How would you like to represent the United States in top-level International Shooting competitions? Well, if F-Class is your game, here is your opportunity. F-Class Team USA will be conducting try-outs for the United States squads who will represent our country in F-TR and F-Open divisions (plus Under-25) at the 2021 World Championships. The try-outs are open to any competitive shooter with a class-compliant rifle and the will to win. Team leadership expressly welcomes newcomers.
Initial and primary tryouts are planned during the 2018 U.S. National Championships in Raton, NM, and the 2019 SW Nationals in Phoenix, AZ. There may also be an early 2019 tryout date at Butner, NC.
Dan Bramley Invites Shooters to Team USA F-Class Try-Outs
Official Invitation to Team USA F-Class Try-Outs To the F-Class Community–
On behalf of Team USA 2021, we are pleased to invite the best of USA F-class to consider joining our effort for the 2021 World Championships in Bloemfontein, South Africa. We are reaching out with this invitation to provide some general information on our plans for 2021 and for upcoming try-out dates for the unified Team USA: F-TR, F-Open, and Under 25.
We are moving forward with F-Open, F-TR, and Under 25 unified as one USA F-class 2021 Team. This will allow us to take advantage of each team’s strengths and provide needed purchasing power and coordination for event and logistic costs. We also believe this will help encourage and grow our sport. We will share ideas, event/facility dates and best practices within this unified team, however, individual team segments will make their own decisions. Therefore, please direct your responses and inquiries to the appropriate team leadership.
Being part of Team USA is a major commitment of time and resources. We do have wonderful and sizable sponsorship partners who we thank and rely on for moderating individual team member costs. However, due to the location of this World Championship effort, one can expect to help cover a commensurate level of the costs.
We are now moving into the USA “development team” stage of the process. This team is open to newcomers… there are many newer names showing up on the top of leader-boards and many new teams that are making positive impacts. If you are interested in being part of Team USA, please consider making that commitment. We would like to hear from you by March 23, 2018.
Team Time Expectations
Attendance at SWN and US Nationals will be expected for 2019 and 2020. We will also likely expect the final team to attend the Berger SWN in 2021 or have an alternative site for a final practice prior to our trip. We will try to have afternoon or evening team sessions during these events however we may have team days just prior or after these events to maximize the use of individual travel dollars and time. We will also likely have additional team training dates in 2019 and 2020, likely on east coast ranges to facilitate best availability for all.
Shooting/Coaching Position Opportunities
We are equally passionate about developing coaching/shooting teams for winning gold medal efforts in both the Richardson Cup (8-man) and Rutland Cup (4-man) World Championship Events. Obtaining a shooting or coaching spot on one of these teams is an absolute gauntlet of a commitment and consistent strong results will be required as the USA is blessed with wonderful depth. We encourage all, with proven success in our sport, to test themselves at this highest of levels.
Team Try-Out Dates and Locations
Initial and primary tryouts are planned during the 2018 US National Championships in Raton, NM and the 2019 SW Nationals in Phoenix, AZ. There may also be an early 2019 tryout date at Butner, NC.
If you are interested in further information, please contact our Team USA leadership:
Dan Bramley, Captain USA F-Open
usrifleteam2021fopen [at] gmail.com
Phil Kelley, Jr., Captain USA F-TR
usarifle2021 [at] gmail.com
Rick Jensen, Captain USA U25
U25USAFclass [at] gmail.com
There were some interesting new Euro-Rimfires on display at SHOT Show 2018. We were impressed with the new Tikka T1x along with the handsome Steyr Zephyr II. Both these rifles are offered in .22 LR and .17 HMR rimfire chamberings, and the Zephyr comes in .22 WMR as well. Our friends at Varminter.com have created preview videos showcasing the notable features of these new rifles. We hope to test one of these Tikkas this spring — one great feature is the action has the same footprint as the Tikka T3/T3X centerfire rifles. That means you can drop the rimfire barreled action into any stock that fits a T3 or T3X.
Tikka T1x MTR Rimfire Rifle (.17 HMR, .22 LR)
Varminter.com Reports:
Tikka has built a reputation for offering quality firearms, for an affordable price. Up until now, they have focused on the centerfire platform. However, they are now entering the rimfire market with the new Tikka T1x MTR rimfire rifle. This rifle is loaded with everything we love about Tikka’s T3 centerfire rifles, in a rimfire. Unique to the T1x is the ability to place the barreled action into one of their T3, or new T3x, rifles. This truly gives this rimfire a centerfire feel, in the calibers we love (.22 Long Rifle and .17HMR).
