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. Midsouth — Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler LITE, $99.99
Wet-tumbling with stainless media gets large quantities of cartridge brass clean inside and out. If you’ve wanted to try wet-tumbling, here’s your chance. Midsouth has the Frankford Arsenal Platinum LITE Tumbler on sale for just $99.99 — a total steal. If you run large quantities of brass, you can get the larger-capacity Frankford Arsenal Platinum Tumbler for $179.99. Either one of these is a reliable, durable (and watertight) machine that should provide years of worry-free tumbling.
2. Grizzly Bald Eagle — Great Range Bag and Rifle Case Sale
Grab one of these Bald Eagle rifle cases or range bags at up to 50% off. These are way better than typical too-skinny rifle cases or flimsy fabric bags. The rifle cases have plenty of storage for your match needs and the padding is very good. The box-style range bags have thick closed-cell foam panels in the base, top, and sides. That gives these bags good “wall strength”, so they don’t collapse like typical range bags. These are more like a quality camera-case.
AccurateShooter.com Editor’s Bald Eagle 20″ Range Bag with Spotting Scope:
As you can see, the Bald Eagle 20″ range bag is quite big inside with lots of padding. We use this bag to carry our spotting scope and a small tripod, plus lots of other gear in the pockets. The near-full-width front pocket is very handy. We really like this 20″ range bag, which is a total steal at just $15.97. In fact the Editor likes his 20″ Bald Eagle bag so much he just ordered a second, along with two 15″ bags.
3. Graf’s — Frankford Arsenal M-Press + Extras, $249.99
Frankford Arsenal has been getting a lot of press since SHOT Show with a bounty of new products. Topping the list of must-have items is the M-Press. This press takes all the proven concepts of a Co-Axial press and improves on them. It has reversible cam-over bars plus an LED light, quick-adjusting shell-holders, and many other notable features. Right now Grafs.com is offering the new Frankford M-Press for $249.99. If you need any more incentive, Graf’s is offering a FREE set of three (3) additional die blocks, plus a handy kinetic bullet puller. Nobody else is offering anything like this especially since the M-Press is so new. [Editor: Watch for our M-Press review later this month.]
4. Midsouth — Sierra Loaded Ammunition Sale
Sierra is renowned for making quality bullets but did you know Sierra also produces great loaded ammo for hunters? Available in many of the most popular calibers and featuring GameKing bullets, Sierra’s GameChanger Ammunition could just be the edge you’re looking for on your next hunt. Midsouth has GameChanger ammo on sale right now. Stock up before hunting season arrives and prices go up.
5. Bruno Shooters Supply — Nightforce NXS 5.5-22 Scope, $1699
Nightforce NXS scopes are some of the best optics in their price range. Given their popularity, it’s rare to find NXS models on sale. Right now Bruno’s is discounting these fine scopes, so this is a great buying opportunity. Grab either the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x50mm or the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm at a blow out price of $1699. This power range is one of the most popular out there so to buy one of these for over $300 off is a deal you can’t pass up.
6. Bullet Central — Bix’N Andy Trigger with Free Cleaning Kit
Bix’N Andy makes some of the very best trigger systems on the planet. It’s rare that you ever see them associated with any kind of promotion. If you’ve been waiting for a good reason to get a Bix’N Andy trigger, here is your chance. Bullet Central is now offering a free 8 oz. ThorroClean kit with every Bix’N Andy purchase. ThorroClean by Iosso works is a two-part bore flush/bore cleaning package that removes fouling with minimal dwell time. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed with a Bix’N Andy trigger, and the deal provides a little extra incentive.
