challenge of gun control Initiative 1639 (I-1639), a measure adopted two years ago in the Evergreen State. This appeal in the case of Mitchell vs. Atkins seeks to overturn I-1639’s ban on semi-auto rifle ownership for Washington citizens 18-20 years of age.
The lawsuit challenges the measure on the grounds that it violates the commerce clause by banning sales of rifles to non-residents, and that it unconstitutionally impairs the rights guaranteed by the First, Second and Fourteenth Amendments, and Article I Section 24 of the Washington State constitution by preventing the sale to otherwise qualified adults under age 21 of certain rifles.
The 45-page brief asserts that I-1639: “infringes the rights protected by the Second Amendment and enjoyed by law-abiding adults of all ages. The interstate sales ban violates the Interstate Commerce Clause”. A district court judge in Tacoma dismissed the case in August, and plaintiffs promptly filed notice of appeal with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court in San Francisco.
The initiative prohibits young adults ages 18-20 from purchasing and owning so-called “semiautomatic assault rifles” — defined as literally ANY self-loading rifle, regardless of caliber. Tens of millions of semi-automatic rifles are in use today by law-abiding citizens of all ages for hunting, competition, predator and varmint control, recreational shooting and personal/home protection.
“We’re asking the Ninth Circuit to reverse a ruling by the lower federal district court, and remand this case back for further action”, said SAF founder/Executive V.P. Alan M. Gottlieb. “The constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens should never be subject to a popular vote, and we are hopeful the Appeals court agrees.”
Plaintiffs are represented by Seattle attorney Joel B. Ard and Spokane attorney David K. DeWolf. The case is known as Mitchell v. Atkins.
The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.
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.
1. Stocky’s Stocks — 10% Off with Discount Code
As a Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion, Stocky’s Stocks has knocked 10% off the price of virtually all its rifle stock inventory. Use Coupon Code 10OFF to get 10% off the already low price. That amounts to major savings on great stocks that fit a wide variety of barreled actions. For example, a Long Range Accublock Stock is discounted from $219.99 to just $197.99 with the 10% Savings. We don’t know how long the bonus coupon code will work, so don’t delay!
Here is a great CyberMonday special on Amazon. This compact 8″ Samsung Galaxy tablet computer is a great accessory for shooters as it can be used with target cameras, ShotMarkers, and Ballistics Apps. You can also use this tablet with the Android Ballistic-X App to measure your group sizes — just take a photo of the group with the Tablet’s camera and run the App. You can also record your shooting sessions with video to diagnose your hold and follow-through. For $99.99 on Amazon this Galaxy Tablet is hard to beat. NOTE: This is listed “In stock December 14, 2020″.
3. Midsouth — Multiple CyberMonday Deals
Midsouth just released a bunch of Cyber Monday Deals. You’ll want to act quickly — this is a ONE-DAY ONLY sale. Save on RCBS ChargeMaster and RCBS Case Tumbler, save $40 on an AR Bolt Carrier group, or grab a Lyman Powder Thrower for just $74.99. Varmint hunters take note — you can get 2000 62gr .224 Bullets for just $174.99.
4. EuroOptic — Save up to $600 on Leica Rangefinding Binoculars
Leica makes some of the very best rangefinding binoculars you can buy. The Leica Geovid HD-R series combine superior glass with outstanding rangefinder performance out to very long ranges. We like the controls on these RF binoculars too. Now through December 3rd, save up to $600 on select Geovid HD-R 2700 rangefinder binoculars. In addition, Leica’s Ultravid HD-Plus regular binoculars are on sale at EuroOptic.com as well.
5. MidwayUSA — SIG Sauer Scope/Rangefinder Combos
Here’s an amazing Cyber Monday Optics Special from MidwayUSA that may be ideal for a hunter on a budget. You get a SIG Sauer Whisky3 3-9x40mm riflescope PLUS a SIG Sauer Kilo 1000 range finder for just $229! All you need optics-wise for your next hunt, this package will save you $170.00 (42%)! If you want more magnification, a similar package with 4-12x40mm scope and Kilo 1000 is $279.99.
