High-Tech Rimfire Rigs
If you watched the smallbore position and prone shooters at the 2016 Brazil Olympic Games, you couldn’t help but notice the exotic rifles competitors were shooting. There were wood stocks, metal stocks, factory-built rifles and customized specials. Why are there are so many different design features and stock types? To answer this question, the NRAblog’s editors called on Jessie McClain of the NRA Competitive Shooting Division.
“The customized rifles, like the Anschütz you showed me, can make a real difference in a shooter’s performance,” explained McClain. “I went from a decent shooter to making the varsity shooting team my freshman year because of the rifle.” As Jessie explained, one new feature out there is the adjustable stock, which she called the Porsche of the shooting world. Fully adjustable from the butt plate to the check piece to the hand stop and risers and bolt knobs, this component is fully customizable to the athlete … which can be a huge advantage. “Every person is different … a customizable rifle fits anyone. A rifle team can purchase four of these and field a shooting team for years.”
The Modern Anschütz Position Rifle
Smallbore match rifle makers are using modern materials in response to the need for greater adjustability (and enhanced accuracy). One of the popular new designs is the Anschütz model 1913 position rifle with a “1918 ALU Precise” brushed aluminum stock. This looks like it has been crafted in an aircraft plant.
Here’s a “must-read” article for .22 LR rimfire shooters. The recently-released October 2018 issue of Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) includes a great article with data on thirty-one (31) different types of popular .22 LR rimfire ammunition. The line-up includes low-speed, standard, and Hi-Velocity types, plus choices for plinking, varminting, and target applications. Brands tested include: Aguila, American Eagle, CCI, Federal, Fiocchi, Lapua, Remington, and Winchester. The slowest ammo, CCI Quiet-22 Lead RN, clocked 727 FPS. The fastest ammo, CCI Short-Range Green Lead-Free HP, ran 1735 FPS, more than twice as fast as the Quiet-22.
For each ammo type, SSUSA lists the bullet weight, velocity (FPS), and average of two, 5-shot groups at fifty yards. The most accurate ammo was Lapua Center-X LRN, with a 0.37″ average 50-yard group size. Second best was Lapua X-ACT LRN at 0.42″. Ammo was tested from a bench with a Cooper Model 57-M rifle fitted with 3-9x33mm Leupold VX-2 scope. The ammo offerings were grouped into three categories: (1) Varmints/Small Game; (2) Target; and (3) Plinking. (See ammo tables below.)
Click for larger page-view.
Different types of .22 LR (Long Rifle) rimfire ammo have different applications. Subsonic ammo, typically, is best for 25m to 50m target work with precision rimfire rigs. Hi-Velocity .22 LR ammo provides a flatter trajectory for longer ranges. SSUSA explains: “The array of .22 LR loads… turns a person’s head every which way. Subsonic target loads are the key to decisive accuracy on targets, while hyper-velocity cartridges provide striking bullet expansion on small varmints. In between, standard and high-velocity .22 LRs are loadrf with a variety of bullet weights and styles for everything from small-game hunting to plinking[.]” READ Full SSUSA .22 LR Rimfire Ammo Story.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Midsouth — Major Brand Blem Tipped Bullets — Up to 45% Off
Midsouth is now offering big savings on major-brand blem bullets. These are overruns, cosmetically blemished jackets or tip discolorations, or factory second bullets from a major bullet manufacturer (Midsouth isn’t allowed to name the company). NOTE: Some projectile tips are misshapen, other packages may contain bullets which vary by grain weight. No matter what, you’re getting tipped hunting, or tipped match bulk bullets at huge savings. Many options in .243 (6mm), .257, .264 (6.5mm), .277, .284 (7mm), .308, and .338 calibers.
2. Brownells — Thompson Center T/CR22 — $249.99 With Rebate
Thompson Center’s new T/CR22 rimfire can use most Ruger 10/22 accessories including 10/22 mags. But it has some distinct advantages over the Ruger. The stock is a quality MagPul composite design. The barrel is button-rifled with a threaded muzzle. The bolt holds open after the last shot. This gun comes complete with front and rear iron sights as well as a Picatinny rail on the action. NRA reviewers praised this gun saying: “Thompson Center has taken the aftermarket parts you’re going to pay extra for [on a Ruger 10/22] and made them standard on the T/CR22, saving you some cash[.]” Right now the T/CR22 is on sale for $299.99 at Brownells with a $50 manufacturer REBATE, for a $249.99 cost after rebate. But it gets better — use CODE “N8Y” during checkout to save another $20 and get free shipping. Then your actual cost for the rifle (after discount and rebate), is $229.99 plus $10.00 FFL Processing fee.
