More and more folks are using Burris Signature Rings these days. These unique rings feature polymer inserts. That allows you to pre-load some elevation in your scope set-up, or you can center-up the windage. Additionally, the polymer inserts hold your scope securely without leaving marks on the tube. And many folks believe Signature rings may offer advantages for benchrest competition. Rodney Wagner shot the then-smallest 600-yard group in history using Burris Signature Zee Rings (“Zee” denotes the Weaver-rail model). James O’Hara set multiple IBS 1000-yard records using Burris Signature Zee Rings. James will tell you he thinks “all his guns seem to shoot best with these rings”.
Records Have Been Set with Signature Zee Rings
Are Signature Zees good enough for competition? Absolutely. Some folks scoff at these Burris rings, given their low price ($36.40 for 1″ Sig Zees at Midsouth). But consider this, in 2013 Rodney Wagner shot a world record 0.336″ 5-shot group using Signature Zee Rings on his IBS Light Gun. That still stands as an IBS Light Gun 600-yard record, though in 2018 Bart Sauter nailed a 0.311″ Heavy Gun group at 600. Here’s a photo of Rodney showing the record-setting rifle, outfitted with Signature Zee 30mm rings.
Vendors Have Burris Signature Rings in Stock Now
Various models of Burris Signature Rings are available currently from many vendors. NOTE: You may have to check with more than one seller to get the exact size, height, and model you prefer. But right now these vendors have pretty good selections of Signature Zees, including the popular 30mm High and Extra High models. If you check all three sellers, you’ll probably find what you need.
Midsouth has a good inventory of Burris Signature Zee Rings in stock now:
This SunDay GunDay story features a stunning rifle constructed as a raffle prize to benefit Team USA members who will be traveling to South Africa in 2021 for the upcoming F-Class World Championships. Raffle tickets purchased for this F-Open rig, as well as two other rifles, will help defray expenses for Team USA members, both adults and juniors. Along with the stunning F-Open rifle featured here, there are two other great prizes: A KW Precision-built .308 Winchester F-TR rifle with Borden Rimrock action, and a Kelbly Koda Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor with Nightforce scope.
.284 Shehane F-Open Prize Rifle with Superb Components
Report by Katie Blankenship
This eye-catching F-Open rifle was crafted by Blake Barrel and Rifle in Arizona. This prize rifle features all top-of-the-line components: Borden BRMXD Action, Cerus multi-laminate stock with forearm extension, R.A.D. recoil reduction system (hydraulic-damped buttpad), Bix ‘N Andy trigger, and Nightforce Competition scope. The stainless Blake barrel is chambered for the .284 Shehane wildcat, and sports an F-Class Products tuner on the end.
If you like this rifle, you can participate in a Team USA Contest with a chance to win this beauty. Team USA is running a raffle that supports all three divisions of the United States F-Class Team: F-Open, F-TR, and Under-25. After each member sells $250 dollars worth of tickets, the proceeds go into individual accounts to pay for trip expenses such as air travel, hotel, food, entry fees, uniforms, ammunition, and other costs.
The prize drawings will be held at Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, AZ in November 2020. All winners must comply with all Federal and State laws in order to take possession of firearms. $2,500 may be awarded in place of firearm. Entrants do not need to be present to win. Winners will be announced after confirmation of legal eligibility and with consent of the winner. Raffle tickets cost $10.00 each or you can get three tickets for $25.00. CLICK HERE for prize raffle details.
About the Under-25 F-Class U.S. Rifle Team
My sister Kaycie and I are both on the Under-25 United States F-Class Team. We both started out shooting F-Class on the Wickenburg High School Rifle team. I started in 2012 while Kaycie started in 2015. We went from using loaner guns with Wickenburg to shoot the F-Class sport, to now having a couple generous sponsors and making the Under-25 United States Team.
The raffle is for three different rifles. The one featured here is the sponsored F-Open rifle built by Blake Barrel and Rifle. For this special rifle, I was actually involved in the build process at Blake Machine in Phoenix, Arizona, where I work.