This superb system combines a high-definition camera with a special receiver. That set-up delivers sharp, live images at distances up to two miles. The good folks at Longshot created a special Discount Code for AccurateShooter readers that provides an extra $50 off the already-reduced Cyber-weekend price. The final price, with Code ACCURATESHOTS, is $649.00 (see above). IF you add the Bulletproof Warranty the price is $688.00. We do recommend purchasing the Warranty — that way LongShot will repair or replace your unit if it is damaged by gunfire or other hazard. Note, other LongShot products are on sale this week as well — the Marksman for $349.00, and the Hawk Spotting Scope Camera for $149.00.
How the LR-3 Target Camera Works
7. EuroOptic.com — Vortex 14% Off Sale Through 11/30/2020
Now through 11:59 pm on CyberMonday, November 30th, save 14% on most Vortex products purchased through EuroOptic.com when you use promo code VORTEX14. This applies to a wide range of riflescopes and spotting scopes. This applies to new scopes with full warranties. Not valid with any other offer or discount, and not valid on Closeouts.
8. Palmetto State Armory — AR15 PSA MagPul Lowers $130 Off
Want to put together a black rifle? Check out the PSA AR15 MAGPUL ACS-L EPT Lower (Black) or the PSA AR15 MAGPUL STR EPT MIAD Edition (Flat Dark Earth). Both units are discounted $130.00 for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. With easy-to-adjust Magpul stocks, these are both good options for a tactical or varmint rifle.
9. Midsouth — TriggerTech Triggers on Sale, starting at $134.99
Right now Midsouth is offering significant discounts on TriggerTech triggers for bolt guns as well as AR-platform rifles. And with all TriggerTech triggers in stock you get FREE Shipping. Different grade triggers have different price levels, starting at $134.99 for the Primary Series Rem 700 triggers.
10. CDNN Sports — Browning Buckmark, $249.99 with Rebate
There’s a Browning Black Friday Rebate running through November 30th, 2020. Combine this Rebate with Black Friday/Cyber Monday discounts, and you can get a nice Browning Buckmark pistol for under $250.00 net. That’s a steal on an accurate reliable pistol. What’s more, CDNN Sports is currently offering FREE Shipping on all firearm sales.
11. H-S Precision — 25% Off Stocks Black Friday/Cyber Monday
H-S Precision makes outstanding rifle stocks, with inlets to fit a variety of popular actions including CZ, Howa, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Weatherby, and Winchester. Right now you can order any one of 70+ stock designs at 25% off the normal price. Just select the stock you like, pick a color, select recoil pad/rail options, and add to the shopping cart. Then 25% will be automatically slashed off the price as the “blackfridaystocks” discount. NOTE: Along with 25% off stocks, H-S Precision is now offering 15% off complete rifles.
12. MidwayUSA — Pro Series Shooting Mat, $29.99
The MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat is now on sale for just $29.99. That’s 45% off the regular $59.99 price. The Pro Series mat measures a full 73.5″ x 35.5″ and is nicely constructed. Zippered pockets on the front extension flap hold ammo or log book. There are webbing pockets for bipod feet so you can pre-load your bipod with forward pressure. This quality mat boasts 0.35″-thick padding, multiple pockets, 6 grommets for staking, and a nice carry strap. It’s easy to transport, rolling up to about nine inches in diameter. User reviews of this Shooting Mat have been very positive. At $29.99 on sale (through 11/30/2020), this Pro Series mat is a great deal.
22Plinkster runs of the most popular gun-centric YouTube channels. His videos have been watched by hundreds of thousands of firearms fans. Many of 22Plinkster’s videos involve trick shots, such as shooting a .22LR through 100 balloons, but he also does serious reviews. He’s actually a competent marksman who has shot a vast collection of .22 LR/22 WMR pistols and rifles, making him a qualified rimfire expert (as well as a trick-shot artist and showman). Today we feature five 22Plinkster Firearms Videos, plus a bonus Vudoo Gun Works video review from GunsandTactics.com.
