Sinclair International has just released its 2012 Christmas Catalog. The 24-page catalog is filled with hundreds of sale items. Among the holiday bargains found inside are special offers on Hornady and Redding presses, Lyman case cleaning equipment, bullets from Berger, Norma, and Sierra, in addition to brass from Lapua and Nosler – just to name a few. The sale prices shown in the catalog are valid through January 14, 2013.
Customers who didn’t receive a print holiday catalog in the mail are encouraged to view the interactive digital version, which is an exact replica of the print edition.
Cyber Weekend Deals at Sinclair Int’l and Brownells
In five days, starting at 12:01 am on November 22, 2012 (Thanksgiving Day), Sinclair International kicks off its Cyber Weekend Sales Promotion. Through the holiday weekend, you’ll enjoy special savings on a wide variety of merchandise — bullets, brass, reloading tools, shooting accessories, and more. Along with the deals on the Sinclair Int’l website, Brownells.com will be offering special savings as part of Brownells’ “Black Rifle Friday” sales event, which actually starts on Thursday, November 22nd.
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Available for under $180.00 including front bag, the Caldwell Fire Control front rest is a remarkable value. It makes the co-axial, joystick design more affordable than ever. We used the Fire Control front rest when testing our Ultimate Varminter 20 Practical AR. Once we removed some sand from the tri-lobe front bag, the rest worked quite well.
Get a Fire Control Rest for Just $179.40
Amazon.com currently sells the Fire Control rest (item 956104) for $179.40. That’s a really spectacular deal for guys on a tight budget, looking to try out a joystick-style front rest. With the conversion described in this article, you can put together a system that works pretty darn well, and is more than adequate for many applications, including prairie-dog hunting (from a bench).
While most Fire Control owners are happy with the product, many have wanted to replace the tri-lobe front bag with a more conventional front bag from Protektor or Edgewood. This isn’t as easy as it looks because the width of the Fire Control top is too narrow for most standard 3″-wide front bags. On a “special order” basis, Protektor has crafted some narrower leather front bags that fit pretty well, but some shooters have decided to “upgrade” the entire front assembly.
Forum member Doug M. (aka DrJeckyl), has come up with an elegant solution that allows a Sinclair Int’l Benchrest Rest Top to be fitted to the Fire Control Rest. Doug notes: “The Caldwell Fire Control is a nice rest for the money, but it comes up short in the rest top department. The Sinclair RT-3 [or its replacement, the Gen II B/R top] fits perfect with minor modifications.” Shown below are the main components:
To adapt the Sinclair RT-3 or Gen II B/R top, Doug merely had to drill a couple holes in the RT-3 baseplate, and adapt a spacer to get the height correct: “The Caldwell factory top has a raised mounting portion so a 1/8″ piece of stock will be needed as a spacer to the flat-bottom RT-3. The spacer needs to be cut to the same length as the movable portion on the rest. And you should plan the mounting accordingly so the left thumbscrew clears the vertical height column at full left position (there is a cutaway in the rest under the thumbscrew that allows for easy access to the screw).” We have labeled the photo with dimensions, but Doug cautions you should measure your own original plate to insure the drill locations are correct for your unit.
Below you’ll see the completed installation, with the RT-3 installed on the Fire Control rest. Doug says it works very well. For more information on this Fire Control rest top conversion, with Doug’s measurments for the hole-spacing and his specs on the fasteners, go to the original thread in our Shooter’s Forum. NOTE: Sinclair no longer sells the RT-3 top, but Sinclair’s $69.95 Gen II B/R top can be converted just as easily. LINK to Fire Control Rest Top Conversion Forum Thread.
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Sinclair Int’l is running a great promotion right now through midnight (11:59 pm) on July 4th. If you use CODE DS6 during check-out, you’ll get FREE Shipping on all orders of $99.00 or more. Remember this offer runs out Wednesday night. You can find current featured items on sale on Sinclair’s Sale Page. Among the items discounted currently are the Sinclair Competition Shooting Rest ($599.99 on sale), the Edgewood MiniGator rear bag ($124.99 on sale), and the Sinclair Cleaning Cradle ($44.99 on sale).
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Sinclair International regularly publishes Reloading Advice and Tech Tips in the Sinclair Reloading Press Blog. Mr. Bob Blaine, Sinclair Reloading Tech, has asked Sinclair’s customers to suggest ideas for future technical articles. Here’s your chance to pose questions to be answered and topics to be covered.
Suggestions Wanted by Sinclair Int’l:
As most of you have noticed, [Sinclair has] brought out some interesting items in our recent Sinclair Summer Catalog. Introducing new products generally causes a lot of questions, and we really do enjoy answering them for you. One of our upcoming articles will be about the new Stainless Steel Tumbling Media. We will explain how to best use the new tumbling media, and will include pictures to help show you how to work with it.
