(08.29.10) Accuracy International AE MkII

We have taken delivery of a new Accuracy International AE (Accuracy Enforcement) MkII rifle in 7.62x51mm (.308win). Over the next few weeks we will be reviewing the rifle and a new Vortex Razor 5-20x50mm Rifle scope. So far we have been very impressed with this system. No durability testing has been done yet, but the accuracy potential with factory match ammunition is excellent from a factory rifle.


(08.05.10) Logo Shooter's Hats Available ($20)

We have just received our first shipment of our Logo Shooter's Hats. These hats are low-profile and unstructured to easily pack. There is no top button or metallic hardware to dig into your head when wearing ear pro. Best of all, these hats are Made in the USA with US manufactured materials. We didn't just have the same old stock cap embroidered. We worked with a US manufacturer to get exactly what we wanted. We hope this will become your favorite shooting hat!(order here)

(08.01.10) ESS Crossbow Evaluation

We have published the initial review of the Crossbow safety glasses from Eye Safety Systems. They are a collaborative effort between ESS and their parent company Oakley. The glasses are manufactured here in the US at Oakley's California facility. In our experience so far these are an excellent choice for eye protection in the sun or on the job. (read more)


(07.21.10) Kestrel® Pocket Weather® Meters partners with Horus Vision® to release a breakthrough ballistics instrument that eliminates the need for a PDA in long-distance shooting.

BOOTHWYN, PA… Nielsen-Kellerman®, manufacturer and distributor of Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters, introduces a new line of the rugged hand-held weather monitoring device equipped with an integrated ballistics calculator, the Kestrel Ballistics WeatherTM Tracker with Horus® ATrag® Software....(more)

Kestrel 4500NV

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Looking for a great place to discuss the finer points of long range shooting and snipercraft? Sniper's Hide offers a great option. The forum is populated by many former and current police and military snipers, long range shooters and industry professionals. Like any forum, please do a lot of reading before posting. Almost every topic imaginable has been covered at length. Members are helpful as long as you have done your research. Spoon-feeding is not tolerated well.

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(07.27.10) Quote of the Day

"Once we have a war there is only one thing to do. It must be won. For defeat brings worse things than any that can ever happen in war." - Ernest Hemmingway

-Previous Quotes-

(07.19.10) Casio Pathfinder PAG40-5V

I have the initial review up for the Casio Pathfinder PAG40-5V. This watch advertises several features that should be of interest to the precision rifle shooter. It boasts a digital compass, barometer, thermometer and altimeter....(read more)


(07.07.10) The Gallery is Online!

I have finally gotten around to organizing and posting pictures to the Gallery. The intent of the Gallery is to display the pics that I don't use in an article or review. I have set it up with the capability for me to upload images while I am out of the office. So I can post while I am at an event. Please check it out. (Gallery)


(07.02.10) OTB Desert Lite and Jungle Lite Review

We have just completed the initial review of the OTB Desert Lite and Jungle Lite boots. These are some very well constructed boots with innovative features. They are the first set of boots I have worn that I could actually feel the air circulating around my foot. The black Jungle Lite boots are currently serving as my daily work boots on patrol. The Desert Lite are my choice for range work and competition. After a two mile run in them I am certain that they are my new favorite summer boot. (read more)


(06.30.10) Timney Trigger Review

A lovely little package from Brownells showed up in the mail today. It contained a new machined aluminum follower for my duty .308 (the chrome was flaking from the factory stamped piece), but more importantly it held a brand new Timney #510 trigger.

For a couple of weeks I would notice that once in awhile I would get a "heavy pull" on my pre-2006 factory trigger. It was probably only 1lb more than the 3lb setting, but it was enough to force me to take an extra breath before breaking the shot on a precision problem. While it's not enough to cause a safety issue, it is enough to give me a reason to pull it off and have it looked at. Which of course is the perfect reason to try out a Timney Trigger.

The Timney 510 uses a different safety system that the factory 700 trigger. This blocks the actual trigger itself instead of lifting the sear. This should prevent the safety issues that the old 700 trigger seems to be notorious for (although often overstated).