3. Brownells — ATI GSG .22 LR FireFly Pistol (P226 Style)
If you like SIG Sauer P-series pistols, you’ll love this GSG .22 LR rimfire. It faithfully copies the lines and ergonomics of the classic P226 9mm handgun. Make by GSG in Germany, the ATI Firefly features a 4″ barrel, alloy frame, and steel slide. A simple blowback operating system provides reliable cycling with included 10-round magazine. The Firefly is on sale now at Brownells for just $179.99, marked down from $249.99. That’s a great price for a nice little rimfire that is offered in three finishes: Matte Black, Tan, and Dark Green. Weight: 1.53 pounds.
4. VihtaVuori — $5.00 Per Pound Rebate on Vihtavuori Powders
The 2018 VihtaVuori Rebate Program is under way. For a limited time, earn $5.00 back per bottle when you purchase VihtaVuori powders. Act soon as this offer expires on October 15, 2018. Be sure to keep your receipts and note the labels. The Rebate application MUST include proof of purchase showing retailer name and date of purchase. And the Rebate Form MUST include the serial number for each VihtaVuori bottle purchased.
VV Rebate Start Date: 8/15/2018
VV Rebate End Date: 10/15/2018
Postmarked By Date: 11/30/2018
Minimum Purchase: One 1-pound bottle
Maximum Purchase: Twelve 1-pound bottles
Maximum REBATE is $60.00
5. Natchez — Big Savings on Nikon Optics (Scopes, LRFs, Binocs)
Need a scope or LRF for hunting season? Here’s a chance to save hundreds on a quality Nikon optic. Natchez Shooters Supply is offering exclusive deals on both new and refurbished Nikon riflescopes, rangefinders, and binoculars including camo finish hunting scopes for hunters. There are some truly excellent bargains, plus you can get $5 Flat Rate Shipping with Code 180910 (through 9/12/18). Here are some of the best deals on Nikon scopes at Natchez right now:
Burris Scopes Also on Sale
Natchez also has many Burris scopes up to 60% OFF. For example the Burris XTR II 1-5x24mm riflescope is marked down from $799.00 to $459.99, a $339 savings!
6. Mossberg — 20% Off All Products in Mossberg Store this Week
Mossberg just announced a major fall season sale. Virtually everything in Mossberg’s online store is now 20% Off with CODE “FALL 20″. This includes stocks, barrels, triggers, sights, heat shields, magazines, apparel, range bags, gun cases, and much more. This is a great way to acquire quality accessories at bargain prices. This promotion runs through 10/11/2018. Mossberg Sale tip from EdLongrange.
NOTE: This sale does not apply to complete Mossberg rifles or shotguns. Those must be purchased through retail FFL dealers.
7. Stocky’s — LR Stocks with Aluminum Bedding Block, $179.99
Here’s a good deal on a versatile Stocky’s Long Range Stock with aluminum V-block bedding system. For just $179.99, order this for Rem/Rem Clone long actions or short actions, with either narrow or wide (varmint/tactical) barrel channel. This would be a good choice for a varmint rifle. This is also offered with handsome hydrographic or web-pattern baked-on textured finishes for $199.99.
8. Brownells — RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press, $130.99
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press is a classic single-stage press that will handle all hand-loading sizing and seating chores. There’s plenty of leverage to full-length size big cases. The rigidity of this cast-iron press also allows precise, repeatable bullet seating. While we prefer to prime as a separate operation, you CAN prime your cases with the Rock Chucker. Right now this press is on sale at Brownells for $140.99. However, with CODE “NBM” you save $10 and get FREE Shipping. That way your net cost is $130.99 delivered. This same press sells elsewhere for up to $165.00.
9. Amazon — 12″x12″ Splatter Grid Targets, 10 for $9.99
This 12″x12″ Splatterburst Target combines splatter shot marking with a grid background, with five aiming points. The bright neon shot circles make it easy to see your shots. And the handy grid lets you quickly estimate your group size. Get a 10-pack for $9.99, or a 25-pack for $17.99 (better deal). This particular target has earned rave reviews — 87% of verified buyers gave this a FIVE-Star rating. One example: “Excellent quality and durability. The adhesive is really strong. High contrast makes down range targeting easy and the splatter contrast is [great].”
Anschutz .22 LR rifle set up for F-Class competition. Photo courtesy Sportschieben Blog.
