Today’s Sunday GunDay story features Corbin Shell’s remarkable, record-setting .416 Barrett. With a 40″ Krieger barrel secured in a massive barrel block, this is definitely a big boomer!
Back in 2019, Forum member Corbin Shell set an Extreme Long Range (ELR) record. With no sighters or warm-up shots, Corbin put three (3) shots on a 36″ x 36″ steel plate at 2118 yards, establishing a Cold Bore ELR World Record (the best at the time). The range was verified with three rangefinders and the string was witnessed by 20+ shooters. In 2019 Applied Ballistics reported: “There is a new official ELR World Record. 2118 yards. 3 for 3 cold bore.” This was also recognized as a record by the FCSA (Fifty Caliber Shooting Association). NOTE: The ELR record has been bettered in more recent years, including a 2298-yard, 3-shot performance in 2020 by Randy Newton.*
This record was set at the ELR Southeast Shootout held at the Arena Training Facility in Blakely, Georgia, on March 2, 2019. The World Record attempt was made in compliance with all ELR Central Rules.
Corbin Shell (on right) stands next to Joe Burdick, match director. That’s three hits on 36″ x 36″ plate.
ELR Ain’t Cheap — $6.55 Cost per Shot
In 2019 Corbin told us: “Each round fired cost approximately $6.55. The breakdown is as follows: bullet $3.05, powder $0.80, primer $0.50, cartridge case $1.00 (based on five firings), barrel wear $1.20 per shot based on 1000 rounds of barrel life. Hitting steel at distance: PRICELESS!”
Editor’s NOTE: With the significant inflation we’ve seen in the past 5 years, with major increases in the cost of powder and primers, we bet today’s cost per shot would be closer to $9.00 per round fired with the same formula including barrel cost.
ELR Record .416 Barrett Rifle Components
Action: BAT .50 caliber EX, multi-flat, with hard coat finish, extra CheyTac bolt. Barrel: Krieger cut-rifled, .416 caliber, 40″ finish length, 1:9″ twist. Barrel Block: Doyle Anglin Dixie Gunworks, integral Picatinny rail. Muzzle Brake: Ryan Pierce 5-port magnum. Stock: Designed and fabricated by Doyle Anglin, Dixie Gunworks. Obeche laminate, Indian Blanket color scheme. 48″ long excluding butt hardware. Butt and Cheekpiece Hardware: Master Class/Alex Sitman, extended rods. Scope: Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm MOA reticle item #25127. 100 MOA elevation/windage. Bipod: Duplin Rifles by Clint Cooper. Weight: One pound, 2 ounces. Gunsmith: Rifle builder was Doyle Anglin, Dixie Gunworks, Winder, GA.
If you want to learn more about this record-setting rifle, Corbin has prepared a 6-page project history describing all the components and explaining how the rifle was constructed. This Build Document also contains a wealth of information about loading for the .416 Barrett cartridge.
Conditions During Record:
Corbin tells us: “This was shot in Blakely, Georgia at the Arena Training Facility in good Ole dense Southern air. Here are the atmospheric conditions when I shot: 70 degree temperature, 29.70-29.80 inches of mercury, 82% humidity, 1211 Density Altitude (DA).”
Corbin noted that the unique barrel block with rail helps with ELR Optics: “This custom-made barrel block is drilled length wise to reduce weight. It incorporates an integral Picatinny rail which… facilitates mounting of … the Tacom Charlie/Delta TARAC prism system, without the need to bridge mount.” Charlie/Delta TARAC units effectively offset the view that comes into the scope, providing up to 625 MOA elevation.
ELR Cold Bore Shot Record Rules
Congratulations to Corbin Shell for setting an ELR World Record in 2019. This record was shot under a very specific set of rules established by ELR Central and industry leaders. For more ELR record information, go to ELR Central Facebook Page. There you will see more recent ELR Record rifles.
* Prior to Corbin Shell’s performance with his monster .416 Barrett, David Tubb shot a 2200-yard, 3-shot group that has been recognized as a FCSA record. However, because David had made a same-day attempt, within minutes, with a different rifle, this did not comply with the ELR Central Rules. So, officially Corbin Shell was recognized as the ELR Central World Record Holder.