The initial review is up and we will add to it after we get some rounds downrange and some dirt and water in the trigger.... (read more)


(06.30.10) ESS Crossbow

We are wrapping up our evaluation of the newest eyewear offering from Eye Safety Systems. The ESS Crossbow is a replaceable lens safety glass system. So far we are extremely pleased in the optical clarity although the anti-fogging does not seem to be able to keep up with the hot/muggy Southern Indiana nights. The Anti-Scratch coating works extremely well and after a couple months of patrol duty only accrued some minor nicks.


(06.21.10) Toy, Tool or Trophy?

In a recent thread on one of the well known tactical rifle forums a member asked "how hot is too hot?" He was asking how hot can you allow the rifle barrel to get before you allow it to cool.

I let this sink into my head for a few minutes then let loose with my reply. My position is simply that you allow the rifle barrel to get as hot as it gets while you do what you need to do. If that's a ten round rapid fire string, then so be it. If it's twenty, then fine. If when you are done you can burn your hand on the barrel.....then don't touch the barrel. I went on to state that barrels are disposable, much like tires on a car. If you use your rifle you will replace the barrel. This apparently worried some members.

Let me clarify my position here. We come from different backgrounds and use our rifles differently. In my current line of work I am unlikely to need to fire more than one round in an engagement. Two or three would be an incredible stretch, and if I run through a twenty round box of ammo, the world is coming to an end. However when we train, we don't fire one shot and take a break. We fire numerous shots to simulate a worst case scenario. We may do it against time to create stress. We do it to force the student to run the bolt and reload smoothly. We do what we need to do.

When I compete the stage of fire determines how many rounds I shoot and how fast I do it. Some stages are "barrel heaters". So be it.

When I was in the military and issued a rifle, we used them. They got banged about, heated up, frozen, rained on and drug through mud. We cleaned them and cared for them. It wasn't abuse, it was USE.

In my current life I come in contact with a VAST range of civilian shooters. I run into like minded shooters who use their equipment as hard as it needs to be used, but they care for it. I run into shooters who abuse their rifles through ignorance or intent. I also come across shooters who treat their rifles like a fine sculpture. They place it on display and marvel at the form of the thing. They "ooh and ahhh" over the color, shape or the price tag. They wipe the fingerprints off the steel and they lament nicks in the paint. If they shoot the rifle at all, it's only to confirm the itty-bitty group it's capable of. When they are done, back in the safe it goes.

So what is your rifle? Is it a Toy, a Tool or a Trophy? Regardless of what it is, to be proficient with it requires that you shoot it. If you shoot it, you will eventually wear out the barrel. How quickly depends on how often and how rapidly you shoot. Some of us shoot every week or several times a week. Some shoot once a month. If I put 100 rounds a week through my rifle I am going to burn that barrel up quite a bit faster than someone who shoots 40 rounds once a month. Which shooter do you think will be more proficient?

Use your rifle the way you need to use it to reach your goal. "The Mission drives the Equipment." Not the other way around.

-Comments on the Blog-

(05.31.10) 2010 Oregon Sniper Challenge

It's over and done. The Oregon Sniper Challenge (5/22-5/23) has come to pass. This year the Challenge exploded from approximately 15 shooters last year to 49 this year. There was some heavy competition and some jockeying for position. First place wasn't secured until the last couple stages. There were over $30K in prizes given away including three rifles. The Helicopter Stage was sponsored by POF USA and was loved by everyone (even those a little nervous about high places). (full Article Soon)

(03.17.10) Barrel Break In Procedure

While you are waiting for the conclusion to our Precision AR10 series, take a look at our barrel break in video.

