Winchester Ammunition is expanding its component line with a variety of new bullets, primers, wads and several new types of brass shellcases. The components will also be available in new bold packaging designs that include red, black and white graphics.
In addition, Winchester pistol and rifle bullets in 500-count packages will now be available in sturdy, stackable cardboard boxes, with the 100-count bullets available in plastic boxes.
Some of the recent additions to the component offerings include USA Ready match grade primers, .350 Legend shellcases and bullets, .450 Bushmaster shellcases, and 6.5 Creedmoor bullets.
Reloading is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows hunters and recreational shooters to customize loads to specific needs and extend their love of shooting into another pastime.
The Combat Master is a professional-grade belt holster constructed of premium saddle leather and hand-molded by our experienced craftsmen. The traditional high-riding pancake-style design places the belt slots on either side of the holster, pulling the handgun tight to the body and making defensive handguns disappear. It also features a covered trigger for safety and an open top with firing grip accessibility for speed. Available in black or tan, the Combat Master retails for $99.
The DAO is a versatile, premium saddle leather belt holster made for the outdoorsman. It can be worn strong side or crossdraw at the user’s choice. The holster employs a traditional retention strap for simplicity and security in the field. The strap’s large polymer tab aids in snapping and unsnapping with a gloved hand. Tension screw adjustment gives a custom fit to the revolver. Available in black or tan, the DAO retails for $112.
The Phoenix belt holster is for the outdoorsman who prefers the finest of quality. Stitched sight rails protect both leather and sights. The reinforced thumb break retention strap secures the revolver in the brush while offering a very swift draw. Twin tension screw adjustment gives a custom fit. Constructed of premium saddle leather with protective silicone suede lining, in black or tan, the Phoenix retails for $159.
The Miami Classic II carries the revolver and two speedloaders horizontally, allowing a fast and natural grasp when drawing the gun or spare ammo. The harness straps measure 1 1/2″ at the shoulders, distributing weight while also remaining concealable. The four-point harness pivots independently for superior comfort with almost every body size and shape. Made of premium saddle leather, the Miami Classic II is available in tan and retails for $249.
And if you’re looking for grips for that new Kimber revolver, here’s a new option from Hogue, one of the industry’s most trusted.
Premier boot brand Dryshod has leveraged its performance technology to develop the new Kid’s Outdoor Series. This expansion includes three versatile styles, ensuring protection and comfort for any outdoor adventure. The Kid’s Outdoor Series has been carefully designed by the Dryshod team to match the quality and performance of their premium adult boots.
The Kid’s Outdoor Series includes the Kid’s Haymaker Boot, Kid’s Tuffy Sport Boot, and the Kid’s Arctic Storm Winter Boot. Each style has been designed to perform in a variety of conditions and terrains, and all include the premium Dryshod Rubber Boot technology utilized in all Dryshod boots. Constructed with a Densoprene foam bootie and a Hydrokote water-repellent coating, Dryshod’s youth boots are 100-percent waterproof and easy to keep clean (even if your kids aren’t!).
The Kid’s Haymaker boot (Mid/Hi-calf) is a premium work boot for children and is suited for the most rugged conditions. The DS1 molded outsole provides excellent traction across all surface conditions while an integrated nylon shank adds support and stability. The Kid’s Haymaker is an all-season work boot that is comfortable to wear in both warm and cold weather and includes an EVA molded sock liner that can be removed to keep the boots dry and fresh at the end of the day.
The Kid’s Tuffy Sport Boot (Mid/Hi-calf) is designed to protect during play. Uneven terrain is no match for the Tuffy boot with its flexible, high-grip calendared outsole. Designed with a steel shank, this boot offers good arch support and protection in an all-season sport boot.
The Kid’s Arctic Storm Winter Boot (Mid/Hi-calf) is a staple for children’s winter gear. Ensuring comfort and performance in the harshest winter conditions, the Arctic Storm boot has six layers of protection, including a 5mm bootie and 2.5mm DENSOPRENE XD foam layer for maximum insulation, a 2mm airmesh layer to promote air flow while minimizing moisture buildup, and a fleece lining that delivers all-day comfort.
Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) customers will notice some changes that should make for a more efficient, enjoyable shooting experience beginning Wednesday, July 1.