How Sisters Katie and Kaycie Got Involved in Rifle Competition
Kaycie and I grew up in a family that spent a lot of quality time together in the outdoors — hunting, shooting, and fishing. With my passion for hunting (inspired by my Dad), I wanted to further my shooting skills. So, I decided to join Wickenburg High School’s Rifle Team coached by Rex Powers. Upon joining, since I was a small, 90-lb girl, some people thought I would never be a top competitor on the team — not able to compete with the bigger boys on the team. But within my freshman year of high school I was the team’s top shooter and held that spot all 4 years of high school. I developed a passion for F-Class shooting. After graduating from HS, I continued to assistant-coach the team and compete in local matches. My sister Kaycie accompanied me in 2015 and also found a love for the sport. Now a senior in high school, Kaycie is still shooting with the high school team, while earning a sport on the Under-25 U.S. F-Class Rifle Team.
What Katie Likes about F-Class Competition
F-Class shooting has given me the opportunity to meet many influential people, to travel, and to work in a specialized job that I love. This sport has taught me patience, attention to detail, and discipline. And that, in turn, has had a positive impact on many other areas in my life. Kaycie and I’ve have also met many other junior shooters who have become great friends. It’s great to have that camaraderie at matches. The community behind this sport includes many very generous people with tons of knowledge — there is such a healthy competitive atmosphere at the range.
How Young Shooters Can Get Started in F-Class
If you are interested in F-Class we highly suggest going to your local range and watching an F-Class match being held. There are so many people willing to provide knowledge and guidance to help you get started in the sport and join the fun!
The Bryan Blake Connection — How He Helps Young Shooters
I met Bryan Blake (Blake Barrel and Rifle) in early 2018 at a local mid-range Championship. At the time I was shooting a 6.5×47 Lapua with a shot-out barrel and was just there for fun, knowing my scores would be low. Bryan loaned me one of his rifles for a string and offered to loan me a gun for the upcoming October State 600-yard championships. Since then I now have my own F-Class rifle build by Blake Barrel and Rifle and now work for Bryan’s family-owned business. Bryan has helped raise my shooting to the next level with his knowledge of the sport and his dedication to encouraging young competitors.
Get Rifle Prize Raffle Tickets to Support Team USA
Team USA Raffle Prize Drawing will take place in November 2020.
Kaycie and I are proud to represent our country in the 2021 F-Class World Championships. We appreciate your support for F-Class Team USA by purchasing raffle tickets. You can purchase tickets on the webpage linked above. NOTE: When tickets are purchased through that page, the funds will go directly towards travel expenses Kaycie and I will incur going to the 2021 World F-Class Championships.
According to the NRA-ILA, the number of concealed handgun permits reached 18.66 million in 2019 – a 304% increase since 2007. And many more have been issued in 2020.
In America, a violent crime happens every 26 seconds (FBI statistics). Because of this, and growing concerns over social unrest and riots, more Americans than ever before are buying handguns and getting CCW permits. To help Americans understand concealed carry laws, get trained properly, and have legal support after an incident, the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) was created. This organization has been very successful, experiencing more than 30% year-over-year growth since 2016.
CCW holders can definitely benefit from USCCA membership, primarily because of the legal services that are offered by the USCCA. If you even draw a firearm in an encounter, you will probably need a lawyer, and need one immediately. The USCCA states: “If you ever have to defend yourself or your family, you’ll have access to a local attorney, the financial funding to protect against criminal charges and civil suits, and instant connection to our emergency response team.”
Proper Training is Very Important for CCW Holders
The USCCA recently announced that its organization has reached over half a million members, keeping pace with record-breaking 2020 firearm sales across the nation. This surge in membership demonstrates that firearms education and training remains a top priority. The USCCA also reported a 620% increase in online training/education courses through the first nine months of 2020 compared to all of 2019.
