Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA recently donated $1,000,000.00 to the National Wild Turkey Federation to support youth shooting programs, including the JAKES Take Aim program. The JAKES Take Aim program provides youths (ages 17 and under) with opportunities to try shooting in a safe, fun environment. With the big donation from the Potterfields, over the next four years, the NWTF aims to triple the annual number of youth shooting participants at JAKES events –- from 50,000 to 150,000.
“Thanks to the generosity of Larry and Brenda Potterfield, more young people will have the chance to try shooting sports and may discover a passion that they will enjoy for the rest of their lives,” said George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO.
Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA, remarked, “Brenda and I believe in supporting youth programs that teach our next generation about shooting and shooting safety. The NWTF is doing a great job with our youth, who are the future of shooting, conservation, and the outdoor industry. We are proud to help them change the future.”
by Zak Smith
The simple and well-made rifle cases my dad and I used when I was a kid are hard to find and don’t fit the kinds of long-guns I shoot most these days: long-range precision rifles and AR-15s. There are plenty of “tactical” rifle cases on the market, but between poor construction and bad design features, it’s hard to really like most of them. One notable poor design feature is putting the zip opening on the bottom of the case (opposite the carry handle). The use of junky, low-quality zippers is another all-too-common defect.
MidwayUSA’s new “Pro Series” tactical rifle cases happily do not have those problems. The cases work well and have some good features. You can select between “tactical” black or a handsome OD green. Three sizes are offered, giving buyers a choice of 35″, 43″, or 47″ overall case lengths. Right now through the end of September, 2010, both colors and all three sizes are on sale.
I am not a fan of overloading rifle cases with a lot of extra junk, or bulky pockets that encourage it. The MidwayUSA case has plenty of internal compartments, and a large external pocket that may fit a compact M4/AR-15. Inside the main compartment, there are Velcro retention straps to hold your gun in place. The case also has angled, internal slash pockets on both ends. These help protect the muzzle on one end and help secure the buttstock on the other end.
Although the case is designed more for an AR-15 (with a half-dozen magazine pouches on the outside), I threw my Accuracy International AW — chambered in .260 Remington — into the case and took it down to the Sporting Rifle Match held at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM. Although the bolt rifle wouldn’t normally fit in an AR case, with the AW’s stock folded, it fit perfectly with room to spare.
Editor’s Note: The 47″ version of the case can swallow fixed-stock rifles with barrels up to about 25.5 inches. In the 43″ Pro Series case, a non-folding Accuracy International AW with 20″ barrel plus factory muzzle brake fit fine, with no clearance problems.
I don’t use a thread protector on the rifle’s muzzle when the suppressor is removed, so the muzzle “pocket” in the MidwayUSA case was nice. My suppressor, rear shooting bag, and some ammo went in the outer pocket. The top zipper opening is reminiscent of the full-on sniper drag bags, or more pertinently, easy to pull the rifle out with the bag set on the ground or in the bed of my truck.
With a glut of rifle cases on the market, the MidwayUSA Pro Series is built well and has pricing that cannot be beat. Now through September 30, 2010, the Pro Series Cases are on sale at MidwayUSA. 35″ models are $38.99, the 43″ case is $42.99, and the largest 47″ case is $44.99.
MidwayUSA has just launched a special, exclusive promotion for AccurateShooter.com readers that can save you big bucks. It’s a very attractive offer: $10.00 off any order of $50.00 or more, $50 off $500 (or more) orders, and $100 off $1000 (or more) orders. There are a few limitations — for example you can’t use the promo for back-ordered items, but basically this deal can save you 20% right off the top of a fifty-dollar order. This limited time offer ends midnight July 31, 2010. To get your $10, $50, or $100 discounts, use the following PROMO CODES during online check-out:
$10 off $50 – Code 2437210 | $50 off $500 – Code 2847210 | $100 off $1000 – Code 3087210
NOTE: This offer excludes MidwayUSA Gift Certificates, Nightforce, and Clearance Sale Products. Limit 1 per retail customer. In stock products only. Offer valid 7/2/2010 through 7/31/2010.