On the heels of reopening the more challenging 15-station “Rattlesnake” sporting clays course last month, the Ben Avery Clay Target Center (CTC) will make available its eight-station “Quail” sporting clays course, which is geared for beginners. Customers can reserve shooting times at CTC, the archery range, or any rifle and pistol range, by visiting this web page.
As a reminder, CTC and the rest of the ranges are unable to accommodate walk-in customers. Any changes to this policy will be based on reopening guidelines for businesses and customers, as outlined by the Governor’s Office.
CTC also will schedule start times on both courses in 15-minute increments, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday (for example, 7 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 7:30 a.m. . . . ). CTC’s objective is to provide more customers with shooting opportunities during the cooler morning hours.
“Quail” course customers also should note:
Each shooter will receive a shooting card that is preloaded with a total of 50 targets ($20). The used cards can be placed in a drop-off box at Station 8 (all shooters start at Station 1).
There is no time limit. A shooter is finished once all 50 targets have been shot.
Shooters can purchase shotgun ammunition (two boxes per reservation), and eye and hearing protection, online when making a reservation. Note: A shooter may purchase rounds of sporting clays for others in their group.
No shotgun or cart rentals are available at this time.
Shooters should arrive no later than 15 minutes before their scheduled start time. Those who arrive later than 15 minutes after their scheduled start time will have their reservation canceled.
Gold Cards now accepted
The preloaded shooting cards, which are used to purchase targets for trap, skeet and sporting clays, are back.
At checkout, CTC customers can type “goldcardmember” in the field that asks for a “coupon code.” This will allow those customers to book shooting times without being charged for any additional targets.
In addition, customers now can have targets loaded on their Gold Cards by a customer service representative from 7-10 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The representative will be available just inside the OneAZ Credit Union Pavilion to assist customers one-on-one in accordance with social distancing and health guidelines. After paying a one-time fee of $15 for the card, targets then can be loaded on the card, payable by credit card only.
Meanwhile, the following opportunities will be available at BASF’s rifle and pistol ranges beginning Wednesday, July 1:
A total of 32 paper target positions will be offered on the main range. They will be available in 1.5-hour increments with two ceasefire periods.
To ensure public health and safety protocols are observed, a maximum of two shooters will be allowed per paper shooting table — and both must be members of the same household.
Steel targets out to 100 yards for rifle and pistol shooters will still be available, but the number of positions will be temporarily reduced to accommodate the addition of paper targets.
Shooters who make a reservation to shoot steel, but would prefer to shoot paper targets can contact BASF at 623-582-8313 to have their reservation adjusted.
All customers and staff are required to wear a face covering to enter any public restroom or building. A face covering is required for anyone who cannot maintain social distancing of six feet or more.
To maintain social distancing, safety officers cannot provide personalized instruction. For everyone’s safety, a “zero tolerance” policy will be strictly enforced. Any shooter who operates his or her firearm(s) or acts in an unsafe manner will be asked to leave the facility.
Congratulations to Jorge Ortiz, winner of the 5th Annual Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge! Jorge was running new Berger .30-caliber 220-grain Long Range Hybrid Target bullets through his Accuracy International ASR platform chambered in .300 Norma Mag. for the impressive win.
The 2020 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge was held June 13 to 14 at Tillard 55 Ranch in Glenrock, WY. Nearly 200 shooters engaged targets from 700 yards to 2100 yards (1.2 miles) in extremely challenging conditions with wind gusts eclipsing 60 mph.
Jorge stated, “When it comes to Berger Bullets, especially the LRHT line, the consistency shows both during the measurements and downrange at the target. I simply selected Berger’s default G7 BC within my Kestrel 5700 Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics and was on target for the match.”
Berger Long Range Hybrid Target bullets feature a jump-tolerant hybrid ogive profile that is Doppler verified with less than 1% BC variation. A high BC is important for competitive shooting, however, shot-to-shot consistency is most critical when engaging targets to 1,000 yards and beyond. Visit NoBSBC.com and learn “why BC consistency wins” vs. the “highest BC is best” myth.
Another Berget Bullet shooter took top honors in a May match, as well.
The COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place orders are a painful reminder that you can never be too prepared. Our infrastructure—and lifesaving advice it provides through the Internet, cable and TV—remains remarkably intact, but there’s no guarantee the same will be true the next time, particularly if you live in an area prone to harsh weather, fires or other natural disasters.