“Record numbers of Americans are embracing their Second Amendment rights and in doing so, they are turning to the USCCA for industry-leading self-defense education, training and legal protection”, said Tim Schmidt, president and founder of the USCCA. “Our mission is to help save lives and so it is both incredible and humbling that more than 500,000 Americans have now joined the USCCA[.]”
Need a simple, easy-to-use drop chart for your rifle? Something you can tape right to the buttstock? Then check out Hornady’s handy Online Ballistics Calculator. This user-friendly calculator will compute your drops accurately, and output a handy “Cheat Sheet” you can print and attach to your rifle.
Here’s how it works. From the Ballistics Calculator Page, simply input G1 or G7 BC values, muzzle velocity, bullet weight, zero range, and a few other variables.
Click “Calculate” to view the full chart (shown below). Then click “View Cheatsheet” and the simpler, 4-line Drop Chart (shown above) appears. Click “Print” and you’re done!
The online ballistics caculator is easy to use. You can select the basic version, or an advanced version with more data fields for environmental variables (altitude, temperature, air pressure, and humidity). You can also get wind drift numbers by inputing wind speed and wind angle.
Conveniently, on the trajectory output, come-ups are listed in both MOA and Mils — so this will work with either MOA clicks or Mil-based clicks. There are more sophisticated ballistics solvers available on the web (such as the outstanding Applied Ballistics Online Calculator), but the Hornady Calculator is very simple and easy to use. If you just want a basic drop chart, you may want to check this out.
NOAA photo of flooding after Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The Colt Python Revolver once belonged to Elvis Presley (Rock Island Auction).
Firearms owners who have seen their guns and stored ammunition submerged by flood waters in storm-wracked areas are probably wondering if their firearms and ammunition can be salvaged and safely used. To answer these questions, the NSSF and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI®) created two documents outlining the proper response to submersion of guns and ammo. If you’ve got wet guns and/or ammo, download these two PDF files and read them carefully.
The SAAMI document “Guidance on Firearms That Have Been Submerged or Exposed to Extensive Amounts of Water” points out two major concerns about firearms that have been exposed to water: parts susceptible to moisture and rust damage such as metal parts, wood stocks and grips, and optics; and, secondly, infiltration of the action, barrel and safety systems by grit, silt and other foreign debris.
#1 Always unload firearms before beginning any treatment process.
It’s important to limit moisture and corrosion damage to the component parts of the firearm. This can be accomplished by disassembling the component parts and using up to two coats of a moisture-displacing lubricant such as Hoppes #9 MDL or WD-40 to clean and stabilize the parts while, importantly, following the product’s directions so as not to damage, for instance, plastic or synthetic parts. Another tip is to allow wood stocks and grips to air-dry and not be force dried by exposure to heat.
The document emphasizes that once the firearm has been thoroughly dried, consideration must be given to having the firearm inspected and serviced by the manufacturer, an authorized service center, or a qualified gunsmith before putting the firearm back in service.
Dealing with Ammunition That Was Submerged
Bottom Line, if your ammo has been submerged — DON’T USE IT. SAAMI explains why…
To help firearms owners determine what to do with ammunition that has been affected by water and moisture, SAAMI offers another helpful document, “Guidance on Ammunition That Has Been Submerged in Water.” This document covers differences in moisture resistance between centerfire, rimfire and shotshell ammunition, and potential hazards associated with “drying out” cartridges, including possible deterioration and damage to cartridges due to drying methods.
Another serious hazard that could result from using compromised ammunition is the potential for a bore obstruction due to partial ignition of either the priming compound or the propellant powder charge, or both. Firing a subsequent round through an obstructed barrel can result in bodily injury, death and property damage.
SAAMI provides the following cautionary conclusion: “It would be impossible to ascertain for certain the extent of the deteriorating affect, if any, the water may have had on each individual cartridge. Therefore, the safe answer is that no attempt be made to salvage or use submerged ammunition. The ammunition should be disposed of in a safe and responsible manner. Contact your local law enforcement agency for disposal instructions in your area.”
