Box to Bench Precision (B2B) has developed an oversize (23.5″ x 30″) precisely-scaled target designed for Load Development and Scope Testing. This waterproof target is very innovative. On the target you’ll find clusters of aim points for various tasks. Upper left are orange aiming spots for testing various powder charges. In the upper right quadrant are more red aim points to be used when testing bullet seating depth. Running down the center of the target is a vertical line with horizontal marks showing precise MOA and Mil heights at 100 yards — use this feature to verify your click values. ORDER HERE.
And there’s more. In the lower right quadrant (far right) are three black targets to be used for chrono work. With these you can record cold velocity, hot barrel velocity and a “Final Velocity”. Over in the lower left quadrant, in the left-most column, are three dot targets for zeroing and recording group size with load data. Finally, four more black/white targets can be used for a scope box test (aka “shooting the square”). With a box test, you move from target to target, clicking in sequence to each corner of the square in sequence, eventually returning to your original aim point. If your scope tracks correctly, the last box test shot should end up right on top of the first shot.
Record the Entire Load Development Process on One Target
For those used to shooting at conventional bulleyes or benchrest targets, this target may seem confusing, but it can really help organize and simplify the process of load development. We like the idea of having a single, durable target that performs double-duty — serving for load development as well as scope checking. And we like the fact that the target is pretty strong — the maker says: “The target is Tear-Resistant and Water-Proof”. We’d expect a maker based in the Pacific NW to design a target that can handle wet weather.
Previous version of target shown in photo. Current version has a larger and centered box test, and Tracking lines that are labeled in IPHY/MOA/MIL.
How to Order
So how much does all this target technology cost? A single, 23.5″ x 30″ target costs $5.00. A pack of three targets costs $14.25, while a five-target pack runs $22.50 (which works out to $4.50 per target). There is also a 100 meter version of this target for $4.25 each or $20 for five. Targets ship in a durable cardboard tube. To order these targets, visit the Box To Box Precision Online Store.
The Berger Southwest Nationals is coming up next month. That means you want to upgrade your hauling capabilities. SWN F-Class and High Power shooters have a ton of gear they need to carry out to the firing lines. To do the hauling, you can certainly purchase a factory-made, purpose-built cart that folds up and has all the bells and whistles. The Creedmoor Sports CRC-1 (photo right) is a proven, quality product that works great. You’ll find these used by top shooters at Camp Perry. But the Creedmoor CRC-1 cart costs $475.00, even on sale.
For a fraction of that price ($59.99), plus a few dollars more for do-it-yourself enhancements, you can have a heavy-duty cart that will haul all your gear just fine, though it doesn’t fold up. In the top photo is a Harbor Freight Welding Cart we saw at the Berger Southwest Nationals. This rig is carrying a rifle in hard gun case, bipod, folding chair, shooting mat, tripod, spotting scope, rear sand-bag, and ammo box — that’s a lot of gear!
Check out the Harbor Freight Welding Cart, item #65939. This cart is ON SALE right now for just $59.99. Overall size is 29-1/2″ L x 20″ W x 49″ H, and width between side rails is 18″. The wheels (with tires) are 20 3/4″ in diameter for smooth rolling. Consider that, if you made your own cart from scratch you could easily pay $30.00 or more just for the large-diameter wheels and axle. Do note — this cart has air-filled tires. Be sure to inflate before you go to the Range!
As sold, the Harbor Freight Welding Cart can benefit from upgrades for range use. But with a few bungee cords (and some creativity), the cart can be adapted pretty easily to hauling your gun gear. If you want to enhance the basic cart, it’s easy to add plastic side-panels on the bottom unit, and fit a barrel-holding system on the cross-tube. This ensures rifles and gear won’t flop forward. (A small piece of wood under the bottom panel provides a bit of extra lift that will keep the bottom plate out of the dirt and gravel.)
