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. Palmetto State Armory — PSA 20″ 6.5 Grendel Upper, plus stock, grip, 2-stage trigger, and parts kit: $399.99
The AR is a versatile platform. You can shoot multiple calibers with one lower, and a set of uppers — which can be swapped in seconds. Now you can add a versatile 6.5 Grendel upper for a killer price. We found this PSA 20″ rail-top upper in 6.5 Grendel complete with 20″ stainless 1:8″-twist barrel, 15″ M-Lok handguard, 9310 steel bolt, complete bolt carrier, and adjustable gas block. This kit also includes a stock, plus most of the parts needed to complete your lower (lower receiver NOT included). For $399.99 this is a heck of a deal. Take note — the 6.5 Grendel is a great little cartridge. It mag-feeds fine and you can get superb Lapua brass. The 6.5 Grendel is accurate, efficient, and excellent for BOTH precision target work AND deer hunting. For this price, with a modern 6.5 caliber cartridge, this is a great deal, and could be a significant upgrade for your AR15-platform rig.
2. Amazon — Universal Cleaning Mat, $19.99
If you’re like most people you spread out a towel before tearing your gun apart. This often leads to missing parts, a messy work area and when you spill anything it just soaks into your pad. Now you can pick up this universal cleaning mat that also includes a MAGNETIC parts keeper on the side. It’s nearly 4 feet long and is made of a oil and solvent resistant material for easy cleanup.
3. EuroOptic — Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50mm, $899.99
PLUS use CODE PST50 to get $100 Gift Card
Scopes in the 5-25X range are popular for a variety of shooting disciplines and calibers from 6mm to .50 cal for good reason. They offer wide field of view (at 5X) plus high magnification on the top end. Plus the latest models deliver plenty of elevation in a compact package. Now you can grab the very popular Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50mm in either 1/4 MOA or 0.1 MilRad click versions for a low $899.99. What’s more, use Code PST50 on check-out to receive a bonus $100 gift card from EuroOptic. That’s nearly $200 cheaper than other optics vendors right now.
Looking for a new bipod that can work with a Picatinny rail? You’re in luck because we just found this 6″ – 9″ adjustable Carbon Fiber Bipod and M-Lok adapter combo for the amazingly low price of $25.99 including a handy adapter allowing you to securely attach the bipod to a standard Picatinny Rail. There are also versions with KeyMod or M-Lok Adapters for $27.99. Purchasers have given this unit high praise, with a 4.5-star rating. Here is an actual buyer review:
“Excellent bipod at an excellent price. It seems well-built and is far more rigid and sturdy than others like it. The bipod came with a Picatinny adapter [M-Lok or KeyMod optional]. Mounting was quick and easy. Overall I think this is by far the best bang-for-your-buck bipod.”
Do you have a new rifle or new scope that needs to be mounted? To speed up the process of sighting-in your rifle, a laser boresighter is a very handy tool. Grab laser boresight tools in the cartridge/caliber of your choice. If you get the no-neck, shoulder-only .308 Win version ($5.49 on Amazon) it should work with the entire .308 Win family, plus the 6mmBR and 6.5 Creedmoor families. For a few dollars more, there are cartridge-specific units for .223 Rem family, 7.62x39mm, .270/.30-06 and other types. These laser boresighters are cheap, easy to use, and effective. They’ll get you on paper quickly.
6. Midsouth — Hornady LNL Auto Charge Dispenser, $168.99
Looking for a good electronic scale/powder dispenser for under $200.00? The Hornady LNL Auto Charge is one of the best bargain scale/dispensers. Enter your charge weight and watch it accurately dispense your load accurate to the tenth of a grain. For those of you who load multiple calibers and charges it can be programmed for easy use. Other competing electronic powder dispensers can cost $250 – $350, so the AutoCharge is a great value.
7. Creedmoor Sports — Made to Order Shooting Mat, $70.00
Tired of showing up to a match and finding your shooting mat is getting lost in the sea of other green or tan mats? Now you can get a made-to-order field shooting mats in one of 20 distinctive colors. Each one is MADE TO ORDER and very well-built for years of use. Getting your own distinctive mat ensures you can quickly find your place on the firing line. We also like the generous padding on this mat.