7. Amazon — 60 Jourdak Quality Earplugs for $12.95
Ever arrived at the range and realized you left your earmuffs at home? It’s happened to us all. That’s why you should keep some extra ear-plugs in your rifle cases and range bags. Right now you can buy a 60-count bottle of Jourdak soft earplugs for $12.95. Buyers say these SNR 35 dB plugs, which “heat-mold” to your ear canal, are very comfortable and effective. Plus there is a 10% Off instant coupon for the Jourdaks. We also recommend the Howard Leight Max-1 ear-plugs. These NRR 33 plugs are comfortable and easy to insert. You can get 20 pairs of Max-1s for just $4.95. Either option comes with free shipping. Remember, always wear effective hearing protection while at the range.
TECH NOTE Concerning NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) and SNR (Single Number Rating)
The highest NRR rating for earplugs is 33, and the highest available NRR rating for earmuffs is 31. These values reflect the level of noise protection available for each device when worn alone. Combining earplugs with earmuffs can offer a NRR protection level of 36. The SNR (single number rating) is a rating system used in the European Union to indicate the amount of protection offered by correctly-fitted hearing protection devices. Source: Protectear.com
8. Palmetto State Armory — S&W M&P 15-22, $299.99
In our view, every gun guy (and gun gal) should own a nice self-loading .22 LR rimfire rifle. And if you own an AR, it makes sense to have a rimfire rig with the same balance and ergonomics. That’s what the M&P 15-22 is all about — AR ergos with rimfire economy. With bulk .22 LR ammo, your cost-per-shot is under nine cents per round! Right now at Palmetto State Armory, the popular Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport is just $299.99 on sale. That’s not much more than a basic Ruger 10/22 and we like this S&W 15-22 much better — it’s great for plinking and rimfire action disciplines. This rifle can use most AR15-family accessories, and it comes with Magpul MBUS sights, and M-Lok rails.
9. Amazon — TACVASEN Long Sleeve Tactical Shirt, $29.99
Let’s face it, looking good at a match can be almost as important as feeling good. Now you can do both with lightweight TACVASEN Long Sleeve Shirts. The TACVASEN Men’s Slim Fit Long Sleeve Combat Shirt is available in nine different colors, including four with camo sleeves. PRS guys would like these shirts. They fit right so you can run stages without snagging range carts or barriers. These zip-collar shirts feature 65% polyester, 35% cotton fabric for breathability and quick drying. These shirts have earned a 4-star rating with 163 buyer reviews.
Are you considering the Frankford Arsenal tumbler featured above? It’s a great machine. But you’ll also need stainless media for it. Here’s your solution. Amazon sells 2.5 lbs of stainless tumbling media for a mere $19.50. Amazon also offers even larger quantities of stainless steel tumbling pins if you need more than a couple pounds for those really big jobs.
Thousands of new products will be on display at SHOT Show 2018, the huge gun industry trade show held each January in Las Vegas. Some of the most highly-anticipated products (such as new Lapua ammo with Berger bullets) have not yet been revealed. However, the SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 338 new-for-2018 products. More will come in the weeks ahead. For the time being, however, here are ten interesting new products. Since these are all completely new items, we haven’t been able to test them yet. All product descriptions are provided by the manufacturers. We also spotlighted six other new products in November. CLICK HERE for November Product Preview.
Starline Brass has recently added the 6.5/6mm family of cartridges to their growing line of rifle cases. Starline is now producing 6.5 Creedmoor (available in both Large Primer pocket and Small Primer pocket versions), 6mm Creedmoor, and 6.5 Grendel.
Here is the Ultra HD version of the 2d Gen long range camera system from TargetVision. The LR-2 Ultra HD works the same as the LR-2 model, but the Ultra-HD has enhanced 5 megapixel resolution (2492 X 1944) instead of the standard 1.3 megapixel resolution (1280 X 960). Also the range is reduced from 1 mile to 1200 yards. The LR-2 Ultra HD is a portable, battery-powered, wireless target camera system that can be viewed from a phone or tablet. This target camera has a range of 1200 yards with run time of 12+ hours.