The Snake is back baby! For 2020, Colt’s Manufacturing Co. LLC will offer a refined and upgraded Colt Python with a hefty $1499.00 MSRP. The legendary double-action revolver, which originally debuted in 1955, returns in stainless steel in 4.25″ and 6″ barrel lengths. It is designed to be stronger than before. Numerous improvements were made to reinforce the revolver, including the use of stronger stainless steel alloys and a re-designed rear sight which allows for a 30% increase in the cross-sectional area of the top strap — meaning more steel for a stronger revolver.
Important Colt Python Enhancements:
— More Steel in Top-Strap for Enhanced Strength
— Recessed Muzzle Crown (protects rifling during cleaning)
— Reduced Number of Parts in Trigger Mechanism for Greater Durability
Colt doesn’t want these to be safe queens, they’re meant to be shot. Along with the stronger frame, these Colt Pythons have recessed target crowns for improved accuracy[.] Chambered for .357 Magnum they can withstand a lifetime of full-power loads[.] — Max Slowick, GunsAmerica.com.
GunsAmerica Review of New Colt Python
The new Colt Python is offered with a high-polish stainless steel finish and either a 4.25-inch or 6-inch barrel. Both come with walnut grips that bear the Colt medallion. These updated versions of the Colt Python have a few changes to differentiate them from the old snake guns but they maintain the classic looks and operation of the originals.
The classic grip pattern, boxy frame, generous trigger, ribbed topstrap, and full-length underlug are all just as they should be. Both models are double- and single-action with a spurred hammer.
Colt modified the sights. The rear sight is still a fully adjustable target sight, which is standard for full-size revolvers, and the front sight can be changed by the user like on the new Colt Cobras.
The classic grip pattern, boxy frame, generous trigger, ribbed topstrap, and full-length underlug are all just as they should be. Both models are double- and single-action with a spurred hammer.
The 4.25″ barrel Python is 9.75″ long and 42 ounces. The 6″ model is 11.5″ long and 46 ounces.
Factory Video Shows New Python’s Features
This Colt-produced video explains features of the new Colt Pythons (4″ and 6″) in detail. If you are interested in this wheelgun, definitely watch this video — it will answer most technical questions. Double action pull-weight is 7 to 9.5 pounds while the single action pull is 3 to 4 pounds out of the box. The new Colt Python .357 Magnum is available now through Colt stocking dealers for $1499.00 MSRP.
This is a tougher, stronger Python — durability tests included over 40,000 trigger pulls on a single Python. Trigger pull scans show lighter trigger pull weights, less friction, and increased consistency.
“We know the Colt Python is one of the most beloved and collected firearms in American history, and its re-release has long been demanded by enthusiasts,” said Justin Baldini, Product Director at Colt. “We took our time on R&D – we needed to be sure the look and performance of this redesign lived up to its legendary name and kept its impeccable reputation for quality and accuracy. This new Python lives up to the legend in every way.”
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), in cooperation with Shooting USA TV, has created a series of instructional Pro Tip pages covering a wide range of shooting disciplines. All totaled, there are more than 50 USAMU Pro Tips. Most relate to rifle marksmanship but there are also numerous tips for shotgunners and pistol shooters. Each Pro Tip entry includes multiple photos and 6-15 paragraphs, in an easy-to-follow format. Many Pro Tips also include an instructional video produced by Shooting USA. Here are three Pro Tip videos, and links to seven more Pro Tip web pages.
USAMU TOP TEN PRO TIPS
1. Reading the Wind with SGT Sherri Gallagher.
Apart from gravity, wind has the most pull on the bullet as it travels down range. Being able to accurately read the wind and mirage will greatly enhance your performance on the rifle range. National Champion, SGT Gallagher gives you some of her tips.
2. Angle Shooting with SFC (Ret.) Emil Praslick.
SFC Praslick shows you how to determine the angle to your target, and then how to include that to change your data necessary to hit your target on the first shot.
3. Rifle Grip, Stance and Body Position for 3-Gun with SFC Daniel Horner.
Professional 3-gun marksman SFC Daniel Horner, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), give tips on how to properly handle a semi-automatic rifle, including grip, stance and body position.