Here’s a new discipline we think should become very popular — Smallbore F-Class with .22 LR rimfire rifles. Rest-supported prone rimfire matches have been held around the world for quite some time, but only a few years ago was the discipline officially codified in the NRA Smallbore Rulebook. And the first-ever Smallbore F-Class National Championship was held this past July in conjunction with the Smallbore Nationals at Camp Wa-Ke’-De in Bristol, Indiana. The Nationals involved multiple days of prone shooting at 50 meters and 100 yards.*
Jim Murphy, a respected centerfire shooter and coach, became America’s very first Smallbore F-Class National Champion, shooting an impressive 2374-146X score. Fourteen points behind, but with the same X-Count, was runner-up David Pessall (2360-146X). Jess Huehn finished third with 2358-137X.
Competitors could either shoot off a bipod F-TR style, or use a front rest. In this photo from the inaugural NRA National Championship you can see a shooter with SEB Coaxial Rest at top, with a competitor using a low-profile bipod at bottom. Note the extended handle used to adjust bipod elevation. This is not a coaxial joystick, but rather a long handle attached to the mariner wheel.
Smallbore F-Class — The Future Looks Bright
With the high cost of centerfire ammunition, and the limited number of 1000-yard (or even 600-yard) ranges, we can envision that Rimfire F-Class will become a popular event at ranges across the country. Clubs don’t even need benches — just a 100-yard target bay and flat ground for the shooters. You can start with an inexpensive rimfire rig and Harris bipod. Then work up from there. Here is a custom rimfire F-TR style rig that belongs to F-Class ace and past centerfire F-TR National Champion James Crofts.
Smallbore F-Class Course of Fire
The Smallbore F-Class Nationals was completed on paper targets at 50 yards and 100 yards. According to Shooting Sports USA: “The tournament ran during the any sight and metric phases of the 2018 NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championships, featuring a daily course of fire which mirrored the sling shooters, 40 shots at 50 meters on the A-50 target, a Metric Dewar, followed by 40 shots at 100 yards on the A-33 target. Although the international targets were shot throughout, the first two days were titled ‘conventional’ and the last two ‘metric’.”
The specifics of the match such as rifle requirements, rests, and sights may be found in the Provisional Smallbore Rifle F-Class Rules (Section 23), found on page 65 of the current NRA Smallbore Rifle rulebook. Any rules not covered in Section 23 will [reference] the normal rules of Sections 1 through 22.
* All ‘short range’ F-Class was shot at 50 meters on the A-50, the 50 meter International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) target. All ‘long range’ stages were shot at 100 yards using the NRA A-33 target, the ISSF 300-meter target reduced to 100 yards.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Amazon — Caldwell Long Range Target Cam System, $313.99
Forum members have purchased this Caldwell Target Cam System and they’ve found that it works reliably, providing a clear signal to any WiFi-enabled mobile device (smartphone, iPad, Laptop). Amazon is offering this complete system for $313.99, with FREE shipping. One member specifically tested the unit at 1000 yards and it functioned fine. NOTE: This system does NOT have a zoom camera lens, so you need to position the camera within 10 yards or so of the target. But if you place it to the side a bit, this shouldn’t be a problem. NOTE: This system comes with a nice, fitted carrying case that holds camera, transceivers, antennas, and stands.
2. EuroOptic.com — Tikka T3 Liquidation Sale, Rifles from $349.00
EuroOptic.com bought a large quantity of Tikka T3 rifles from the North American distributor. Now these T3s are being offered at huge discounts –some well below wholesale cost. Tikka rifles that typically retail for $600 to $1000 are selling for $359 to $600. Save Hundreds! This is an amazing offer if you are looking for a very high-quality hunting rifle at a rock-bottom price. To add to the incentive, the first 500 T3 purchasers will receive a FREE Badlands Tenacity Backpack, a $45.00 value.
3. Bullets.com — Liquidation Sale with Incredible Savings
Bullets.com is closing up shop. For the past few months Bullets.com has selling off its inventory. There are still some great products left at really low prices — in many cases below wholesale cost. How about a 100-ct box of 197gr 7mm Sierra MatchKings for just $22.95. Awesome deal — MidwayUSA charges $49.99/100 for the same 197gr bullets! Or grab some very good Norma rimfire ammo for less than $3.00 a box. You’ll want to act soon to enjoy these bargains before they’re gone for good.