Price: $899.99
The Caracal Enhanced F pistol is a striker-fired, polymer-framed 9mm handgun. It is offered with either standard 3-dot dovetail sights or the acclaimed Quick Sight System, which places both front and rear sights on a single focal plane, enabling the shooter to acquire a much faster sight picture. The Enhanced F pistol has 18+1 capacity and is available in 12 configurations.
Price: $599.00
The PhoneSkope Adaptor lets you record everything you see through your riflescope. Unlike other smartphone adaptors, the PhoneSkope lets the shooter look through the scope normally — through the eyepiece. Your eye and the phone camera view the same image. Record a target string or hunt. The PhoneSkope fits nearly all riflescopes and can adapt to most bolt-action rifles. PhoneSkope also offers adaptors for spotting scopes.
The innovative BipodeXt TAC III increases the stability of any rifle / bipod configuration. Moving the bipod far forward extends the rig’s “wheelbase”, creating a more stable platform. The BipodeXT TAC III mounts to the rifle’s fore-end. Expect less bipod hop, recoil that is more “straight back”, and faster follow-up shots. The BipodeXt’s telescoping 3-tube design is made from carbon fiber and aluminum.
Price: $599
For 2018, Berry’s has upgraded the VersaCradle™ Gun Vise. Star knobs allow you to switch from one configuration to another without tools. With the VersaCradle 360° Ball & Case you can adapt to a shooting rest, multi-use vise, or a stock checkering cradle in seconds. Available C-clamps allow easy mounting to table or bench up to 2” thick. Other accessories include floor stand and table-top base.
Price: $166.24
The new Sicario is a two-piece, integral handgun suppressor that can be quickly detached without tools — use the factory magazine to disassemble the suppressor. The monocore is constructed from anodized 2024T351 aluminum with stainless insert. Alignment is easy with “fast attach 28” thread mount system. This suppressor is offered for all Ruger MK I,II,III,IV pistols as well as Browning Buckmarks, S&W Victory, and Colt Cadet.
Price: $699.99
The GPS M/L Range Bag features an internal foam cradle for 5 medium-sized handguns. The lid is reinforced to provide a stable location for eye and ear protection as well as a space for tools. The front compartment holds 6 magazines and comes with two ammo cups. The bag is made from HD 600 denier material and all stress points are boxed stitched and bar tacked.
Price: $129.00
Convenient, top-loading design loads your rifle from top (like a toaster). The unique, soft-sided hard case won’t scratch your vehicle. Extra-thick foam interior keeps gun protected and secure zipped pocket holds extra shells, cleaning kit, or accessories. This TSA-compliant rifle case features external D-Rings for tie downs or locks, plus a shoulder strap. Size: 49″ L x 4″ D x 11″ H.
Price: $199.99
Mark 7 Revolution™ Reloading Press
Company: Mark 7 Reloading
The first new, automatic reloading press in over 15 years, the Mark 7 Revolution is a modern, computer-controlled, automatic machine capable of loading up to 3,500 rounds/hour. Microprocessor monitored and controlled, the new Mark 7 is fully automated. It features, smooth, gear-based machine movement and 10 stations that can use off-the-shelf reloading dies.
With the end summer, the shooting season in full swing. When you head to the range you’ll want to be prepared. That means collecting all the gear you’ll need at the range. It’s easy to forget small, critical items, so we’ve provided a checklist of the small “extras” you should pack before you head out to the range. In addition to rifle, rests, ammo, targets, and cleaning gear, here are a dozen essentials you should include in your range bag.
• Shell-Holder — If you don’t have calipers, you can use a shell-holder to check for excessive case expansion from hot loads. If a fired case doesn’t slip into the shell-holder easily, your load is definitely TOO HOT.
• Extra Earplugs — Always use ear protection when shooting. We bring a 35mm film canister with extra sets of foam earplugs.
• Hex Wrench or Screwdriver for action screws — Action screws can work loose with time. Always bring the appropriate hex wrench or screwdriver whenever you go to the range.
