A novice long-range competitor is now the first-ever USA King of 1 Mile. Clay Rhoden, the talented head honcho of Longshot (target cameras), won the match with a superb performance. Clay hit every single shot, without a miss, for the first five targets, all the way out to 1699 yards. There were two additional targets beyond one mile — Target 6 at 1909 yards and Target 7 at 2391 yards. Clay went 4 for 10 at these longer distances, but his perfect shooting out to 1699 yards still gave him a comfortable margin of victory.

Amazing FACT: Clay Won the 2022 USA Ko1M in only his sixth shooting match ever!

In winning the 2022 Ko1M match, Clay beat some living legends, including David Tubb, a 6-time NRA Nat’l Long Range Champion and 2019 NRA ELR HG Champ. Clay’s remarkable victory is doubly impressive if you consider that Clay had previously shot only five other rifle matches (at any distance) in his whole life. This was truly a stellar win for a new shooter. Huge congrats to Clay and his Global Precision Group (GPG) team. Clay’s GPG teammate Ray Gross took second overall.

Clay earned his one-mile Ko1M title shooting a very accurate 33XC rifle with BAT action, Bartlein barrel, Manners ELR Light stock, Bix’N Andy trigger, and a Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm scope. The ammo, which was developed and loaded by Paul Phillips, featured Berger 300gr Hybrid OTM bullets in Peterson brass pushed by Vihtavuori N565 powder and Federal 215 primers.

2022 King of 1 Mile USA Championship — The Winning Formula

Report by Clay Rhoden, Longshot Target Cameras
The 2022 (first ever) USA King of 1 Mile event is a match I will not soon forget! Before going any further, I want to thank Jay Monych and Alex Cordesman for putting this match together and for opening each day with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

This was only my sixth match ever to shoot and boy was it a blast! I had no expectations going into the match and my focus was on trying to stay calm and collected. I didn’t shoot until the second day, but my teammate, Ray Gross, shot on the first day. I thought we did OK during his qualification run, but I felt that I let him down as a spotter by under-doping the wind calls on the first two targets. Regardless, it was enough to get him into the finals and gave him another shot at the win.

When it was my turn to shoot, I did my best to keep my heart rate down and keep from getting excited. I also prayed throughout the day and prior to shooting, asking the Lord to help me win if it was His will, and to help me gracefully accept the loss if it wasn’t. Additionally, I asked that If I won, He use the win to His glory, and He has and is! My wife and I are going through the beginning stages of the domestic adoption process and the first bit of real money will be due soon and what do you know, it just so happens to be $4,000, the exact amount of money that I won in the match!

The top 19 shooters advanced to the Ko1M FINAL (Targets 5,6,7). In 20th, Paul Phillips just missed out.

My prayers were answered, and I was the only shooter to pull off a flawless run during the qualifier, going 3 for 3 on Targets 1-4. That secured us the top spot going into the finals and after randomizing the list, I remained at the top as 1st shooter in the finals and Ray as the 3rd. Conditions during the finals were worse as it was later in the day and the mirage had really come out to play. I was able to continue my flawless run onto T5 going 5 for 5, then I got 1st, 3rd, and 5th round impacts on T6, and a 4th round on T7. Thankfully, that was enough to secure the win.

Rifle, Scope, and Ammo
I was shooting a brand new 33XC rifle that had about 30 rounds through the barrel from practicing before the match. The gun has a BAT Machine left-hand feed, right-hand eject action, Bartlein barrel, sitting in a Manners F-Class stock with a modified custom TCS weight-tuning butt system. On top was a Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm FFP MOAR scope with NF high rings. The BAT action was bedded by Alex Sitman with machine work by GA Precision. The stock allowed me to add a good bit of weight to the back of the gun. That combined with a Tubb 5-star muzzle brake created a smooth and predictable recoil that allowed me to stay on target and help spot my impacts.

Team GPG Captain Paul Phillips loaded all the Ammo for Clay Rhoden and other Team GPG members.