I want to know what other new products you would like us to showcase in future Reloading Press articles. We do enjoy hearing from all of you, and this is your chance to let us know what articles you would like to see from our Sinclair Reloading Tech Staff. We look forward to hearing from you! — Bob Blaine
Now through April 6, 2012, Sinclair’s Stainless Micrometer “Ultimate Trimmer” system is on sale for $159.99. That’s a $20.00 savings off the normal $179.00 price. This unit comes complete with micrometer cut-length control, stand, Shark Fin clamp for the case-holder, and a stainless Wilson cutter housing. NOTE: Caliber-specific case-holders are sold separately.
The Sinclair Micrometer head allows reloaders to easily adjust trim length in .001″ increments with an adjustment length of over 2″. The micrometer features easy-to-read, engraved unit markings and may be locked in place. The Ultimate Trimmer can trim cases from 22 Hornet up to 416 Rigby.
The Sinclair Stainless Ultimate Trimmer comes with Sinclair Mounting Stand and handy Shark Fin Clamp. This system makes easy work of installing and removing your trimmer case holder in a smooth “swing-arm” motion. The Shark Fin trimmer clamp secures the case head firmly against the micrometer adjustment head for a quick and accurate, chatter-free trim. NOTE: We have found that you will get the most accurate, repeatable trim lengths if you set the shark fin to a firm tension and do NOT hold the case-holder with your hand — let the Shark Fin clamp do the job. The video below shows how to use a Wilson case trimmer (with micrometer, stand and Shark Fin).
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Sinclair Int’l is now selling a new line of O-ring-equipped aluminum jags made by The Custom Shop (TCS). These unique TCS O-Ring Jags are crafted from aluminum so they won’t react to solvents. The O-rings hold the patch firmly against the bore surface to efficiently clean powder, lead, copper, and plastic fouling. There are shapes and sizes for pistols, rifles and shotguns. Rifle jags come in sizes .22 (J22), .243 (J2436mm), .257 (J25725Cal), .270-6.8mm (J27068mm), .284 (J2847mm), .308 (J30RP), .338 (J338RP), and .50 Cal (J50). The “RP” models do double-duty for large-caliber rifles and pistols.
We haven’t tried these jags yet, but we think the O-rings may be a good idea. As with any aluminum-bodied jag, be sure to keep the jags clean, as hard particles and debris can become embedded in the aluminum surface. You don’t want to drag embedded debris across your delicate rifling. The TCS jags range in price from $9.95 to $10.95.
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Forum Member Rod V (aka Nodak7mm) commissioned a full-bling “Extreme Make-Over” of his Bald Eagle Slingshot Front Rest. The visual change was dramatic — a benchrest version of “Pimp My Ride”. But Rod’s old Bald Eagle was also fitted out with new controls and new, large-diameter F-Class foot pads. Those hardware additions add more than flash — they improve function too.
Plain Jane Rest Becomes Black and Gold Beauty
The whole rest body was powder-coated black and the controls were finished in gold-tone. This has got to be the best-looking Bald Eagle in the galaxy. Rod says: “I had Bob Pastor of Viper Rests make me some F-Class feet for my Bald Eagle Slingshot rest. Since Bob does powder coating and such, I gave him the go ahead to make it look sweet. And he sure did!”
Rod adds: “Man do I have a ‘kick-butt’, hot looking rest for F-class now! Pastor did a great job and I really owe him a thanks for exceeding my expectations and for his craftsmanship. Bob is a great guy to work with. He is a top-shelf shooter too, so he knows what he wants in a rest and why.”
What’s involved in an “Extreme Make-Over” by Bob Pastor?
Here’s the description on Bob’s Website, www.ViperBench-rest.com:
Each rest is customized for the individual shooter. All the brass knobs and handles are melted down rifle cases from my foundry.
(Aluminum knobs and handles can be substituted of weight is a concern.)
Each knob and handle is individually knurled and turned on my lathe.
All threaded stainless steel rods, knob screws and knob extensions are used. These are all highly polished before installation.
The Viper Double-Edge F-Class Feet are 4″ wide, with a large tapered spike turned concentric to the center hole.
All corner stainless steel rods are ½ x 13 threads per inch for added stability.
All corner stainless steel rods have concentric points turned on the ends for use on a shooting bench.
All corner holes in base are drilled and tapped for ½ x 13 tpi., from 3/8 x 16 tpi. For better stability.
The base is stripped of any paint and all sharp edges and burrs are removed prior to powder coating.
The entire rest is either powder-coated or painted according to the material.
All threaded rods are burnished to remove any small burrs, before applying synthetic grease and assembly.
All brass is highly polished, unless a matte finish is desired.
Each rest is then packed in liquid hardening foam for safety during shipping.