Linked above is Varminter.com’s video with Miikka Tammlnen from SAKO in Finland from the floor of the 2018 SHOT Show, where he discusses this new rifle in length. READ Varminter.com Review.
Steyr Arms showed off a handsome rimfire rig at SHOT Show. The Zephyr II sports a handsome walnut stock with good ergonomics and nice checkering on grip and fore-end. This is not an inexpensive rifle — MSRP is $995. The .22 LR version is shipping now, and other the .22 WMR and .17 HMR versions should be available before summer. The rifle is trim and easy to carry — overall length is 39.2″ (with 19.7″ barrel) and the rifle weighs just 5.8 pounds without scope. You’ll find more product photos on Guns.com.
Varminter.com has prepared a preview video highlighting features of this attractgive rimfire varmint rig. View the video below. For more details read the FULL Varminter.com Review.
Product description from Steyr Arms
The Steyr Mannlicher Zephyr II is the rebirth of the original Zephyr rifle, which was produced from 1955 through 1971. This new rifle features a classic European walnut stock with a Bavarian cheek piece and fish-scale checkering. The Zephyr II has a tang safety, detachable 5-round box magazine, and comes with a threaded barrel option for all calibers. The cold hammer forged barrel with Mannox finish make for tough, reliable design that will withstand the elements while out in the field. This lightweight bolt-action, is available in .17 HMR, .22 LR, and .22 WMR.
Chamberings: 17 HMR , 22 Long Rifle, 22 WMR
Magazine: 5 Round, Detachable
Stock: European walnut with fish scale pattern
We know many of you guys have a Forster case trimmer (hand lathe) sitting on your reloading bench. This tool does a good job of trimming cases to length. But did you know that an inexpensive accessory will allow your Forster case trimmer to chamfer while it cuts? Here’s the skinny on the 3-way head for the Forster case trimmer.
Tool Cuts Brass to Length, and Chamfers Inside and Outside
Forster’s 3-in-1 Carbide Case Mouth Cutter works with all existing Forster case trimmers. This unit does three jobs at the same time. It trims the case to length, it puts a 14-degree chamfer on the INSIDE of the neck, AND (last but not least), it cuts a 30-degree chamfer on the OUTSIDE of the neck. It does this all quickly and efficiently — in a matter of a few seconds. We tested the new tool ourselves on a few cases. The tool is solid and well made. The carbide cutting tips do perform a very clean cut. Be aware, however, if you have turned your necks already, you may have to reset the blade positions before you start trimming your brass.
Forster’s CFO, Robert Ruch, demonstrates the 3-in-1 case trimming/chamfering tool in the video above. As you can see, the tool turns very smoothly (no chatter). The actual cutting time, per case, is just a few seconds. The tool has an MSRP of $88.00, but it sells for around $65.00 to $70.00 at major vendors. Forster’s 3-in-1 Carbide cutting tool works with all existing Forster case trimmers and other hand lathes with a .490″ shaft diameter. The unit fits over the cutter shaft and secures with one set screw. The 3-in-1 cutter is available for five (5) calibers: .224, .243 (6mm), .264 (6.5mm), .284 (7mm), and .308.
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could record what you see through your riflescope, without interfering with the normal view through the eyepiece (ocular)? That is now possible with a new, scope-mounted accessory from Phone Skope. The new Skoped Vision Adapter ($149.95 MSRP) holds your smart-phone on the right side of the riflescope. The “shooter’s eye view” through the scope ocular is NOT obstructed. This way you can video a hunt, or a target shooting session. Watch this video to see how it works.
Ed Mobley of 65Guys.com checked out the new Skoped Vision riflescope adapter at SHOT Show. In this 6.5 Guys video, the Skoped Vision product feature starts at the 1:50 time-mark:
Ed asked the Phone Skope Sales Rep about recoil and G-forces. No one wants to harm an expensive smart-phone. The Sale Rep said that today’s smart-phones are pretty tough, so no problems have been encountered: “We have tested on 7mm, .300 Win Mag. We haven’t had any issues with recoil or damage to the phone. So it looks very promising.”
The Skoped Vision riflescope adapter should be available by early summer 2018. Phone Skope says the adapter will sell for $149.95. The Skoped Vision adapter mates with a regular Phone Skope smart-phone holder which costs about $50.00. So your total price will be roughly $200.00.
This safe has a simple, combination dial lock. While slower to open, mechanical dial locks are more trouble-free than battery-powered keypad locking systems.