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Remington is closing its Ilion, New York firearms factory after 208 years of operation — more than two centuries. Over 300 jobs have been lost with operations moved to Georgia. Get the full story from this Fox News video. Ilion’s Mayor, John Stephens, is interviewed. He notes that the factory closure will have a huge negative impact on the city’s tax base and budget and the “nostalgic and historic loss is a bigger burden to bear”. City, county, and state officials are now “actively working on a re-use for the facility”.
Founded in 1816, Remington Firearms remains one of the United States’ largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. Several of the company’s strategic products will be manufactured in Georgia. The new headquarters will also become home to an innovative research and development center.
Remington Has a Storied History
Founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington in New York, Remington is the oldest continuously-operating gun manufacturer in the United States. Prior to the re-organization, Remington sold more sporting rifles and shotguns than any other American company. Remington has developed more cartridges than any other U.S. company. And for decades Remington was the only American company that sells firearms AND ammunition under its own name. Now Remington ammo is produced in Arkansas, as a separate business. Remington’s ammunition business was acquired by Vista Outdoor, parent of CCI, Federal, RCBS and other major shooting/outdoor industry brands.
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Big news for Georgia — Norma Precision Ammunition, a subsidiary of Swiss ammunition manufacturer RUAG Ammotec, will establish its new U.S. headquarters, manufacturing site, and warehousing and distribution operations in Chatham County, Georgia, close to Savannah, which boasts an excellent seaport.
You’ve certainly seen Norma rimfire and centerfire ammunition — quality ammo favored by hunters and competitors. Norma ammo has been produced in Europe and the USA by Swiss-based parent company RUAG Ammotec, and its American subsidiary, RUAG Ammotec, USA.
While much of Norma’s product line still comes from Europe, RUAG Ammotec has actually been manufacturing in the United States for 10+ years as RUAG Ammotec, USA, based in Tampa, Florida. Now the USA manufacturing operations will shift to Georgia. This will be a significant operation. Last year, in 2021, RUAG Ammotec produced over 30 million cartridges in the USA, and it plans to ramp up USA production significantly at its new Georgia ammo plant.
Christoph Eisenhardt, President/CEO of RUAG Ammotec declared: “Norma Precision Ammunition has been manufacturing in the United States for over 10 years as RUAG Ammotec, USA. With this relocation, expansion, and focus on the Norma Ammunition brand, we will continue to grow while better serving our customers and industry partners[.]” Paul Lemke, President of Norma Precision Ammunition added: “The Savannah area offers a significant opportunity to expand our small arms ammunition manufacturing and distribution … while providing unmatched access to the world-class Port of Savannah.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp Hails New Norma Precision Ammunition Operations
Governor Kemp stated: “With their facilities in close proximity to the Port of Savannah … and our highly-skilled pool of talent, I’m confident that RUAG Ammotec will be very pleased with their decision to invest in the Peach State. I’m grateful to Norma Precision Ammunition for [its] job-stimulating investments, and I look forward to seeing the opportunities this creates for hardworking Georgians[.]”
Norma TAC-22 rimfire ammunition is very good. Here’s an example of accuracy with a lot from 2017. Photo from Champion Shooters Supply. Groups shot with Anschutz 1913 match rifle at 50 yards.
Norma Precision Ammunition is Hiring — Employment Opportunities
Norma Precision Ammunition will be located at 141 Prosperity Drive in Garden City, GA, on the eastern side of Savannah. The company has positions available in manufacturing, distribution, management, and sales. Individuals interested in career opportunities can visit www.NormaShooting.com for additional information.
Georgia Is Now Among Top 10 States in Firearms and Ammunition Manufacturing
Georgia continues to attract global businesses like RUAG Ammotec. In 2019 Taurus opened a large gun factory in Bainbridge, Georgia. And other gun/ammo makers have found a friendly home in Georgia. According to NSSF data, Georgia has become one of the country’s top 10 states for firearms and shooting sports products manufacturing.
About RUAG Ammotec — Swiss Company That Operates in 12 Nations
With operations in 12 different countries, Swiss-based RUAG Ammotec develops and produces ammunition for sports shooters, special operations forces, and peace officers worldwide, serving key markets in the military, law enforcement, hunting, and sporting goods sectors. In 2021, Norma Precision Ammunition imported over 400 containers of ammunition from RUAG Ammotec factories in Europe, while also producing over 30 million ammunition cartridges in the USA.