• Small Wrench for Scope Rings — Check the tension of your scope base and ring fasteners before you go. Bring along a small Torx wrench for the ring screws (or other tool that fits your fasteners).
Here’s a great deal on an electronic powder dispenser/scale unit. Amazon.com now has the Hornady Lock N Load Auto Charge on Sale for just $184.46. That’s a real bargain — these dispensers sell for as much as $250.00 elsewhere.
And here’s another good deal on Hornady’s Auto Charge if you need a range bag as well. Grafs.com is currently offering the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge powder scale/dispenser for $209.99. To make the deal even sweeter, Grafs.com will include a medium-size range bag for FREE. Hornady says the range bag is worth $34.99, making your effective cost for the Auto Charge around $175.00. CLICK HERE for Dispenser/Range Bag Combo.
While we have a lot of positive experience with the RCBS Chargemaster, we haven’t done any long-term testing of the Hornady AutoCharge. However, user reviews have generally been positive. We suggest you do your own research and then make your own decision. Both the Hornady LnL AutoCharge and RCBS ChargeMaster offer load precision to ±0.1 grains. Both the Hornady Autocharge and the RCBS ChargeMaster are sold with a one-year manufacturers warranty.
Features and Specifications:
Scale capacity of 1000 grains
Easy-to-operate keypad
Large backlit display
Automatic and manual dispense options
Trickle function
Three speed settings
Easy Outflow Powder Drain
Overcharge protection
One-year manufactuer’s warranty
This Youtube video shows the Hornady Lock-N-Load AutoCharge in action.
I have been looking for a bag that can securely carry a large spotting scope as well as chronograph hardware, wind meter, and camera gear — all the extra stuff I typically take to the range in addition to the essential cleaning and shooting products that go in my regular range kit. The folks at Grizzly Industrial told me to check out their new 20″ Range Bag by Bald Eagle. These 20″ Range Bags, are very versatile and well-made. With eyepiece removed, my jumbo-sized Pentax PF-100ED spotting scope fit perfectly inside the padded central compartment. At the same time I could haul ALL the peripherals for my PVM-21 chronograph, plus a camera, wind meter, spare Pentax eyepiece, AND a netbook computer. Without the netbook, there is room for four pistols along the side channels. If you don’t need to pack a large spotting scope, the main compartment could easily hold 3 more pistols in Bore-Store socks, plus holsters, ammo boxes, and earmuffs.
Watch the video to see how much stuff will fit in this bag. NOTE: If you carry a tripod or windflag stand using the straps under the case lid, be sure to position the foam padding carefully to prevent any direct contact with a spotting scope in the main compartment. Overall, the 20″ Range Bag is a remarkably capable gear-hauler. With the nicely-padded interior it will safely carry expensive items such as laser rangefinders, and binoculars. There is also a slash pocket on the rear side (not shown in video) that will hold thin items such as target stickers and shooting log-books. The 20″ Range Bag is offered in four (4) different colors: Red, Black, Green, and Camo. Price is $59.95 for solid colors and $61.95 for camo.
Smaller, 15″ Range Bag Offered Also
Grizzly also sells more compact, 15″-wide Bald Eagle Range Bags. There are six (6) color choices for the 15″ Range Bag: Red, Black, Navy Blue, Green, Hot Pink (for ladies), and Camo. Solid colors cost $45.00, while the Camo Bag costs a couple dollars more ($46.95). If you don’t need to haul a spotting scope, you may prefer the smaller version. The 15″ version still offers lot of carrying capacity — it’s big enough to hold ammo, muffs, target stickers, and much more.
REVIEW Disclosure: Grizzly Industrial provided the 20″ Range Bag for testing and evaluation.
Lars Dalseide, editor of the NRAblog, found a cool new product for pistol shooters and 3-Gun competitors. The new NRA Handgunner Backpack provides a convenient transport solution for your pistols, magazines, and assorted range gear. This product offers all the carrying capacity of a large range bag, in a design that, when worn on your back, leaves your hands free to haul long-gun cases, target frames, spotting scopes, or other bulky hardware. Measuring 17″ wide, 22″ high and 9″ deep, the pack has plenty of room for your gear.