Equally important if not more important than the rifle is the ammunition, and I have to give credit where credit is due. Paul Phillips loaded all the ammunition for the whole team and it shot lights out. We used Peterson Brass, Federal 215M primers, Vihtavuori N565 powder, and Berger 300gr Hybrid OTM bullets. During the match we observed that the guns and ammo performed so consistently shot after shot, that if we got an impact, we just need to run the same hold because the gun is going to put the next round in the exact same spot as the last one.

I was asked “What did your wife and kids say when you put on your crown?” The first thing my wife said when I put it on was, “You look like a whitewalker from Game of Thrones.” I’m not sure what to think of that but she did have a point. My kids thought it was cool and I tried tell them that I was a King now and that they were going to have to listen better, but they saw straight through that.

Preparation for the King of 1 Mile Match
I received my rifle a few weeks before the match and shot it for the first time only a couple of days before the match during a team practice at the Kaian Vista Ranch, a central Texas ranch owned by GPG teammate James Devoglaer. Upon arriving at his ranch, we zeroed the guns, confirmed velocities, and checked to make sure that everything was level. After that, we practiced team communication and spotting on the KVR’s long-range hunter course with 6.5 Creedmoors and then did a couple simulated matches with our competition rifles on the KVR’s ELR course. This allowed us to practice communication between shooter and spotter, as well as verify the predictions from our Kestrels. This practice significantly boosted my confidence going into the match!

Wind Calls and Spotting
In ELR, this is where the team really comes into play, and thankfully, Team GPG just happens to have some of the best wind callers in the world. I shot on the second day of the match and while I was doing my best to stay calm before shooting, my teammates were discussing the wind and the anomalies they had experienced when they shot and factoring all of that into our starting wind calls. Once our time began, it was up to Ray and I to get it right and Ray was on top of it! We were able to make first-round impacts on Targets 1 (1263 yards) through Target 6 (1909 yards). On T7 (2391 yards) our assumption about what the wind was wrong and cost us a couple impacts but thankfully, we were able to parlay those learnings and capitalize on them when it was Ray’s turn to shoot. Ray and I were shooters 3rd and 1st respectively in the finals, which was good from the perspective of applying what we had just learned from when I shot, but bad for me because I was the wind guinea pig for everyone in the finals.

Becoming Part of Team GPG
I lucked into being part of Team GPG last year when I went to help Paul run our Longshot cameras during a team practice. After the practice Paul asked if I wanted to shoot his .416 Barrett and of course I couldn’t say no to that, so I got behind the gun and shot a 4″ group at 2000 yards. A few weeks later, Paul asked if I wanted to join the team and the rest is history. I was just fortunate enough, as a completely inexperienced shooter, to get on a team with some of the best shooters in the world!

Being part of a team and trusting your teammates is such a critical part of ELR and I couldn’t ask for a better team. Each one of us comes from a different background and has different specialties, and we do an excellent job of leveraging all of that to perform at the highest level. Paul and Ray have years of experience shooting competitively. James has years of experience with competitive shooting, hunting, and training, while I have experience with cameras and technology that helps to verify our impacts. Additionally, we are all shooting clone rifles and can instantly leverage what we learn during the match from one shooter to the rest of the team. Paul Phillips even also helped design the new Manners ELR Light stock we used.

Big Prize Table and Major Cash Awards
The sponsors really stepped up for this match and donated $65,000 – $70,000 worth of prizes plus $5,500 in cash! It was an awesome experience being called up first, getting a trophy, belt buckle, and giant check for first place. I also got to walk the prize table first and got an amazing custom lightweight hunting rifle in .30 Nosler from Alamo Precision Rifles (see photo). At this point, I think it’s definitely fair to say that I’m hooked!

Now it’s time to prepare for our next match, the King of 2 Miles. Hopefully, Lord willing, Team GPG will be able to pull off more podium finishes at the end of September.

Conclusion: Philippians 4:13 states “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” There is no way I could have done this without my faith in God and without my team! I am so blessed and grateful to be able to say that I won the King of 1 Mile!