8. Amazon — MTM AC4C Ammo Crate with 4 Ammo Boxes, $22.99
Here’s a very cool product from MTM at a great price. The versatile MTM AC4C Ammo Carrier features four, lockable polymer ammo cans in a fitted, four-slot 23.5″ x 11.3″ x 7.5″ carry crate. This makes it easy to haul four full ammo cans. Actual purchasers have raved: “Moments after I received this storage box set I ordered another. Very well built and great design. Awesome and a steal at the price.” Right now this is on sale at Amazon for just $22.99 with free shipping on orders over $25. The system includes four lockable, O-Ring 11.3″ x 7.2″ x 5″ ammo cans (AC30T) for multi-caliber ammo storage. The crate even includes tie-down points for transport in a cart or ATV. NOTE: Last year this MTM AC4C system sold for $39.99. The current $22.99 price represents a 43% savings!
9. RCBS 2019 REBATE Program — Get Up to $100 Back
NOTE: Deadline for Purchase is March 17, 2019 — Next Sunday
RCBS just announced its first Rebate Program for 2019. Get up to $100 back on select RCBS® products. If you need an electronic Scale/Dispenser, Progressive Press, a Case Prep Center, Ultrasonic Machine, or Power Case trimmer you’re in luck. Here are the Rebates available for purchases made between 2/1/2019 and 3/17/2019. NOTE: The DEADLINE for mail-in or online submissions is 4/16/2019.
We ran a big story on Black Friday Weekend bargains from a dozen leading vendors. GET THAT INFO HERE. While some of the listed bargains expired, many of those deals are still in effect. Here are some more specials good now (Sunday 11/25/18) and beyond. While most of these specials expire at 11:59pm on Monday 11/26/18, some extend into early December. Please check each deal for specifics.
TargetVision — 15% Off All Camera Systems Through 11/30/18
Now through November 30, 2018, save 15% on all TargetVision Camera systems. We think these are some of the most sophisticated wireless target imaging systems you can buy. These really do work at 1000 yards and below. The software is reliable and will display your shots on your favorite mobile device. In addition, you can get a TargetVision Cam + LabRadar bundle with 2-year “bullet proof” TargetVision warranty.
Optics Planet — 11% Off Products with Code BFCYBER
The Optics Planet Black Friday Sale is good through Monday, 11/25/2018 at 11:59 pm. Use Code BFCYBER to save 11% on virtually everything in stock, including highly desired Kowa spotting scopes, Nightforce scopes, Leica Rangefinders, Vortex scopes and more. In addition, there are special deeper discounts on 126 featured products, listed at up to 61% off. These include gun cases, buttstocks, magazines, pistol sights, ear-muffs and more. But the big deal is being able to get that exact scope you want at 11% off normal retail.
Creedmoor Sports — Sales on Berger, Lapua, SK, LabRadar
Creedmoor Sports has extended its Black Friday Sale through Monday 11/26/2018 at 11:59 PM. There are some great products on sale, including Berger Bullets, Lapua Brass, SK Ammo, Kowa Spotting Scopes, and the state-of-the-art LabRadar Chronograph. See other General Sale items HERE (some special items will be on sale past Monday).
JP Enterprises — Sales on Guns and Gear Through Monday
JP Enterprises, a leading producer of AR-type rifles, uppers, trigger groups, and accessories, has extended its Black Friday special through Monday 11/26/18 at 11:59 PM. With this Cyber-Sale, you can save 10% on high-end MSR (Modern Sporting Rifle) components, handguards, trigger groups, as well as cartridge brass. This deal also includes free ground shipping in the lower 48.
Steyr Arms + Jadghund Gear at Huge Disounts
Hunters rejoice. Steyr Arms is running a big sale on Steyr Products and Jaghund hunting gear. Save up to 35% on hardware and up to 70% on clothing. This sales runs through 26th, 2018 with great savings on Steyr, Merkel, JAGDHUND, and X JAGD products.
Chistensen Arms — Barrels, Stocks, and Accessories on Sale Now
Christensen Arms has slashed prices on a full range of components and accessories: barrels, stocks, muzzle brakes, AR uppers, Timney triggers, bipods, gun cases and more. See Sale Items HERE.
Sales Located by EdLongRange. We welcome reader submissions.