While this site focuses primarily on accurate rifles, we know that most of our readers also own pistols (and many shoot them competitively). After rimfire pistols, probably the most popular handguns in America are 9mm semi-auto pistols. Here are five products we use with our favorite 9mm semi-autos — H&K P7M8 and SIG Sauer P226. You’ll find a great carry case, high-quality electronic muffs, a pistol “range station”, affordable 9mm ammo, and two cool training targets.
1. CaseCruzer Handgun Cases
A California company, CaseCruzer, makes the nicest multi-pistol hard cases we’ve ever seen. With capacities from 3 pistols to 6 pistols, these lockable range cases hold handguns securely in angled “quick-draw” slots. In addition to the molded pistol carriers, there are slots for magazines together with a separate compartment for muffs, ammo, and other accessories. Starting at $240.00 MSRP for the Quick Draw 3-Pack, these boxes are expensive, but they offer great protection with great usability. Water-tight and dust-proof, CaseCruzer cases are airline approved (ATA 300).Now that you’ve spent thousands of dollars on the new benchrest, PRS, ELR, or hunting rifle (and thousands more on optics), how are you going to get it to the range or hunting grounds? It’s important to transport your valuable firearms in very high quality gun cases. Good padded soft cases can work, but for long-distance hauling (and all air transport), we recommend hard cases with quality foam inside.
2. Impact Pro Electronic Muffs 30 dB Noise Reduction Rating
When shooting pistols indoors we recommend quality muffs with earplugs underneath, offering double protection. When inside an enclosed range, with other shooters blasting away right next to you, you really need effective hearing protection. But you also need to hear range commands and be able to communicate with your fellow shooters. That’s why we recommend electronic muffs with good foam plugs underneath. That gives you serious hearing protection during live fire, with the ability to hear voices and converse.
For pistol shooting, we like the latest Howard Leight Impact Pro Muffs. These offer an impressive 30 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), an exceptional NRR. In addition, these muffs are pretty comfortable and offer Headphone Functionality so you can connect to your smartphone, MP3 player, or other device. These quality muffs are $66.13 on Amazon.com complete with a set of safety eyewear.
3. Range Station for Pistol Shooters
The Range Station combines an ammo compartment with a roll-out mat. Great idea. Some gun ranges only have concrete benches, or shooting stations with horizontal surfaces covered with dirt, powder residues, and other debris. You don’t want to put your $2000 Colt Python on that mess. The 12″x24″ Padded Gun Mat stays put on the counter-top and holds guns and gear. The case snaps to either the right or left side of the mat. Interior trays are sized for standard ammo boxes and magazines. Separate compartments hold smaller range gear such as rulers, target markers, and more. When finished, the mat can be rolled and stored neatly and compactly in the case. This handy Range Station is $29.99 on Amazon.
4. MTM AC4C Ammo Crate with 4 Ammo Boxes
The versatile MTM AC4C Ammo Carrier features four lockable polymer ammo cans in a fitted, four-slot 23.5″ x 11.3″ x 7.5″ carry crate. This makes it easy to haul four full ammo cans. Actual purchasers have raved: “Moments after I received this storage box set I ordered another. Very well-built and great design — a steal at the price.” This popular product is available now at Midsouth for $34.37. The system includes four lockable, O-Ring 11.3″ x 7.2″ x 5″ ammo cans (AC30T) for multi-caliber ammo storage. The crate even includes tie-down points for transport in a cart or ATV.
5. High Contrast Pistol Training Targets
Here are two of our favorite pistol targets. The Splatterburst 12″ x 12″ sight-in target works great for handguns in indoor ranges. Bullet holes appear as bright neon yellow halos. And the contrasting grid lines let you quickly estimate your group size. Each target has five diamonds, and the top of each diamond provides a precise aim point for your front sight. The 12″ Bullseye Pistol Diagnostic Target diagnoses common problems based on shot impact zones. While this target is designed for righties, left-handed shooters can use the target too. Just observe the opposite tips.
