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September 2nd, 2011
Let’s face it — economic times are still tough, so it’s important to save money whenever possible. Prices are going up, but wages aren’t following (for most of us). Here are seven ways shooters can save money on gear purchases and other shooting-related expenses.
 1. Share a Ride to Matches. With gas costing close to $4.00 per gallon in many areas of the country, fuel has become a significant part of an active shooter’s hobby budget. Yet over 90% of shooters drive solo to matches, often in large, gas-guzzling trucks. If you drive 100 miles roundtrip to attend a match in a 20-mpg vehicle, you’re going to burn nearly $20.00 worth of gas total out and back. By simply sharing the ride with one fellow shooter you can cut your fuel expenditures in half.
 2. Use Discount Codes to Save. It’s always smart to check for discount codes before you buy. In the Daily Bulletin, we regularly highlight important sales, and we provide discount Coupon Codes when available. By using discount codes when shopping online, you can typically save 10-15% on your purchases. For example, right now Sinclair Int’l is running a Labor Day Promo with discount codes. To find recent discount codes, just type in “Coupon Code” or “Discount” in the search box at the top of this page. If you can’t find a Coupon Code for your preferred vendor here, visit RetailMeNot.com and/or SlickGuns.com. Both those sites list current coupon codes, and RetailMeNot.com covers thousands of vendors.
 3. Gang Powder and Primer Purchases. Every time you order powder and primers you’ll need to pay a hazardous materials (hazmat) transport fee, which costs $25.00 – $30.00. If you do a joint buy with other shooters, you can ship more powder and primers on a single hazmat fee, effectively reducing your components cost. For example, if you buy 3 pounds of powder at $20/lb with a $25.00 hazmat fee your actual cost (before shipping) is $28.33 per pound. If instead if you buy 30 pounds of powder at $20.00/lb, the actual cost with hazmat is just $20.83 per pound. Moreover, when you buy in bulk, you can usually save significantly on the powder itself. At Powder Valley, one pound of Varget costs $19.75, while an 8-lb jug of Varget costs $139.50 ($17.44/lb).
 4. Shop for “Demo” Optics. Modern high-quality optics can easily cost $1500.00 or more, often exceeding the value of the rifle on which they are mounted. However, you can often save 20-30% by purchasing demo optics. These are normally display units used at trade shows. They may have slight ringmarks, but otherwise they are “as new”, having never been carried in the field or used on a rifle that has fired live ammo. When purchasing demo scopes, you should always ask about the warranty before consummating the sale. However, most demo scopes from name-brand manufacturers come with full factory warranties. EuroOptic.com and SWFA.com are two respected vendors that offer a good selection of demo optics.
 5. Train with Rimfire Rifles. The true cost of shooting a match-grade centerfire rifle, when you consider barrel wear, approaches $1.00 per round. READ Shooting Cost Article. By contrast .22LR Wolf Match Extra costs just $0.17 per round and other good rimfire ammo can be purchased for even less. Good rimfire barrels last a long, long time, so you don’t have to be concerned about wearing out your barrel quickly. A quality rimfire barrel can retain its accuracy for 7,000 rounds or more. If you run the ballistics, a .22LR round at 100 yards can emulate the wind drift experienced by a centerfire cartridge at long range. This allows for effective cross-training with much less expensive ammo.
 6. Check Out the Forum Classifieds. There are great deals to be found every day in the AccurateShooter Shooters’ Forum. The latest deals are listed on our home page. To see all the listings, browse through the Forum MarketPlace section which has four main categories:
- Guns, Actions, Stocks, & Barrels
- Tools, Dies, Rests, Reloading Components & Misc
- Scopes, Optics, Sights, Rings, Bases Etc.
- Commercial Sales by Paid Sponsors
You can find some great deals on complete rifles, optics, and reloading gear in our classifieds. Before purchasing, however, read our Advice to Online Classifieds Shoppers.
 7. Take Advantage of Factory Rebates. There are some amazing rebates available right now from quality manufacturers such as Bushnell, Leupold, RCBS, Sightron, and Zeiss. You have to be a bit wary because rebates are typically used to move less-popular merchandise. But some rebates, such as the current RCBS $50.00 rebate, apply to very wide range of merchandise, so it’s hard to go wrong. Just make sure that, when you buy a product, you retain the sales slip and the original packaging. To qualify for the rebate, you may need to mail in a product identification code found on the box, along with your original sales receipt.
