Finally… some good news in the shooting world. One of the most important ranges in the nation re-opens next week. Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama will open its gates on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced that its outdoor rifle, pistol and shotgun facility in Alabama, the Talladega Marksmanship Park, plans to resume activity in May with updated protocols for staff and guests. These requirements are designed to ensure the public well-being and safety during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Starting Wednesday, May 13, the facility will be open to the public Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am – 5 pm and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 5 pm.
Special Health Procedures
All park visitors will be required to have his/her body temperature checked and will also need to answer questions about current health and recent activities that could relate to COVID-19 before being permitted to use the ranges. The number of guests within the Clubhouse will also be monitored, and those on the ranges will adhere to social distancing guidelines put in place by CMP personnel.
Though staff members of Talladega Marksmanship Park will be equipped with face masks, they will not be required for visitors to the facility. However, for the protection of everyone present, masks are highly recommended. The CMP also asks that guests stay mindful of social distancing and hygiene practices in all areas of the grounds.
No Classes, Clinics, or Matches in May
While the park will be open effective 5/13/20, the regularly-held monthly classes, clinics, and have been cancelled for the entirety of May and June. All activities scheduled after June 30th will be reassessed at a later date. For updates on Talladega status, visit the Talladega Marksmanship Park webpage.
About Talladega Marksmanship Park:
The 500-acre Talladega Marksmanship Park features a 600-yard rifle range, 100-yard multi-purpose range, and 50-yard pistol range, each equipped with Kongsberg electronic targets and scoring monitors that allow shooters on the firing line to review shots in a matter of seconds. The Park also includes 15 action pistol bays and a trap field, 5-stand field, and a 15-station sporting clays field — all with automated trap machines. All firing lines are covered, so competitors and guests stay dry and shaded.
COVID-19 stay-at-home orders have created abundant free time at home for millions of Americans. To fill otherwise empty hours, we know many readers have been reloading ammo — LOTS of ammo. And quite a few of you folks are thinking of getting a progressive press to increase output. Because multiple operations take place with a single pull of a lever, a progressive press can produce way more ammo in a given period of time than any single stage press. With a progressive, on the ram up-stroke, the multiple stations can simultaneously remove spent primer, full-length size case, drop powder, seat bullet, and crimp (if desired). Most progressives are also set up to prime cases with the ram in the lower position — though some guys prefer to prime manually.
Progressive presses aren’t just for high-output pistol ammo or bulk rifle ammunition. Good progressives can be adapted to do certain reloading tasks for top-on-the line match ammo. You might use a progressive for decapping, priming, and sizing, then throw powder and/or seat bullets separately. Some Champion shooters do use progressives to load their match ammo! For example 5-Time National Long Range Champion John Whidden and 2020 Berger SWN F-Open Champion Jay Christopherson both use progessive presses for some (but not all) operations.
To help you get started with progressive presses, here are five videos from UltimateReloader.com that cover six popular machines, from the elite Mark 7 Evolution to the inexpensive Lee Pro 1000. With many of these machines you can add separate vertical bullet feeder systems that further increase loading efficiency.
Mark 7 Evolution Press — Distributed by Lyman
Dillon XL-650 vs. Dillon XL-750
RCBS Pro Chucker 7 with Bullet Feeder
Dillon 550C with 6mm Creedmoor and 9x19mm
Lee Pro 1000 Features and Operation
Better Safe Than Sorry — the RCBS Lock-Out Die
RCBS Makes a “Lock-Out Die” that senses the powder charge. This will halt the Progressive press if you have a double charge, or an undercharge. Your Editor has the Lock-Out Die on his RCBS Pro 2000. It has “saved his bacon” a half-dozen times over the years. It can be used on Dillon and Hornady progressives as well as RCBS machines.