Vudoo Gun Works Ravage Precision .22 LR Rifle
Last Sunday we featured an NRL22 rimfire competition rig built with a Vudoo Gun Works V-22 action. For this Sunday GunDay article, we showcase a complete Vudoo rifle, a mag-fed Ravage with Ridgeback stock. 22Plinkster declared: “It’s a Tack-Driver … this .22 LR Rifle is the most accurate .22 LR bolt-action rimfire rifle I have ever shot in my life.” And he notes that he has shot Anschutz, Lithgow and other quality rifles.
Firing from a Lead Sled, 22Plinkster starts out at 50 yards, and produced a 0.335″ group at 50 yards using Lapua Midas+ ammunition (4:00 time-mark). Then this session gets really impressive. Continuing with Lapua Midas+ ammo, this Vudoo Ravage produced a sub-half-inch group at 100 yards*. You can watch that Midas+ group form up from 7:20 to 8:25 in the video. Then, with ELEY Tenex ammo, he produced a 0.707″ group (10:30) and an even smaller group (11:55). This complete rifle is available from Vudoo Gun Works for $2545.00 without optics.
22Plinkster says Vudoo’s Ravage is a top choice for NRL22/PRS rimfire matches and Rimfire ELR competitions: “This is the cream of the crop. [Many] people who are winning PRS rimfire matches are shooting Vudoos. What sets this rifle apart from a lot of the other Match 22 rifles is what it does past 300 yards. A lot of rifles — Anschutz, Lithgow, CZ — shoot really good out to 300 yards. But after 300 yards, their accuracy diminishes big-time.”
Vudoo V22 Ravage with a fluted 18″ Kukri barrel in an Urban Camo Grayboe Ridgeback stock.
If you are interested in getting a Vudoo rimfire rifle, then definitely watch this 20-minute Guns & Tactics video. It provides extensive accuracy testing for multiple ammo types with verified group sizes. Then the reviewer shows the working details of the rifle, including the bolt, trigger system, and magazine. The video also includes field testing from bipod as well as competition-type practical stages out to nearly 400 yards.
Savage A22, 22 Magnum (WMR) Rifle Field Test
The Savage A22 is the .22 WMR “big brother” to Savage’s popular A17 17 HMR rifle. In this video, 22Plinkster demonstrates that the A22 is a very reliable semi-auto that can deliver near-1 MOA accuracy when the barrel is clean. This rifle retails for about $390.00.
Smith & Wesson Model 41 .22 LR Pistol Review
The S&W Model 41 is a classic American rimfire target pistol. Beautifully crafted, the Model 41 boasts a superb trigger, comfortable grip, and excellent accuracy. New or used, a Model 41 would be a fine addition to any firearms collection.
Volquartsen Scorpion .22 LR Pistol Review
The Scorpion demonstrated exceptional accuracy in the hands of 22Plinkster. It comes with a large target-style grip. With a built-in compensator, the Scorpion stays on target with almost no muzzle rise. The comp can be easily switched out with a suppressor (See video at 3:00 time-mark).
S&W Victory Vs. Ruger Mark IV Pistol Shoot-Off
22Plinkster liked both pistols. He favored the grips on the Ruger while preferring the S&W’s trigger. He felt the Ruger’s iron sights were best for precision work, but he noted that the green dot fiber optic sights on the S&W Victory worked better for speed work.
*Footnote regarding 22Plinkster Measured Groups: At least one of the measured groups (in close-up view) does NOT show the exact same group which formed in the preceding video sequence. You can tell from the shot placements relative to the center of the target — it’s a different group. Still we believe that 22Plinkster did shoot very small groups with this rifle at 50 and 100 yards. We just think 22Plinkster’s video editing may have been out of sequence. You can tell the group measured with calipers is not the same as the group shown forming top right in the preceding live video.
Yes Brownells is running a big Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion. The Brownells Black Rifle Friday Sale is underway now. While this is focused mostly on AR-related hardware, there are also reloading products on sale, magazines, optics, and much more. Note the selection CHANGES DAILY, so you’ll want to check back Sunday (11/29) and Monday (11/30). Discount pricing valid through 11:59 pm on 11/30/2020. Along with the price cuts, you can get FREE SHIPPING with Code VPR for orders over $250.00.