Longshot Products — How They Are Employed for ELR

There is no way that I would have been in this sport or even aware of the sport if it weren’t for the products we make at Longshot. Originally, rather than buying a spotting scope or binoculars, I developed our long-range camera system to solve the problem of seeing my shots at 100 yards to help zero my first rifle. Shortly thereafter, I was introduced to the idea of 1000-yard shooting. Then, not too long after, I was introduced to Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting.

For all these disciplines, our Longshot target cameras solve the problem of being able to see and confirm impacts, no matter the condition. And the “reach” of the system is great. The current Longshot LR-3 UHD camera has a guaranteed 2-mile range with open terrain.

As a relatively new shooter and novice long-range and extreme long-range shooter, Longshot cameras have played a critical role in my development as a shooter. With our cameras, I’m able to instantly and precisely associate environmental conditions or a breakdown in fundamentals to a specific result on the target. I truly believe that this along with the people that I have met while running this business have helped me to achieve so much so quickly.

Longshot Hawk Spotting Scope Cameras Used During Ko1M Match
While our long range UHD targets cameras can only be used for scoring during a match, Team GPG uses Longshot’s Hawk Spotting Scope Camera to take pictures of the targets prior to the match and create plot books for each shooter. We then use these to take notes and call corrections during the match. This process helped me get a fourth round impact on T7 during the match. We were able to see a super small poof of dust, plot it on our sheet and call a precise correction to bring us on target.

Click Arrow to Watch Hawk Spotting Scope Camera Video

Background Report from Paul Phillips, Team GPG Captain

Team GPG approached the 2022 inaugural USA King of 1 Mile event the same as we approached the 2019 King of 2 Miles where we finished 1st, 3rd, and 4th out of 80 shooters. This year, at the Ko1M in Texas, we had the same amazing results with first-place and second-place finishes out of 94 Ko1M competitors.

Our team GPG approach begins with making sure our rifles and ammunition are producing half-MOA or better accuracy along with single-digit SDs. We then make sure we have very accurate 100-yard zeros and our optics are plumb and level.

We then utilize a custom PDM (Personalized Drag Model) from Applied Ballistics and verify all of our ballistics with multiple Kestrels and Applied Ballistics analytics.

Once this all matches up, then we simply input all of the distances and environmentals and we are ready for competition. For wind calling we use the Kestrel for wind speed and direction and use analytics to get the values. Just before we shoot we register any last second pick-ups or let-offs to start shooting.

For team communications and team work we spent the day at the KVR ranch located in Lometa, TX owned by Team GPG member James Deboglaer. James put us through his hunter course and we used this as a way to communicate and make sure we were on the same page.

With good elevations and wind along with great team work and communications we were able to produce our first- and second-place results.

Paul Phillips Crafted All the Ammunition and Did Load Development
Paul told us: “I’m doing all of the load development, loading ammo, ballistics and initial wind estimations for my shooters. I also did all the ballistics solutions using AB Analytics.”

Rifle Specifications and Components
All the team’s guns and ammo were GPG spec 33XC builds, with ammunition loaded by Paul Phillips. Clay’s 33XC round has the 300gr Bergers running 3250 FPS MV. GPG team rifles feature these components:

Many major manufacturers and online vendors are offering great bargains today, Black Friday. Over the past two days we’ve spotlighted vendors worth visiting because they offer a wide range of discounts on a large inventory selection — in some cases, everything in stock is discounted 10%, 15%, even 25%. For our previous 2020 Black Friday Vendor Specials, scroll down or CLICK HERE (11/26) and CLICK HERE (11/25).

In this article we are going to focus on specific Black Friday Bargains. Here are 22 truly exceptional deals on recommended products that you can use in your reloading room and at the range.

MidwayUSA — Cyber Week Sale

Here are six great deals offered through MidwayUSA’s Cyber Week Sale (8 Days of Savings). There are also many other bargains on optics, shooting mats, and reloading gear on MidwayUSA’s Cyber Week Sale Page. Deals are good through November 30, 2020 and you get FREE Shipping with Code FSCYBER49 .