Check out that 0.188″ group. Can you believe that was shot with factory .308 Win ammo? A couple seasons ago our friends at Criterion Barrels tested some .308 ammo from Creedmoor Sports. This was loaded with Lapua’s 175gr Scenar HPBT bullet. The results speak for themselves. Any time factory ammo can shoot inside quarter-MOA, that’s impressive. This ammo was used in a “Rem/Age” project rifle. That term refers to a Remington action rifle that has been re-barreled with a pre-fit Criterion barrel. The new barrel is secured with a Savage-style barrel nut. Hence the term “Rem/Age” or “Rem-Age”.
Criterion posted: “I think we may have a new favorite factory match load for the nitrided Rem/Age build.” Another reader added: “[Creedmoor’s] 175 Scenar .308 ammunition is top notch.” FYI, this group was shot on our load development target, which you can download for free from our Targets Page.
Why do Criterion barrels shoot so well? One reason is that Criterion’s barrel steel is carefully stress-relieved. In the photo below, Criterion Rack 1A (aka the “Coffin”) has been loaded with barrel blanks — made ready for the stress-relieving process.
Working with Pre-Fit Barrels
While they may require the purchase of some additional tools and a bit of a learning curve to install, using Rem/Age pre-fit barrels offer advantages over gunsmith chambering and barrel-fitting. In this video, 8541 Tactical explains how to install a Criterion 6.5 Creedmoor “pre-fit” barrel. You save money and time — you don’t have to wait for a gunsmith to chamber the barrel. While Criterion recommends that a competent gunsmith oversee the pre-fit installation, if you understand the use of go/no-go gauges and you have a barrel vise and action wrench set up to remove the original barrel, putting on a pre-fit barrel CAN be a DIY project. You don’t have to pack up your rifle to ship it off to a smith.
In another month or two many Eastern and snow-belt shooting ranges halt operations for the winter. If you’re an avid rifleman who enjoys shooting regularly, the dark days of winter can bring withdrawal pains. The closure of outdoor ranges can mean months of forced inactivity… unless you have an all-weather indoor shooting solution.
Some clubs maintain their own indoor air rifle ranges where you can continue to shoot and train throughout the winter. If there are no such facilities nearby, Creedmoor Sports now offers a great solution for those who want to shoot indoors — even in your own basement or garage.
Creedmoor’s patented 10m Air Gun Range provides a target holder and a curtain-type backstop capable of stopping pellets with a muzzle velocity up to 600 fps. The target boxes can be positioned at various heights for prone, kneeling, and standing. Creedmoor says the hardened steel target boxes provide 100% containment for any pellet passing through the target.
The 10M Air Gun Range is sold as a 3-station configuration for $1514.00 (item 3AGR), or as a one-station (single-point) range for $325.00 (item AGR-SINGLE). Creedmoor’s Air Gun Range is a proven, heavy duty product — the only Air Rifle target system ever tested and approved by the U.S. Military. This system is now being used in more than 800 schools nationwide, as well as the CMP shooting facility in Alabama. The 3-station range easily dis-assembles for transport and storage, fitting inside a 34″ x 10″ x 8″ carry duffle. The one-station range measures 84″ high x 30″ wide when assembled.
The Portable Air Gun Range comes with a durable curtain/ backstop that sets up quickly and easily. Velcro edging allows multiple curtains to be joined together. The curtain provides ample stopping power for air pellets. However, this is NOT to be used with high-energy pneumatic hunting rifles (such as the .357 Benjamin Rogue) or rimfire or centerfire rounds. This is for standard airguns only. That could be a $100 Crosman, or a $3600.00 Model 9003 S2 Anschutz:
Dennis DeMille shows a young competitor at the CMP Western Games how to adjust his leather sling.
Setting-Up a Leather Service Rifle Sling for Competition
So you made the mistake of disassembling your leather service rifle sling, or are intimidated about how to use one? In this Creedmoor Sports InfoZone video, Creedmoor G.M. Dennis DeMille explains how to set up and use a sling. The covers the basics — Dennis starts with a totally disassembled leather service rifle sling and shows you how to set it up properly.
Tip: “Many shooters shy away from using a leather sling because they have never been taught how to use one. That’s unfortunate. In my opinion a leather sling offers more support than a web sling, which is important when competiting with the heavier than normal rifles.”