September 1st, 2011
 Lousiana has a once-a-year Sales Tax relief program we wish all the other states would emulate. Wouldn’t it be great if California, Pennsylvania, Texas and other major gun markets had a Second Amendment Tax Holiday? For a few days each year, Louisiana waives all the sales tax on firearms, ammunition, reloading components, and hunting gear. The 2011 Second Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday takes place Friday, September 2, through Sunday, September 4, 2011.
During these three days, eligible items (for individual use) are exempt from all state and local sales taxes in Louisiana. In Louisiana, eligible items include:
• Accessories designed to be used for hunting.
• Shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolvers, or other handguns.
• Ammunition intended to be fired from a gun or firearm is eligible.
• Animal feed for consumption by game which can be legally hunted.
• Apparel such as safety gear, camouflage clothing, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, face masks and thermal underwear for use while hunting;
• Off-road vehicles such as all terrain vehicles designed for hunting. The exemption does not apply to golf carts, bikes, motorcycles, tractors, or motor vehicles which may be legally driven on highways.
So if you live in Louisiana, enjoy your tax break, starting Friday September 2nd! For the full list of eligible items and special provisions of the Louisiana sales tax holiday, visit www.revenue.louisiana.gov/secondamendment. NOTE: Louisiana is not the only state with such a program. South Carolina has held Second Amendment Tax Holidays in the past, and other states are considering the idea.
August 12th, 2011
Sightron is offering $75 rebates on its SII Big Sky™ line of riflescopes. To qualify, just purchase any new Sightron SII Big Sky™ from the Models listed below between August 15, 2011 and December 31, 2011. CLICK HERE to review Sightrong Rebate Terms and to print out $75.00 Rebate Coupon.
| Scopes Qualifying for $75.00 Rebate |
SIIB642
SIIB3942D
SIIB31242AO
SIIB1242D
SIIB351042 |
SIIB451442
SIIB2444D
SIIB351050
SIIB41642D
SIIB3942 |
SIIB31242
SIIB41642ST
SIIB3936AO
SIIB31242MD
SIIB62442D |
Rebate Rules and Conditions: Purchaser must submit Sightron coupon with original sales receipt, warranty card, and UPC sticker by March 31, 2012. Purchase must be made between August 15th, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. Please Allow four to six weeks for processing of rebate. Remit Rebate Coupon to:
Sightron Inc.
Dept: 2011 Rebate Offer
100 Jeffrey Way, Suite A
Youngsville NC. 27596
Story Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome submissions from our readers.
July 27th, 2011
 This Editor has used Steiner binoculars in the field. I believe Steiner’s standard-size models are excellent optics for the price. And now that price is even more attractive. Starting August 1, 2011 and running through Dec. 31, 2011, Steiner is offering rebates on binoculars. Rebates range from $25 to $100, depending on the model. To get your rebate, purchase a qualifying product through an authorized dealer, then (no later than 1/31/2012) mail in a rebate certificate along with sales receipt and UPC barcode. Checks will be received from Steiner within eight to 10 weeks of receipt.
| Qualifying Steiner Binoculars and Rebates |
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$100 REBATE
10×50 Nighthunter XP, 12×56 Nighthunter XP, 7×50 Commander XP C, 8×44 Peregrine XP and 10×44 Peregrine XP.
$75 REBATE
8×42 Nighthunter XP, 10×42 Nighthunter XP, 8×56 Nighthunter XP and 10×56 Nighthunter XP.
$50 REBATE
8×42 Merlin, 10×42 Merlin, 10×50 Merlin, 7×30 Navigator Pro C, 7×50 Observer C, 7×50 Commander XP and the 10×50 Military/Marine. |
$40 REBATE
8×32 Merlin.
$30 REBATE
8×30 Military/Marine, 8×30 Predator Pro, 12×40 Predator Pro, 8.5×26 Wildlife Pro, 10.5×28 Wildlife Pro, 8×30 Wildlife Pro CF, 8×30 Safari Pro, 7×50 Marine, and the 8×30 Navigator.
