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April 22nd, 2011
As posted in the Calguns.net a while back, there was a nasty out-of-battery firing incident involving a BOHICA Arms .510 DTC AR15 upper. The cause of the out-of-battery firing is not certain but it appears that the ammo was not sized properly and the firing pin may have been stuck in the extended position. As a result, the round went off before the bolt was closed with the lugs seated. In the process, the bolt handle broke off, as the bolt retracted violently, actually ending up outside the bolt raceway.
The shooter was badly injured, with multiple broken bones and ligament damage to his left hand and tissue damage to his right hand. The shooter was holding the rifle with his left hand near the front of the chamber where a gas vent was located. Gas and shrapnel existed the vent hole causing the severe injuries to the left hand.
From range reports, it appears that the shooter had been struggling to chamber previous rounds, and was having trouble closing the bolt. After talking with one of the rangemasters, a poster on AR15.com reported: “The guy was using new reloads that weren’t exactly fitting well into his chamber. [The shooter] was slamming the bolt handle with his palm trying to get the cases to lock in. The guy was also slamming the bolt forward full force from the rearmost position back and forth trying to ram the cases into chamber in an attempt to squeeze the rounds in so the bolt could close. Finally, on one of the attempts … the possibly stuck firing pin rams into the primer and explodes the round when he slams the bolt forward (zero lug engagement hence the KB) and shooter puts himself into a world of hurt.”
Lessons Learned — Don’t Try to Force Oversize Ammo into a Chamber
By all reports, the shooter’s ammo wasn’t fitting his chamber properly. In an effort to force the ammo into the chamber, he worked the bolt with excessive force. That MAY have caused the firing pin to extend or the hammer to fall without the trigger being pulled. One theory is that the trigger system may have been modified, allowing the hammer to fall from the force of slamming the bolt forward. Others have speculated that the firing pin may have failed to retract because the bolt handle was over-torqued — a safety issue listed in the BOHICA manual.
Whatever caused the out-of-battery firing, it appears that improperly-sized ammo (or a poorly-cut chamber) was the root cause of the problems. If you go to a range and find your bolt does not close easily over the ammo — STOP SHOOTING — don’t try to force the issue. Disaster may result. To paraphrase Johnnie Cochran: “If the ammo doesn’t fit, it’s time to quit”.
Photos by Wildcard, originally posted on Calguns.net.
April 17th, 2011
 If you missed this week’s “Shakedown” episode of Top Shot, you can now watch the full episode on the History Channel website. We think this is one of the best Top Shot shows so far, because there is plenty of shooting, with modern guns, over interesting courses of fire — the kind you’d see at a multi-gun match. And the elimination round was a true skills test. This week’s “expert” is none other than Iain Harrison, the Top Shot Champion from Season One. Iain selected four firearms for this week, and they are good ones: Sig p228 (9mm), Browning High Power (9mm), AR15 (5.56×45), and FN-FAL (7.62×51).
 Competitors shoot all four weapons in sequence, off-hand, over a timed course. To add challenge, each shooting station offers an unstable platform — with wood planks that swing, wobble, or bounce. At left you can see the AR15 station — a wood platform suspended by ropes. You’ll be surprised with the performance of some of the favored shooters (including Gunny Zins), and you’ll see why it may be a good thing that the U.S. Military switched from the 7.62 NATO cartridge to the 5.56 round. Most of the shooters had big problems with the heavier-recoiling 7.62×51 “battle rifle” at 100 yards.
CLICK HERE to watch Top Shot “Shakedown” Episode
March 29th, 2011
CDNN Investments recently released its new 2011-1 Catalog. As we’ve come to expect from CDNN, the new catalog is full of deeply-discounted pistols, rifles, shotguns, optics, magazines, gunstocks — plus myriad other gun parts and accessories. CDNN typically buys overstock or obsolete inventory from manufacturers and then resells these items — often at prices way below normal retail. You should download the 2011-1 catalog and see for yourself. Along with the firearm bargains, we found some amazing deals on shooting accessories. Here are a few…
Sllencio Ear Muffs Just $4.69
First, CDNN is offering Silencio EarMuffs for just $4.69 (or $3.99 for 6 units or more). If you help run a gun club or junior shooting program, and you need a large quantity of ear muffs — here’s your opportunity. You can buy a dozen muffs for just $47.88. Stellar deal.