MidwayUSA is running a sale right now on Burris Signature and Signature Zee scope Rings and Pos-Align inserts. The Burris Signature Rings feature polymer inserts that fit between the scope tube and the ring itself. This protects the scope finish and also allows the scope tube to self-align within the rings. By using offset inserts with different thicknesses, you can keep your scope centered in its range of travel. You can also use the offset inserts to pre-load elevation into your scope, thus avoiding the need to purchase an expensive angled base for shooting at long ranges.
As examples of the current savings, Burris 1″ Signature Zee Weaver-Style Rings High Rings are marked down from $36.99 to $32.99. A set of Burris 1″ Pos-Align Offset Inserts (.005, .010 and .020) is now just $10.99, marked down from $14.99.
MidwayUSA recently sent us its new Compact Competition Range Bag for review. Overall, we were very impressed. The bag is made from a strong, heavy-duty PVC-coated polyester, with high-quality, large-toothed zippers. A comfortable, curved carry strap is secured by sturdy, all-metal clips. The “build quality” is visibly much better than most range bags on the market. I wish my airline carry-on bags were built as well as this. The bag is offered in black for $26.99 or olive-drab for $39.99. We tested the handsome olive-drab version which is a good match for our khaki AIM 60 Tactical Drag Bag.
Measuring 16″L x 12″W x 10″H, this Compact Range Bag is definitely smaller than MidwayUSA’s popular Large Range Bag (22″L x 15″W x 10″H). However, the “Compact” version will hold plenty of gear — pretty much all a pistol shooter will need at the range. For a rifle shooter, it will haul ammo boxes, earmuffs, magazines, and other miscellaneous gear. You CAN get a rear sandbag in the MidwayUSA range bag, but it’s probably best to use the bag for ammo boxes and the like. Overall, we really like this bag, as do most buyers. Among 43 MidwayUSA customer reviews, the average rating is 4.9 out of 5 stars. Here are two typical buyer reports:
“This bag is great. It easily holds both my S&W MP9s, hearing and eye protection, 6 magazines, magazine loader, targets and enough ammo (200-300 rds) for a good session at the range. The quality is comparable to bags costing twice as much.” — Richard B, Virginia
“I have used many different range bags over the years, but I have to say that this is by far the best…. Plenty of room for ammo, hearing and eye protection, documentation and other materials. This bag is a great buy.” — Mark C, Oklahoma
Quality Revealed in the Details
The details of this bag reveal smart design and quality construction. On the bottom, two plastic foot pads with ¼” high ribs are stitched to the fabric for grip and moisture standoff. On the inside of the bag a removable, waterproof sole further protects the contents. On both ends of the bag are full-width zippered pockets, with a handy clear identification window on one side. Metal D-rings above the end pockets provide solid attachment points for the heavy-duty shoulder strap. The shoulder strap pad has a rubberized underside that keeps the strap from sliding off your shoulder.
The main compartment is conveniently accessed through a Velcro end closure plus two long, parallel zippers whose pull-tabs are connected with a cord. The main compartment is big enough to hold two large MTM Caseguard R-100 series rifle ammo boxes, with plenty of room left over. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to lock any compartment on the bag. That’s too bad, since some jurisdictions require handgun cases to be locked during transport.
Deceptively Large Capacity for a ‘Compact’ Bag
To test the carrying capacity of the MidwayUSA bag, we loaded it up with 100 rounds of rifle ammo, 600 rounds of centerfire pistol ammo, 500 rounds rimfire, earmuffs and FOUR pistols tucked in the padded side sleeves. All that gear fit nicely with room to spare. (We recommend putting handguns in protective sleeves if you load two per side). The padded, full-width, zippered main pocket keeps seven spare magazines organized and protected. On the reverse side of the bag, a similar, full-length padded pocket provides undivided storage space. That large outside pocket also has a zippered compartment with dividers for pens and a small notepad. The bag’s many pockets make it easy to organize miscellaneous gear such as staple gun, target stickers, small binoculars, timers, and radios.
The durable fabric, thick padding, heavy-duty zippers, and quality stitching should deliver many years of hard duty. This is a bag that holds its shape more like a luggage piece, not a thin bag that will squash flat and lay on the shelf out of the way when not in use. The black Compact Range Bag is available now. The olive drab version we tested should be in in stock on 5/28/2010.
