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August 25th, 2009
As if there isn’t enough coverage given to AR-platform rifles already, Grand View Media Group announced it will roll out an AR-specific digital magazine later this year. The new AR Guns & Hunting “E-Zine” covers “gear and tactics” for AR sporting and hunting applications. Its creators intend AR Guns & Hunting to be much more than a conventional print mag re-packaged for the web. According to Grand View, AR Guns & Hunting will provide interactive content and a true “multimedia experience”. You’ll also find gear reviews, tactical news, and first-person hunting accounts.
For those interested in this new web resource for AR platform shooters, AR Guns & Hunting is currently offering FREE digital subscriptions. Just supply a valid email address to get access to the content. Grand View Media plans to distribute the first editions via direct email to subscribers. (Hmmm, you may want to check the privacy policy before you sign up.)
Editor: While we applaud any effort to expand the information available to shooters, we’ll withhold judgment until AR Guns & Hunting actually launches. It may be more flash than substance, created mostly to exploit the current market craze for black rifles and accessories. We also are not big fans of “digital edition” formatting — where you flip pages as with a paper magazine. It seems cool at first but then you realize the pages are slow to load, and you don’t have the flexibility of a “normal” web page with vertical scrolling, outbound web-links, and Google searchability.
The web is truly a different medium than print. Forcing readers into a “print magazine experience” is a bit like taking the wings off an airplane so passengers can experience bus travel.
August 10th, 2009
 Respected shooting sports journalist Jim Shepherd and Gun Talk Radio host Tom Gresham have teamed up to produce a new show, Guns & Gear, for the Versus Country cable network. Guns & Gear premieres Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 3:00 pm Eastern time on Versus. The first episode, which focuses on hunting with AR-platform rifles, will feature new products from from Kimber, Nosler, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson and Olympic Arms.
Every Guns & Gear episode will cover interesting and innovative new shooting products, showcased via range sessions and real-world field tests, combined with in-studio interviews with product engineers. Celebrity host Tom Gresham promises to deliver the “inside scoop” on the latest and most interesting gear for target shooters and hunters.
July 29th, 2009
 Here at AccurateShooter.com, we have promoted the “20 Practical”, a great little cartridge created by simply necking down the .223 Remington to 20 caliber. Popularized for bolt guns by Warren B (aka “Fireball”), the 20 Practical is also an excellent choice for an AR-platform varmint rifle. It offers better ballistics than a .223 Rem, with less recoil, and more velocity. Plus the 20 Practical, by all indications, appears to be an inherently accurate cartridge that “wants to shoot”. Our own AR ‘Ultimate Varminter’ project rifle, developed with Robert Whitley, was chambered as a 20 Practical. That gun shot “lights out”, demonstrating how well the little cartridge works.
Forum member ‘Dennis in VA’ recently put together his own 20 Practical AR with all-premium components. Dennis took his impressive new gun to the range yesterday, and it looks to be a tack-driver. Check out the target below, shot with Sierra 39gr BlitzKing bullets. That’s three shots in 0.375″ edge-to-edge, at 100 yards. (NOTE: regarding this H335 load, we advise to start 10% low and work up.)
Dennis got his upper from Whitley’s AR-X Enterprises. It features a heavy billet upper receiver (with side charging handle), fitted with a 24″ PacNor SS Super Match 11-twist barrel. Mounted to the upper is a +20 MOA, GS-1 Scope Rail from GG&G. Riding on top is a Nightforce 5.5-22X50 NP-R1 scope in Nightforce ultra-light rings.
The lower is equally exotic. Machined from billet by American Precision Arms, it is fitted with with a RRA LPK and a Geissele trigger. The tan, adjustable stock is a Magpul PRS model (Gen II). An Ergogrip tactical deluxe Suregrip completes the build. Dennis in VA has put together a very nice set-up to say the least. And it definitely shoots.
To learn more about the 20 Practical cartridge for AR rifles, visit Robert Whitley’s 20 Practical Webpage. There you’ll find load data, info on dies and reloading, plus advice on hardware and barrel selection. Robert also has a video showing how to form 20 Practical brass.