$25 REBATE
8×22 Predator Pro X, 10×26 Predator Pro X, 8×42 Predator Xtreme and the 10×42 Predator Xtreme. |
 Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine — Field Report
In May, your Editor was in New Mexico, on a prairie dog expedition. While in the field, I used Steiner 8x30mm Military/Marine binoculars to spot the critters. I came away very impressed with these Steiners. The glass is bright and super-sharp. These binoculars offer both right and left diopters. And Steiner’s rapid focus system really works! You don’t have to constantly fiddle with focus — everything past about 20 yards is in sharp focus all the time. I could see blades of grass and other details better with the 8X Steiners than with the 20X Leupold on my rifle. After three days in the prairie dog fields I can recommend the Steiner 8×30 M/Ms without hesitation. As Steiner owner Steve West recently posted on Steiner’s facebook page regarding his Steiner Predator Extremes: “They are as good as advertised. The best value in binoculars today… German optics for American blue collar prices. Can’t beat that deal.”
 Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine Binocs are Just $229.99
Amazon.com has the Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine for just $229.99, with free shipping. The rebate (avail. August 1st) knocks the price down to $199.99. That’s a great deal! The 10×50 Steiner Military/Marine is also offered on Amazon.com. It has more magnification and better low-light performance. However, it currently runs about $499.00, or $449.99 after rebate. Even with the $50.00 rebate, the 10×50 is twice as expensive as the 8×30. For value, the 8×30 is the smart choice.
Disclosure: AccurateShooter.com receives a small percentage
of the purchase price of direct-link sales on Amazon.com.
July 24th, 2011
 Remington and Carl Zeiss Sports Optics have partnered on a promo that can save you $150.00. Starting August 1, 2011, if you purchase a Remington 700 rifle (most models) and a Zeiss Conquest or Victory riflescope, you’ll qualify for a $150.00 rebate. This promo runs through Dec. 31, 2011.
Qualifying Rifles and Scopes
Customers who purchase any Remington Model 700 BDL, CDL, CDL SF, XCR, XCR II or XHR® and any ZEISS Conquest or Victory riflescope (except ZEISS Conquest 3-9×40 # 20 reticle), from authorized Remington and Zeiss dealers in the U.S.A. between August 1 and December 31, 2011 qualify for the rebate. To get the money, customers must fill out a rebate form, and mail it in along with both original sales receipts and proofs of purchase to receive a $150 American Express gift card. All Ultimate Combination rebates must be postmarked by January 14, 2012 and cannot be combined with other rebate promotions. (Note: We’ve posted the correct link to Remington’s rebate page, but Remington hasn’t published the Rem/Zeiss rebate form yet — it should be up in a week or so.)
Model 700™ XCR II Camo (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Edition)
Story tip from EdLongrange. We welcome readers submissions.
June 24th, 2011
 FNH USA is kicking off the summer with an attractive “free ammo” promotion, designed to spur sales of FNH rifles and pistols. (FNH USA is the sales and marketing arm of FN Herstal, S.A., Belgium.) Here’s the deal: if you purchase selected models of FN rifles, pistols and carbines between June 27 and August 31, 2011, FNH USA will reimburse you up to $150.00 for ammunition purchased at the same time from the same dealer.
Here’s how the FNH “free ammo” deal works. If you buy a new FN FNAR rifle, an FN SCAR™ 16S carbine or an FN FS2000 carbine, you’ll be reimbursed for up to $100.00 in free ammo. If you purchase BOTH a new FN PS90 carbine AND a new FN Five-seveN® pistol and you’ll get up to $150.00 in free ammo.
If you needed a little extra incentive to add an FNH gun to your collection, perhaps this offer will seal the deal. You can even explain to the wife: “…but honey, just think how much money I’m saving on ammo by spending $4k on a rifle.”
If this deal seems attractive, don’t delay — the offer expires August 31, 2011. Visit FNH’s dealer locator to find an FNH USA retail dealer near you and CLICK HERE to learn more about the Free Ammo offer and to download official rebate forms.
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome submissions from our readers.
May 25th, 2011
Now through the end of the year, purchasers of Weaver Super Slam® scopes can get a $50.00 rebate. Purchases must be made by Dec 31, 2011. Weaver will give $50 cash-back on Super Slam scopes purchased between April 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Completed rebate coupons must be received by January 30, 2012. Coupon with box UPCs and original cash register receipts must be submitted together. Limit one rebate request per name, address and household.