Today, Sunday April 18th, is the last day to take advantage of MidwayUSA’s special “TAX RELIEF” promotion. With this limited-time offer, you can get $15.00 off any $150.00 order, or $25.00 off any $250.00 order. Don’t delay, as the clock is ticking — MidwayUSA’s TAX RELIEF offer ends at 11:59 PM Central Time on April 18, 2010.
Here’s how it works. Enter the promotion code in the box entitled “Promotion Code” on the shopping cart page. You will see the discount on the Confirmation page before placing your order. This promotion is limited to one per Customer and one promotion code per retail order. The offer applies to in-stock products only and the offer cannot be combined with Birthday, Special or Dealer Pricing, and the offer is NOT valid on MidwayUSA Gift Certificates and Nightforce products.
Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA have donated $500,000 to the NRA Foundation’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge. The Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) is NRA’s “graduate studies” program in outdoor skills and safety training for young hunters. This program uses simulated hunting conditions to reinforce and test a young hunter’s skills and safety practices. Since its inception in 1985, YHEC has reached more than a million young sportsmen and women.
From rifle, bow, and muzzleloader shooting at life-sized targets, to wildlife identification, to map-and-compass orienteering and more, YHEC participants get hands-on training in eight skills areas, giving them expertise in all methods of take and all types of game. State- and provincial-level YHEC programs, hosted by volunteer instructors, involve an estimated 50,000 youths each year. Top-ranked individuals advance to the annual NRA Int’l Youth Hunter Education Challenge event.
Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA remarked, “Brenda and I are excited to be able to assist the NRA Foundation in supporting this type of initiative to focus on developing tomorrow’s leaders today. Changing the future requires us to make the commitment in time or money to support these efforts.”
MidwayUSA Offers Promo for AccurateShooter.com Readers
In related news, MidwayUSA has created a special promotion for the readers of this website. Now through March 21, you will get $10.00 off any purchase of $50.00 or more. There are a few limitations — for example you can’t use the promo for back-ordered items, but basically this deal can save you 20% right off the top of a fifty-dollar order. To get the $10.00 off promo code, click the link below. Be sure to tell your friends. This limited time offer ends midnight March 21, 2010.
MidwayUSA has just launched a special, exclusive promotion for AccurateShooter.com readers. It’s a very attractive offer: $10.00 off any order of $50.00 or more. There are a few limitations — for example you can’t use the promo for back-ordered items, but basically this deal can save you 20% right off the top of a fifty-dollar order. To get the $10.00 off promo code, click the link below. Be sure to tell your friends. This limited time offer ends midnight March 15, 2010.
Onlineguns.net, part of the Armsvault family of websites, has compiled a list of special discounts offered to purchasers of reloading gear, ammo, and shooting accessories. Current featured promotions include: Brownells — $10 off $100 Gift Certificate. Enter CODE D3E at checkout. Expires 11/30/09.
Lucky Gunner — $20 off any $200 ammo purchase. Enter CODE LuckyGlockTalker at checkout. Expires 11/15/09.
MidwayUSA — $10 off orders of $100 or more. Enter CODE 100119 at checkout. Expires 11/15/09.
MidwayUSA — $25 off orders of $250 or more. Enter CODE 250119 at checkout. Expires 11/15/09.
MidwayUSA just launched its re-designed website. We think most of the changes are for the good. First, the search function is simpler and faster (though a bit hard to see as the search field is the same color as the background). We typed in “Lapua 6mmBR” and instantly found the Lapua 6mmBR brass we wanted.
You’ll find handy Quick Links at the bottom middle of the home page. These simple hyperlinks allow you to quickly navigate to particular product types, such as “Bullets”, “Bipods”, “Reloading Dies”, and “Rifle Scopes”. We also like the way general product categories can be accessed via a horizontal menu at the top. Just under the MidwayUSA logo you’ll find tabs for “Shooting”, “Reloading”, “Gunsmithing”, Hunting”, “Optics”, and “Ammunition”. There’s also a red “Clearance” tab that provides one-click access to some of the best bargains on the site.
Weekly and Monthly Specials are found on the left, below the “Featured Promotions”. We recommend you check the Weekly Specials regularly. Rather than poor-selling clearance items, Weekly Specials are often very popular products that have been temporarily discounted 15-20% in price. For example, this week, Wipe-Out Foam Bore Cleaner is on sale at $8.49, marked down from $9.99 (a 15% savings).
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MidwayUSA recently sent us its new 