June 9th, 2009
Capitalizing on the strong consumer interest in AR15-style rifles, Remington Arms recently introduced its 597-VTR, a semi-automatic 22LR with AR-style ergonomics. Inside the matte black, slab-sided “upper” is the venerable Remington 597 receiver, updated with a nickel-Teflon® plated bolt, hammer and sear. On the outside, the 597-VTR features a AR-15 pistol grip, and AR collapsible stock, and a round AR-style float tube/handguard. On top of the receiver is a 1913 Picatinny-spec scope rail. Street price for the new rifle is about $450.00, complete with compact 10-round magazine. A standard Remington 597, without the tactical goodies and black paint, costs under $200.00.
Good for 3-Gun Cross-Training and Tactical Rimfire
While we snicker a bit at an older rimfire design tarted up in new tactical clothing, the 597-VTR makes sense for some users. Three-gun competitors should like this rifle. Most multi-gun match shooters use ARs for the rifle stages. With the 597-VTR, they can cross-train using inexpensive 22LR ammo, while maintaining the same basic ergonomics. For 3-gun shooters, who engage targets from a wide variety of shooting positions (often behind barriers), the collapsible stock has utility. It will allow the shooter to make his rifle more compact when practicing CQB or house-clearing stages.
With mods, the 597-VTR should also work well for the tactical rimfire discipline. The Picatinny rail makes it easy to swap over good optics from your centerfire gun. The tubular forearm should provide a strong mount for a bipod. However, for the tactical rimfire game, which is shot mostly prone, we don’t like the collapsible stock at all. Junk it. The LOP is too short, the bottom of the stock is terrible with sandbags, and the cheek weld is wrong. Tactical rimfire shooters would be wise to replace the collapsible stock with an upgraded design with longer length of pull and a proper cheekpiece. (The 597-VTR will accept most AR15 stocks). And, in reality, with a bedding job, a basic 597 in a laminated stock (see below) would probably work just as well.
May 18th, 2009
Ruger has jumped on the “black rifle” bandwagon. One of the more popular (and unexpected) product releases at the 2009 NRA Annual Meeting was yet another AR15-style rifle, Ruger’s new $2000.00 SR-556 carbine with gas-piston upper. For tactical applications the gas piston design is a good idea. It keeps vented gases away from the bolt/bolt carrier assembly, allowing the gun to run MUCH cleaner and cooler. This is something the U.S. military should have adopted 40 years ago, and in fact, the father of the M16, Gene Stoner, employed a gas piston on his Stoner 63 back in the ’60s. More recently Heckler & Koch (and other smaller companies) have developed gas-piston uppers for the AR platform. Ruger’s new SR-556 represents the first time a major American gun-maker has offered a complete AR-style rifle with the gas-piston technology.
CLICK HERE to watch Ruger SR-556 Video.
The Ruger SR-556 does offer some nice components, including a full-length Picatinny-style rail on top, folding Troy Industry battlesights, and a comfortable Hogue pistol grip. However the SR-556 still uses the common six-position adjustable AR stock, something we consider a poor design (the cheek weld is too low for use with scopes and the stock’s underside has many projections that can hang up on slings and gear). Doubtless Ruger will sell many SR-556 rifles to a market starved for AR-style inventory, but we wish Ruger had gone a step farther in design evolution and done more than just slap a piston upper and rails on a 40-year old design. We also wonder if many buyers will be deterred by the SR-556’s hefty $1995.00 (MSRP) price-tag.
CLICK HERE for Ruger SR-556 Spec Sheet (.pdf file).
April 19th, 2009
BR Armament Technologies (B.R.A.T.) of Saluda, VA is currently producing AR uppers chambered for the 6BR and 6BRX cartridges. Unlike some other previous AR conversions for the 6BR cartridge, the BR15 uppers produced by B.R.A.T. do not merely use a .223-sized bolt opened up to fit the .308-sized rim of the 6BR case. Instead B.R.A.T. employs a different bolt design that is bigger, and significantly stronger in the lug area. Shown below is a .223-sized bolt (left) and a BR15 bolt from B.R.A.T. on the right.
The B.R.A.T. BR15 upper receiver has been specifically designed to use the 6BR family of cartridges. It has a larger bolt, modified bolt carrier, modified upper receiver, larger barrel extension, and most importantly an all-new magazine designed specifically to handle the BR class of cartridges. All other parts are standard AR15. The folks at B.R.A.T. have developed their own magazines. These are 5-round center-feed dual column magazines that work with the 6BR, 6BR-derived cases (like 22 BR), and the 6BRX. Since the round feeds from the center, the mags can also be used for single-feeding.