Quality Kydex Holster for $9.99
Next, CDNN offers Uncle Mike’s molded Kydex straight-drop holster for just $9.99. This Editor owns this very same holster and I use it for general range practice and IDPA matches. I really like the straight drop which allows the holster to be used in multiple strong-side positions as well as cross-draw. This holster fit my Glock perfectly (way better than a $95.00 BladeTech holster I used to own). Don’t be fooled by the low price, this is a very good holster, with a better fit to the gun than many $100 holsters. Check the advert for availability for your Glock, Beretta, HK, or S&W M&P. If you can’t find a CDNN sale item to fit, you can normally get these holsters for under $22.00 at gunshops.
Better Grip for Your AR — Just $14.99
One of the first things many AR15 shooters do is replace the standard plastic pistol grip, with something that fills the hand better. One of our favorite replacement grips for AR platform rifles is the MFG Grip from Israel. Much more ergonomic than the standard grip, the MFG was originally developed for Israeli Special Forces. It features a stippled back, finger groove, and an internal storage compartment with trap door. It’s on sale at CDNN for just $14.99.
Hi-Viz 52″ Rifle Case Only $18.99
The last item that caught our eye is a Burnt Orange 52″-long plastic rifle case. This Plano-made gun case is lockable and airline-approved. Why would you want a bright-colored rifle case? Well, at a well-attended match you’ll often see dozens of virtually identical rifle cases. If your case is orange while all the others are black, there’s less chance someone may walk away with your rifle by mistake. And Airport thieves are less-inclined to grab a bright-colored case that is easy to spot at a distance.
CLICK HERE to Download Latest CDNN 2011-1 Catalog (34 meg PDF file).
March 24th, 2011
 The Freedom Group, Inc. (FG) announced that Bushmaster Firearms Int’l production has been moved to the Freedom Group’s Ilion, New York facility, where Remington rifles (and other FG family brand firearms) are crafted. Bushmaster guns were previously built in Bushmaster’s Windham, Maine factory which is slated to close its doors at the end of this month, with a loss of 73 jobs. Freedom Group expects to create 40-50 new positions at the Ilion, New York facility as a result of the relocation.
The Freedom Group is one of the largest firearms manufacturers in the world. Among its product brands are: Remington, Bushmaster, DPMS/Panther Arms, Marlin, H&R, Parker, EOTAC, Mountain Khakis, AAC, and Dakota. A Freedom Group press release states: “The Bushmaster brand and products remain key strategic assets within the Freedom Group portfolio. The manufacturing relocation will have no impact on customers or the existing supply base”. John Trull, the Freedom Group’s Firearms Marketing VP, added: “We are committed to the Bushmaster brand, its core product offerings and bringing innovative new Bushmaster firearms to our customers.”
March 21st, 2011
 The 2011 15th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules is now available. These Rules govern Service Rifle, Service Pistol, and CMP Games shooting events. CLICK HERE to download the complete 2011 CMP Rule Book as a digital PDF file.
Here are highlights of the Rule changes:
NEW Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches
Rules for the new Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match for two-person teams are now available in the 2011 edition of the CMP Competition Rules. This year, Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches will be fired at the Eastern CMP Games on 10 May, the National Matches on 3 August and the Western CMP Games on 18 October. In addition, any CMP-affiliated club that has 300- and 600-yard firing distances on their club range may now apply to conduct a Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match as a CMP-sanctioned competition.
This match is for two-person teams. One team member shoots while the other serves as a spotter. After ten shots at either the 300- or 600-yard distance, the two change roles for another ten shots. Each shooter fires a total of 20 shots and team rankings are based on their 40-shot totals.
All teams are required to use as-issued rifles employed for military sniping purposes in 1953 or earlier. The M1903A4, the M1C, M1D and many foreign military sniper rifles are legal for this match. Rule 6.4.3 includes a Table with a complete list of the permitted rifles, which may be either originals or replica rifles. The Table also lists the allowed original scopes and permitted replica (non-issue) optics such as the Lyman Alaskan, Weaver K2.5 and K4 and Stith-Kollmorgen.
 Service Rifle Rear Sight Inserts, Rule 6.1.2 (3)
The CMP approved two commercial rear sight inserts that serve as visual aids especially for older shooters for use in Service Rifle competitions. The rectangular rear aperture insert produced by ShootingSight LLC and the SR MicroSight produced by Stallings Machine are both now legal for use in CMP-sanctioned Service Rifle matches.
Bullet Button Magazine Locks, Rule 6.2.3 (15)
California residents only are now authorized to use AR-type service rifles equipped with Bullet Button or similar magazine locks that replace the standard magazine catch.