LongShot Cameras

Longshot Target Cameras is running a special sale with discounts on multiple items. Plus there is a special coupon code for AccurateShooter.com Readers and Forum members. After you add the item to your shopping cart, the sale prices appear. These represent $100 off LR-3, $50 off Marksman, and 50% off the Hawk spotting scope camera. You’ll get free shipping with code SENDIT. IMPORTANT — if you purchase the LR-3, you’ll get an additional $50 off with code ACCURATESHOTS (use that code for the LR-3 instead of SENDIT).

Natchez Shooters Supplies — Great Reloading Deals

For Black Friday, Natchez has slashed prices on a large variety of reloading tools and hardware including equipment from Hornady, Lyman, and RCBS. We were most impressed with the savings on RCBS reloading scale/dispensers and press kits. These are the best prices we’ve found on the web, and the RCBS reloading kits have been selling out. Check out these RCBS bargains at Natchez.

Graf & Sons — 25% Off All Sightron Optics

We listed this yesterday, but we wanted to spotlight the exceptional Sightron bargains available right now at Grafs.com. All Sightron Optics are 25% off — Scopes, Spotting Scopes, Binoculars, Red Dots and more. If you are looking for a high-magnification competition scope, or a field Target scope, or a nice HD Glass Spotter, check out these deals.

Palmetto State Armory — Triggers, Optics, Pistols and More

Palmetto State Armory is a go-to source for black rifle fans. For Black Friday, Palmetto has discounted a large number of AR parts/accessories including triggers, uppers, and optics. In addition, Palmetto has discounted S&W handguns and many other products. These are all listed on the Black Friday Sale Page.

Special Bonus — Free Shipping at Whidden Gunworks

Today only, Black Friday (11/27/2020), Whidden Gunworks is offering free 48-state product shipping. This is for orders over $250.00. To get FREE Shipping use Code BF2020 at checkout.

Spotting scopes are important tools for hunters and target shooters, but until now you had to position your head close to the eye-piece and look directly through the lens. LongShot Target Camera (aka TargetVision) has changed how we can use our spotting scopes with the company’s innovative Hawk Smart Scope Spotting Scope Camera. The Hawk employs a digital camera that “sees” through the lens of your spotting scope and then wirelessly transmits the real-time view to your mobile devices. This allows you to position the spotting scope anywhere you like, and then use a tablet or phone to observe exactly what the scope “sees” down-range. Priced at just $249.00, the advanced Hawk Spotting Scope Camera is a great value.

Hawk Review by F-Class John
As a frequent user of spotting scopes, I often find myself struggling to position my scope close enough without it interfering with my shooting setup. During a match this isn’t a big deal, but when I’m out doing load development or practicing there are plenty of times I’d like to set up my spotting scope out of the way but still see what it’s looking at. I’ve tried other digiscope systems but they’ve all required me to use a cell phone directly over the eyepiece. That can work but it still forces me to position the scope within my shooting space. All of these frustrations ended when I got the Hawk. Now I can put the Hawk anywhere I want, plus a shooting buddy (or coach) can watch the view through the spotter remotely.

Setting Up the Hawk is Easy — WiFi Connection
The Hawk comes in a nice hard-sided case that is big enough to fit the unit and charging cable and easily fits in a range bag for transport. Once its battery is charged, simply slide the Hawk over your eye-piece, tighten the screw clamp down and then turn the Hawk on. To pair, go to WiFi settings, select the HAWK IP address, and then open the TargetVision App. You’ll be asked to enter the provided passcode (only required the first time) and then you’ll automatically begin to see what your spotting scope sees. I like that it connects using WiFi because that frees up my Bluetooth for other items such as a LabRadar. This allows me to use the HAWK alongside other devices without competing for functionality.

Hawk Offers Shot-Marking System — GREAT Feature!
For use while target shooting, the Hawk has one outstanding built-in feature. The digital view from the scope can mark your shots! The Hawk’s shot marking software allows the Hawk to track and identify shots on target. The Hawk has a couple settings that allow you to change the color and size of the marked shots as well as showing your groups and group size. This is really a huge value-added feature of the Hawk. The shot-marking functionality turns your spotting scope into a highly capable shot-marker system. That’s especially great when doing load development.