This is the best deal we’ve seen in a long time on a medium-sized, fire-resistant gun safe. If you don’t have a decent safe yet, this is a very good value. You get a 24-gun, fire-rated safe delivered to your doorstep for $459.00. No extra shipping charge. Hard to beat that. This safe usually costs over $675.00. It measures 55″ tall x 29.25″ wide x 20.25″ deep. Weight is 418 pounds. While that’s heavy enough to deter a “smash and grab”, we strongly recommend you bolt the safe in place.
Word to Wise about Rated Capacity
While this safe is rated for 24 long guns up to 54″ tall, realistically you can store 10-12 scoped rifles comfortably. You can also split the interior, using the provided shelves. Put rifles on one side and other valuables (cameras, jewelry, electronics, photo albums) on the other side.
Stack-On 24 Gun Fire Resistant Safe — Product Description
With a combination lock that is reinforced with a steel plate, this hunter green gun security safe ensures that your guns will stay securely locked up. The gun safe with combination lock has been tested and is verified to be fire-resistant for 30 minutes up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. The door stripping on the safe expands when exposed to high temperatures, sealing the contents inside from harm during a fire. The Stack-On 24 Gun Fire Resistant Safe has reinforced steel doors that are filled with fire retardant material, creating a protective firewall. This gun security safe has 2-way locking 1″ steel live action locking bolts and up to 5 locking points. Inside, the gun security safe is fully carpeted with 4 adjustable shelves to give you ample storage space. This durable Stack-On Gun Fire Resistant Safe is especially designed to resist deterioration and compression over time.
Delivery Information
This item is shipped via a freight trucking service. The company will call you to schedule a delivery appointment, so ensure someone is home at the scheduled delivery time. Please note that this item is available for curbside delivery only, and will not be moved into your home or garage. We recommend you have help available to move the item to its final location. Safe Weight is 418 pounds. That requires a pretty sturdy dolly.
Dick’s Sporting Goods, a major sporting goods retail chain, will stop selling AR-platform rifles, and require a minimum age of 21 years to purchase ANY and all firearms, not just handguns. In addition, the company will stop selling “high-capacity magazines”. The Chairman/CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods, Edward W. Stack, announced these new policies yesterday (2/27/2018), while appearing on the Good Morning America TV show. Stack said the ban would begin immediately, with ARs and other mag-fed semi-automatic rifles being removed from all Dick’s stores (and deleted from the company’s website).
The action was prompted by the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Stack stated: “As we looked at what happened in Parkland, we were so disturbed and saddened by what happened we felt we really needed to do something. When that happened we realized … we did everything by the book. We did everything that the law required, and he was still able to buy a gun. And when we looked at that, we said the systems that are in place across the board just aren’t effective enough to keep us from selling someone a gun like that.” Notably, Stack revealed that Nikolas Cruz, the Florida school shooter, had purchased a shotgun from Dick’s last year (however, that shotgun was NOT used in the shooting).
Dick’s Sporting Goods will no longer sell AR-platform rifles and other similar, semi-auto, mag-fed rifles. It is unclear if other, more traditional semi-auto centerfire rifles will still be sold.
Stack also urged elected officials to enact “common sense gun reform” by banning “assault-style” firearms (his terminology, not ours); raising the minimum age to purchase all firearms to 21; banning high-capacity magazines; banning bump stocks; and requiring more complete universal background checks that include relevant mental health information and previous interactions with law enforcement. Stack also hopes that a universal database of those banned from buying firearms is created, and that private sales without background checks are disallowed. (Source: IndyStar.com)
Previously, in late 2012, Dick’s removed semi-auto AR/AK-type rifles from its main retail stores in response to the school shooting at Sandy Hook. However, after a few months, sales of ARs and similar rifles resumed at Field & Stream stores operated by Dick’s.
There will be no going back this time, Stack said, emphasizing that the policy changes will be permanent. In an open letter, Stack announced: “We support and respect the Second Amendment, and we recognize and appreciate that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are responsible, law-abiding citizens. But we have to help solve the problem that’s in front of us.”
What do you think about this action by Dick’s Sporting Goods? You can express your views by clicking the Post Comment link below…
Do you have a smart idea for a new shooting-related product? Or have you figured out how to improve/enhance a popular item already on the market? If so, Creedmoor Sports wants your product ideas. Creedmoor Sports invites its customers to conceive the next great Creedmoor Sports product. Many of Creedmoor’s most creative ideas come from shooters who are out using products every day and know how to make them better. That’s why Creedmoor Sports wants to hear from you. You can email your ideas to: shoot [at] creedmoorsports.com.
