Creedmoor Sports now sells authentic Springfield 1903 A3 and A4 rifles that have been re-stocked, re-barreled, and refinished by by Curt Wolfe at Rockridge Machine Works. If you have been interested in acquiring one of these rifles for use in Vintage Military Rifle matches, here’s some good news. As of April 2, 2012, the Rock Ridge Springfield 1903-A3 and A4 are now both recognized as Curios and Relics. This means that anyone possessing a valid 03 FFL (Curio and Relics Federal Firearms License) are now eligible to have these particular rifles shipped directly to them. (However, please check with local laws to see if other restrictions may apply — such as waiting periods and storage restrictions). The A3 variants start at $875.00 while the 1903 A4 “Sniper” model sells for $1135. The Rock Ridge A3s and A4s both feature turned-down GI Bolts, and NEW 1:10″ twist .30-06 original contour barrels.
The C&R status of the Rock Ridge 1903 A3/A4 has been confirmed by an April 2, 2012 letter issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). CLICK HERE to read ATF Letter.
Dennis DeMille, G.M. of Creedmoor Sports, reports: “These rifles are NICE! Issue condition nice. Much nicer than the one I set a National Record with.” The A4s feature original Remington actions with turned-down GI bolt, fitted to new 4 groove, 1:10″ twist barrels chambered in .30-06. All fire-control parts are original GI. The A4s come with walnut-stained reproduction “C” stock, Malcolm reproduction of original Weaver 330C (M73B1) scope, original GI buttplate, and repro GI military leather sling. The A3s have original Smith Corona M1903 actions, and click-adjustable iron sights. NOTE: Both the A3s and A4s use intact receivers, NOT re-welded decommissioned versions.
Creedmoor Sports recently released its new 2012 catalog — with 2011 NRA High Power Champion Carl Bernosky on the cover. Last year Carl won his NINTH National High Power Championship*. There is both a traditional print version of the new Creedmoor catalog, as well as a new digital version online. In the online digital catalog, you can flip the pages just like a real catalog, view page thumbnails, and easily print out catalog pages for future reference.
In the new Creedmoor Catalog, we found some cool products you guys may not have seen before. Of course this is just a small sample of the thousands of items in the current catalog.
Malcolm Hi-Lux M73G2 Rifle Scope
Item HL-M73G21, $399.95
Modern repro vintage-style scope ideal for Vintage Sniper Rifle Matches. If you shoot a 1903 Springfield or old Mauser in the sniper matches this is just what you need. Fine cross-hair reticle with multi-coated lenses. The M73G2 features internal 1/2-MOA per click elevation and windage adjustment, with 60 clicks (30 MOA) per full turn. Total adjustment for both Elevation and Windage is 50 MOA each, i.e, 25 MOA up and down and 25 MOA left and right from the reticle’s centered position.
Blank Eyepiece
Item C1038, $6.95
This semi-opaque eye-shield clips on your shooting eyewear on either right or left side. This allows you to shoot with both eyes open, reducing eyestrain and fatigue. For cross-dominant shooters who don’t want to hold their rifle or pistol with their weak-side hand, this device can be very helpful.
Holland’s Scope Level
Item HOL-LEVEL, $49.95
There are many leveling devices on the market, but we think this is one of the best designs yet (when mounted properly). The T-6 aluminum alloy level fits on your scope tube, with the bubble level set to the side for easy viewing when in firing position. The unit, offered in 1 inch, 30mm, and 34mm sizes, can be flipped so you can place the bubble on either the right side or left side. This unit is easier to see with your left eye than levels mounting in the center of the scope.
The Score Keeper and Pit Puller (by Jim Owens)
Item JOSKPP, $11.95 (Book on CD/DVD)
Can you explain the 11 Hit Rule, the Excessive Hits Rule, the Insufficient Hits Rule, and what to do for a withdrawn target? If not, and you compete in High Power matches, you need this DVD. This useful resource can help match directors and score keepers, and it is an effective training tool for new pit workers. The DVD features over 300 color slides and shows scoring situations from both the Pit Puller’s POV and the Score Keeper’s POV.
Anschütz Shaker Pellet Box
Item AHG-1001, $19.95
With this handy item airgun shooters can sort, count and arrange pellets. This is the best set-up for holding 100 match pellets in rows, and protected from damage. (It’s easy to ding the tails of pellets, which can really harm accuracy.) To quickly fill the box, just pour some pellets into the box, press down on the side tabs, and shake gently back and forth. If you sort pellets by weight (or other criteria), you can also place the pellets individually.