Configuring the Sling for the Standing (Offhand) Position
In this second in a series of Creedmoor InfoZone videos on the setup and use of the leather service rifle sling, Dennis DeMille details how to configure and best utilize the leather service rifle sling while shooting from the standing position.
Tip: “Putting the Frogs in different hole will change the amount of added elevation a sling provides.”
Looking at Sling Types — Comparing the Features
In this video Dennis showcases a large variety of shooting slings. He explains the strong points of each type so you can choose the sling best suited to your discipline and shooting style.
The Benefits of Dry-Fire Training
Once you know how to set up your sling properly, you’ll want to practice. Dennis DeMille stresses the importance of dry-fire practice with sling and shooting coat. Dry-Fire training is essential to the sling disciplines. Dennis DeMille, a national Service Rifle Champion, told us that, for every minute he spent in actual competition, he would spend hours practicing without ammunition. While in the USMC, Dennis would practice in the barracks, working on his hold and dry-firing:
“The most important thing is to spend time off the range practicing. Most of what I learned as a High Power shooter I learned without ammunition — just spending time dry firing and doing holding exercises. Holding exercises will really identify the weak parts of your position. The primary purpose of dry firing is to get you used to shooting an empty rifle. If you can shoot a loaded rifle the same way you shoot an empty rifle then eventually you will become a High Master.”
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. Brownells Labor Day Sale — Guns, Ammo, Components
Brownells hase been running a huge Labor Day Week Sale. Enjoy savings up to 53% now through Monday, September 3 at 11:59 CT. There are big discounts on products we really like including: Howa Barreled Actions, SIG Sauer Pistols, Lake City Ammo, Smith & Wesson Revolvers, and AR components. You may want to jump on these bargains, as inventory is limited on some items, such as the Howa Barreled Actions.
2. EuroOptic.com — Tikka T3 Liquidation Sale, Rifles from $349.00
Get a new Tikka for your fall hunt. These fine hunting rifles are now available with huge discounts. EuroOptic.com bought a truckload of Tikka T3 rifles from the North American distributor. Now these T3s are being offered at huge discounts –some below wholesale cost. Tikka rifles that typically retail for $600 to $1000 are selling for $359 to $600. Save hundreds! Look no further if you if you want a very high-quality hunting rifle at a rock-bottom price.
3. Bruno’s — Big Labor Day Sale on (Nearly) Everything In Stock
Celebrate Labor Day with big savings. Bullets, brass, powder, optics, dies, tools, stocks, barrels, actions — all this and more are on sale at Bruno Shooters Supply right now. You’ll find savings on pretty much everything Bruno’s sells (except MAP-price items). But you have to act quickly. This storewide sale ends soon so you don’t want to delay. NOTE: You don’t need a special discount code — the sale prices are already shown online. No Back-orders with sale pricing.
4.Natchez — CODES for 10% OFF, $5 Shipping, or Free Hazmat
Natchez has many items on sale this weekend, plus three (3) Promo Codes. Use CODE PO180831 to save 10% right off the price. Or, for heavy shipments, try CODE FR180831 — this provides $5.00 flat-rate shipping on orders over $99.99. If you need powder and/or primers, select CODE FH180831. This waives the HazMat fees for powder and primer orders over $150.00. Pick the Code that works best for you. Don’t hesitate — this deal expires 8/3/2018 at 11:59 pm CST.
5. Witt Machine — 25% Off Brakes and Suppressor Gear
The Witt Machine’s Labor Day Sale is easy to understand — save a full 25% on all items featured on the WittMachine.net home page. This includes clamp-on and screw-on muzzle brakes, suppressors, muzzle rise eliminators, plus integrally suppressed rifles and suppressed AR uppers. CLICK HERE for all sale items in stock. Witt sale tip from EdLongRange.
6. Midway USA — Camo Tuesday Sales on Hunting Gear
This year, MidwayUSA’s 7th Annual Camo Tuesday™ will feature deep discounts on select MidwayUSA hunting clothing, footwear, ammunition, optics and more from brands like Irish Setter, Federal, and Vortex just to name a few. “Camo Tuesday [is] Black Friday for the hunter and marks the first official shopping day of the fall hunting season,” said Jeff Larkin, VP Marketing. “This year’s Camo Tuesday event … will be bigger and better than ever.” Head over to MidwayUSA.com on September 4th to take advantage of the great deals. You can also enter the 2018 Camo Tuesday Sweepstakes with prize package worth $750.00.