Rotating Camera Head Adds Versatility
Another ingenious feature of the HAWK is that you can rotate the head unit without affecting your actual scope set-up. This allows you to easily “level up” the output image on your device while leaving your scope tight in its mount after zooming in or out. I found this to be a really useful at my local range which has uneven ground. As I moved the scope around, I simply turned the head and kept watching. With variable-power spotting scopes, the Hawk’s rotating head really helps you adjust the picture output quickly after adjusting the zoom power on the eyepiece.

SUMMARY — Excellent Product with Multiple Functions
Overall the HAWK exceeded my expectations. The image quality was clear and in general matched what my eye would see through the scope itself. In testing I found it worked equally well on my iPad and iPhone with gallery photos and videos easily transferred from the App to my device files. The HAWK is easy to install and configure for your devices. The ability to see downrange remotely — without having to stare through the lens — makes this device a great accessory for any spotting scope.

Great for Training — This unit is especially useful for training purposes. The coach can be watching the shooter’s position/technique, while keeping an eye on target and windflags downrange using the streamed image from the Hawk camera. Overall, we think Longshot Target Camera (TargetVision) has built a winner, and the Hawk is unquestionably a superb value at $249.00.

Hawk Owners Also Praise This Spotting Scope Camera:

“Image quality is outstanding and the camera is very easy to attach, set up, and use. No more straining at the eyepiece of my spotting scope. I love it!” Ned T., Verified Buyer

“The unit is extremely easy to setup. The App has great features and the unit has endless applications. A great addition to a nice spotting scope.” Evan D., Verified Buyer

“Hawk is built very well and works perfect. The App is easy to operate. Marks shots on steel out to 935 yards at the range … would definitely recommend this item.” Brett D., Verified Buyer

This Video Shows the Features of the Hawk Spotting Scope Camera:

Tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest SALE DAY of the year. We’ve scoured the internet to find great promotions and discount offers. You’ll find super deals on firearms, reloading tools, optics, shooting accessories, ammo and more. Check out these deals. Many of the offers commenced on Thanksgiving Day. Some of these special offers are for Friday only, November 29, 2019. Other promotions extend all weekend, all the way through Cyber-Monday, December 2, 2019.

Midsouth Shooters — Black Friday Extravaganza

Midsouth Shooters has discounted some of the most popular products for its big Black Friday Extravaganza. There are big savings on RCBS, Lyman, and Hornady reloading hardware. You’ll also find great deals on scopes, ammo, and even the advanced LabRadar chronograph. These deals commence at 6:00 pm on Thursday November 28 (Thanksgiving) at 6:00 pm ET.

Precision Reloading — 10% Off All Products

Precision Reloading is running a compelling Black Friday Promo through Sunday 11/31/2019 at 11:59 PM. Here’s the deal — starting today you can save 10% on ALL orders, including sale/clearance items. That means effectively that everything Precision Reloading sells is 10% off. Yes that includes powder, bullets, dies, reloading tools and more. Get your 10% savings by using CODE “BLACK19″ during check-out.

Whidden Gunworks — Week of Deals

Whidden Gunworks makes outstanding reloading equipment and also does great gunsmithing work. Whidden Gunworks products rarely go on sale, but right now you can save 10% on purchases of $50 or more (CODE WGWBLACK10) or save 15% on $250+ purchases (CODE WGWBLACK15). You can also save $100 on gunsmithing services with the purchase of any Whidden die set — use CODE WGWBLACKRIFLE.

Powder Valley — Free HazMat Starting 11/29/19 — All Brands

Need powder and/or primers? Then head over to Powder Valley. Starting November 29, 2019 (this coming Friday), you can get FREE HazMat for all brands of reloading powders and primers with orders over $179.00. And yes you can combine powder and primers in the same shipment. This great FREE HazMat offer runs through December 2, 2019. Go to PowderValleyInc.com and select FREE HazMat during checkout, starting Friday November 29th.

EuroOptic — 15% OFF Nightforce NXS and SHV Scopes

Nightforce Optics makes great scopes for all disciplines. You’ll see Nightforces on the rifles of top benchrest, F-Class, and PRS/NRL competitors. Right now EuroOptic is running a big Nightforce promo. Save 15% on Nightforce NXS or SHV scopes. No rebate forms needed — the 15% savings is processed when you buy.