We like simple yet well-designed products that serve an important purpose. In this case, transporting pistol magazines to and from the range and storing them efficiently in gun safe or storage locker. When we saw MTM’s new-for-2020 Pistol Magazine Case, we thought this was a smart new product that will benefit countless handgun owners. The new PMC5 Pistol Mag Case (MSRP $5.99) offers compact protection for up to five (5) standard double-stack magazines. The low-profile, compact design takes up minimal space in gun safes and storage lockers. The see-through transparent gray case material make it easy to identify contents. To allow efficient storage, these Mag Cases are STACKABLE (like ammo boxes). Overall, this is a good system for protecting and organizing your pistol magazines.
MTM states: “The new Pistol Magazine Case is ideal for use in your range bag, gun safe, or wherever you need to store your pistol magazines. The case maximizes portability and organization for range days. The case maximizes portability and organization for range days.”
MTM PMC5 Pistol Magazine Case Features:
Fits up to FIVE (5) double-stack magazines (up to 5.375″ OAL).
See-through plastic material so you can see contents without opening.
Compact, stackable design for efficient storage in safe or locker.
Made in USA with $5.99 MSRP.
Mag Case hold up to five (5) double-stack magazines, such as these Glock 17 mags.
For more information and availability, check with your local sporting goods dealer or contact MTM Molded Products at (937) 890-7461. See the full line of MTM products at MTMcase-gard.com.
Turn on your TVs and break out the popcorn — it’s a big week on Shooting USA. A full hour of SHOT Show coverage runs tonight (5/6/20) at 9:00 pm ET. This episode provides a “first look” at the new guns, optics, and gear introduced for 2020. Shooting USA’s team looks at over 65 new products.
2020 SHOT Show Highlights: Colt Python, Hornady A-Tip bullets, Manners PRS Stock, Volquartsen Summit .17 WSM, Ruger-57 Pistol, Pinnacle Precision Rifle, HK SP5, Impact Sport Muffs, Laugo Arms Alien Pistol, Vortex 1-10X Scope, Glock 44 Pistol, Hornady Rapid Safe and more.
This SHOT Show 2020 episode airs on the Outdoor Channel Wednesday, May 6 at 9:00 pm ET and Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 pm ET. If you miss those broadcasts, you can watch this and ALL episodes of Shooting USA on Vimeo.com by subscription. The SHOT Show 2020 edition is just $0.99.
Great Shooting USA Episodes
For our Bulletin followers, here are two of our favorite full-length Shooting USA episodes, and well as two excellent instructional segments, one with past NRA High Power Champion SGT Sherri Jo Gallagher.
Texas Varmint Silhouette Match — 200 Meters to 750 Yards
We love shooting reactive targets. This Texas varmint silhouette match features multiple target shapes, 10 at each distance: Tiny Prairie Dogs at 200m, 3″x3″ Armadillos at 300m; 3″x5″ Coyotes at 385m; 5″x4″ Hogs at 500m; Chickens (on swingers) at 600 yards; and Pigs (on Swingers) at 750 yards. Competitors are allowed 10 rounds and 10 minutes to hit each set of targets.
EDITOR: We strongly recommend you take the time to watch this Shooting USA feature — it shows some top-flight benchrest rifles, and also covers the origins of benchrest varmint silhouette in Pennsylvania. There are even some AccurateShooter Forum members on screen. John Scoutten also does a nice job explaining the challenges of shooting this discipline with a PRS rig. We think any benchrest or tactical shooter will really enjoy this video.
Travis Frazier of Field & Cave Outfitters says shooters love the reactive targets: “The most exciting thing is seeing your hits — these [targets] really go airborne”. Yep, that’s the best thing about Varmint Silhouette matches — hits deliver instant gratification. Travis designs and produces these steel targets.
Vintage Sniper Match and GAP Grind PRS Match
Historic Rifles are on the firing line! It’s the Vintage Sniper Match in Talladega for collectors competing with classic rifles and historically accurate optics from the two World Wars. A team from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit also takes the challenge with a reproduction 03A4.