7. Creedmoor Sports — Free Ground Shipping
To celebrate the long, Labor Day weekend, Creedmoor Sports is offering FREE Ground Shipping on most items in inventory. This applies to normal ground shipping rates, but not HazMat charges, so you’ll still have to pay HazMat for primers and powder. The Free Shipping will be automatically applied to Labor Day orders — no Code needed. Some exclusions apply (HAGAR brass, tumbler media, Sierra bullets, portable air gun ranges, primers). Drop-shipped items (e.g. Giraud and Gracey products) exempt.
A strong argument can be made that the best home defense firearm is a 12 gauge shotgun. This Mossberg 500 is a reliable 12ga pump-gun with useful upgrades including ghost-ring sights and barrel heat-shield. This Model 500 Tactical boasts an 8-shell capacity and weighs 7 pounds unloaded. Order now from GunBuyer.com for $309.00. Owners love this shotgun: “This unit… fires smooth, and operates perfectly out of the box. There’s an odd beauty to the tactical pump that is hard to describe. The action is smooth and repeatable.”
9. Amazon — Dictionary Book Lock Box, $9.41
Here’s a smart product at a great price. Amazon is selling a 9.5″ x 6″ lock box disguised as a hard-cover dictionary for just $9.41. That’s a great deal — 53% off Amazon’s normal price. Use this book safe to secure valuables, such as car keys, spare cash, or watches. We still recommend a secure gun safe for firearms, but this Lock Box definitely comes in handy for smaller items, such as currency and keys. This $9.41 deal won’t last long. These “hidden in plain sight” book safes sell for up to $35 elsewhere.
This Kowa TSN-501 optic is small and affordable. You can order fromCreedmoor Sports.
The photo above tells the story. Kowa’s new TSN-500 series spotting scopes are VERY light — just 14.1 ounces (400 grams) and VERY compact — 9.4 inches in length (239mm). This is a game changer for hunters, varminters, PRS shooters, and anyone who wants a spotter that is easy to pack and carry. And for long-range competitors (F-Class, Palma) who use a spotter mainly to watch mirage, the TSN-501 (angled) may well do the job. That’s a big deal because this spotter costs less than $350.00 complete with 20-40X zoom eyepiece. Put the money you save into a new barrel, or a stock upgrade.
Kowa offers both an angled model TSN-501, and a straight model TSN-502. Both have a 50mm front objective. We think most rifle shooters will prefer the angled model, but hunters and pistol shooters may favor the straight model. Creedmoor says: “It’s the perfect spotting scope for 10 meter air rifle, 50 ft or even 50 meter smallbore. Its weight and size make it convenient to carry with your gear and allows you to have a lighter scope stand to hold it.”
Close Focus Capability
Kowas’ TSN-500 series scopes will focus down to 2.5 meters. Read that again — this is a really big deal for those who use their scope for nature observation (as well as shooting). With the ability to focus so close (inside 3 yards), this optic can perform many roles.
Do you have a smart idea for a new shooting-related product? Or have you figured out how to improve/enhance a popular item already on the market? If so, Creedmoor Sports wants your product ideas. Creedmoor Sports invites its customers to conceive the next great Creedmoor Sports product. Many of Creedmoor’s most creative ideas come from shooters who are out using products every day and know how to make them better. That’s why Creedmoor Sports wants to hear from you. You can email your ideas to: shoot [at] creedmoorsports.com.
Dennis DeMille, Creedmoor’s V.P. of Operations, tells us: “We love it when a customer calls or emails us with an idea. If the idea has merit we will immediately try to put it into play. If a soft-good (such as clothing) we try to take it from idea to sample within a couple days. The idea is walked back to our designer, it’s cut and sewn on the spot in our Anniston, Alabama facility and we start testing. If a hard-good (such as a metal product), we start designing the product on our mill and lathe and see what it would take to bring to market.”
Success Stories of Customer-Inspired Products
Creedmoor Sports products based on customer “bright ideas” have included the handy Scope Kennel. Made with a top strap for easy rifle carry, it serves to protect a rifle scope.
Another customer-suggested product is Creedmoor’s Quad-Fold Shooting Mat. This thickly-padded mat provides a comfortable, stable base for elbows and knees. When folded, it measures just 2.5″ x 19″ x 29″. The new Bench and Field Shooting Mat is another customer-inspired product. This unique mat is designed to work both on the ground and on a shooting bench. Check it out HERE.