Quad-Pistol Gear Hauler
The cleverly-designed Handgunner Backpack carries up to four pistols. Undo the zipper, slide out the compartment, place your pistols in one of the four foam gun cradles. Store your magazines in a zip-up side pocket with six (6) individual mag sleeves. There are also specially designed compartments for ammo boxes, muffs, protective eyewear, target stapler, and more. You’ll find handy embroidered patches showing the right spot for each gear item.
Lars tells us this pack is comfortable and sturdy. The shoulder staps and the rear back panel feature moisture-wicking padding. To keep the rain out, the pack comes with a waterproof cover. And the pack won’t collapse when you set it on a bench — it is designed to stand up on its own.
We’re impressed with the design and features of this pack. A lot of smart thinking went into its design. As you might expect though, because the Handgunner Backpack has so many features, it’s not cheap. This specialized backpack sells for $119.95 at the the NRA Online Store. We don’t think that’s too much, considering what this pack can do. This could be a sweet Xmas gift for the pistolero or 3-Gun shooter in the family. If you are running a shooting match, the Handgunner Backpack would make a great prize — way more useful than a walnut plaque.
Not much to say here — the photo and the price ($25.00) pretty much tell the story. Here’s a chance to pick up a nice range bag for a low, low price. Big enough for a couple full-size pistols, ammo, and muffs, this bag features zippered pockets on both ends and slot pockets on the sides for magazines and other thin items. We don’t know why Hornady slashed the price of the Team Hornady range bag from $59.99 to a mere $25.00. That’s a 58% reduction — what we’d call a serious discount. The bag is roomy and functional, and we think it’s pretty handsome — so long as you’re not logo-phobic.
This range bag, item 9919, is sold directly through Hornady’s website. Visit Hornady’s online store soon to grab one before the price goes back up. Click photo (above) to go to the Hornady order page.
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome submissions from our readers.
MidwayUSA is running a great Spring Sale right now with prices slashed up to 50% on Midway-brand merchandise including pistol cases, range bags, rifle cases, drag bags, shooting mats and more. Some of the most popular items, such as the black version of the Competition Bag we reviewed last year, are sold out already, but you can place a back-order to lock in the super low prices. Here are some recommended sale items:
FYI guys, people loved this pistol case (above left) at $14.99, and for $7.99 you cannot go wrong. Read the MidwayUSA buyer reviews. These are typical:
“The best pistol case you can buy for the money. I bought two and wished I bought five.” — Kevin S.
“I bought two of these cases, one in each color. They are absolutely fantastic and a bargain. The case fits 7 magazines, a full sized pistol (I had no problem fitting a 6 inch Ruger Mark III Hunter into one), has 2 large rear pockets for ammunition or other things[.] Each pocket can fit 100 rounds of .45 ACP but it can also fit 4 sleeves of 100 ct. of CCI Mini-Mags per pocket.” — Nikolay B., NY.
As part of MidwayUSA’s Black Friday Week Sale, which ends today, Nov. 29th, MidwayUSA has discounted its popular Competition Series range bags. Both the compact version and the full-size range bags are deeply discounted for the remainder of today. The Compact Range Bag is just $29.99 in either black or olive drab, and the Large Range Bag, which is almost the size of a travel duffle, is $39.99 in black or OD. We think you’ll be very satisfied with either product (we like the OD color best). In April we field-tested the compact model and we were very impressed with the design and the quality. Below are highlights from our field-test. CLICK HERE for FULL TEST STORY.
MidwayUSA Compact Competition Range 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. 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.
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. The bag’s many pockets make it easy to organize miscellaneous gear such as staple gun, target stickers, small binoculars, timers, and radios.
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.