(03.15.10) Precision AR10 Build Series

The first two parts of our Precision AR10 build are up. We have the Magpul PRS Stock and MOE grip installed on our Eagle Arms (by Armalite) lower Receiver. This lower was purchased as an assembled piece, so we will not be going into how to assemble a lower parts kit. This should not be a problem for anyone who is familiar with assembling AR15's as the process is almost exactly the same. We have a 21" Noveske 7.62mm barrel on the way. The next part in the series will cover the installation of the barrel and a Badger Stabilizer Handguard on the upper receiver. We will then go into checking head space, safety checks, and test firing. Parts Two and Three are now up! (read more)

(03.02.10) Flying With Your Firearms

Flying in itself has become a great hassle. A large number of the security precautions really do nothing to make us safer and serve only to allow the public to see that their government is "doing something" to keep them safe. Unfortunately we as law abiding citizens are required to capitulate to the regulations. Flying with just your carry on bag can be a pain. So what do you do if you are flying to a competition or other event that requires your rifle? What if you are legally justified in carrying a handgun in the jurisdiction you are heading to? How can you safely, efficiently and legally transport your firearm while you travel by air? (read more)

(02.13.10) ADM RECON-S Mount

We recently acquired an American Defence Manufacturing "RECON-S" scope mount. In the coming weeks we will be doing a video review as well as an installation and evaluation article. We are very interested to see how accurate this mount will be when removed and reinstalled on a precision rifle. (American Defense Manufacturing)


(12.04.09) Lindy's Articles

Linden B. (Lindy) Sisk was kind enough to allow me to publish several of his articles here. Lindy is much better than I am at presenting the math that supports some of our shooting. Put on your thinking caps, grab a cup of Joe and enjoy.


(11.30.09) Magnification

The Question is asked often, "How much magnification do I need for shooting at xxxx yards?"

This is a difficult question to answer. Many equipment choices hinge on what type of shooting you partake in. The choice a tactical shooter makes will not necessarily be the same as a benchrest shooter. The accuracy requirements are not the same and the targets are quite a bit different. Since this website is dedicated to tactical shooting we will look at magnification requirements from that angle....(read more)

 


(11.12.09) Get Out and Shoot!

Too often we fall into our daily routines. We end up reading about shooting and talking about shooting. Posting on the internet about shooting becomes a daily event at least for me. When was the last time you were actually behind the rifle practicing that skill we all hold dear? It's not enough to rest on your laurels. It may be wonderful that the last time you were out you got that 800 yard, first shot hit. Maybe you got an absolutely perfect, center punched, 100 yard cold bore shot. But how long ago was it? If you are a professional shooter who uses his skills to defend the innocent, then your once a month training is not enough. If you are a recreational shooter you will see a massive difference between your skill development by just adding another session each month.

Now here is the key. You can't just show up and burn powder. Before you even get to the range, have a plan. Rolling to the range with targets and ammo and a desire to punch some holes is a fun way to blow some time. However it's unlikely that you are going to improve your skills on the gun. Think about your current level and the intended application of your skills. If you can run the ragged edge of your rifles accuracy prone from 100 yards, then why would you keep shooting prone at 100 yards? Get off the shooting mat and try sitting, kneeling, etc. If you carry a tripod, break it out and shoot off of the tripod. If you really want to have fun and challenge yourself, try some cardio before getting behind the gun. You may notice some interesting things about yourself.

No matter what, CHALLENGE YOURSELF! Don't fall into a shooting routine. There are some things that you need to do every time you go to the square range. There are other things that should change every time. I make it a habit to shoot a cold bore shot and one followup at 100 yards EVERY TIME I go to the 100y range. This confirms for my book and my personal knowledge that my rifle is functioning exactly as it should. If you shoot at least once a week, you can bypass the cold bore shot once in awhile and be none the worse for it. If you only go once a month, this is going to be critical data for your data book. This is doubly so as we get into the winter months and temps change drastically.

Be aware of how what you shoot AT affects how you will perform. Researchers have know for decades that police and military personnel better react to lethal threats when they trained on life like targets. When was the last time a family was held hostage by a 8.5x11" sheet of 1" dots? If you are a Police Sniper training at 100-200 yards, shoot at faces. If you are pushing it out to greater distances, shoot at your department's handgun qualification target. Blank IDPA or IPCS silhouettes are almost as bad as bulls eyes. They look nothing like a target that may kill you.

Please don't misunderstand me on this. I am not suggesting that you ALWAYS have to shoot at life like targets. Dot drills and steel have their place. For me there is nothing more enjoyable than shooting steel plates at long range. You get instant feedback. There is no wondering like with a paper target. Steel targets are easy to make reactive. Real targets are reactive. So this has some correlation to real life. Just make sure that you get some time staring through the scope at a true representation of a real face.