Forum member Danny Reever and this Editor have discussed how novice reloaders can struggle with the fine points of reloading, making errors in seating depth, neck-bushing choice, or sizing their cases. We agreed that a good resource covering more than “Reloading Basics” is sorely needed. Danny reminded me that Glen Zediker’s excellent Handloading for Competition book has been available since 2002. Danny says this may still be the best guide in print for those getting started in precision reloading, though the book is not without flaws.
Danny observed: “I consider this still the best book out there on the subject. I’ve bought a lot of other books only to be sorely disappointed after spending $30-$40 of my hard-earned cash. This book is not one of those! I’ve read and re-read Zediker’s treatise at least four times and refer to it often for advice while reloading. My number one suggestion for those who buy the book is to sit down with a highlighter and read it cover to cover. It’s well-written with a bit of humor and it is not boring.”
Extremely comprehensive, Zediker’s book covers nearly all of the key factors involved in accurate reloading: case sorting, brass prep, load development, neck-sizing, full-length sizing, bushing selection/use, tool selection, priming, powder measurement, and bullet seating. The book also explains how to test and evaluate your ammo, and how to monitor and interpret pressure signs.
There are many “must-read” sections in Zediker’s book, according to Danny: “The section beginning on page 161 dealing with concentricity (and how to achieve it) is excellent. Likewise the Load Limits section discussing pressures offers very valuable advice and info. You should also read Zediker’s commentaries about load testing, powders (burn characteristics etc.), and the effects of temperature.”
Zediker has conveniently provided a detailed summary of his book on the web, complete with table of contents, sample pages (PDF format), and dozens of illustrations. Shown above is just one small section that covers ejectors.
Overall, we recommend Glen Zediker’s Handloading for Competition, though the book definitely could use some updating. Danny says: “Plunk down the [money] and buy this book, you won’t be sorry.” Zediker’s book is available from Amazon.com ($34.99), Midsouth Shooters ($33.49), and Zediker Publishing ($36.95).
Ace tactical shooter and gunsmith Jim See of Elite Accuracy LLC recently tested a Frankford Arsenal rotary brass tumbler. Like the older Thumbler’s Tumblers, this can tumble your cases in a liquid solution. The wet-tumbling process worked very well Jim reports. Posting on Facebook, Jim noted: “I was super impressed with the Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler and cleaning packs they sent me. I ran 350 pieces of brass for one hour. They now look great.” Jim appreciated not having to deal with dry tumbling media, such as crushed walnut shells. Dry media produces dust and can leave residues or clog flash-holes.
Interestingly, Jim recommends you try wet-tumbling WITHOUT using stainless media. At least give it a try. Tumbling without media simplifies the process and you don’t have to worry about pins stuck in flash-holes or case-necks*. Jim reports: “Stainless steel pins come with the Frankford kit, but mine hit the trash right out of the box. There is no need to clean the inside of your cases 100% and that’s all the pins add to the equation. The brass bumping brass with hot water and Frankford’s liquid cleaner works great all by itself.” One wag stated: “That’s great to hear. Stainless steel pins are a PITA.”
Other Facebook posters concurred with Jim’s evaluation of the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler:
“I’ve had one for a couple years, and it works well. I usually run about 250-300 Dasher cases at once in it. But I use the pins because I’m OCD about clean brass.” — David W.
“I’ve had one for a year and a half and it definitely works with or without pins.” — Luke C.
“I got one about six months ago and have yet to use any SS media. I just use some dawn, distilled water, and Lemi Shine®. Turns nasty 5.56 range brass bright and shiny.” — Brian D.
“I don’t use the pins either and use a combination of Dawn soap and Lemi Shine.” — Jon N.G.
This video shows how to assemble and operate the Frankford rotary tumbler. NOTE That Jim See does NOT feel that it is necessary to use stainless media.