NEW! First-Ever Reloading Catalog from Creedmoor Sports (Print and Digital)
Just this week, Creedmoor Sports released its first-ever Reloading Catalog. Equipment lines include Redding, Forster, L.E. Wilson, Hornady, RCBS and many more. Many additional component suppliers have been either added or enhanced including Berger, Lapua, Sierra, Hornady, and Nosler.
“We get calls and emails every day asking us to carry more reloading supplies. We decided it was time to make the investment into adding equipment that our customers demand. We didn’t want to jump into the reloading game without extensive research on what brands and philosophy that would set us apart from larger suppliers. We feel our mix of equipment, components and technical will satisfy everyone from the beginner to the expert.” Says Greg Kantorovich, President, Creedmoor Sports.
About Creedmoor Sports
Creedmoor Sports has been serving the competition/precision rifle shooting community since 1979 — nearly four decades. Creedmoor Sport’s key mission has been to supply great products that help shooters win at every level of competition. For more information, visit CreedmoorSports.com and the Creedmoor Sports Facebook page. Also check out the Creedmoor INFOZone for helpful Video Tips on shooting and reloading.
In the 2016 President’s 100 Match, Match Winner Keith Stephens, runner-up SFC Evan Hess, and third-place Hugh Reich all used scopes, making for an All-Optics Podium. Both Stephens and Reich used the 1-4.5x24mm March.
Are you a Service Rifle shooter or would you like to give Service Rifle competition a try? The big news in this discipline is that magnified optics up to 4.5 max power can now be used. You can still use classic iron sights, but most serious Service Rifle competitors have moved to optics — and nearly all the “top guns” at major matches are running optics. Our friend Dennis Santiago, who is doing a long-term test of the Nightforce SR 4.5x24mm scope, says magnified optics are the future of the Service Rifle Game. If you want to win these days, you need glass.
Optics Options from $120 to $2400
You have many optics choices running all the way up to a 1-4.5x24mm March at $2338.00. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good optic. Our Systems Admin, Jay Christopherson, will be trying the Konus XTC-30 1-4X24mm sold by Creedmoor Sports and the CMP. Priced at $495.00, the Konus has good glass and parallax set at 200 yards. And if you want the best deal going for a Service Rifle scope, right now Cabela’s offers the Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm scope for just $119.88 with Free Shipping (Promo Code 2017FREE). That’s an incredible deal on a scope that can do double-duty on your hunting rifle. This same Vortex 1-4X optic sells for $188.88 on Amazon.
Super Deal — Vortex 1-4x24mm Scope for $119.88
Service Rifle Optics — How They Will Change the Game
Under NRA and CMP Rules first promulgated in 2016, Service Rifle competitors can use a scope with up to 4.5X magnification, and 34mm max objective. This rule revision to allow magnified optics will be a game-changer says Service Rifle shooter Dennis Santiago.
Dennis explains: “Per the 2016 Rulebooks of the CMP and NRA, today’s Service Rifle is now defined to include an M-16/AR-15 variant with an optical sighting system not to exceed 4.5X magnification. So, this optic-equipped rifle goes head-to-head with the match-tuned M-16A2/AR-15A2 iron sight guns in the same class. The rules were updated to take into account that some military branches no longer train service members to shoot iron sights as their primary marksmanship method and have switched to reliance on combat optics. The rules were debated and tried in 2015 and codified at the beginning of 2016. The 2016 Nationals were the first where the old and new generation guns compete side-by-side.
Here is my personal prediction: There will be improved scores by Expert Class shooters who figure out how to work with optics jumping into Master class. At the High Master level, there may be a slight rise in numerical scores but there will be a massive jump in X-Count. EICs will remain the all-out race they’ve always been; whoever makes the fewest mistakes wins the day.”
What to Look For in a Service Rifle Optic
by Johnny Fisher
2016 brought with it a long-anticipated rule change that allows for the use of optics in Service Rifle competition. Thus far, it seems the biggest concerns that Service Rifle shooters have when considering an optic are: quality, repeatability, parallax, reticle choices, and durability.