Thankfully, when the lights go out and cell towers topple, Midland’s ER310 E+ Ready Weather Radio bridges the gap by wirelessly providing critical information in a battery powered, hand-cranked, solar manner. It’s a great backup when other lines of communication go down. Shooting Illustrated ran a unit through testing and its performance was excellent.
All Hazards Radio
The radio’s critical function is the ability to monitor National Weather Service “All Hazards” warnings and notifications in real time. For those unfamiliar with the system, the government maintains a network of towers and transmitters across the nation and a computerized-sounding voice reads weather reports 24 hours a day. Reception is possible nearly anywhere in the country. There are seven different frequencies used and tuning into the clearest signal usually ensures the information is specific to your surrounding area.
After 9/11 the system expanded. It now includes non-weather emergency information, when requested by federal, state or local authorities—chemical spills, nuclear power plant emergencies, AMBER alerts and even pandemic notifications.
To monitor “All Hazards” channels on this Midland radio you first turn it on by pressing the “band” button on the front panel once. Volume adjustment controls are at the right. If the radio is on the AM or FM broadcast channels press “band” again until WX appears in the LCD display. If there is no signal, touch either of the “tune” buttons and it toggles to all seven of the frequencies one at a time. During testing the antenna (which rotates, too) didn’t have to be extended, but it may need to be in some regions.
The information is lifesaving, but even if you live in tornado alley listening to a robotlike voice for 24 hours a day isn’t exactly entertaining. To ensure timely distribution of the critical alerts a tone precedes emergency notifications through the system. It wakes up properly equipped receivers that wait otherwise silently.
Midland’s ER310 E+ Ready Weather Radio has that feature. Press the WX Alert button on the front panel to start monitoring. Then confirm the letters “WX” are visible in the LCD display. When an alert is issued the radio sounds an alarm and the flashlight blinks for a minute. Touch any button to silence before then.
The receiver’s sensitivity in the weather bands is worth noting. The broadcasts were crystal clear from nearby towers, better than dedicated handheld scanners with rubber ducky antennas attached.
Entertainment
AM and FM radio are accessed by depressing the “band” button until the preferred broadcast frequency is selected. Letters on the LCD display indicate choice so you can find your favorite tunes until the power comes back on.
Frequencies change by pressing up or down buttons on the front face. AM broadcasts were received solidly during testing and, as is the case with most receivers, the antenna needed to be extended for acceptable FM signal. The single front-facing speaker, obviously, is mono not stereo. This is an emergency backup, after all.
Pressing and holding the “band” button down for two seconds powers down the unit. Time of day remains visible even when the radio is off and is easily set.
Battery Power
Battery status is indicated in a small, three bar icon on the radio’s front LCD panel.The radio ships with a rechargeable 3.7-volt Li-ion call, and it needed charging when the test united arrived. That was four-hour fast through the USB connection. If you have a smart phone with an Android operating system, odds are good that cable will work. The radio comes with one, nonetheless.
A red light over the “band” button and LCD battery meter blink while taking a charge. Both stay on constantly when the process is complete.
The built-in solar panel atop the radio failed to add a single bar to charge status after four hours in direct sunlight. It’s a trickle charge, enough to keep things going, but not enough for reliable music after a lot of long overcast days.
Deploying and cranking a large lever that folds flat against the back of the radio rotates an internal dynamo that can also recharge the Li-ion battery. The company estimates one minute of cranking will yield enough power to run the radio for nine minutes. It worked much better than its sun-powered alternative.
Another backup is the ability to change from Li-ion power to six AA batteries (not provided). To do so you move a small switch next to the USB port after inserting the cells.
Oddly, the solar cell and hand crank would not generate any charge to the AA cells. That would have added an unusual versatility to the system with high-quality rechargeable NiMhs. It likely wouldn’t require much modification either, since those batteries are wired in such a way to produce 3.6 volts.
Sharing, or Not
A separate USB port allows the radio’s battery to share energy with cell phones or other devices, an unusual advantage in an emergency. Collect enough solar power or crank, connect, and you can make that emergency call.
There’s also a headphone jack next to the USB connections, if you decide it’s best those young ears don’t hear yet another emergency alert.
A carry handle on one end is convenient, but the odds are good you’ll find more use for the LED flashlight on the other side of the radio. It’s activated by a pressure switch atop the unit. One press and operates on low power. Another and it yields a room-filling 1,400 lux. Hit it a third time and it taps out S.O.S.
Hold pressure on the button for two seconds and it activates an ultrasonic dog whistle to attract search and rescue canines.