Quad Rails on M16/ARs, Rule 6.2.3 (14)
Service Rifle competitors must use rifles similar to weapons issued to military personnel. Since quad rails are now common on M16s used by military personnel, M16/AR competition rifles will also be allowed to have quad rails. This authorization is limited to the standard 12-inch military quad rail or its commercial equivalent. NOTE: the front sling swivel must still be attached to the front of the hand guard.
Repaired Stocks, Rule 6.3.1 (11)
Shooters of As-Issued Military Rifles frequently have to deal with cracked or broken stocks. Under previous rules no glue, epoxy or synthetic substances could be used anywhere in the stock due to concerns over the use of epoxy or fiberglass for bedding. This restriction has now been modified so that shooters can use “epoxies or other chemical adhesives” to repair cracked or broken stocks as long as this material is not used to bed the action or barrel.
How to Get 2011 CMP Rulebook
Download the new CMP Rulebook at http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.pdf. You can also order printed copies ($3.00 each) from the CMP E-Store or contact: CMP Competitions Department, P.O. Box 576, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452, phone (419) 635-2141, ext. 1122.
March 5th, 2011
 Winchester recently issued an important product safety notice, recalling certain lots of Winchester 64gr Power-Point .223 Rem ammo. According to The Firearm Blog, “catastrophic failures destroyed a number of law enforcement AR15 type rifles.” That Blog cited LEO agency notices describing guns that suffered cracked uppers and bowed lowers after firing Winchester’s 64gr Power-Point .223 Rem ammo. Rifles built by three different manufacturers (Colt, Bushmaster, and Stag Arms), all sustained similar damage. Below is Winchester’s Recall Notice dated 3/1/2011:
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PRODUCT WARNING AND RECALL NOTICE
WINCHESTER® RANGER® LAW ENFORCEMENT 223 Remington 64 Grain Power-Point®
Olin Corporation, through its Winchester Division, is recalling six (6) lots of its RANGER® 223 Remington 64 Grain Power-Point® (PP) centerfire rifle ammunition (Symbol Number RA223R2).
Lot Numbers (last four characters): DK01, DK11, DK21, DK31, DK41, and DK51
Through extensive evaluation Winchester has determined the above lots of RANGER® Law Enforcement ammunition may contain incorrect propellant. Incorrect propellant in this ammunition may cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable, and subject the shooter or bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury when fired.
 DO NOT USE WINCHESTER® RANGER® 223 REMINGTON 64 GRAIN POWER-POINT® AMMUNITION THAT HAS A LOT NUMBER ENDING IN DK01, DK11, DK21, DK31, DK41 or DK51. The ammunition Lot Number is ink stamped inside the right tuck flap of the 20-round carton, as indicated here:
To determine if your ammunition is subject to this notice, review the Lot Number. If the last four characters of the Lot Number are DK01, DK11, DK21, DK31, DK41 or DK51 immediately discontinue use and contact Winchester toll-free at 866-423-5224 to arrange for replacement ammunition and free UPS pick-up of the recalled ammunition.
This notice applies only to RANGER® 223 Remington 64 Grain Power-Point® centerfire rifle ammunition with lot numbers ending in DK01, DK11, DK21, DK31, DK41, and DK51. Other Symbol Numbers or Lot Numbers are not subject to this recall.
If you have any questions concerning this RANGER® Law Enforcement ammunition recall please call toll-free 866-423-5224, write to Winchester (600 Powder Mill Road, East Alton, IL 62024 Attn: RA223R2 Recall), or visit our website at www.winchester.com.
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March 2nd, 2011
A new NRA rule now permits shooters with scope-equipped M1, M1A, and AR-platform rifles to compete in Service Rifle matches at the National Championships. As of January 1, 2011, under NRA Rule 3.1(f), as amended, scoped service rifles are allowed: “Same as Service Rifle Rule 3.1 (a) through (d) except there is no restriction as to sights”. This gives you a chance to compete with your AR or M1A in the largest rifle match in America, even if you don’t shoot iron sights. Scoped service rifles, presumably, will be scored in a separate classification. We have learned that the scoped ARs will be placed in a subcategory for Tactical Match Rifles with Optics.
Starting this year at the High Power Rifle Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio, Service Rifle competitors who wish to use optical sights can now compete in a Special Award Category within Match 401. For those using an AR platform rifle, you’ll be part of the Tactical Match Rifle with Optical Sights Special Awards Category within Match 402.