Parallax Considerations
The vast majority of Service Rifle Rule-compliant scopes currently on the market have a fixed parallax. That means there is no separate focus knob to adjust parallax to target distance. Accordingly, there has been much concern about the potential for parallax error over the three different distances in Across-The-Course competition. It is possible that the repeatably-indexed head position maintained while shooting a Service Rifle, along with a little extra emphasis on sight alignment to ensure that the shooter’s eye is directly behind the scope, can greatly mitigate the potential effects of parallax error. [Editor: However, we have talked with a number of Service Rifle shooters. Most would like adjustable parallax. If the parallax must be fixed, they would like it set at 200-300 yards. 100 yards is too close.]
Reticle Choices — Something to Consider
My Nightforce 1-4X scope has the IHR Reticle, which provides a very clear, unobstructed and simple sight picture. The IHR reticle for the NXS 1-4x24mm boasts an illuminated center cross-hair. Unfortunately, the red-color illumination is really only intended for low-light situations and is not bright enough to offer any aid to National Match shooters competing in broad daylight at stationary targets.
Editor: Unlike PRS competitors who (mostly) shoot bright-painted steel plates, Service Rifle competitors aim at traditional black bullseyes. The bullseye target design makes sense for iron sight shooters. With magnified optics you have some kind of black reticle that may not stand out at well against the black bull at 4.5 max power. You probably want to look through a number of different scopes to chose a reticle that works best for your eyes and aiming procedure.
Only four shopping days left until Christmas. Thankfully, many vendors, including Amazon, offer expedited shipping. In addition, many leading shooting sports online merchants are offering Free shipping promotions right now. Here’s a quick summary of Five FREE Shipping offers, four of which require a minimum purchase.
Bruno Shooters’ Supply — Free Shipping over $99.95
Bruno’s is offering FREE Shipping on all orders over $99.95 with some exclusions (such as rests and gunsmith work). In addition you can get FREE Shipping and FREE Hazmat with orders of powder and primers that total $500.00 or more. These two offers are good through 12/26/2017 at 8:00 am MST.
Cabela’s — Free Shipping on $99.00 or More through 1/2/18
Cabela’s is offering FREE shipping on all orders of at least $99.00. What’s great is that this free shipping offer runs all the way through January 2, 2018 — so it applies to post-Xmas shopping too. There are some exlusions but this a still a very good offer that applies to nearly everything Cabelas sells. To get Free ground shipping use Promo Code 2017FREE during checkout.
Creedmoor Sports — Free Shipping over $99.00
Creedmoor Sports is now offering FREE Ground Shipping on all orders over $99.00. Some exclusions apply. Right now Creedmoor is also offering a huge Holiday Sale right now with big discounts on popular products including rifle cases, shooting coats, target cams, Books/DVDs, and much more. We just order a Service Rifle Scope and some other accessories and got FREE Shipping on the entire order.
MidwayUSA — Free Shipping on Select Optics and Clothing
MidwayUSA is offering FREE shipping (no minimum) on 18 popular brands including six leading optics makers. Along with free shipping on scopes you can get free shipping on Sitka, Danner, 5.11, and Carhartt outerwear and clothing.
Natchez Shooters Supplies — Free Shipping over $49.99
Natchez is offering FREE Ground Shipping on all orders over $49.99 — that’s generous compared to other vendors who want you to spend $99 or more to get free shipping. This applies to pretty much everything in stock other than Motor Freight and Drop Ship Items. Use Promo Code FS171221 during check out. But you better act soon — this offer expires 12/24/17 at 11:59 pm EST. Offer Details HERE.
Looking for a new bipod that can work with a Picatinny rail? You’re in luck because we just found this 6″ – 9″ adjustable Carbon Fiber Bipod and M-Lok adapter combo for the amazingly low price of $25.99 including a handy adapter allowing you to securely attach the bipod to a standard Picatinny Rail. There are also versions with KeyMod or M-Lok Adapters for $27.99. Purchasers have given this unit high praise, with a 4.5-star rating. Here is an actual buyer review:
In another month or two many Eastern and snow-belt shooting ranges halt operations for the winter. If you’re an avid rifleman who enjoys shooting regularly, the dark days of winter can bring withdrawal pains. The closure of outdoor ranges can mean months of forced inactivity… unless you have an all-weather indoor shooting solution.
The Benefits of Dry-Fire Training