4. Brownells — CCI .22 LR Ammo, $24.99/500 or $89.96 for 2000
Here’s a great deal on big-name, rimfire ammo. Right now you can get a 500-round pack of CCI Standard Velocity 40gr LRN ammo for just $24.99. That works out to just five cents ($0.05) per round. But it gets even better. If you purchase at least four 500-rd packs (2000 rounds total), you also get FREE shipping and a $10.00 discount with CODE JDC. With that “JDC” discount code, your total price is just $89.96 for 2000 rounds delivered, or 4.5 cents per round! That’s a great deal on reliable CCI ammo that’s good for plinking and rimfire cross-training. NOTE: If the JDC code has expired, try CODE MCP for free shipping on $49+ orders.
5. VihtaVuori — $5.00 Per Pound Rebate on Vihtavuori Powders
Earn Up To $60 Cash Back On VihtaVuori Powders
The 2018 VihtaVuori Rebate Program is under way. For a limited time, earn $5.00 back per bottle when you purchase VihtaVuori powders. Offer is valid on qualifying purchases made between August 15, 2018 and October 15, 2018. Be sure to keep your receipts and note the labels. The Rebate application MUST include proof of purchase showing retailer name and date of purchase. And the Rebate Form MUST include the serial number for each VihtaVuori bottle purchased.
VV Rebate Start Date: 8/15/2018
VV Rebate End Date: 10/15/2018
Postmarked By Date: 11/30/2018
Minimum Purchase: One 1-pound bottle
Maximum Purchase: Twelve 1-pound bottles
Maximum REBATE is $60.00
6. Grafs.com — Lyman Summer Sale, 10-22% Off Select items
Lyman has brought out some fine products in recent years, tools that offer excellent performance for the price. Now you can get a serious discount on a variety of Lyman products, including the popular Lyman BoreCam, and the Lyman Trigger Pull Gauge, our “go-to” tool for measuring pull weights. Here are some of the best Lyman Summer Sale deals at Grafs.com now:
7. CDNN — Winchester XPR Rifle $289.99 after $75 Rebate
We like the Winchester XPR as an affordable, entry-level hunting rifle. The three-lug bolt has a short throw, the mags seat easily and the rifle balances well. CDNN is offering the XPR for just $364.99. That’s a great price, but it gets even better. Winchester is offering a $75.00 factory rebate, lowering your net cost to just $289.99. That’s less than you’ll pay for a new custom barrel! This CDNN deal is available now for four popular chamberings: .243 Win, .308 Win, .270 Win, and .30-06 SPR. Winchester’s $75 Factory Rebate applies to any new Winchester XPR or Model 70 rifle purchased from August 1 through October 31, 2018. For more info, visit Winchester’s Trophy Season Rebate Page.
8. Champions Choice — Deluxe 58″-Long Rifle Case, $68.00
Many of our readers shoot Palma, F-Class, and ELR rifles with long barrels (up to 35″). It’s difficult to find high-quality, well-padded cases that fit very long rifles. Champion’s Choice offers just such a product, the 58″ Deluxe Soft Rifle Case. With thick 1″ padding on each side, big pockets, and backpack straps, this black/blue/white gun case has earned rave reviews from our Forum members. There’s plenty of room for big scopes, and it even comes with an internal tube to hold your cleaning rod.
9. Amazon — 12″x12″ Splatter Grid Targets, 10 for $9.99
This 12″x12″ Splatterburst Target combines splatter shot marking with a grid background, with five aiming points. The bright neon shot circles make it easy to see your shots. And the handy grid lets you quickly estimate your group size. Get a 10-pack for $9.99, or a 25-pack for $17.99 (better deal). This particular target has earned rave reviews — 87% of verified buyers gave this a FIVE-Star rating. One example: “Excellent quality and durability. The adhesive is really strong. High contrast makes down range targeting easy and the splatter contrast is [great].”
Ever shot a straight-pull (aka toggle-link) action rifle? We like these action types, which were developed for Biathlon competitors who needed to shoot fast, but were not allowed to use semi-auto actions. The biathlon-style toggle action features a lever on the side of the action. Pull the lever back with your index figure to open the bolt, then push forward with your finger to close the bolt*. It’s fast and efficient. With some practice, you can cycle the action in a couple of seconds — nearly as fast as a semi-auto.
The Volquartsen Summit .22 LR rifle is based on a concept originally developed by Primary Weapons Systems. Designed for both competition shooting as well as small game hunting, this unique rifle features a straight-pull, toggle-style action with a Ruger 10/22 profile. That means you can run 10/22 magazines, swap into stocks inletted for the 10/22, and even use after-market 10/22 barrels. The CNC-machined receiver features an integral 20 MOA Picatinny Rail. The Magpul stock adjusts for length of pull. Weight is 5.8 pounds, so this is easy to carry in the field.