The Midland ER310 E+ Ready Weather Radio is an ideal addition to anyone’s disaster “kit,” mainly because it can be used in nearly any emergency and eliminates the need for multiple items. Streamlining and reduced confusion are decided advantages, but the rechargeable system also reduces maintenance headaches and dead batteries that result from neglect.
That said, you might want to remove the Li-ion battery before storage. It runs the clock non-stop, radio on or off. Rather than let it discharge in your go bag, remove it, or keep and reinsert the red plastic tape it shipped with to accomplish the same task.
Specs
Midland ER310 E+ Ready Weather Radio
Length: 8 inches
Height: 3.4 inches
Width: 2.4 inches
Weight: 16.53 ounces (Li-ion battery only)
Batteries: One 3.7-volt Li-ion (supplied), six AA (optional)
Energy Generation: Solar panel, hand-cranked dynamo
Bushnell wishes to congratulate pro shooters Mark Cooper and Melissa Gilliland for claiming two titles at the recent Alabama Precision Regional PRS Match. Cooper used his trusted Elite Tactical XRS II to win the Tactical Division and place 4th overall in the match, continuing his hot streak in recent PRS competitions. Fellow teammate Gilliland was successful in earning a second consecutive Top Lady title thanks in part to her Elite Tactical DMR II Pro.
For Cooper, his recent win at the Alabama Precision Regional marked his fourth consecutive title in the Tactical Division. Entering the match, Cooper was red hot, earning wins at the Pigg River H.A.M., Red Brush and the K&M Precision Rifle Series matches. Cooper currently sits atop the PRS leaderboard with a commanding lead in the Tactical Division.
“Over the last couple of months, everything has been in sync,” said Cooper. “My gear has been running flawlessly and every shooter knows having that confidence is often the determining factor. I’ve always trusted my XRS II, but after these last few matches my faith in it just keeps growing. Regardless of how rough I treat it or what the conditions are – whether dealing with mirage or just bad weather – it never loses zero and it consistently gives me those clear views so I can keep making impacts.”
Fellow teammate Melissa Gilliland also delivered a strong performance taking home the Top Lady title. Fresh off her win at the MPA Regional PRS Match, Gilliland opted to use the Elite Tactical DMR II Pro to begin this year’s season.
“This year I decided to change things up a little and go with the DMR II Pro vs the scope I normally use – the XRS II,” said Gilliland. “While at first it was different not having the higher magnification range of the XRS II, the increased eye box of the DRM II Pro has helped with identifying and picking up targets faster. Both scopes have outstanding glass so really, it’s just a personal preference. You can’t go wrong either way.”
A study released in 2017 determined the average American spends nearly two hours a day subjecting themselves to the social media engineering enforced by Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and other outlets. Advertising revenue generated by the activity was conservatively estimated at $36 billion, and the profits are lining the pockets of people who think the right to self-defense shouldn’t include owning a gun.
Nearly every website modifies user agreements often, usually expanding the list of “banned” activities/items. Self-defense and the Second Amendment are some of today’s most fashionable and popular targets of social engineers, and easier to hit with headline-grabbing accuracy than Russian, North Korean or Chinese trolls.
Lack of alternatives is a convenient excuse for staying with the gun-ban crowd, but that’s quickly changing. Alternatives are gaining traction.
Firearms Friendly
This blog is one place to stay abreast of the latest developments—including this week’s news that Remington is yet again filing for bankruptcy protection. But there are many other sites that more closely fit the definition of social media. FirearmsFriendly, which was created by native Montanan and veteran website builder Randy Miller, is one.
About the time Craigslist started to ban firearm ads, Miller created PatriotsList.com to host gun and gear classifieds, although other companies like ArmsList and GunBroker gained national prominence. The sole proprietor opted not to challenge either, instead turning his original website into a listing of other pro-Second Amendment sites and concentrating his efforts on Big Sky Gun Traders Facebook group.
He knew, however, Craigslist’s lead was going to be followed, so he secured the MontanaGunTrader.com and FirearmsFriendly.com domain names. The former is tailored for residents in that state, but the latter is nationwide.
“FirearmsFriendly.com evolved from another simple directory like PatriotsList into a full-fledged social network as it is today,” Miller said. “It has groups, chat, images, private messaging, links directory and a no algorithm—what you want is what you get—news feed. Visitors from outside of the USA are blocked from even visiting the site to help avoid scams and spam.” Although membership is small compared to even Facebook’s recently hacked millions, it’s growing fast and you can even “Friend” like minded enthusiasts to stay up to date with their latest.