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Today’s Sunday GunDay story features Corbin Shell’s remarkable, record-setting .416 Barrett. With a 40″ Krieger barrel secured in a massive barrel block, this is definitely a big boomer!
Last month, Forum member Corbin Shell set a new Extreme Long Range (ELR) record. With no sighters or warm-up shots, Corbin put three (3) shots on a 36″ x 36″ steel plate at 2118 yards, establishing a new Cold Bore ELR World Record. The range was verified with three rangefinders and witnessed by 20+ awestruck shooters. Applied Ballistics reports: “There is a new official ELR World Record. 2118 yards. 3 for 3 cold bore.” This was also recognized as a record by the FCSA (Fifty Caliber Shooting Association).*
This record was set at the ELR Southeast Shootout held at the Arena Training Facility in Blakely, Georgia, on March 2, 2019. The World Record attempt was made in compliance with all ELR Central Rules.
Corbin Shell (on right) stands next to Joe Burdick, match director. That’s three hits on 36″ x 36″ plate.
ELR Ain’t Cheap — $6.55 Cost per Shot
Corbin told us: “Each round fired cost approximately $6.55. The breakdown is as follows: bullet $3.05, powder $0.80, primer $0.50, cartridge case $1.00 (based on five firings), barrel wear $1.20 per shot based on 1000 rounds of barrel life. Hitting steel at distance: PRICELESS!”
ELR Record .416 Barrett Rifle Components
Action: BAT .50 caliber EX, multi-flat, with hard coat finish, extra CheyTac bolt. Barrel: Krieger cut-rifled, .416 caliber, 40″ finish length, 1:9″ twist. Barrel Block: Doyle Anglin Dixie Gunworks, integral Picatinny rail. Muzzle Brake: Ryan Pierce 5-port magnum. Stock: Designed and fabricated by Doyle Anglin, Dixie Gunworks. Obeche laminate, Indian Blanket color scheme. 48″ long excluding butt hardware. Butt and Cheekpiece Hardware: Master Class/Alex Sitman, extended rods. Scope: Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm MOA reticle item #25127. 100 MOA elevation/windage. Bipod: Duplin Rifles by Clint Cooper. Weight: One pound, 2 ounces. Gunsmith: Rifle builder was Doyle Anglin, Dixie Gunworks, Winder, GA.
If you want to learn more about this record-setting rifle, Corbin has prepared a 6-page project history describing all the components and explaining how the rifle was constructed. This Build Document also contains a wealth of information about loading for the .416 Barrett cartridge.
Conditions During Record:
Corbin tells us: “This was shot in Blakely, Georgia at the Arena Training Facility in good Ole dense Southern air. Here are the atmospheric conditions when I shot: 70 degree temperature, 29.70-29.80 inches of mercury, 82% humidity, 1211 Density Altitude (DA).”
Corbin noted that the unique barrel block with rail helps with ELR Optics: “This custom-made barrel block is drilled length wise to reduce weight. It incorporates an integral Picatinny rail which… facilitates mounting of … the Tacom Charlie/Delta TARAC prism system, without the need to bridge mount.” Charlie/Delta TARAC units effectively offset the view that comes into the scope, providing up to 625 MOA elevation.
ELR Cold Bore Shot Record Rules
Congratulations to the new ELR World Record Holder Corbin Shell. The record now stands at 2118 yards. This record was shot under a very specific set of rules established by ELR Central and industry leaders. For more ELR record information, go to ELRCentral.com. All ELR World Record results can be seen on the ELR Central’sEvent Results Page.
* Prior to Corbin Shell’s GA record, David Tubb shot a 2200-yard, 3-shot group that has been recognized as a FCSA record. However, because David had made a same-day attempt, within minutes, with a different rifle, this did not comply with the ELR Central Rules. So, at this time only Corbin Shell is recognized as the ELR Central World Record Holder.