The Summit features a lightweight carbon fiber-wrapped barrel, threaded 1/2×28 at the muzzle to be suppressor-ready. One of our favorite features on this little rifle is the trigger — which has a light, crisp 1.75-lb pull weight. Watch the video above to see the Summit .22 LR in action. The tester, 22 Plinkster, was impressed with the rifle’s ease of use and accuracy. The Summit delivered a 0.277″ group at 50 yards, shot from the bench.
Tech Analysis of PWS-designed Action as used in Summit
Check out the Summit at NRA Show in Dallas
Volquartsen will have the new Summit straight-pull rifle on display, along with a wide variety of rimfire firearms, at its booth at the NRA Annual Meetings in Dallas this week. The Exhibit Hall opens May 4, 2018. You’ll find Volquartsen at booth #2520.
Big Names at Volquartsen Booth at NRA Show
Volquartsen has invited a number of notable shooters to the NRA Show, including 22Plinkster, who did the video review of the Summit included in this story. Here is the list of celebrity guest appearances at the Volquartsen booth (#2520) this week:
Friday May 4, 2:00 – 3:00 pm — 22Plinkster will be there to discuss all things rimfire. 22Plinkster has a great YouTube channel that boasts over 472,000 suscribers.
Friday May 4, 3:00 – 4:00 pm — Team Volquartsen shooters Cheyenne Dalton and Cole Busch talk about rimfire steel shooting
Saturday May 5, 11:00 – 12:00 pm — Fox News commentator and best-selling author Katie Pavlich will discuss Second Amendment issues.
Saturday May 5, 1:00 – 2:00 pm — Multi-time world champion shooter KC Eusebio will answer questions about action shooting.
* Biathlon shooters cycle their Fortner toggle actions even faster, using their THUMB to close the bolt. This allows them to get the index finger on to the trigger blade faster. The whole process takes maybe a second — as fast as you can say “snick-snick”. To use the thumb effectively, you need a stock with a more vertical pistol grip. The Magpul stock on the Summit moves your thumb a bit too far back to use comfortably to close the lever without shifting the hand.
So many options… How do you select the shooting discipline that’s best for you? Of course, “Fun is number one”. But you also need to consider cost — the “bang for the buck”. Or in more scientific parlance, the “Fun to Cost Ratio”. Yes, shooting a .50 BMG is fun, but you could be spending as much as $5.00 per round for factory loads! By contrast, your cost per shot in a rimfire fun match might be well under ten cents, as decent ammo can be easily found for under $5.00 per 50-count box. Five bucks per box (of fifty) sure beats five bucks per round!
We believe in the benefits of rimfire cross-training. With a rimfire rifle that has the same ergonomics and “feel” as your centerfire rig, you can practice more often and more affordably. You can get decent rimfire ammo now for as little as seven cents per round*. Compare that to centerfire factory ammo at $1.40/round or handloads for about $0.70 (bullet, primer, powder, and brass depreciation). So even your handloads could cost TEN times as much as pretty good rimfire ammo. That’s an order of magnitude boys and girls.
For a tactical cross-trainer, you want a rimfire rig that feels like your centerfire rifle. McMillan now offers a stock that fits the bill. McMillan’s new A5-22 stock shares the same look and feel as McMillan’s popular A5 centerfire stock. The A5-22 is able to accommodate 10/22 type actions including KIDD 10-22 models with rear tang attachments. McMillan says: “The A5-22 is dimensionally the same as our standard A5 with some minor changes in the tang and floor plate areas. It is available in a fixed comb configuration or with an adjustable saddle-type cheek piece.”
A used Biathlon trainer works great for rimfire practical matches. This is the Anschutz Model 64-R. Note magazine caddy on forearm. This rifle was a dream to shoot.
Targets for Rimfire Training and Fun Matches
Here’s a rimfire training target with “big to small” target circles. Start with the largest circles, then move to the smaller ones in sequence. This systematic drill provides increasing challenge shot-by-shot. Novices often are quite surprised to see their accuracy improve as they move from bigger to smaller aiming points. That provides positive feedback — always a good thing.
Right Click and “Save as” to download printable PDF versions of target.
Rimfire Practice Targets
SPECIAL BONUS–Rimfire Tactical Precision Targets
These FREE targets by DesertFrog are offered in Adobe Acrobat format for easy printing. CLICK HERE to download all six targets as a .ZIP archive.
Game Theme Commercial Targets — Fun and Colorful
Here are some colorful commercial fun targets, well-suited for rimfire practice. These game-theme targets from Champion should be very popular with kids. You can blast aerial drones, hunt dinosaurs, play a game of “H-O-R-S-E”, or shoot ducks in a Carnival Shooting Gallery. These targets, which cost $5.45-$5.95 per 12-pack, are ideal for younger shooters in your family (and fun for grown-ups too).