Plus, John Scoutten welcomes a new shooter to Precision Rifle (PRS) Competition. The two team up to take on 25 grueling stages at the Bushnell GAP Grind in Tennessee. With a special Pro/Am format, the GAP Grind is one of the most popular tactical matches in the country
Reading the Wind — SGT Sherri Jo Gallager (USAMU)
This segment, created when Sherri Jo was shooting with the USAMU team, explains how to evaluate wind conditions and adjust your hold for long range.
Minute of Angle (MOA) Defined with Jim Scoutten
Minute of Angle (MOA) — what does it actually mean? And what do you get when a rifle manufacturer guarantees one-half MOA accuracy? Jim Scoutten answers these questions and explains MOA basics. One MOA is an angular measurement equivalent to 1.047″ at 100 yards.
What if you could have a normal-height rear sight that could dispense with the need to align front sight and rear sight? In fact, what if that rear sight could eliminate the need for a front sight altogether?
That’s exactly what the Meprolight FT Bullseye system does. Employing fiber optics and tritium, the FT Bullseye provides a bright aiming dot inside a circle — no front sight is needed. When the dot is centered in the circle, you’re on target. It’s as simple as that! The front blade is rendered superfluous. This really is innovative technology, albeit expensive — the FT Bullseye’s street price runs $135 to $150, depending on pistol make and model — not cheap.
Traditionally, a shooter aims by aligning the front and rear sights. Meprolight combined the dot and the circle on the rear sight, eliminating the need to use the front sight altogether. This sight is fast on target and works in all light conditions. Meprolight claims the patented FT Bullseye is the “smallest optical sight in the world.”
Red dot and reflex systems also work without iron sights, but red dots are tall and bulky, and they don’t work well at all for shooters with astigmatism.
Meprolight’s engineers created a sleek, low profile rear sight by combining fiber optics with tritium. For concealed carry, this is better than a bulky red-dot. The low-profile design allows the shooter to draw from holster without worrying about snagging a bulky red dot or reflex sight assembly. To see how the FT Bullseye sight works, watch this video.
The fiber optic technology used in the FT Bullseye was pioneered by Tactical Aiming Systems (T.A.S.) an Israeli company. Meprolight dramatically improved the TAS system, adding tritium and an enhanced dot/circle reticle. The FT Bullseye is also smaller and sleeker than the original T.A.S. rear sight. The FT Bullseye is currently available in red or green dot/circle for all Glock models. Meprolight guarantees the tritium to last 12 years. MSRP is $199.00.
When used with rifle or shotgun, these Impact Sports muffs should be reversed, so that the higher part of the relief cut-out is in front. That provides more comb clearance.
Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10th, is just a few days away. Of course don’t forget the flowers and cooking dinner for the Special Lady. And if she enjoys shooting, why not get her a nice set of electronic muffs? Amazon has Howard Leight electronic muffs in pink — perfect for Mother’s Day. These popular Impact Sport muffs are reliable, reasonably comfortable, and easy to store. Built-in directional microphones amplify range commands and other ambient sounds to 82 dB, providing more natural listening and enhanced communication. These muffs carry a 22 NRR Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The bottom of the muffs is thinner for clearance on a rifle stock, and the headband is adjustable. These Impact Sport Earmuffs include AUX input and 3.5 mm connection cord for MP3 players and smartphones.
More Color Options (If Pink Isn’t Her Favorite)
These same Impact Sport earmuffs are offered in four other color choices: Black, Green, Camo, and Blue. The pink version — ideal for Mother’s Day, is currently $44.80 at Amazon. Other colors run from $43.95 (blue) to $64.93 (camo) on Amazon.
Double Up with Plugs for Maximum Protection
This Editor owns and uses these muffs, but I normally “double up” with plugs underneath muffs when shooting rifles. If I am backed away from the firing line spotting or observing, I can use these NRR 22 muffs alone. For regular shooting, we recommend using foam earplugs underneath Electronic Muffs.