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Politicians need to justify their existence. That means they are constantly fiddling with statutes, and writing new laws, even when none are needed. With legal requirements constantly in flux, it can be difficult for gun owners to keep track of their responsibilities under state and federal law. Thankfully, USLawshield.com has prepared summaries of recent federal and state legislation. Short videos summarize the 2017 law changes which may affect gun owners. The primary video (below) covers changes to federal law. Then there are state-by-state summaries for Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia.
The big NRA Convention is just two weeks away. The 146th National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meetings and Exhibits will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia from April 27-30, 2017. This 4-day event will feature 800+ exhibitors, and include dozens of seminars, workshops, and special events. Over 80,000 NRA members and guests are expected to attend. In and around the Convention Hall there will be 15 acres of firearms, shooting and hunting gear, and other exhibits. There will also be an on-site airgun range. For more info, visit www.nraam.org.
There will be nearly 800+ Exhibitors displaying products at the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. You can see products from big name companies such as Berger Bullets, Leupold, Lyman, Nightforce, Nosler, Redding, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Smith & Wesson, and Winchester. You can also meet with top hunting guides and outfitters.
The National NRA Foundation Banquet will be held April 27th in the Thomas Murphy Ballroom, Georgia World Congress Center Building ‘B’. The NRA-ILA Leadership Forum is slated for April 28th in Hall A3, Georgia World Congress Center. With the recent changes in the American national leadership, the ILA Forum should be popular this year.
Hank Williams Concert
Lifetime NRA member and multi-Platinum hit-maker and outdoor enthusiast Hank Williams Jr. will take the stage at the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits Saturday, April 29th! This is always a sell out event, so don’t wait to buy your tickets.
Location of NRA Annual Meetings in Atlanta:
Firearms Policy for the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings
During the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, lawfully carried firearms will be permitted in the Georgia World Congress Center and the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center in accordance with Georgia law. However, firearms are not allowed in the remainder of the CNN Center, including the food court and shops. When carrying your firearm, remember to follow all federal, state and local laws.
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Match Report by David and Donna Matthews
The 2016 IBS 1000-Yard National Championships were held September 4-5 at the Cool Acres Sporting Camp in Swainsboro, Georgia. The event was well attended with 87 Registered Light Gun shooters and 76 Heavy Gun competitors. After a hurricane-filled practice day, the competitors put forth their best effort to master the sometimes tricky Georgia range. The 1000-Yard National Match for 2016 featured a three-target Aggregate for each Division (i.e. six targets total for both classes).
The Cool Acres Range and Facility is one of the best in the country. The facility features a wide 1000-yard range lined with Georgia pines on each side. Conditions held constant for most relays. Mother Nature blessed the shooters with temperatures that were cooler than during preceding weeks. The management of Cool Acres put on a great event this year. In addition, upgraded restrooms and a new cleaning shed were added — these were very much appreciated by all. Several shooters had very positive comments about the upgrades and changes made to the Cool Acres facility in Swainsboro.
The Two-Gun Champion and Overall winner was Tom Mousel from Montana with 24 rank points. Tom also won the Light Gun Overall title. Notably, Tom placed first in Light Gun Group with a stunning 3.356″ Group Agg — remember this was at 1000 yards folks. That’s a 1/3 MOA Agg at 1000 yards — truly remarkable precision.
Tom came to Georgia with one thing on his mind and that was winning. He accomplished that with his Wheeler Accuracy-built 6mm Dashers with Krieger barrels. Tom ran Vapor Trail bullets pushed by Hodgdon H4895. Finishing second in the Two-Gun Overall was 2015 winner Jim Bauer with 36 rank points. Jim took First Place honors in Light Gun Score with his Gordy Gritters-built 6mm Dasher shooting Vapor Trails pushed by Hodgdon Varget powder. The bright star of the show was Junior Division Winner Amber Brewer. Remarkably, this talented young lady topped the entire Heavy Gun field, winning Heavy Gun Score (97.667 average) and winning Heavy Gun Overall against all comers (of all ages). Her father, Henry Brewer Jr., played a role in her HG win — Henry smithed Amber’s class-winning 6.5×47 Lapua Heavy Gun, and even crafted the stock. Amber shot Berger bullets with H4895. Sally Bauer was top female shooter with her Douglas-barreled 6mm Dashers LG and HG, both built by Gordy Gritters. Sally also shot Vapor Trail Bullets with Varget.