* We recently scored 1500 rounds of Norma Match-22 ammo for $99.99 from MidwayUSA. That’s 6.6 cents per round! That deal is gone, but there are other bargains to be found. Use WikiArms.com to find .22LR rimfire ammo bargains.
Here’s a record-setting rimfire benchrest rifle owned by our friend Joe Friedrich.
The experts at ELEY Limited, top rimfire ammo-maker, have posted a helpful guide to cleaning rimfire barrels. We reprint highlights of the article below, but we suggest you read the full article on the Eley website: How to Clean Your Rifle the ELEY Way.
Editor’s Comment: This is not the only way to clean a rimfire barrel. There are other procedures. This is the method recommended by ELEY based on decades of experience with the top smallbore shooters in the world, including many Olympic Gold Medalists. Some shooters have been very successful cleaning less frequently, or using different types of solvents. The ELEY method is a good starting point.
Rimfire Barrel Cleaning
1. Clean the extension tube with a 12 gauge brush and felt or tissue moistened with solvent.
2. Smoothly insert a cleaning rod guide into the receiver.
3. Apply a dry felt to the cleaning rod adapter and push it through the barrel to the muzzle in one slow steady movement. As the felt is dry it may feel stiff.
4. Remove the soiled felt and pull back the cleaning rod.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Sportsman’s Guide — Savage 10 GRS .308 Win for $1049.99
This GRS-stocked Savage can get you into the F-TR game for around a grand (Buyer’s Club price is $999.47). Add a 26-28″ premium, aftermarket Krieger barrel and we bet this Savage could compete with some custom F-TR rifles costing twice as much. Use the original fluted 20″ .308 Win barrel for hunting or tac comps. The GRS Berserk stock is great (at least for right-handers). The grip is very comfortable and you can instantly adjust Cheekpiece Height and Length of Pull (LOP) with the push of a button. This GRS stock is plenty strong — it won’t flex when shooting from bipod. This is a very good deal. The same .308 Win Savage Model 10 rifle sells for $1299.99 on Cabelas.com.
2. Grafs.com — Lyman Pro-Touch Digital Scale, $44.99 (42% Off)
We like this little Lyman Pro-Touch scale for the price — $44.99. No this compact digital scale won’t compete with a $700 Force Restoration balance that can measure a half-kernel. But this little Lyman is good enough for range loading, and for other tasks, such as sorting bullets and brass by weight. Graf’s $44.99 price is a genuine bargain. Lyman says the scale has “accuracy to 1/10th grain with anti-drift technology”. It can run with supplied AC adapter or three AAA batteries. This very same scale sells for $79.59 right now on Amazon. You can save over 40% by buying from Grafs.com this week.
3. Bullets.com — Super Liquidation Prices, Some Items Below Cost
This is big news. Bullets.com, a leading vendor of components, reloading supplies, and tools, is closing up shop. Some of the product lines will still be carried by Grizzly.com, but bullets, brass, powder, and ammo inventories are being liquidated along with many reloading products and gunsmithing tools. You’ll find huge discounts on many top-tier products — such as Lapua brass, Berger bullets, and Hodgdon powder. Some big-name items are selling now below cost. Our Forum members have been grabbing up brass and bullets, but there are still deals to be had. Every serious shooter should visit Bullets.com right now to take advantage of these one-time super savings. We’re very sad to see Bullets.com close up shop, but their loss is your gain. Jump on these deals while you can.
4. Whittaker Guns — Howa 1500 Mini Action 6.5 Grendel, $349.99
With this deal you can get a complete 6.5 Grendel Howa 1500 rifle (Mini Action) with HACT 2-Stage Trigger for just $349.99. That’s $57.00 less than the price of a Howa 1500 barreled action by itself without the nice green stock! ($407.00 at Brownells). This is a no-frills rifle, but its hard to beat the $349.99 price for a solid, multi-purpose rifle. Use “As-Is” for hunting or drop it into a modular stock for tactical/practical games. These are smooth-running actions. NOTE: This Howa 1500 Mini Action rifle is also available in .223 Rem for $349.99.