How to Dry Your Brass — Hair Dryer Vs. Machine
The downside of wet tumbling is that you end up with a pile of wet brass at the end of the cleaning cycle. There are many ways to dry brass, from drying in the sun to using a kitchen oven (be careful not to “overcook” your brass). One Facebook poster asked Jim: “What is your drying method for wet brass, and how long does it take?”
Jim See replied: “To start I just drain off the dirty water, and rinse the brass with clean hot water. Then I roll the brass on a towel for 30 seconds and put the brass in a one-gallon bucket. Next I insert a hair dryer in the bucket (with the brass) and let it run for about 5 minutes. With this procedure, the drying process for me is done in less than 10 minutes.”
Jack Lanhart has another method: “I use a food dehydrator. It takes 30 to 45 minutes.”
For those who don’t want to mess with towels and hair dryers, Frankford Arsenal offers a matching Platinum Series Case Dryer that simplifies the process of drying brass. Lyman also makes an excellent Cyclone Case Dryer. Both drying machines cost about $60.00 and both have multiple levels so you can separate different types of cartridge brass. Lyman states that “The forced heated air circulation of the Cyclone will dry your brass inside and out within an hour or two, with no unsightly water spots.” The Lyman dryer can also be used for ultrasonically-cleaned gun parts.
*The Frankford Rotary tumbler does include media separators if you choose to use the provided pins or other media. CLICK HERE for diagram showing how to use media separators.
Here are three videos from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU). On Tuesdays, the USAMU regularly releases a new Training Video. Most of these Training Tuesday Videos cover match rifle shooting, but there are also tips on pistol marksmanship and shotgun shooting. You will find all the latest Training Tuesday videos on the USAMU YouTube Page.
Getting Set-Up for Prone Shooting with Mat and Spotting Scope
SGT Forrest Greenwood of the USAMU Service Rifle Team explains how to set up service rifle gear for a slow-fire, 600-yard course of fire. This video offers some helpful tips for all prone shooters — even F-class competitors. SGT Greenwood explains how to place the mat, set up the spotting scope stand, lay out the log book and ammunition, and then get ready to shoot. SGT Greenwood has earned the Distinguished Rifleman Badge and the President’s One Hundred Tab.
Rifle Shooting from the Sitting Position with SFC Brandon Green
SFC Brandon Green, three-time NRA National High Power Champion, is one of America’s greatest marksmen. In this video Brandon explains the sitting position while SGT Benjamin Cleland demonstrates. This video was filmed at the 2019 Eastern Games Rifle Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) in Butner, North Carolina. The USAMU Service Rifle Team soldiers helped run the SAFS Class hosted by the CMP.
Setting Up a Sling for High Power Service Rifle Standing Position
SPC Kade Jackovich with the USAMU Service Rifle Team offers clear advice on how to set up a sling for the standing portion of a service rifle match. The sling must be adjusted to a shorter length. Kade shows the most efficient method to do this.
The photo shows John Whidden, 5-time National Long Range HP Champion (2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, 2017). John exemplifies the traits of a great competitor — he is always positive, he knows how to handle pressure, and he always looks for ways to improve.
In the archives of On The Mark magazine, DCM Emeritus Gary Anderson, an Olympic Gold medal-winning shooter in his younger years, offers sage advice for competitive shooters.
In his article Ten Lessons I Wished I Had Learned as a Young Shooter, Anderson provides ten important guidelines for everyone involved in competitive shooting. Here are the Ten Lessons, but you should read the full article. Anderson provides detailed explanations of each topic with examples from his shooting career.
LESSON 1 – NATURAL ABILITY WILL NOT MAKE YOU A SHOOTING CHAMPION.
(You also need hard work, training effort and perseverance.)
LESSON 2 – ANGER IS THE ENEMY OF GOOD SHOOTING.
(The key to recovering from a bad shot is to stay cool, no matter what happens.)
LESSON 3 – BAD SHOTS CAN TEACH YOU MORE THAN GOOD SHOTS.