Mousel won Light Gun Group with a stunning 3.356″ 5-shot Group Aggregate. That’s a 1/3 MOA Agg at 1000 yards — amazing, awe-inspiring accuracy.
Overall Winner Tom Mousel shot the 6mm Dasher cartridge in both Light Gun and Heavy Gun Classes. This little wildcat, shown below, has accuracy to spare. Alex Wheeler smithed Tom’s Rifles. Tom is shown below at his home range in Montana with an older rifle (not one used in Georgia this year).
Follow Link for Full Match Results and Equipment List
The IBS website has results for all major IBS Matches. Complete Results and Equipment Lists for the IBS 2016 1000-Yard Nationals can be found by CLICKING THIS LINK for the Nationals Results Page.
Big Prize Table — Over $18,000 Worth of Hardware
Over $18,000 worth of prizes were awarded at this year’s IBS 1000-Yard Nationals. Prizes included: Nightforce scopes, Sightron Scopes, SEB Coaxial Rest, BAT Action, Bench Source Annealing Machine, Defiance Action, Baity Action, Shehane stocks, reloading tools, Sierra bullets, Berger bullets, and much more. Many thanks go to Stanley Taylor from Douglas Barrels for his time and energy in acquiring prizes for the match. And the IBS thanks ALL of the generous sponsors for the 2016 1K Nationals.
Great Southern Hospitality and BBQ
On Saturday evening competitors were rewarded with a fantastic Southern meal prepared by the talented cooks of Real South BBQ from Swainsboro, Georgia, sponsored by Vapor Trail Bullets.
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The Second Annual D-Day Match in Talladega was a big success. On the weekend of June 4-5, over 250 eager competitors arrived at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Talladega Marksmanship Park for the D-Day Match commemorating the 72nd Anniversary of the Allied Forces’ landing at Normandy. This was a major match, attracting rifle and pistol shooters from throughout the country.
The Talladega range complex is an impressive, modern facility equipped with a computerized, high-tech Kongsberg electronic target system that plots shot locations and displays scores on monitors at each shooting station. For many competitors, this D-Day match was their first experience with electronic scoring. None complained about being freed from pit duties (the Kongsberg system eliminates the need to raise and lower targets or mark shots).
The John C. Garand Match has become hugely popular…
Georgia boys dominated the popular John C. Garand Match. Winning gold was SSG Jonathan O’Neal of Marietta, GA, who fired a score of 291-13X. Larry Sollars (Cumming, GA) followed closely behind, one point back with a score of 290-9X. Keith Schachle of Brooks, GA, shot a 288-7X for third.
Vintage Sniper Rifle Matches at Talladega
New this year, the D-Day Matches featured the inclusion of one of the CMP’s most popular competitions, the Vintage Sniper Match. During the event, a team of two uses a scoped Korean War, World War II or earlier “as-issued” military rifle to fire at distances of 300 and 600 yards. All shots are taken from the prone position with sand bag rests permitted. Each partner takes a turn as both shooter and spotter.
Over 60 shooters registered for the event’s first showing at the D-Day Matches. CMP Competitions Department manager Shannon Hand said, “The addition of the Sniper Match was very well-received by the competitors! It was a great event!”
Winning the Manual (bolt-action) Vintage Sniper Match were Bobby Robinson and Daniel Henk. In the Semi-Automatic Sniper Match, the team of Franklin Hines III and CMP North general manager Steve Cooper fired the winning overall score of 368-7X.
In pistol action, SSgt. Chad Ranton, 29, of Beaufort, SC, was the overall competitor in the .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC Match with a score of 276-5X. Notably, 15-year-old Katelyn Abeln proved she came to win after recording a score of 254-3X to earn Junior Division gold in the EIC Pistol Match. Katelyn was also the High Non-Distinguished pistol shooter of the match.
All persons are welcome to visit the Talladega Marksmanship Park, which is open to the public all year long. More information on the Talladega Marksmanship Park, including a facility map and description of facilities, can be found at the CMP’s Talladega Webpage.