Leveling your scope can be a time-consuming and tedious process. The Fix It Sticks folks have changed that with the introduction of the Scope Jack. This simple unit levels a scope through contact with the flat on the bottom of the scope (opposite the elevation knob). You can do this quickly, with one hand, leaving the other free to tighten your rings once the scope is aligned. This really is a clever, effective, easy-to-use tool, as you can see in this video:
You attach the Scope Jack to the Picatinny rail on your rifle, then lossen the rings so the scope can rotate. Then simply elevate the Scope Jack with a quick twist, using a 1/4″ driver. The Scope Jack’s horizontal roller will contact the scope’s bottom flat, rotating the scope it into proper alignment, square to the rail.
Operating Instructions from Manufacturer Fix It Sticks
The Scope Jack works with any 1/4 inch driver to quickly and easily level your scope to your rail. Just mount the scope jack to the pic rail under your scope and turn the drive handle until the lifting arm engages with the flat section under your turrets. Once the scope is level, maintain pressure while tightening your ring screws to keep optic level throughout the process.
Requirements:
1. Scope much have a central flat section under turrets
2. Needs a minimum of 1/4″ clearance between rail and scope
3. Picatinny Rail must be accessible under optic
TECH TIP: You Still Must Check the Reticle Orientation INSIDE Your Scope
The Scope Jack works fast, but it is NOT the “final solution”. Why? Some scopes have a reticle that is not perfectly aligned with the turrets and/or bottom flat. We have seen scopes with vertical reticle line off as much as three degrees (3 °) from true plumb. With such a scope, you CAN set the reticle square, but then your turrets will be canted relative to the receiver. That creates issues when shooting at long range. Accordingly, if your scope has a badly canted reticle, you should send it back to the manufacture for warranty repair. Three degrees may not sound like much, but it is actually quite noticeable:
For all scopes, AFTER using the Scope Jack, we recommend you test your reticle with a plumb line. You can hang this line from a door or ceiling fixture with a weight on the bottom. Important — when using a plumb line make sure your rifle is 100% level or your results may be off. We recommend using a bubble level to help align your rifle properly.
Here’s a feel-good story about two young people excelling in the shooting sports. We can use this kind of positive message in these times, when shooting ranges have been closed and major matches have been cancelled. It’s good to see two very talented young ladies making their mark in the shooting sports.
Colt’s Manufacturing Company (Colt) has signed two talented young ladies to the Colt professional shooting team – Jalise Williams and Justine Williams. This talented twosome will now represent Colt at shooting competitions and industry events. Jalise and Justine bring exceptional young talent to the sport. Justine is a USPSA Production Grand Master and Jalise is a Single Stack Master — that means these young ladies, even as high schoolers, rank among the top USPSA shooters. Both ladies continue into 2020 with full competition schedules, including Safariland Single Stack Classic Nationals, IPSC Nationals, and IPSC World Shoot XIX in Pattaya, Thailand.
Before Joining Team Colt, the Williams Sisters Shot for Team Springfield
Jalise Williams, 17, competes in USPSA, IPSC, 3-Gun, and Steel Challenge. At the young age of 15, Jalise became the youngest Single Stack Lady National Champion in USPSA history at the age of 15. She now holds more than 100 titles. Her 2019 titles include:
Limited Lady National Champion
Single Stack Lady National Champion
L-10 Lady National Champion
L-10 A-Class National Champion
IPSC Classic Lady National Champion
“My whole world revolves around my love for the shooting sports”, said Jalise. “Colt is a legendary company and I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to represent the brand. I am beyond excited…”
Justine Williams, 15, has competed in a variety of shooting disciplines for six years. At age 13 she became the youngest-ever Production Grandmaster and at age 15 earned the PCC Grandmaster title. The first and only female to become a two-time USPSA Grandmaster, Jusine won FIVE national titles in 2019:
USPSA High Lady in the Open, Carry Optics, and Productions Divisions
USPSA High Junior National Production Champion
IPSC High Lady Production Division
Interview with the Williams Sisters
Want to learn more about the Jalise and Justine Williams? Follow the girls on their Facebook Page. There’s also a great interview with the two young talents on GunGoddess.com.