“Our hope is to get more people out to local ranges and the National Championships with their scope-equipped ARs”, said Competitive Shooting Division Director Mike Krei. “More than two million AR platforms have been sold and we would like to see these gun owners come out and compete.” It is unclear how this rule change will affect local or regional High Power matches. Some folks have suggested that most local High Power Service Rifle matches will still be limited to iron-sights rifles unless the course of fire expressly allows for optical sights.
Story based on report by Lars Dalseide, Courtesy the NRA Blog.
February 10th, 2011
 The New Gene Clark A2 Upper Receiver
Here is your chance to own an AR15 A2 upper receiver hand-built by the man who has crafted more championship service rifles than any other armorer in history. For the past 25 years Gene Clark has been building rifles for the USA’s dominant military shooting team. His AR rifles have been used to set nearly every current national Service Rifle record. Creedmoor Sports has commissioned Gene to build a limited number of .223 Rem upper receivers, no more than fifteen per month. The first units are due to arrive 2/28/2011.
CLICK HERE to Pre-Order Gene Clark A2 Upper.
Dennis Demille of Creedmoor Sports tells us: “Each receiver will be built to Gene Clark’s stringent specs. Barrels will be chambered using a long-throat reamer designed by Gene himself and currently being used by every member of his team. This improves the accuracy of the heavier 80gr bullets without any negative effect on the lighter bullets.” Only the best components will be used in the Gene Clark uppers:
- Bushmaster upper receiver
- Free Floated barrel/hand guards
- Krieger 1-7.7″ twist barrel w/flash suppressor
- Double-pinned ¼ x ¼ minute rear sight
- 72 t.p.i. windage screw giving you 10 clicks per revolution windage
- Armalite clamp-style front sight
- .062″ ramped front sight post with jam screw under post
Dennis adds: “The Clark-built A2 Uppers, Item# GC-A2, will be priced at $1,215.00, and sold exclusively through Creedmoor Sports. If you’re unfamiliar with the name Gene Clark give us a call at 800-273-3366 and ask for Dennis DeMille. Without approval (pending), there are things in his resume we are not allowed to mention in print. Call to reserve yours now.”
January 18th, 2011
 During Media Day we kept our eyes out for new multi-gun gear, since 3-Gun Competition is becoming so popular. At the Surefire booth we ran into 3-Gun Ace Barry Dueck (pronouned “Duke”). Barry demonstrated the side-mounted iron sights he produces for AR-type carbines (actually these sights can work on any rifle that has suitable rails).
Running a combination of a magnified, 1-5X Leupold on top with iron sight mouted at a 45-degree angle on the sides, Dueck can rapidly transition from optics to irons. The top scope works great for longer shots, but Dueck finds he can engage close targets more quickly (and accurately) with the iron sights. While some other 3-gunners run a magnified optic on top and a red dot sight on the side, the use of two (2) glass optics puts a 3-gun competitor in a different division. Dueck’s Rapid Transition Sight (RTS) System, allows him to compete in the single-optics classes. The side-mounted irons are also more foolproof than any electronic sight, as Dueck explains in the video below.
December 7th, 2010
 Geissele triggers are highly regarded by high power and service rifle AR shooters. Now there is a new line of moderately-priced Geissele triggers, sold exclusively by MidwayUSA. Geissele will produce three types of Super-Dynamic triggers for MidwayUSA: Combat, Enhanced, and 3-Gun. These will all boast tool steel hammers and precise, Wire-EDM-cut sear surfaces. The 3-Gun model has a special “short reset” feature to allow quicker shot strings in competition. Unless you’re “running and gunning”, however, you’ll probably prefer the “Enhanced trigger”, which features a 2.2-lb first stage, a 1.2-lb second stage and crisper break.
 Geissele’s Super-Dynamic triggers feature a straight vertical trigger bow, preferred by many competitors. Geissele claims its HI-SPEED hammer cuts lock time by 50% compared to standard AR hammers.
The Combat Trigger features a 2.5 to 3-lb first stage and a 2-lb second stage. Normal price: $209.99.
The Enhanced Trigger has a 2.2-lb first stage, a 1.2-lb second stage and crisper break. Normal price: $224.99.
The 3-Gun Trigger was designed with input from competitive multi-gun shooters and features a “hybrid” 3.5-lb pull and shorter reset for rapid target engagement. Normal Price: $234.99.
ON SALE Through December 31, 2010
These three Geissele triggers are all marked down this month. The Combat trigger is reduced $21.00 to $188.99. The Enhanced trigger is discounted $25.00 to $199.99, and the 3-Gun trigger is marked down $25.00 to $209.99.
Disclosure: MidwayUSA has been a long-term advertiser with this site.
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