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Georgia-based PolyCase Ammunition has developed innovative polymer-based composite cartridge cases and injection-molded bullets. With a patent-pending design, the polymer cartridge cases are lighter than brass or steel cases, yet are heat-tolerant, and relatively easy to manufacture. These cases will be initially produced for .223 Remington, plus a variety of pistol cartridge types (.380 ACP, .38 SPL, 9mm Luger). PolyCase cartridge cases blend patented heat-resistent polymers with metal elements in the case base. According to the manufacturer, “the net effects are greatly reduced weight (compared to comparable loaded ammunition), durability… and competitive pricing.” Other companies have experimented with polymer cartridge cases in the past — none have successfully perfected the technology in a commercially successful product. Could PolyCase be the first?
PolyCase Ammunition — Material Characteristics
– PolyCase Pistol Cartridge Cases are 11.5 to 20% lighter than brass-cased ammunition.
– PolyCase Rifle Cartridge Cases are 23 to 60% lighter than brass-cased ammunition.
– PolyCase Cartridge Cases are self-lubricating — a positive factor compared to brass or steel cases.
PolyCase Bullets — Injection-Molded Blend of Copper and Plastic
PolyCase has developed its own unique bullets for use in pistol ammunition. PolyCase Cu/P™ bullets are precision injection-molded from a cutting-edge copper-polymer compound. These molded bullets will be offered in both polymer cases and conventional brass cases. (Early in the design process, PolyCase determined that molded bullets work well in both brass and plastic cases). PolyCase co-owner Paul Lemke (Lt. Col. U.S. Army, Ret.) says: “We are able to use essentially the same molds to produce bullets for brass casings and bullets for our polymer casings”.
PolyCase Pioneers Injection-Molded Bullet Technology
Powdered metal has been around for decades, but blending powdered metal with polymers and injection molding precise parts is a fairly modern process. While processes like sintered metal bullets and pressure-formed shotgun pellets have become commonplace, PolyCase is the first American company to produce and sell a completely injection-molded bullet.
For over a century most bullets have been mass-produced with a process called cold-forming. Lead and copper were shaped with brute force in punches and dies to create projectiles. While this is still a viable and effective way to produce bullets, other manufacturing methods are now available. By applying injection-molding technology, Polycase has developed a new type of bullet that has many advantages, as least for handgun applications. Bullets weigh approximately 70% as much as lead bullets with similar profiles. Lighter weight means higher velocities and less recoil. In addition, PolyCase bullets are lead-free, and low ricochet — two qualities important for indoor and close-range training. The injection-molding process also reduces weight variations (compared to cast lead bullets), and ensures excellent concentricity. Molding also allows unique shapes that are impossible to produce with conventional bullet-making methods (see photo).
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Phase I Nearing Completion at CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
Construction continues at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park as Phase I has reached 95% completion. The first phase is expected to be complete in September 2014. Clearing of brush, trees and other natural foliage is 100% complete, with 95% of the 600,000 cubic yards of dirt moved. The only earth that remains to be moved is in the action pistol bay areas. The second phase of the project is expected to be complete in March 2015, with the range’s official opening to the public in April 2015.
Berms have taken shape as 95% of the 600,000 cubic yards of crimson Alabama dirt has been moved.
This concrete slab will be home to the CMP Clubhouse. The building will overlook the 600-yard range.
Phase II of the project is around 10% finished, with pavement down on the main entrance road and the concrete foundation for the main building complete. It may be another month before workers begin to stand steel and pour concrete slabs for the other buildings on the property. Workers are also preparing to place footings on the 600-yard range.
The 600-yard and 300-yard ranges will be equipped with state-of-the-art, all-weather electronic targets.
Electronic Targets at Talladega
Back at CMP’s south offices, the state-of-the-art electronic targets that will be featured at the new park have been under construction. The wooden frames for the 600-yard range are already complete, while construction on the 300-yard frames will soon be underway.
The electronically-powered target lifters are being crafted in Ohio. Once completed, the frames and the lifters will be attached to rubber-faced targets that will be able to withstand all weather conditions and multiple shots. The targets resemble the electronic targets used at CMP’s air gun ranges, only on a much, much larger scale.
An aerial view shows the trees that will serve as natural dividers between each range.