Would you like to record what your eyes are seeing through your scope, during a practice session or hunt. Here is a very highly-reviewed product that will do the job superbly for under $430.00 on Amazon. The impressive Tactacam FTS 5.0, that allows you to film directly through your rifle scope. The FTS 5.0 unit, produced by Tactacam in Minnesota, has earned high praise from users. In September 2019, reviewer Joe Rhea declared: “This Tactacam 5.0 is the best scope cam system I have seen or used”. Likewise reviewer Scott Gregg states: “This is THE BEST Action Camera for hunting.”
Tactacam Live Streaming AND Recording
What you see through your riflescope can be recorded to your mobile device as well as viewed live. We think this is an important technology for marksmanship training. In addition, this is great for hunters who may want to record a successful hunt sequence.
The Tactacam FTS combines high definition capture with the high-power zoom of a rifle scope. This lets you remotely view and record live footage from your rifle on your smartphone or mobile device. Simply couple your scope and your camera together with the Tactacam FTS components. Then sync the camera to the Tactacam APP on your smart phone for live viewing.
You continue to watch your target through the normal optical axis of the rifle scope. The camera records via the offset FTS camera mount. The output of the FTS camera system can then be viewed, in real time, via a live feed to a smartphone. After setup, the Tactacam FTS allows the riflescope to operate normally with no additional adjustment or modification.
4K Resolution, Remote Control, Slo-Mo, Wifi Viewing and More
Tactacam’s innovative camera systems allow easy, in-the-field recording of hunts and shooting sessions. The latest Tactacam 5.0 unit provides 4K resolution with outstanding image quality. Other features include WiFi and APP viewing options, remote control activation, slow motion, and live-streaming capabilities. Camera output can be viewed both in the App and on external WiFi-capable devices.
The Tactacam FTS system can attach to nearly all conventional rifle scopes. This system is less expensive and easier-to-mount that most other through-the-scope viewing systems. Importantly, your valuable smartphone remains separate, i.e. NOT attached to the rifle. Hence it cannot be harmed by recoil or muzzle blast. That’s important.
Last fall, Shooting Times released an article entitled “Ten Most Common Reloading Mistakes”. Listed below are the Top Ten mistakes hand-loaders can make, at least according to Shooting Times. What do you think of this list — does it overlook some important items?
Top Ten Reloading Mistakes According to Shooting Times:
1. Cracked Cases — Reloaders need to inspect brass and cull cases with cracks.
2. Dented Cases — Dents or divets can be caused by excess case lube.
3. Excessive Powder Charge — Overcharges (even with the correct powder) can be very dangerous.
4. Primers Not Seated Deep Enough — “High” primers can cause functioning issues.
5. Crushed Primers — Some priming devices can deform primers when seating.
6. Excess Brass Length — Over time, cases stretch. Cases need to be trimmed and sized.
7. Bullets Seated Too Far Out — If the bullet is seated too long you may not even be able to chamber the round. Also, with hunting rounds, bullets should not engage the rifling.
8. Burrs on Case Mouths — Ragged edges on case mouths can actually shave bullet jackets.
9. Excess Crimp — This is a common problem with pistol rounds loaded on progressives. If case lengths are not uniform some cases will get too much crimp, others too little.
10. Inadequate Crimp — This can be an issue with magnum pistol cartridges in revolvers.
Do you agree with this list? We think some important things are missing, such as not adjusting full-length sizing dies properly. This can cause the shoulder to be pushed back too far (or not far enough). Another common mistake is using brass that is worn out, i.e. stretched in the case-head area from multiple cycles of hot loads. We also think the #1 error a reloader can make is using the wrong powder altogether. That can be a fatal mistake. See what happens when you load pistol powder in a rifle.
As part of the NRA Mentor Program, the NRA offers a helpful video about using sights. This covers all types of sighting systems — blade sights, aperture sights, V-notch sights, red dot sights, shotgun bead sights, and telescopic sights with reticles. For new shooters, this video can be helpful — it explains sight basics in very clear and comprehensible terms. And even for experienced shooters, this can provide some helpful tips on sight alignment, particularly when shooting pistols.