(Today, error analysis is one of the most powerful tools for improving scores.)
LESSON 4 – NEVER GO WITHOUT A SHOT PLAN.
(A shot plan is a detailed breakdown of each of the steps involved in firing a shot.)
LESSON 5 – PRACTICE IN BAD CONDITIONS AS WELL AS GOOD CONDITIONS.
(Most competitions are fired in windy conditions or where there are plenty of distractions.)
LESSON 6 – CHAMPIONS ARE POSITIVE, OPTIMISTIC PEOPLE.
(Negative shooters expect bad results; positive shooters expect to train hard to change bad results.)
LESSON 7 – IT’S NOT ABOUT WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE.
(It’s about how hard you try to win.)
LESSON 8 – YOUR DOG WON’T BITE YOU AFTER SHOOTING A BAD SCORE.
(Hopefully your coach, parents and friends won’t bite you either.)
LESSON 9 – YOUR PRESS CLIPPINGS CAN HURT YOU OR HELP YOU.
(Winning can go to our heads. We start thinking we are so good we don’t have to work hard any more.)
LESSON 10 — YOU NEVER SHOT YOUR BEST SCORE.
(Great champions are always looking for ways to improve.)
USAMU shooters on the firing line at the Wa-Ke’-De outdoor range in Bristol, IN. Photo courtesy USAMU.
About Gary Anderson Gary Anderson served as the Director of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) from 1999-2009, and is now DCM Emeritus. As a Nebraska farmboy, Gary grew up hunting and shooting. Dreams of winning an Olympic Gold Medal in shooting led Gary to the U.S. Army. In 1959, he joined the elite U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Just two years later, he won his first national championship.
At the 1962 World Shooting Championships in Egypt, Anderson stunned the shooting world by winning four individual titles and setting three new world records. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Gary won the 300m free-rifle Gold Medal, setting a new world record in the process. At the 1966 World Shooting Championships in Germany, Anderson won three additional world titles. At the 1968 Olympics, Gary won a second gold medal in the 300m free-rifle event.
After his “retirement” from international competition, Gary competed in the National High Power Championships, winning the President’s National Trophy in 1973, 1975 and 1976. Over his competitive career, Anderson won two Olympic Gold Medals, seven World Championships, and sixteen National Championships. He is unquestionably one of the greatest American marksmen ever.
More and more folks are using Burris Signature Rings these days. These unique rings feature polymer inserts. That allows you to pre-load some elevation in your scope set-up, or you can center-up the windage. Additionally, the polymer inserts hold your scope securely without leaving marks on the tube. And many folks believe Signature rings may offer advantages for benchrest competition. Rodney Wagner shot the then-smallest 600-yard group in history using Burris Signature Zee Rings (“Zee” denotes the Weaver-rail model). James O’Hara set multiple IBS 1000-yard records using Burris Signature Zee Rings. James will tell you he thinks “all his guns seem to shoot best with these rings”.
When shooting pistols indoors we recommend quality muffs with earplugs underneath, offering double protection. When inside an enclosed range, with other shooters blasting away right next to you, you really need effective hearing protection. But you also need to hear range commands and be able to communicate with your fellow shooters. That’s why we recommend electronic muffs with good foam plugs underneath. That gives you serious hearing protection during live fire, with the ability to hear voices and converse.
Forum member Danny Reever and this Editor have discussed how novice reloaders can struggle with the fine points of reloading, making errors in seating depth, neck-bushing choice, or sizing their cases. We agreed that a good resource covering more than “Reloading Basics” is sorely needed. Danny reminded me that Glen Zediker’s excellent 
In the archives of 
Gary Anderson served as the Director of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) from 1999-2009, and is now DCM Emeritus. As a Nebraska farmboy, Gary grew up hunting and shooting. Dreams of winning an Olympic Gold Medal in shooting led Gary to the U.S. Army. In 1959, he joined the elite U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Just two years later, he won his first national championship.