Here are six of the best deals we found today, 11/28/2020. There are literally thousands of other items that are discounted. CLICK HERE for ALL SALE ITEMS.
Important Advice about Building Your Own Black Rifle
This video covers basic legal provisions regarding construction of an AR15 from components. The lower is considered the firearm by the ATF — this must ship to an FFL. The Upper can be shipped directly to the consumer, but there are laws regulating barrel length. In addition, some states have laws prohibiting AR-type rifles. You should always check with a local attorney to determine the applicable gun laws in your city, county, and state.
Do you have a friend or family member who is a first-time gun owner? Then show them this article. It provides important guidelines for new gun owners. There’s an Infographic printed below. And, there’s a helpful Firearm Storage and Safety Assessment Quiz. This walks gun owners through questions related to safe handling and storage of firearms. Here is Part One of the Quiz. If you click on this part, you can complete the entire Quiz and see how you score.
NSSF Infographic for New Gun Owners
Below is the latest NSSF Infographic for new gun owners. This provides questions to ask before buying a gun, plus information on safe gun storage at home. This Infographic is part of a large collection of NSSF Resources for New Gun Owners.
Want to learn more? CLICK HERE for the Interactive Version of the NSSF Infographic. On that Interactive PDF, click on the smaller buttons to get additional information, or to watch related videos.
Many major manufacturers and online vendors are offering great bargains today, Black Friday. Over the past two days we’ve spotlighted vendors worth visiting because they offer a wide range of discounts on a large inventory selection — in some cases, everything in stock is discounted 10%, 15%, even 25%. For our previous 2020 Black Friday Vendor Specials, scroll down or CLICK HERE (11/26) and CLICK HERE (11/25).
In this article we are going to focus on specific Black Friday Bargains. Here are 22 truly exceptional deals on recommended products that you can use in your reloading room and at the range.
MidwayUSA — Cyber Week Sale
Here are six great deals offered through MidwayUSA’s Cyber Week Sale (8 Days of Savings). There are also many other bargains on optics, shooting mats, and reloading gear on MidwayUSA’s Cyber Week Sale Page. Deals are good through November 30, 2020 and you get FREE Shipping with Code FSCYBER49 .
LongShot Cameras
Longshot Target Cameras is running a special sale with discounts on multiple items. Plus there is a special coupon code for AccurateShooter.com Readers and Forum members. After you add the item to your shopping cart, the sale prices appear. These represent $100 off LR-3, $50 off Marksman, and 50% off the Hawk spotting scope camera. You’ll get free shipping with code SENDIT. IMPORTANT — if you purchase the LR-3, you’ll get an additional $50 off with code ACCURATESHOTS (use that code for the LR-3 instead of SENDIT).
Natchez Shooters Supplies — Great Reloading Deals
For Black Friday, Natchez has slashed prices on a large variety of reloading tools and hardware including equipment from Hornady, Lyman, and RCBS. We were most impressed with the savings on RCBS reloading scale/dispensers and press kits. These are the best prices we’ve found on the web, and the RCBS reloading kits have been selling out. Check out these RCBS bargains at Natchez.
Graf & Sons — 25% Off All Sightron Optics
We listed this yesterday, but we wanted to spotlight the exceptional Sightron bargains available right now at Grafs.com. All Sightron Optics are 25% off — Scopes, Spotting Scopes, Binoculars, Red Dots and more. If you are looking for a high-magnification competition scope, or a field Target scope, or a nice HD Glass Spotter, check out these deals.
Palmetto State Armory — Triggers, Optics, Pistols and More
Palmetto State Armory is a go-to source for black rifle fans. For Black Friday, Palmetto has discounted a large number of AR parts/accessories including triggers, uppers, and optics. In addition, Palmetto has discounted S&W handguns and many other products. These are all listed on the Black Friday Sale Page.
Special Bonus — Free Shipping at Whidden Gunworks
Today only, Black Friday (11/27/2020), Whidden Gunworks is offering free 48-state product shipping. This is for orders over $250.00. To get FREE Shipping use Code BF2020 at checkout.
Many shooters are familiar with ballistics tables, weather programs, and even 