B.R.A.T. is operated by two long-time competition shooters, both High Power High Masters, both Distinguished Riflemen, and both former captains of the U.S. Air Force Shooting team. President Eric Bellows has placed in the top 10 in the NTI and Presidents matches many times. Eric is former VT State Champion. Bill Walter, Chief Development Engineer, is former FL State Champion, Eliah Root team member, and is current military Palma Match record holder.
NOTE: We have not used or tested a B.R.A.T. upper or magazine. We are just passing on this information at the request of readers. You will find more product specs, and comparitive ballistics, on the B.R.A.T. website. Currently BRAT-15 uppers retail for $1390 with a Douglas barrel or $1550 with a Krieger barrel, chambered either as 6BR or as 6BRX. For another $100, B.R.A.T. offers uppers chambered in 22 BR, 6.5 BR, or 7mm BR. For more info, email 6BRrifles [at] bratrifles.com, or call (804) 824-7248.
B.R.A.T. 6BRX Upper Receiver with 28″ barrel and RPA Tall Boy sight
April 15th, 2009
With the new AR15 combo tool from American Tactical Imports, you can pretty much take apart an entire AR15 rifle. This all-purpose tool can be used for installing and removing buttstocks, free float tubes, barrel extension tubes, and handguards. It will work with both standard stocks and M4-style stocks. The tool also fits CAR stocks with 3 point castle nut and locking rings.
American Tactical Imports’ AR15 Combo Tool is seven tools in one. In addition to the uses already mentioned, the tool can be used to align barrel nuts to the gas tube. It has a wrench for muzzle brakes (compensators), plus it has a ½-inch drive for socket and torque wrenches.The ATI AR15 combo tool features a matte black, corrosion-resistent, hard-coat finish. Suggested retail price for the tool is $39.95, and that includes a limited lifetime warranty from ATI. With its versatility, we think this tool could be invaluable for owners of AR15s or AR-based “space-guns”.
April 8th, 2009
 On today’s broadcast of ShootingUSA television, Jim Scoutten and his crew feature a recent Three-gun Challenge Match at Fort Benning, Georgia. In this event, hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), both Army and civilian shooters compete with pistol, rifle, and shotguns in a multi-stage, timed course of fire. ShootingUSA airs Wednesdays on the Outdoor Channel at the following times:
* Eastern Time: 4:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 12:00 Midnight
* Central Time: 3:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 11:00 PM
* Mountain Time: 2:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 10:00 PM
* Pacific Time: 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 9:00 PM
Stages Re-Create Medal of Honor Scenarios
Each of the eight stages in the three-gun match recalls the actions of a Medal of Honor recipient with portions of each citation read to the competitors as the explanation of the course of fire. This annual three-gun match helps advance the Army Marksmanship Unit’s mission of improving skills throughout the Army, according to AMU Commander, LTC Frank Muggio, “This type of competition is exactly what we want our soldiers to be able to do in the field. They identify a target, they choose the right weapon system to engage the target, and they take out the target, and not anything around the target.”
The video clip below (not from ShootingUSA) shows Erik Lund’s Stage 5-winning performance at the 2008 Fort Benning 3-Gun Challenge.
March 11th, 2009
Creedmoor Sports has introduced a new Air Rifle that mates an Olympic-quality Anschütz 8000-series barreled action (and trigger) with authentic AR15-style stock, chassis, and sights. The new system, dubbed the “AiR-15™”, is designed to allow Service Rifle and High Power competitors to cross-train with a precision air rifle system between matches and during the off-season. Although the rifle is supplied with a mock magazine (for correct off-hand ergonomics), the gun is a single-shot, using manual-fed 0.177 pellets. The AiR-15 combines an Anschutz 8001 junior barreled action with the patent-pending Creedmoor AiR stock kit. The stock kit includes the receiver sleeve, fore-end (with sling swivel, air cylinder, alignment hanger), butt stock, carry handle with National Match rear sight (1/4 min), and a National Match front sight.