5. Sportsman’s Guide — Federal .22 LR Ammo, 525 Rds $23.99
Here’s a GREAT deal on name-brand .22 LR Plinking ammo — 525 rounds for $23.99. That’s just 4.5 cents per round (and the Members price is even lower — just $22.79). We’ve tried this copper-nosed .22 LR rimfire ammo in pistols, boat-action rifles, and semi-auto rifles and it functioned fine. Hard to beat this price — $23.99 for 525 rounds with no limit on the amount you can purchase. This Federal Value Pack contains 525 rounds of reliable .22 LR rimfire ammo loaded with 36-grain hollow-point bullets, suitable for target shooting and plinking. Item: # WX2-77445 NOTE: This ammo also qualifies for FREE Products if you spend at least $75.00.
6. Bushnell 30% Off Optics — Scopes, LRFs, Spotters, Binoculars
This may be the best optics rebate you’ll see all year. Now through March 30, 2018, Bushnell will rebate thirty percent (30%) of the purchase price of a qualifying Bushnell optics product. This 30 for 30 Promotion applies to select Bushnell binoculars, riflescopes, laser rangefinders, or spotting scopes. After purchase, submit the rebate form and you’ll receive 30% of your purchase price back in the form of a Bushnell Visa Prepaid Card. You can save a bundle with this rebate. NOTE: Offer excludes Bushnell Golf, Bushnell BackTrack GPS, Bushnell Trail Cameras, Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescopes, and Bushnell TRS-25 products. GET REBATE FORM.
7. Grafs.com — Magnetospeed Sporter $178.99
If you have been waiting to get a Magnetospeed… wait no longer. Priced at just $178.99 at Grafs.com, the Magnetospeed Sporter model costs less than half as much as Magnetospeed’s V3 models. This chronograph attaches directly to your barrel so you don’t have to go downrange to position tripods and set up skyscreens. For most people the Sporter Model contains all the features they need. Using Magnetospeed’s XFR adapter (sold separately), data can be transferred easily from the display module to your mobile device. READ Magnetospeed Sporter Review.
8. Midsouth — MTM Ammo Rack with Four 50rd Boxes, $14.42
MTM’s innovative new Ammo Rack holds four 50-round ammo boxes, which are supplied with the Rack. This is a good deal at $14.42 for rack AND 4 ammo boxes. Made from high impact polypropylene, MTM Ammo Racks can be stored standing, stacked flat, or hung on a wall to save space and keep your ammunition handy. The Rack’s internal shelves are adjustable for different combinations and four holes are molded into the back for secure mounting to a wall. This MTM ARRS-model Ammo Rack comes with four RS-50 blue ammo boxes that will each hold fifty round of .221 Fireball, .223 Rem, 204 Ruger, or 6×47 Lapua ammunition.
These Six-inch “splatter” targets display a bright yellow ring around each bullet hole. We like these adhesive Glow Shot targets for practice at 300-600 yards. The neon yellow on black provides high contrast so you can easily see 6mm bullet impacts at 600 yards. The 6″-diameter is one-MOA at 600 yards — a good aiming center size. Priced at just $14.99 for a sixty-count package, these are a good value compared to the larger Birchwood Casey Splatter Targets. Note: This Glow Shot target is also available in a Red Circle version, and Tri-Color version (red, yellow, and green).
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Bullets.com Going Out of Business SALE — Huge Discounts
This is big news. Bullets.com, a leading vendor of components, reloading supplies, and tools, is closing up shop. Some of the product lines will still be carried by Grizzly.com, but bullets, brass, powder, and ammo inventories are being liquidated along with many reloading products and gunsmithing tools. You’ll find huge discounts on many top-tier products — such as Lapua brass, Berger bullets, and Hodgdon powder. Every serious shooter should visit Bullets.com right now to take advantage of these one-time super savings. This Editor will be purchasing rimfire ammo, cartridge brass, and bullets. We’re very sad to see Bullets.com close up shop — it was the key source for some unique products, such as the 6mm Dasher Brass which Bullets.com President Shiraz Balolia commissioned from Norma.
2. Natchez — Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading Kit, $229.99
Everything you see above can be yours for just $229.99, after RCBS $50.00 Rebate. Hell of a Deal. Right now, Natchez is selling the Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit for $279.99. That an amazing deal considering all the hardware you get: Press, Primer Tool, Scale, Powder Measure, Loading Tray, Reloading Manual and more. Heck, the Rock Chucker press alone is worth $160.00+. Plus this Master Reloading Kit now qualifies for a $50.00 RCBS Bucks or Bullets Rebate. That lowers your net cost to just $229.99. Note to get the $50 Prepaid Card or 500 Free Bullets you must purchase on or before February 28, 2018, and submit your RCBS Rebate Form no later than March 31, 2018.