Additional information about using sights is contained in the NRA’s free Guide for New Shooters. This helpful 14-page digital publication provides the key firearms safety rules, explains range etiquette, and even has a section on gun cleaning. CLICK HERE to download Guide for New Shooters.
Training With Lasers — Trigger Control
Training with laser sights helps diagnose and improve trigger control errors by showcasing the importance of “surprise break” and follow-through. Working with gun-mounted lasers, which put a red or green dot right on the target, can quickly diagnose errors such as recoil anticipation, jerking the trigger, and breaking the wrist. This video shows how handgunners can use pistol-mounted lasers to correct bad habits and shoot more consistently.
Happy New Year to all our readers worldwide, and especially the 48,120+ members of our AccurateShooter Forum. We hope 2020 brings you happiness in your lives and success in your endeavors. And we wish for small groups, good scores, and successful hunts in the New Year.
Forum Members — Upgrade Your Membership to Get Unlimited Classifieds for 12 Months.
Looking Forward to 2020 Every year we work to improve AccurateShooter.com. In 2016 we completely overhauled the Forum, making it faster and more mobile-friendly. In 2017 we upgraded our servers. In 2018 we started vetting every new sign-up to prevent scammers. 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. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy our feature articles, our Daily Bulletin, our match reports, and our Forum Classifieds. The formula seems to be working — our audience is bigger than ever.
Forum Membership Increased 11.5% in 2019
Our Shooters’ Forum grew significantly in 2019. Our membership grew by 11.5% as Forum ranks swelled to 48,120+ members! More people are successfully buying and selling in our Forum Classifieds section 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 16 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’ll pay $25 for a couple movie tickets and a large popcorn these days. For the same twenty-five dollars you can become a Silver Forum member for a 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 2019 about 470 site users have donated or upgraded their Forum membership to Silver or Gold Levels. 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’re not a member, making a donation to the site 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”. For desktop users that field will be on the right (with other pre-set amount buttons on the left). Fill in the amount you want to give. For example, to give $25, type 25.00 in the amount field.
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
Winter testing image from Alex Wheeler and TM — That’s dedication!
It’s 2020! Welcome the new year and a new decade. We know many of our readers will be spending the winter day indoors. If you need a break from the bowl games on TV, here are eight interesting and informative videos that are worth watching. The subject matter runs the gamut from benchrest gunsmithing to long-range varmint silhouette competition. There are also reviews of some of the best precision rifle options for PRS and NRL22 disciplines. Enjoy our New Year 2020 Video Fest.
Epic Reloading Hardware Test — 14 Single-Stage Presses. In this remarkable video, Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com reviews fourteen (14) single-stage reloading presses. This is the most comprehensive reloading press comparison test ever done by anyone, anywhere. The presses range from compact units to large-frame exotics from Europe. If you are in the market for a single-stage press in 2020 this is a MUST-watch video. Brands include Forster, Hornady, Lyman, MEC, RCBS, Redding, Turban (Prazipress).
2. Precision Riflesmith — Profile of Benchrest Smith Mike Bryant
Texas gunsmith Mike Bryant is a talented benchrest shooter and a highly respected builder of competition and hunting rifles. In this wide-ranging interview, Mike talks about benchrest competition, the key factors that contribute to rifle accuracy, and about his career as a gunsmith.
3. Erik Cortina — Mag-Feed Testing Borden Action with 6BR
Click the Speaker Icon (lower right) to HEAR AUDIO
Our friend Erik Cortina has built a new PRS/NRL rifle based on the new Borden Super Short 6 Action. This video show Erik’s first mag-feeding test with ten 6BR loaded rounds. You’ll see there is NO problem speed-feeding the short 6BR case. Erik tells us: “I removed the firing pin from bolt for safety. The magazine has not been modified in any way. I would say there is no need to do anything to it, she’s ready to run!” Impressive indeed.
4. Shooting USA — Texas Varmint Benchrest Match
This episode of Shooting USA TV features long-range varmint silhouette competition in Texas. This discipline combine the pure accuracy of benchrest competition with the fun of knocking down critter targets. These are smaller than standard silhouettes, so it’s quite a challenge to hit them at 300 yards and beyond.