To order an “Extreme-Makeover” visit www.ViperBench-rest.com, call Bob Pastor at (269) 521-3671, or email robpas [at] btc-bci.com . Bob says the Make-Over price “depends on the customer’s desires and is quoted before the rest is shipped to me.”
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Brownells and Sinclair Int’l now offer a wide selection of rifle, handgun, and shotgun ammunition at competitive prices, backed by Brownells’ 100% satisfaction guarantee*. Brands include Winchester, Federal, Remington, CCI, Hornady, Fiocchi, Ultramax, Kent, Weatherby and more.
“For years, customers have told us, ‘I sure wish you had ammo,’ well, we listened. We are offering the highest quality product at competitive prices, all backed by the high level of service Brownells customers have come to expect,” said company President Pete Brownell.
Sinclair Int’l President and General Manager, Bill Gravatt told us, “When you don’t have the time to reload, you can count on Sinclair to offer you a wide selection of the highest-quality ammunition from the brands you know and trust.” The same Sinclair tech staffers who help customers with reloading questions are also available to help buyers select the right ammo.
Ammo Advisor Web Tool Speeds Ammo Selection Process
For their online customers, both Brownells and Sinclair Int’l offer the Ammo Advisor — an industry first. This interactive ammo database makes online shopping for ammunition quick and easy. Use any or all of the fields and the Ammo Advisor filters the selection based on the shopper’s criteria. The selection fields are populated with all the top brands in the calibers shooters use most. “65% of Brownells customers shoot more than 25 times per year. We are taking the ammo shopping experience to the next level by offering customers a tool that is user-friendly. It makes shopping for ammo quick, fun, easy and convenient,” continued Brownell. Of course, customers can always just head straight for their favorite brands without going through the Ammo Advisor.
*Brownells exclusive 100% guarantee applies to all purchases so customers can rest easy knowing that they can return anything they’re not happy with — no questions, no hassles.
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John Perkins of 21st Century Shooting has created new, benchrest-grade hand priming tool that offers the ability to adjust primer seating depth. John is a skilled tool-maker and machinist who has designed reloading tools for major companies including Davidsons and Sinclair International. Guaranteed for life and beautifully constructed from anodized aluminum, the unit costs just $79.99 with five (5) precision brass shell-holders (Lee shellholders can be used as well). The current tool design employs Lee plastic primer trays, though billet aluminum trays will be offered in the future.
Adjustable Seating Depth and Great ‘Feel’
Brad told us: “With this new priming tool you can control, set, and adjust the seating depth of your primers. It was made adjustable because each person has a different idea about the [ideal primer seating depth]. Not only are you able to control the depth, but once you find the depth you are looking for, you lock down the adjustment and thereafter each primer is set at the same depth. So it’s a consistency thing as much or more than the seating depth. With a standard hand priming tool you are relying on feel each time, with no way to know exactly how deep you are seating them from round to round.”
Brad added: “One of the greatest things about this new tool is the quality feel of the tool while you are seating primers. I have handled almost every priming tool on the market and I have never found anything even close to this tool.”
The tool will come with five popular shell holders, including #2, #4, #5, M and PPC. Shellholders are made of brass and “fit much nicer” than the Lee shellholders, according to the tool’s designer. You can also use normal Lee shellholders.
You can order the priming tool directly from 21st Century Shooting, 260-273-9909. Price is $79.99 plus shipping. The tool comes complete with five shell-holders (#2, 4, 5, M, PPC) and allen wrench, but you will need to supply your own Lee plastic primer tray. 21st Century Shooting provides a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
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Sinclair International has released its latest print catalog, the 2010-A edition. The new catalog has grown to 204 pages with more than 11,000 products. The new catalog features hundreds of new products from Sinclair, Redding, Hornady, Barnes, Redfield, Leupold, Nosler, Lyman, Lapua and more.
Trained Tech Staffers Provide Reloading Help
Sinclair Int’l President Bill Gravatt revealed that: “Our tech staff are all certified, NRA Metallic Reloading Instructors who can help answer questions regarding reloading and shooting accuracy”. In addition to live assistance (via telephone), Sinclair offers many useful reloading tips via its Reloading Press Blog.
With the product shortages and rising prices of ammo following the 2008 elections, more gun owners than ever are reloading their ammo. Sinclair Int’l has expanded its inventory to better serve both first-time reloaders as well as “expert” hand-loaders. Serious shooters know that Sinclair Int’l is one of the best sources for high-end precision reloading gear. Gravatt agrees that “[Sinclair] has … the more specialized tools for more advanced reloading tasks.”
To order Sinclair’s new catalog, you can call 800-717-8211 or submit a catalog request online. CLICK HERE to request a catalog. NOTE: You can also download a digital version of the latest catalog for FREE.