3. Sportsman’s Guide — Ruger LCP with Laser, $249.99
If your carry gun is too big and bulky, you probably won’t carry it, which sort of defeats the whole purpose. The laser-equipped Ruger LCP is light (10.4 ounces) and very compact (5.16″ OAL), so you’re more likely to carry it regularly. The .380 ACP cartridge is not as powerful as a 9x19mm or 40 S&W to be sure, but when your life is on the line, a small gun is certainly better than no gun. This gun comes complete with integrated, quality Viridian E-Series Red Laser. For those looking for a very light-weight, easy-to-conceal handgun, this little LCP is a solid choice. Price (complete with laser) is just $249.99, or $237.49 for Buyers’ Club Members.
4. Amazon — Plano 52″ Double Rifle Case with Wheels, $104.99
This Plano Double Scoped Rifle Case is an Amazon Best Seller for good reason. It offers the functionality and durability of an SKB-type hard case for HALF the money. This is under $105.00 with FREE Shipping, while the equivalent SKB is around $240.00, so you can buy two Planos for the price of one SKB. The 51.5″ interior will fit most scoped competition rifles up to about 29″ barrels (measure your own rifle to make sure). If you separate the barreled action from the stock you can transport even ultra-long ELR rifles. The handles are convenient and beefy and the wheels make this case easy to move through airports and parking lots. This is a very tough, roomy case for the money — plus there’s Free Shipping!
Exterior Dimensions: 54.625″ x 15.5″ x 6″
Interior Dimensions: 51.5″ x 12.63″ x 5.25″
Pluckable Interior Dimensions: 46″ x 10″
Features: Wheels, Secure Latches, O-Ring Seal, Pressure Relief Valve, Customizable Foam
Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor for $899.99 complete — what’s not to like? That price, which includes rings, is the lowest we’ve ever seen for a Gen 2 model. If you’ve been thinking of purchasing a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) chambered for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, this is a killer deal. Right now CDNN Sports is offering this popular tactical rig for under $900.00, in the 6mm Creedmoor chambering. This shoots faster and flatter than the 6.5 Creedmoor — so many PRS guys have switched to it. This is a good choice for the PRS production class, or you can take in to another level of performance with a Pre-Fit 26″ cut-rifled barrel from Krieger. This is the lastest RPR Gen 2 version with the upgraded handguards. Heck of a bargain boys — you can pay $1250 or more elsewhere for the same rifle.
6. Brownells — Lyman Case Prep Express, $94.99
We’ve always liked Lyman’s Case Prep Express. It has five powered stations, allowing you to do all important case prep operations: Primer Pocket Cleaning, Primer Pocket Uniforming, Inside Chamfering, Outside Chamfering, Inside Neck Cleaning. The unit is easy to clean, with a removable tray to hold brass shavings. Brownells has the Case Prep Express on sale now for $94.99. Very good price — that’s $24 cheaper than Amazon. Plus Brownells is now offering free shipping with Checkout CODE M7R.
7. MidwayUSA — Norma Match-22 500 Rounds, $39.99
This Norma Match-22 ammunition is good stuff. In many rifles it shoots as well as $8/box products from other makers. But now you can get Match-22 for the equivalent of $4 per 50-ct box when you buy 500 rounds. MidwayUSA is selling a 500-round case (10 boxes) of Norma Match-22 for just $39.99. That works out to just 8 cents per round. Or you can get 1500 rounds (three 500-round cases) plus an ammo can for just $124.99. We think you’ll be happy with this ammo. It is a good choice for tactical cross-training, rimfire silhouette, and fun shooting.
8. Amazon — Top-Rated 43-lb Magnetic Gun Mount, $14.95
This heavy-duty Stamaks Magnet is rated to support a full 43 pounds. That means it can actually hold a shotgun or rifle on a gun cabinet door. For the typical handgun installation, it’s even more secure. An “Amazon Choice”, this magnet has earn 98% Five-Star reviews from customers who say the magnets are powerful and the rubber case is very durable. Actual review: “Really good quality! Magnet is an extremely durable and strong. Easy to install, highly recommended.” Very slim, this is a good choice for stowing a handgun in a vehicle interior or under a counter-top. NOTE: Before placing in a vehicle, review your state’s laws regarding gun transport.
9. Amazon — Howard Leight MAX NRR33 Earplugs, $8.22/50 Pairs
20 Pairs
50 Pairs
These Howard Leight NRR33 Max plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Max plugs in my ears 2-3 days a week. This is a very good price for a bulk pack of 50 pairs. And if you act soon, you can get free shipping to boot.
High-Tech Rimfire Rigs
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