Dennis DeMille, Creedmoor’s V.P. of Operations, tells us: “We love it when a customer calls or emails us with an idea. If the idea has merit we will immediately try to put it into play. If a soft-good (such as clothing) we try to take it from idea to sample within a couple days. The idea is walked back to our designer, it’s cut and sewn on the spot in our Anniston, Alabama facility and we start testing. If a hard-good (such as a metal product), we start designing the product on our mill and lathe and see what it would take to bring to market.”
Success Stories of Customer-Inspired Products
Creedmoor Sports products based on customer “bright ideas” have included the handy Scope Kennel. Made with a top strap for easy rifle carry, it serves to protect a rifle scope.
Another customer-suggested product is Creedmoor’s Quad-Fold Shooting Mat. This thickly-padded mat provides a comfortable, stable base for elbows and knees. When folded, it measures just 2.5″ x 19″ x 29″. The new Bench and Field Shooting Mat is another customer-inspired product. This unique mat is designed to work both on the ground and on a shooting bench. Check it out HERE.
NEW! First-Ever Reloading Catalog from Creedmoor Sports (Print and Digital)
Just this week, Creedmoor Sports released its first-ever Reloading Catalog. Equipment lines include Redding, Forster, L.E. Wilson, Hornady, RCBS and many more. Many additional component suppliers have been either added or enhanced including Berger, Lapua, Sierra, Hornady, and Nosler.
“We get calls and emails every day asking us to carry more reloading supplies. We decided it was time to make the investment into adding equipment that our customers demand. We didn’t want to jump into the reloading game without extensive research on what brands and philosophy that would set us apart from larger suppliers. We feel our mix of equipment, components and technical will satisfy everyone from the beginner to the expert.” Says Greg Kantorovich, President, Creedmoor Sports.
About Creedmoor Sports
Creedmoor Sports has been serving the competition/precision rifle shooting community since 1979 — nearly four decades. Creedmoor Sport’s key mission has been to supply great products that help shooters win at every level of competition. For more information, visit CreedmoorSports.com and the Creedmoor Sports Facebook page. Also check out the Creedmoor INFOZone for helpful Video Tips on shooting and reloading.
Our friend Gavin of UltimateReloader.com has a new tool — the second generation Lyman Borecam. This upgraded version features higher-resolution 300K output so you can better see details inside your barrel. This digital borescope can also be used to inspect the interior of dies and other tools. Illumination, via LED, is adjustable. Record still images with the push of a button. The screen resolution for the latest Lyman Borecam is now 640×480, roughly 300,000 pixels (300K).
Gavin created a very thorough 15-minute video putting the Lyman Borecam through its paces. He uses it to scope a number of firearm barrels as well as some reloading dies. If you are considering buying a Borecam or other borescoping device, you should definitely watch this video. We have included time references to make it easier to “fast forward” to the subjects you want to see:
Lyman Borecam Video Timeline
1. 1:15 — Lyman Borecam Unboxing (All Components)
2. 4:00 — Shilen Match Barrel Blank Inspection (Brand New Barrel)
3. 6:16 — Thompson Center Compass .223 Rem Barrel Inspection (Used Barrel)
4. 9:08 — Smith & Wesson 686 .357 Mag Barrel Inspection (Used Barrel)
5. 10:30 — Glock 20 Polygonal Rifling Barrel Inspectino (Used Barrel)
6. 11:45 — M1911 Barrel Inspection (Defective Barrel with Bulge in Chamber)
7. 13:12 — Sizing Die Internal Inspections (Lee .223 Rem, Redding 300 BLK)
The Lyman Borecam comes complete with everything you need. Shown in photo are:
1. Borecam Wand (includes handle, rod, mirror, and digital lens/camera) with length indication scale. An inch scale runs the full length of the rod. That tells you where the lens is positioned inside the bore. Note the wand scale marks when recording screen captures. 2. Borecam Digital Display. The 600×480 display can record stills with included 128MB SD Card. A USB SD Card adapter is included. 3. Borecam Mirror Protector and cleaning kit. 4. AC Power Adapter (not shown, international plug adapters included).
UltimateReloader offers three key tips for the Lyman Borecam:
— First, before you start, make sure the mirror is clear and free of dirt, lint, or solvents.
— Use the Up and Down Arrows to adjust the illumination to suit your barrel.