AMP Annealing– AMP MK II Annealer $200 OFF Plus Free Pilots

AMP Annealing is running its first-ever sale in the USA, and it’s a good one. Save two hundred bucks! Buy now and get the Mark II annealer for $200 off PLUS three FREE pilots. YOu even get FREE SHIPPING. That’s a combined savings of nearly $300 on what is regarded as the best annealer made.

Grafs.com — Extended Black Friday Sale through 12/31/2019

Grafs.com is running an extended Black Friday sale for an entire month. Starting on Thanksgiving Day (11/27/19), you’ll find dozens of great deals, with the bargains lasting through 12/31/2019. Above are some of the best bargains. CLICK HERE for more great products on sale now through the end of 2019.

21st Century Shooting — 15% OFF Entire Online Order

Whether it’s neck-turning equipment, custom dies, presses, expander mandrels or other reloading gear 21st Century Shooting has top-of-the-line products to offer. Spend at least $50 to enjoy 15% savings on ALL the great 21st Century equipment. Essentially everything in stock is on sale now through Monday 12/2/2019 at 11:59 pm. NOTE: To get the discount enter THANKYOU in the Redeem Coupon Box.

Brownells — Black Friday Sale on Guns, Ammo, Accessories

Brownells is running a HUGE Black Friday Sale with a vast collection of items deeply discounted. You’ll find big savings on AR receivers, AR parts, Federal ammo, Howa barreled actions, gunsights, triggers, magazines and more. There’s really something for everyone. Plus get free ground shipping on Ammo if you sign up for Brownells Edge program.

LongShot Cameras (TargetVision) — CyberSale Save Up to $100

Longshot (TargetVision) is running a big CyberSale right now. Right now you can save on ALL LongShot Camera products. The superb LongShot LR-3 2-mile UHD (Ultra-High-Definition) is now just $699.00 on sale, while the 300-yard UHD Marksman is on sale for $349.00. The new Hawk Spotting Scope camera is a steal at $249.00, marked down from $299.00. Act soon — these deals expire 12/2/2019.

Palmetto Armory — Major Black Friday Sale on Guns and Ammo

Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has some amazing deals right now on rifles, pistols, gun parts, and ammunition. You’ll find AR uppers, lowers, build kits, parts, ammunition, and more at the lowest prices of the year. Palmetto is one of the leaders in AR builds so if you’ve been holding out to get your hands on a nice AR now is your chance to get one. Right now a PSA complete AR lower is just $129.00!

MidwayUSA — Huge Black Friday Sale and Free Shipping $49+

If you’re shopping for optics, tools, reloading gear and more, check out MidwayUSA’s Black Friday Sale. Select products from top brands such as Vortex, Leupold, Remington, and Hornady are on sale for up to 50% off. You can also get FREE Shipping on all orders over $49 with CODE GREATDEAL49.

AREA 419 — Black Nitride Friday Sale

Area 419 makes some of the finest aftermarket accessories on the market. Right now Area 419 is running a Black Nitride Friday Sale with a selection of black nitrided products. These include muzzle brakes, suppressor mounts, thread caps, and Defiance nitrided actions. You can even order a complete custom rifle with Defiance action and other black components. Prices are very attractive.

PMA Tool — 10% Off Orders Over $150

PMA Tool carries a wide variety of very high-quality products for precision shooters — Lenzi rear bags, micro click-adjusters for dies, cleaning cradles, neck-turners, action wrenches, just to name a few. Right now, during PMA’s Black Friday Sale, you can save on PMA’s full selection of items. Get Free Shipping with a $100 order, or save 10% with orders over $150.00. These promos apply through 1/2/2020.

Bullet Central — Secret Reward Code Giveaway

This year, Bullet Central has a secret reward program. If you place an order during this Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend you have a chance to win one of 250 Secret Reward Codes. Each Reward Code is worth at least 5% off a Bix’n Andy TacSport trigger, and the Code MIGHT be worth much more. There will also be at least Reward Code good for a FREE Bix’n Andy TacSport trigger.