Dennis DeMille, past Camp Perry Champion and Creedmoor Sports General Manager, has worked hard to develop the AiR-15 system. He has shot the prototype and he believes it is an ideal training platform for Service Rifle Shooters. Dennis tells us: “Look, you can shoot this in your basement in the dead of winter. The ergonomics are identical to the AR15. The sights, front and rear, are in exactly the same position. And by using Anschütz 8001 barreled actions and triggers, the system offers superb accuracy. The AR Air Rifle will deliver one-pellet-hole accuracy at 10 meters. I’ve visited the Anschütz factory. Every one of these barreled actions is tested and they all come with test targets verifying their accuracy.”
 Price and Availability
Creedmoor’s new AiR-15 air rifle should be available as a complete rifle by early summer 2009. The retail price for a complete AiR-15 will be US $1850.00. Though delivery will take a few months, Creedmoor is taking orders right now for the first production run.
There will also be a kit for shooters who already own an Anschütz 8000-series air rifle. The kit will include the full AR-style stock and chassis, including handguard, sights, receiver assembly, and buttstock. The price of the kit will depend on production costs and projected sales demand, but Demille hopes to deliver the kits for under $800.00. With the kit, you can simply “drop-in” your 8000-series barreled action.
AiR-15 to Be Used in New CMP Air Rifle National Match Program
For 2009, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has developed a new National Match Air Rifle discipline consisting of High Power-style matches shot at reduced distances with air rifles. At CMP National Match Air Rifle tournaments, you can use sporter, precision or AR-type air rifles to shoot in 10-meter standing and three-position (prone, sitting and standing) courses of fire that simulate outdoor High Power rifle shooting (but with reduced-sized targets). A test match for this new Air Rifle National Match Series will be held this Saturday, March 14th, in Anniston, Alabama. There will be a 20-shot standing event as well as a 60-shot prone + sitting + standing event.
CLICK HERE for CMP National Match Air Rifle Information Brochure.
Challenging Even at 10 Meters
While Dennis DeMille believes the AiR-15 will be ideal for introducing new shooters into rifle competition, he wanted to stress that shooting the AiR-15, even at 10 meters, can help even the best High Power shooters improve their scores. Dennis explained: “While this air rifle is capable of one-hole accuracy (at 10m), it is also very unforgiving of flaws in form or hold. Because the pellets are moving so slowly (about 575 ft/sec.), any mistake will move you out in the scoring ring. This air rifle will help you develop perfect trigger control, perfect follow-through, and perfect natural point of aim. Trust me — you can’t BS any part of your hold with an air rifle. I know if you train with an air rifle in the off season, your centerfire scores will improve.”
Creedmoor May Sponsor Winter Indoor ‘Air AR’ matches
If air-powered versions of the AR15 Service Rifle prove popular, Creedmoor Sports is considering sponsoring off-season matches at different locations across the country. These would feature reduced 10m targets that exactly duplicate the sight picture of NRA Across-the-Course targets at 200, 300, and 600 yards.
For more information, visit CreedmoorSports.com or call 1-800-CREEDMOOR.
January 21st, 2009
Widespread concern over the possibility that the Obama administration will push for new, restrictive gun laws has spurred sales of all types of firearms, with self-loading, military-style rifles leading the way. The “Obama effect” has created huge demand for ‘black rifles’ of all variety. Recognizing this, Brownells has created a new website, AR15builder.com, to help buyers purchase a AR with components customized to the buyers’ individual needs. Using state-of-the-art “drag and drop” web technology, a black rifle buyer can chose from a wide variety of components (stocks, uppers, barrels, handguards, optics etc.), and see the gun, as assembled, right on the web page. As one selects among AR components, the website even provides running total of the cost of the components.
Mix and Match Components for Your Custom Build
Announced at SHOT 2009, AR15builder.com combines almost 600 images of external AR-15 parts and accessories so you can mix and match parts to see exactly what your own, custom AR can look like with your selected parts installed. The screenshot below, showing a “precision varminter” with adjustable stock and 24″ barrel, was created using parts from Brownell’s inventory.
The website allows you to preview the many options available for the AR platfrom, so you can “mix and match” scores of products in Brownells’ catalog. Color variations are shown as well. So, if you want to see a black receiver with a tan handguard and green buttstock, AR15builder.com will show you. If you want to change any component, just go back to the parts menus and drag the new selection to the center of the page. As you change components, the prices automatically change in real time.
With endless combinations, it’s easy to create the unique look you want, in the price range that suits your budget. You can also select complete uppers and lowers. Purchase items directly from AR15builder.com, Brownells.com, or call 800-741-0015 and mention code PER.
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