Q: When was the first time you shot a gun, who taught you and why?
Jalise was 4 and Justine was 3 when we shot our very first gun. The gun was a .357 Marlin because our parents didn’t own any .22s. My dad is a big hunter and wanted us to learn how to hunt and shoot. Our dad taught us how to shoot shotguns and rifles.
Q: What drew you to competition and what do you like best about it?
We have always been thrill seekers. We look for the biggest adrenaline hype we can find. We love to find the biggest roller coasters or scary ride we can find. We participated in swimming, gymnastics, dance, and got our black belts in Karate. But when we started shooting, it was unlike anything we had done before.
We love the rush the timer gives you. The way you move through a stage like a dance or a form in karate. The way you have to be precise like hunting. It is so different and so interesting that we can’t stop! The people are also great — they are the nicest people you will meet.
And the girls keep on winning — Jalise Williams recently took home the High Lady and High Junior titles at the Western States Single Stack Championship. Justine Williams recently shot the Mesquite Mayhem Steel Challenge Match, taking home the 1st Overall Match title and 1st Overall PCC title.
SHOT Show 2020 Hour-Long Special Episode
This week, Shooting USA features a full hour of SHOT Show coverage. If you watch just one episode of Shooting USA this year, it should be the SHOT Show 2020 Special which runs Wednesday, March 6th at 9:00 pm Eastern/8:00 pm Central on the Outdoor Channel. This episode provides a “first look” at the new guns, optics, and gear introduced for 2020. Shooting USA’s team looks at over 65 new products. Click HERE to learn more about this week’s 2020 SHOT Show episode.
2020 SHOT Show Highlights: Colt Python, Hornady A-Tip bullets, Manners PRS Stock, Volquartsen Summit .17 WSM, Ruger-57 Pistol, Pinnacle Precision Rifle, HK SP5, Impact Sport Muffs, Laugo Arms Alien Pistol, Vortex 1-10X Scope, Glock 44 Pistol, Hornady Rapid Safe and more.
Shooting USA’s SHOT Show 2020 episode airs on the Outdoor Channel Wednesday, March 6 at 9:00 pm ET and Thursday, March 7 at 3:00 pm ET. Look for Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel. In addition, you can watch all episodes of Shooting USA on the VIMEO channel by subscription. The SHOT Show 2020 edition is just $0.99.
Here are some of the 50+ new products featured on the SHOT Show Special. Click Images for detailed product information.
Safari Club International Teams with Buckmasters Safari Club International (SCI) has entered into a joint venture agreement with Buckmasters to promote intelligent, practical wildlife and habitat management and conservation for future generations. “This venture is part of SCI’s strategic plan to enhance the organization’s ability to protect the freedom to hunt worldwide, including right here in the United States,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin.
This joint effort aligns the leading whitetail organization in Buckmasters with the leading advocacy and conservation organization in SCI. The joint venture provides SCI a seat on the Buckmasters Board of Directors along with recognition as a premiere sponsor. Hamberlain believes this collaboration “will introduce new opportunities for members of both groups to continue their support and preservation of hunting and conservation.” The joint venture is anticipated to be approved during the SCI Board of Directors meeting on May 9, 2020.
SCI is a a global leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. The SCI’s 200 Chapters represent all 50 states of the United States as well as 106 countries. Buckmasters was founded in 1986 by Jackie Bushman and is the largest whitetail deer hunting organization in the United States with over 160,000 subscribers.
Both organizations were excited at the new alliance. “Working with Buckmasters will enhance the effectiveness of SCI as we work to defend hunting on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures and in the minds of non-hunters” said SCI President Steve Skold. And Jackie Bushman, CEO of Buckmasters, stated: “Having SCI closely involved with Buckmasters will help us continue to represent and promote a positive image of ethical hunting and an awareness of the essential role of hunting as a necessary conservation tool”.
That’s exactly what the 
Photo courtesy 