CLICK HERE for printable rebate coupon (PDF File)
If you haven’t tried them, the Super Slam Scopes are pretty good for the money. We’ve used them on some varmint rigs and they worked fine. The tracking was consistent, the reticles were straight, and the optics were pretty bright. five reticle options are available. The higher magnification Super Slams (3-15×50 and 4-20×50) feature side-focus parallax adjustments. CLICK HERE to check out the Super Slam lineup at www.weaveroptics.com.
May 9th, 2011
 Smith & Wesson now offers a rebate program providing substantial savings on gun purchases for active, retired, and disabled U.S. Military personnel and Reservists. This program, which runs now through December 31, 2011, provides rebates on M&P rifles, M&P pistols, and S&W revolvers. Rifle rebates are $100.00 while pistol and revolver rebates are $50.00. Purchase rebates are limited to one rifle, one pistol, and one revolver per customer. CLICK HERE for details.
CLICK HERE to download Rebate Coupon PDF
REBATE RULES: This offer is available to ALL active duty U.S. Military, Retired Military with retired Military Status, active National Guard Reservists and Disabled Veterans of all U.S. Military branches including U.S. Coast Guard. U.S. Residents only. To qualify, customers must submit the following documentation: 1) the Redemption Coupon; 2) a copy of sales receipt; and 3) a copy of the front side of your Military ID card (active or retired) or, a copy of a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) or, a copy of your Military Orders. All requests for rebates must be postmarked no later than January 16, 2012. If submitting LES or Military Orders, please attach a copy of your driver’s license. Factory direct and Law Enforcement Agency purchases do not qualify.
April 2nd, 2011
On defensive handguns, we like the option of an easily-activated laser sight. Lasers assist training and help you get your rounds on target even in low light conditions (when sights aren’t visible), or when you are not able to raise the gun to a normal sighting position. The laser gives you the ability to direct fire accurately even when you don’t have the time or ability to acquire a normal sight picture.
Crimson Trace $50 Rebate for April, May, June Purchases
Right now, Crimson Trace is offering a $50.00 REBATE on its LaserGrips and Laser Sight products. The offer applies to items purchased from April 2, 2011 through June 30, 2011. To receive your Mail-ln Rebate after purchasing a qualifying Crimson Trace product, send all the items listed below to: Consumer Rebate — CTC, CS11-7673, P.O. Box 472, Scottsdale, AZ 85252-0472.
- Completed Crimson Trace Rebate Form.
- Original Store Receipt (dated 4/2 – 6/30/2011) with purchase circled.
- Original UPC Code from Crimson Trace Box.
After receiving your submission, Crimson Trace will send a rebate check for $50 via U.S. Mail within approximately 6 to 8 weeks. CLICK HERE for Crimson Trace Rebate Form.
November 26th, 2010
Here’s a sweet deal if you are looking for a premium hunting scope with great glass, extended eye relief, and a handy +4/-3 diopter. Leica Sport Optics just announced a Trade-Up Program for its 2.5-10x42mm and 3.5-14x42mm ER riflescopes. From now through January 31st, 2011, Leica will knock $500 off the price of a brand new Leica ER scope when you trade-in any “functional” scope. Yes, under Leica’s rules, your trade-in could be a $20.00 Leapers. That’s like trading-in a used Yugo and getting twenty grand off the price of a new Mercedes.
There is no brand or price limit on the trade-in. Leica will accept any brand, make or model of trade-in scope, so long as it is “functional” and a “clear image and reticle [is] visible through the scope.”
Leica is offering $500 trade-ins on its impressive 2.5-10×42 and 3.5-14×42 ER scopes. You can choose among five different second-focal-plane reticles, and three turret options. These scopes feature 1/4 MOA clicks, 30mm tubes, and AquaDura-coated high-light-transmission lenses. Typical retail prices on these products range from $1799 to $2139. With the $500 trade-in, you can get into a premium Leica hunting scope for about $1299.00.
 Use a $20.00 Scope for Your Trade-In
The smart way to take advantage of Leica’s offer is to trade-in the cheapest functional scope you can find. You can buy used off eBay but you could get a busted scope that won’t qualify. We suggest you purchase a new $20.00-$25.00 scope and use that for the trade-in.
You can buy the Leapers Golden Image 4X32 Mil-Dot Scope for just $19.95 at DPHArms.com. Texas-based CDNN Investments also has scopes for under $30.00, including a 4×32 Simmons for $19.99. Drop an easy $20 on some cheap Chinese glass, and walk away with a life-time guaranteed Leica for $500.00 under the regular price. That’s smart shopping.
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