In this episode, host John Scoutten competes with his 6.5 Creedmoor PRS rifle. Most shooters use benchrest-grade rifles with premium front rests. NOTE: This video 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.
5. Vickers Tactical — .308 Win Bolt Gun Vs. .308 Win Gas Gun
This interesting video from Vickers tactical compares and contrasts two tactical style rifles both chambered for the .308 Winchester. The test team compares functionality, accuracy, ergonomics, and versatility. Each platform has its advantages, as the video reveals.
6. Outdoor Life — The Best New Affordable Precision Rifles
This video showcases three modern tactical-style rifles suitable for the PRS Production (Factory) Class which is limited to $2000 for rifle alone, not counting optics (Rule 2.3.1). Outdoor Life Shooting Editor John Snow puts three capable rifles through their paces: Patriot Valley Arms John Hancock, BadRock Precision SouthFork, and Seekins Precision Havoc Bravo.
7. Aerial View of Deep Creek Shooting Range in Montana
The Deep Creek Range near Missoula, Montana, is one of the best 1000-yard ranges in the country. Many long-range benchrest records have been set in this scenic, tree-lined facility. Now, thanks to Forum member David Gosnell (aka “Zilla”), you can see Deep Creek from the air. David flew a camera drone over the Deep Creek Range, soaring from firing line to the target bay and back again. This video gives you a “birds-eye view” of one of America’s elite ranges.
8. Nat’l Rifle League — Intro to NRL22 Rimfire Tactical Matches
NRL22 is a great way to get into competition shooting with minimal expense. There are Five (5) classes: Open, Base, Ladies, Young Guns (8-16), and Air Rifle. Base Class is for the budget-minded shooter — the combined MSRP of Rifle and Optic may not exceed $1050.00 (so you could spend $550 on a rifle and $500 on a scope for example). That keeps the sport affordable. Open, Youth, and Ladies Classes have no price limits on Rifle and Optic. Visit NRL22.org to find an NRL22 match near you.
January 1, 2020 NOTICE: Midsouth’s End of Year Sale Was Set to End at Midnight 12/31/2019. But we are still seeing Clearance Pricing available on hundreds of items — so you may still have a chance!
There’s an amazing sale going on right now at Midsouth Shooters — prices on over 1000 products have been dropping every day since 12/26/19. The Midsouth End of Year Clearance (EOYC) sale is now in the home stretch — the last round of price reductions is today, December 31, 2019 at 11:59 pm Central Time. If you snooze you loose — EOYC inventory is selling fast!
We saw some great deals on Norma brass/bullets and Hornady ammo. Leupold and Nikon scope prices are drastically reduced. RCBS Dies and Reloading presses are deeply discounted. AR accessories are discounted. There are also big savings on gun cases, muzzle brakes, scope mounts and more…
Go to MidsouthShootersSupply.com to see the final, absolutely lowest prices for these and all other clearance items. NOTE: You can go to the EOYC Sale Page, which features all Clearance Sale items, but you can also use the regular Search Function — Sale Items will appear with the Close-out Prices indicated. For example, search for “Leupold”, or “Norma”, or “Hornady”. Scroll down the page and you’ll seen Close-Out Items with a red “Sale” tag and “Close-Out Price” marked.
Here are three examples tracking Midsouth’s EOYC price cuts since December 26th:
EOYC Sale Price Cuts for Timney Triggers
EOYC Sale Price Cuts for Nikon Scopes
EOYC Sale Price Cuts for Aero Precision 6.5 Creedmoor AR Upper
The Berger Southwest Nationals is coming up next month. That means you want to upgrade your hauling capabilities. SWN F-Class and High Power shooters have a ton of gear they need to carry out to the firing lines. To do the hauling, you can certainly purchase a factory-made, purpose-built cart that folds up and has all the bells and whistles. The 
This episode of Shooting USA TV features long-range varmint silhouette competition in Texas. This discipline combine the pure accuracy of benchrest competition with the fun of knocking down critter targets. These are smaller than standard silhouettes, so it’s quite a challenge to hit them at 300 yards and beyond.