Shooting is an expensive undertaking. You don't have to shoot 50-100 rounds a session to be effective. It's better to go to the range with 20 rounds and a plan than 100 rounds and no idea. Stop when you become tired/distracted/irritated. If you are blowing shots and don't know why then STOP. You are not going to improve you are just going to reinforce the bad. Come back at the next session with a fresh mind and fresh attitude. Quality over Quantity. Get out and Shoot! But make it count.

 


(11.09.09) Match Schedule

We have added a page listing tactical matches across the country. If you are a match director and you would like to have your match listed here, please drop us an email at the address listed on the schedule page or our contact page.


 

(08.04.09) We're on Youtube!

It was bound to happen. We have finally caught up with the times and started a Youtube channel. Over the coming months we will be posting some videos covering marksmanship techniques and product reviews. Check it out and tell us what you think. Subscribe to our channel to get updates when we post new videos.

(Link)


USO SN-3 with EREK Turret

(07.27.09) Of Mils and MOA. Which turret suits you?

We live in a wonderful time of choice when it comes to rifle optics. More and more models are hitting the shelves with features geared towards tactical shooters. This can be daunting for new shooters who are trying to make an educated choice. Today I am going to explain the two main turret options.

MOA Defined. MOA is an acronym for "Minute of Angle". This is an angular measure. There are 60 minutes to a degree and 21,600 minutes to a complete circle. Now that I have told you that, you can purge it from your memory because it really doesn't matter to us. What does matter to us, is that at 100 yards a "Minute of Angle" equals 1.047 inches. At 200 it equals 2.094". At 300 it's 3.141" and so on. Simply multiply 1.047 times the range in hundreds of yards.

MILs Defined. Mil is short for milliradian. There are 6,283.19 milliradians to a circle. One mil equals one centimeter at 100 meters. This is where the confusion frequently starts. There is nothing Metric about Milliradians. The angles just work so that it appears that way. One Mil equals 1 inch at 1000 inches, 1 yard at 1000 yards, 1mm at 100cm, etc. Notice it works with metric measurements as well as with the imperial system.

Applied to Turrets. The preference in tactical rifle scopes has been for 1/4 moa clicks. Some can be found in 1 moa, 1/2 moa and even 1/8 moa, but the majority are 1/4 moa. Previously you could only find milliradian adjustments on high end european scopes or custom built US scopes. Lately this trend has been changing Falcon Optics, IOR Valdata, and a couple others now offer a Mil option on their scopes. Most offer 0.1 Mil increments which equate to .34 MOA or 1/3 MOA clicks..... (more)

 


(05.11.09)An Open Note to Factory Representatives/Sale Representatives

I am putting this up here for anyone in the firearms and related equipment sales field.

If my department takes the time to schedule a demo of your firearms or equipment I implore you to make sure your gear is functional prior to your arrival. Handing me a rifle that has not been properly setup and zeroed will make me think that YOU are technically inept or your equipment is not worth the trouble. If I am demo'ing a $3000 rifle, how about a scope and rings that are on par with the rifle? How about a scope that will properly zero at 100 yards if you want me to see the accuracy of your rifle at that range? How about a scope that has been setup for the average shooter? If you wear glasses, it's not a good idea to set the ocular focus to your uncorrected vision then expect me to take the time to reset it to my eyes. How about ensuring that your system is equipped with magazines that function or a safety that works properly? My time is valuable. Wasting it will not make me want to do business with you in the future. Lastly, do not assume that because I am an end-user that you can blow smoke about what your system is capable of. If you do, I will wonder if you are exaggerating your service policies, warranty or price as well. Those of us who have been on the trigger for awhile can smell the BS and we don't like it.

If I setup a Demo it's because I want to SEE what your equipment is capable of. If I want to HEAR what it's capable of, I will save some time and just e-mail or call you. If you show up to a Demo, be prepared to put your money where your mouth is.

 

(04.05.09)Checkout Leatherneck Magazine for an inside look at the Marine Corps Precision Weapons Section at Quantico.

Precision Weapons: Handmade by Marines for Marines

Leatherneck Magazine Photo by R.R. Keene