Full30
Video-hosting Full30 was established four years ago, after YouTube began changing its attitude toward guns. Who’s there now? “Many of the top content creators in the firearms industry are active on our platform, and we are extremely grateful for their support,” co-founder Mark Hammonds said.
“We place a very high emphasis on content curation and regularly work to ensure that the quality of what we publish is maintained and that our content is relevant to our community,” he explained. “Furthermore, we do all we can to monetize our creators, providing viewers an additional outlet to support the channels they love. We also have many community features such as our forum, comment system, and blog that enable like-minded individuals to come together on our platform.” The website also added a host of new features in 2018, improving focus on community and content.
Gun Dynamics
Even small business owners who’ve come up an innovative firearm product are being banned from crowdsourcing websites. GunDynamics was established in early 2018 “…to become the go-to resource hub for the gun community through providing a network of services and support to help the future John Browning’s develop their best ideas,” the announcement explained.
Founder Larry Lopata said, “The Gun Dynamics family is proudly standing up to provide the services the firearms community—the tens of millions of underappreciated patriots—so desperately needs in light of corporate America’s hostile attacks on guns and gun owners…If it hadn’t been for willing, selfless and armed citizens, America would be just another colony suffering without freedom. Just as guns won our liberty, they are essential in maintaining it.”
Stop Social Media Engineering
“The left will continue to erode our liberties as long as they continue to control the platforms we use on a daily basis,” Hammonds warns. “Social Media is the new media, the new press. The only way to prevent this erosion is to provide a viable alternative, and we hope to win in the marketplace by one day exceeding the experience currently provided by companies like YouTube and Facebook.”
The Wall Street Journalreported yesterday that Remington “…is preparing to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time since 2018 and is in advanced talks for potential bankruptcy sale to the Navajo Nation…” The article cites undisclosed sources close to the development and indicates official paperwork could be filed as early as next week. The news comes at a time when firearm and ammunition sales are at record levels, with much of the demand driven by widespread rioting and concern about the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s not the first time the Native American tribe has made an offer to purchase America’s oldest gun company, though. The New York Times reported in 2018 that, “The Navajo Nation—which controls a $3.3 billion investment trust—sent a letter to Remington in May offering to buy the company for $475 million to $525 million…”
The alleged long-term plan, according to the Times story, was to end sale of modern sporting rifles to consumers and ultimately move manufacturing to the reservation in the Southwest. The firm would then concentrate on military and law enforcement sales, where federal requirements dictate a certain number of contracts be awarded to minority-owned companies. Profits would then roll into creation of “smart guns.”
The offer wasn’t accepted. Instead the Remington filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2018. Two months later it reached an agreement with creditors and emerged to business as usual.
Remington is America’s oldest gunmaker and has a storied history spanning more than 200 years. Its firearms have served on the front line of freedom for generations and likely taken more big game than any other. The company’s financial challenges first came to the attention of gun owners when Cerebus, a private-equity investment firm, purchased Remington in 2007 to combine it into a huge portfolio that included Para Ordnance, DPMS, Bushmaster, Advanced Armament Corporation and many others.
Havoc Tactical Solutions, a veteran-owned firearms accessory company, is proud to introduce the Deflector Brake.
The Deflector Brake is an AR accessory that guides spent brass into a pile as it is ejected. It absorbs the energy normally contained in the ejected casing and reduces the speed and distance the brass travels by an average of 60%. It also pushes the hot brass out in front of the firing line. By softening this impact, the Deflector Brake grants an extra layer of protection to the rifle, spent casing, shooter, and those standing nearby. The result is reduced unpredictable ricochet of hot brass and minimized damage to brass casings.
The Deflector Brake is easy to apply and nearly weightless. It is a disposable, peel, stick and press accessory for standard AR15 platform receivers. Deflecting spent brass forward and away from the shooter makes a standard AR15 safer for left-handed shooters and during off-shoulder firing while promoting confidence for the shooter and the instructor. MSRP for the Deflector Brake is $17.99.
Havoc Tactical Solutions recommends swapping out Deflector Brakes after 1500 rounds to maintain the desired effects. Results will vary as no two rifles or shooting conditions are the same.