— Experiment with how close you hold the mirror to the wall of the bore. This affects both brightness and focus.
YouTube Viewer Comments on UltimateReloader Lyman Borecam Video:
“Great review, Gavin. Your video capture of the display looks better than what they show in Lyman’s own product video.”
“Price is getting low enough to think I need one on the short ‘To Buy’ list. Have some milsurp rifles with horrid bores that should be very interesting to view. Don’t waste $$ on those $20 things on Amazon, I did and thoroughly wasted my money.”
With the NRA being shunned by “politically correct” American corporations (STORY HERE), we think it’s more important than ever for firearms owners to support the NRA. If you don’t belong to the NRA yet, consider joining. If you are already a member, renew your membership. And we encourage all NRA members to attend the NRA’s annual convention, to be held in Dallas, Texas this year. The May event is expected to draw over 80,000 members.
The 147th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits will take place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, May 3-6 in Dallas, Texas. The Exhibit Hall will be open May 4-6, with displays from over 800 companies and organizations. Along with the displays, the event features seminars, workshops, auctions, concerts, demos, and even an indoor airgun shooting gallery.
There will be over 800 Exhibitors displaying products at the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. You can see products from big name companies such as Berger Bullets, Leupold, Nightforce, Nosler, Redding, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Smith & Wesson, and Winchester. You can also meet with top hunting guides and outfitters.
The National NRA Foundation Banquet & Auction will be held May 3 at 5:00 pm. The NRA-ILA Leadership Forum take place May 4 in the Convention Center Arena. The Annual National Firearms Law Seminar, the largest gathering of Second Amendment attorneys in the country, runs Friday morning, May 4.
LOCATION of 2018 NRA Annual Meetings in Dallas:
Firearms Policy for the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings
During the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, lawfully carried firearms will be permitted in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and the Omni Dallas Hotel in accordance with Texas law. When carrying your firearm remember to follow all federal, state, and local laws.
In the wake of the recent school shooting in Florida, more than a dozen major American companies have cut ties with the NRA. These companies have stopped offering special discounts for NRA members, halted affiliate programs, or otherwise stopped providing services for the NRA and its members.
Big companies such as Delta Airlines and Hertz have responded to calls for a boycott against the NRA by eliminating discount programs for NRA members. And the First National Bank of Omaha announced it “will not renew its contract with the National Rifle Association to issue the NRA Visa Card.” Notably, the Chubb insurance group stated it would stop backing the NRA Carry Guard program.
USA Today reported: “Major companies with ties to the National Rifle Association suddenly shed ties to the pro-gun-rights interest group amid intense scrutiny over the Parkland, Florida school shooting. The breakups were swift amid a billowing cloud of scrutiny on social media[.]”
The NRA criticized these actions as “a shameful display of political and civic cowardice” by large corporations. The NRA added: “In time, these brands will be replaced by others who recognize that patriotism and determined commitment to Constitutional freedoms are characteristics of a marketplace they very much want to serve.”
Major Companies Breaking Ties with NRA
Automotive Rental Services
Avis/Budget Car Rental
Hertz Car Rental
Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, Alamo and National)
These rental car companies all announced they would be eliminating discounts for NRA Members.
Major Airlines
Delta AirLines
United Airlines
United Airlines has ended discounted travel to NRA Annual Meeting while Delta has ended NRA group travel rate discounts: “We will be ending [the NRA’s] contract for discounted rates through our group travel program”.
Moving Vans and Vehicle Purchasing
Sirva (Parent of North American and Allied Van Lines)
TrueCar Buying Service
Sirva stated that North American and Allied moving companies have ended “their affiliate relationship with the NRA” and TrueCar will end its relationship with the NRA on February 28, 2018.
Finance and Insurance
Chubb Ltd.
First National Bank of Omaha
MetLife
MetLife has ended its NRA discount program. First National will no longer provide NRA-branded VISA cards, and Chubb will stop underwriting the NRA’s Carry Guard Program: “Three months ago, Chubb provided notice of our intent to discontinue participation in the NRA Carry Guard insurance program”.
Software and Security
Symantec Corp — Norton AntiVirus Software
SimpliSafe — Boston-based home security company
Symantec has ended its software discounts for NRA members and SimpliSafe has “discontinued [its] existing relationship with the NRA”.
Being part of Team USA is a major commitment of time and resources. We do have wonderful and sizable sponsorship partners who we thank and rely on for moderating individual team member costs. However, due to the location of this World Championship effort, one can expect to help cover a commensurate level of the costs.