*Bernosky has won the High Power Championship in 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1992, 2000, 2007, 2008, and 2011. *In 1981 Carl won the Match Rifle division, but D.I. Boyd, a Service Rifle shooter, had the highest overall Aggregate.
Creedmoor Sports has knocked ten bucks off the price of the Windtronic 2 Windmeter. For three days only (Feb. 17-19), the Windtronic 2 is ON SALE at Creedmoor Sports, for $89.00. Most every other source sells the Windtronic 2 for $99.00 or more.
Windtronic 2 Reads Wind from Any Angle
This unique product reads wind speed from any angle, because the impeller spins on a vertical axis (like a helicopter’s main rotor). By contrast, with most other windmeters you need to manually align the device in the correct direction. Those devices may deliver mis-reads unless you can manually turn the meter. However, with the Windtronic 2 you can “set and forget” — mount the device on a pole or tripod near your shooting station with the screen in view, and it’s good to go, no matter which way the wind blows. The Windtronic’s LCD display shows current wind speed, average wind speed, maximum wind speed and a Beaufort bar graph. A standard lithium battery should supply YEARS of service. Made in Germany by Kaindl Electronics, the Windtronic 2 comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The Windtronic 2 features rotating cups mounted on a vertical axis. With this design you don’t have to align the unit with the wind, unlike the Kestrel WindMeter or SpeedTech WindMate™ devices. Many users feel the Windtronic’s unique design allows it to read wind speeds more accurately; it certainly can respond to shifting winds more easily. The omni-directional functionality of the Windtronic 2 allows it to be mounted on a stand or tripod and continuously display current wind speed, max wind speed, and average velocity. The Windtronic 2 does NOT gauge temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, or density altitude. The Windtronic only records wind speeds, but it does that task exceptionally well.
At SHOT Show, Creedmoor Sports’ General Manager, Dennis DeMille, spotted something that he thought would be a big hit with his customers — new builds of Springfield 1903-A3s and 1903-A4s using Remington or Smith Corona receivers with parkerized finishes. These rifles are built by Curt Wolfe at Rockridge Machine Works in Pennsylvania. DeMille learned about these rifles from Hornady’s Dave Emary, who gave Curt’s work at Rock Ridge a strong endorsement.
Dennis reports: “These rifles are NICE! Issue condition nice. Much nicer than the one I set a National Record with.” The A4s feature original Remington actions with turned-down GI bolt, fitted to new 30-06 4 groove, 1:10″ twist barrels chambered in .30-06. All fire-control parts are original GI. The A4s come with walnut-stained reproduction “C” stock, Malcolm reproduction of original Weaver 330C (M73B1) scope, original GI buttplate, and repro GI military leather sling. The A3s have original Smith Corona M1903 actions, click-adjustable iron sights, and will be available in both “Scant C” stocks and straight stocks. NOTE: Both the A3s and A4s use intact receivers, NOT re-welded decommissioned versions.
1903s Should Be Avaialble in Mid-February
Vintage military rifle shooters should find these rifles affordable. Dennis says: “We’ll be selling the A4s for $1,075.00, while the A3s will sell for $875.00. We should have some of all models in stock within a few weeks.” CLICK HERE for more info on Creedmoor’s new 1903-A3 or 1903-A4 rifles. Creedmoor Sports expects its first shipment from Rockridge in mid-February.
As part of its Holiday Sale Promotion, right now Creedmoor Sports is offering a big discount on its famous Hardback shooting coats. You can save $50.00 on all three models of the Hardback: Heavy Cordura Nylon, Heavy Cordura Nylon with Leather Sleeves, and the All-Leather Traditional Hardback. CLICK HERE to visit Creedmoor Sports’ webstore. There you’ll also find many other Holiday Sale Items.
Creedmoor Sports and the M1 for Vets organization are working together on a program that helps armed services veterans get involved in the shooting sports. The M1 for Vets Project helps veterans attend High Power shooting events such as the Creedmoor Cup and the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.
The M1 For Vets Project is not affiliated with the CMP, NRA or any large firearms organization. It’s a small, grassroots group of shooters and collectors that want to show their appreciation and respect for our young men and women who have served our Nation. Almost all M1 recipients have been combat-wounded and want to continue to use the marksmanship skills they have acquired.
Project founders explain: “Our mission is to help our returning wounded warriors get back on the line and win. We accept donated M1s and refurbish them. We then provide the rifles, logistics support and specialized training necessary for disabled veterans to compete in national matches. The rifle, ‘beans and bullets’, the training and esprit de corps is what we provide.”
Over $9000.00 Raised This Year
After a successful event at this year’s Western Creedmoor Cup, Creedmoor Sports announced that — with your donations — it has helped raise over $9000 this year. You can donate through the Creedmoor Sports website using this link: M1 For Vets Donations.