The main goal of the new park will be to provide a place where beginning and experienced marksmen can practice firearm safety through clinics and courses, as well as participate in CMP Games matches. The park will also be open for year-round open public shooting. Mark Johnson, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, reports: “It’s impressive. It’s going to be a lot more impressive looking with the grass, the woods and the rolling hills. People are going to really like it.”
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Remington Arms Company, LLC (Remington), part of the Freedom Group Family of Companies, has acquired The American Parts Company Inc. (TAPCO). In business for more than 25 years, Georgia-based TAPCO is a designer and marketer of American-made aftermarket accessories and replacement parts for handguns, rifles, shotguns, and tactical firearms. It is best known as the supplier of accessory products for AR15s, AK and SKS rifles and Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 shotguns. In recent years, TAPCO has modernized its production through computer-aided design, and rapid prototyping technologies.
“This acquisition will enhance our positioning in the accessories market and allow us to further our research and development capabilities” said George Kollitides, Chairman and CEO of Freedom Group. TAPCO will continue day-to-day operations at its Kennesaw, Georgia, facility.
“With the acquisition of TAPCO, Remington continues to demonstrate its commitment to the firearm parts and accessories business,” said Scott Blackwell, President of Freedom Group. “TAPCO is well-known as a leader in delivering innovative and dependable products[.] We are excited about the breadth of the products they bring to our portfolio, and we look forward to utilizing our resources to ensure our consumers and OEM partners benefit from this important acquisition. We welcome TAPCO and its employees into our family of companies.”
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The BLADE Show (and Int’l Cutlery Fair), the world’s largest combined trade show/exposition of handmade, factory and Antique knives, runs this weekend, June 10-12, at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, Georgia. The show is open to the general public. A one-day ticket is $15 (kids under 12 get in free with a paid adult). Visitors will get a bonus this year — the 2011 Tactical Gear Expo will be co-located with the BLADE Show at the Galleria. All attendees will have access to both shows with one admission.
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the BLADE Show, which showcases knives of all varieties at over 750 exhibitor tables and manufacturers’ booths. Exhibiting their wares will be famous custom knife-makers and major blade manufacturers, plus there will be many impressive knife collections on display, with some rare items valued in excess of $25,000!
Exciting demonstrations and informative seminars will be held over the weekend. Saturday morning there will be a knife and Tomahawk throwing exhibition, followed by a live, blade-forging demo at 12:30 pm. At 4:15 pm visitors can see jaw-dropping action at the 9th Annual BLADE Show World Championship Cutting Competition. Sunday will be busy as well, with a team of experts showing historical sword-fighting techniques in the morning, followed by afternoon blade-making seminars.
Guns, Knives, and All Things Tactical at Expo
The 2011 Tactical Gear Expo runs under the same roof as the BLADE Show, and entry is FREE with a BLADE Show ticket. The Tactical Gear Expo features manufacturers and suppliers of tactical firearms, tactical knives, self-defense gear for civilians, and all manner of law enforcement and military hardware. On display will be tactical firearms and accessories, duty gear, body armor, books/DVDs, flashlights, lasers, eyewear, edged weapons and more.
$10,000 Custom Knife Giveaway
Each BLADE Show attendee is eligible to win a special, engraved, 30th BLADE Show Anniversary knife crafted by the William Henry Studio. To enter, just fill out a form at the BLADE Show. The drawing will be held Saturday afternoon at the William Henry booth.
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While much of Norma’s product line still comes from Europe, RUAG Ammotec has actually been manufacturing in the United States for 10+ years as RUAG Ammotec, USA, based in Tampa, Florida. Now the USA manufacturing operations will shift to Georgia. This will be a significant operation. Last year, in 2021, RUAG Ammotec produced over 30 million cartridges in the USA, and it plans to ramp up USA production significantly at its new Georgia ammo plant.
The Second Annual D-Day Match in Talladega was a big success. On the weekend of June 4-5, over 250 eager competitors arrived at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Talladega Marksmanship Park for the D-Day Match commemorating the 72nd Anniversary of the Allied Forces’ landing at Normandy. This was a major match, attracting rifle and pistol shooters from throughout the country.
Electronic Targets at Talladega
Remington Arms Company, LLC (
Guns, Knives, and All Things Tactical at Expo