Sinclair Int’l is offering a chance to win $100.00. Here’s the deal. If you write and submit a user product review, you will be entered into a contest with a chance to win a $100 gift certificate. For every approved review you write, you’ll get one chance at the monthly drawing. For example, if you write 10 product reviews that are approved, you will get 10 entries. It’s pretty simple. Just remember, there is only one winner per month. The January winner was Ross Livingston.
Each month all reviewers will be entered into a random drawing to win a $100 Sinclair International Gift Certificate. Sinclair says: “You do not need to have recently purchased the item to write a review for it. It could be a product that you previously purchased from Sinclair International. If we still sell it, you can review it!” After the monthly drawing is held the winning reviewer will be sent electronically a $100 Sinclair International Gift Certificate.
Sinclair Int’l has added many new products to its catalog, including recently-introduced reloading products from Hornady: AutoCharge electronic powder measure ($249.95), Lock-N-Load Concentricity Gauge ($99.95), and the Lock-N-Load UltraSonic Cleaning machine ($99.95). In addition, Sinclair has rolled out some impressive new products of its own, such as the new fully-adjustable, quick-attach Tactical/Varmint Bipod.
Sinclair Int’l Tactical/Varmint Bipod
With a hefty $229.95 MSRP, the new Sinclair Tactical/Varmint Bipod (item 04-8500) is nearly three times the price of a Harris bipod. Is it worth the extra money? For a typical varmint hunter, the answer might be no. But for the tactical competitor, the enhanced performance (and extra features) of the Sinclair tactical/varmint bipod may well be worth the extra coin.
The new Sinclair Tactical/Varmint Bipod is a strong, rugged design with billet aluminum and stainless steel construction throughout. There are many enhanced features compared to a Harris. First, the Sinclair Bipod’s individually adjustable legs can spread much wider (and lower) than on a Harris. The legs adjust from 6 1/2 inches to 12 1/2 inches in length, and there is a positive stop on each leg. The Sinclair Bipod also comes with a built-in “Pod-Loc” style cant adjuster, a really important feature that must be retrofitted (for about $27) on a Harris. In addition to the cant adjustment lever, the Sinclair bipod has a secure quick-release attachment system — the same system used on Sinclair’s popular F-Class Bipod. This lets you install or remove the bipod in seconds without any tools. Showing attention to detail, Sinclair also included an extra swivel stud on the bipod upper section, so you can attach a sling. Overall, the new 1 lb., 12 oz. Sinclair Tactical Bipod looks like a very good product that offers real advantages over a Harris for the tactical shooter. We just wish the price was lower.
Hornady AutoCharge Electronic Powder Scale & Dispenser
Here’s the first look at Hornady’s brand new Lock-N-Load AutoCharge electronic powder scale/dispenser. This unit can measure up to 1000 grains of powder. According to Hornady, the unit will calculate weight precisely to within ± 0.1 grains. That would put it on a par with the RCBS Chargemaster, though the Hornady unit sells for $60-$80 less than the “green machine”. The Hornady has many nice features, such as an easily readable, back-lit display, trickle function, calibration weights suitable to both low and high powder charges, and plenty of memory for your favorite loads. The Hornady, priced at $249.95 (item 050068) at Sinclair, also features three, user-selectable dispensing speeds — something you won’t find on the RCBS ChargeMaster. Those three speed settings let you optimize dispensing flow for the type of powder you’re using.
We hope to get one of these Hornady AutoCharge units soon and run a head-to-head comparison with our RCBS Chargemaster. Below is a video from SHOT Show 2010 of an early production Hornady AutoCharge.
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Sinclair International has just released its 2012 Christmas Catalog. The 24-page catalog is filled with hundreds of sale items. Among the holiday bargains found inside are special offers on Hornady and Redding presses, Lyman case cleaning equipment, bullets from Berger, Norma, and Sierra, in addition to brass from Lapua and Nosler – just to name a few. The sale prices shown in the catalog are valid through January 14, 2013.
As most of you have noticed, [Sinclair has] brought out some interesting items in our recent Sinclair Summer Catalog. Introducing new products generally causes a lot of questions, and we really do enjoy answering them for you. One of our upcoming articles will be about the new Stainless Steel Tumbling Media. We will explain how to best use the new tumbling media, and will include pictures to help show you how to work with it.
The Sinclair Stainless Ultimate Trimmer comes with Sinclair Mounting Stand and handy Shark Fin Clamp. This system makes easy work of installing and removing your trimmer case holder in a smooth “swing-arm” motion. The Shark Fin trimmer clamp secures the case head firmly against the micrometer adjustment head for a quick and accurate, chatter-free trim. NOTE: We have found that you will get the most accurate, repeatable trim lengths if you set the shark fin to a firm tension and do NOT hold the case-holder with your hand — let the Shark Fin clamp do the job. The video below shows how to use a Wilson case trimmer (with micrometer, stand and Shark Fin).
Plain Jane Rest Becomes
John Perkins of 