Here’s a helpful three-day promotion that can save you $10-$20 (or more) on your next purchase of shooting gear and accessories. Starting today (Friday), for three days (October 14, 15, and 16), Creedmoor Sports is offering Free Shipping on all orders valued at $50.00 or more. This free shipping offer is limited to ground shipping in the Lower 48 States. To qualify for Free Shipping, use Coupon Code OCTSHIP11 during “check-out” in Creedmoor Sports’ Online Store.
Right now, for a limited time, Creedmoor Sports has a very attractive offer on Nightforce scopes. Order any Nightforce NXS or Benchrest model scope and you’ll receive a $75.00 Creedmoor Sports gift certificate redeemable on any non-Nightforce items. This offer is an exclusive from Creedmoor Sports.
Current Nightforce Scope Pricing at Creedmoor Sports
#NXS-C102 Benchrest 12-42×56 with Mil-Dot Reticle: $1359.00
#NXS-C104 Benchrest 12-42×56 with NP – R2 Reticle: $1359.00
#NXS-C107 Benchrest 12-42×56 with NP-2DD Reticle: $1359.00
#NXS-C133 NXS model 3.5-15×50 with NP-R1 Reticle: $1711.00
#NXS-C197 NXS model 5.5-22×50 with NP-R1 Reticle: $1681.00
#NXS-C230 NXS model 5.5-22×56 with NP-R1 Reticle: $1681.00
For its web customers, Creedmoor Sports is running a sale on Sierra Bullets and select Lapua cartridge brass. You can get 5% off a big 500-count box of Sierra Bullets, and save 10% on Lapua .260 Rem or .338 Lapua Magnum brass. Discounts are good through 11:59 pm, Sunday, August 28, 2011.
Sierra Bullets, 500-ct Box (Any Caliber)
Save 5% with Coupon Code BULLET 2011
Lapua Brass — Weekend Special through 8/28/2011
.260 Rem Brass, $87.95 — marked down from $96.95
.338 Lapua Mag Brass, $229.95 — marked down from $254.95
Dennis DeMille, Gen. Manager of Creedmoor Sports, fired a rare 100-4X in the standing stage of the 2011 Springfield Rifle Match, winning the event and setting a new record in the process. DeMille’s 297-8X Aggregate score broke the previous record of 295-6X set by Douglas Armstrong last year. DeMille fired a 98-2X in slow-fire prone, and a 99-2X rapid-fire prone. DeMille then capped his record-setting match with his remarkable 100-4X in the final offhand stage. MSG Julia Watson, USMC, the only female competitor, placed second with a 293-4X Aggregate.
DeMille is Former National High Power Champion
A former U.S. Marine Rifle Team member, Dennis is no stranger to the podium at Camp Perry. Dennis won the NRA Nat’l High Power Championship in 2005 and the Service Rifle National Championship in 2003. This year Dennis proved this year that he still has what it takes. Congratulations to Dennis — Well done! After Dennis returned from Camp Perry, we asked him some questions about his 1903 Springfield rifle and his performance.
Interview with Dennis DeMille
Q: How does it feel to win an elite competition at age 46 compared to your other championships earlier in your career?
Dennis: Notwithstanding my freakish friend Carl Bernosky, as you get older, for a variety of reasons, winning becomes a little bit harder — in my case it’s poor vision. So of course each victory tastes a little sweeter and nothing is taken for granted.
Q: What were conditions like at the match this year?
Dennis: We had beautiful conditions that day — just a little warm.
Q. What ammo were you using?
Dennis: Hornady 168 grain .30-06, as issued at the Match.
Q: Was anything special done to accurize your rifle?
Dennis: No. This was the first match for this stock though. I think that might be why I shot two 9s in prone slow fire — it was still settling in. Nothing has been done to any part of the rifle to make it more accurate. The rifle is “as-is” from the CMP … complete with nasty trigger. Before I shoot it again though I am going to swap out the front sight blade for a fatter USMC type blade so I can see it [better].
Q. You nailed the standing, often considered the hardest stage. What advice can you give to shooters who want to improve their standing abilities?
Dennis: No secret there — snap-in, holding exercises, and a good mental program. In particular I recommend 20 one-minute holding exercises, with 30-second breaks in between each hold. That is the quickest and best way to identify a poor position (because it will be painful), and build a well-supported position.
Q: Does Creedmoor Sports have any specialty products for shooters of the 1903 Springfield or other vintage military rifles?
Dennis: We really don’t have many products specific to those rifles. But the beauty of those rifles and that course of fire is that there isn’t much you need to buy.
Photos Courtesy Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).