http://www.smithenterprise.com/products06.05.html

4eyes          
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Sunday, May 20, 2012, at 02:46:25 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 21:49:56 (ZULU)

You just read my mind again - I picked up this month's Handloader and saw the article about CFE 223 and was wondering if anyone had tried it in their .223?  Naturally I'm wondering how it compares to Varget or H335?

I never regarded myself as much of a craftsman and I can't stand tinkering with 1911s and can't comfortable take a D ring off an AR, but I found I can still do a little simple spray painting (click) :)

I hope everyone is well!

4is - during my low-light carbine class we got to see how different muzzle brakes and flash hiders worked.  My classic is okay but there was one and I have to ask the instructor what it was again which looked just like the on in your link which was incredible - even with dark adjusted eyes!  The Battle Comp was also medium (okay) and the guys who had it did incredible controlled shot2shot speeds, but I DO NOT want to be lying in prone or in crossed leg sitting right next to one for awhile.  Between the blast and .223 brass going down my tank top - it made me really flinchy that day!

Kat Girl          
Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 03:49:04 (ZULU)

4eyes          
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Friday, May 18, 2012, at 19:24:31 (ZULU)

Interesting subject to say the least.

Yote          
Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at 20:47:13 (ZULU)

WR Moore          
Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at 14:29:12 (ZULU)

Since the mag well on the 7.62 mm lower is larger(longer) than the one for the 5.56, I suspect there's more to the caliber conversion than a simple upper. You'd need a spacer for the mag well to take up the exra room.  

Never having seen a 7.62 AR pattern rifle I can't speak to pin spacing/location, but I've a sneaking suspicion that if there is a caliber conversion upper offered, it'll only fit a 7.62 lower.

Anyone got a picture with both rifles or pictures of the two with a scale for comparision?

WR Moore          
Monday, May 14, 2012, at 15:01:27 (ZULU)

Gary Kaney          
Sunday, May 13, 2012, at 12:26:32 (ZULU)

I tried the "new" Hodogon CFE 223 last Friday in both my ,308's I was using 46.5 grains, 175 Gr SMKBT, WLR primers and RP cases.. This load is supposed to be in the middle of the road. The temp was 43 degrees. Each powder charge was hand weighted on a Dillon beam scale and a RCBS charge master. OAL 2.80

Data from Hodogon

" 175 GR. SIE HPBT Hodogon CFE 223 .308" 2.800" 45.5-- 2612 49,600 PSI--- 47.5-- 2752 60,400 PSI"

In both my AR-10 and the Remmy 700 I got flatten primers. I tossed the brass so no photos are available. The edges of the primers were even with the bottom of the cases. I put a steel ruler across the cases and the primers were even straight across, even the edges

.

Using the Remy 700 so I pulled some 168 Gr Match bullets from Federal factory match ammo and dumped the powder. I replaced the powder with 46.5 grains of CFE 223 and the bullets with 175 SMKBT. OAL was 2.80. The factory primers remained in the cases.

Again I received the same results, flatten primers, with this load. I have had the head space checked on both guns and they are good to go.

According to the PACT Chorny I was getting 2638 FPS average for 3 shots. I got a nice round group. nothing to brag about 1 1/4 X 1 5/16 @100 yards off a concrete bench.

A comparison, the same day, same tine frame, same range, same gun Remmy 700 HB, 175 Gr SMKBT, RP cases, WLR primers, 42.2 grs of 4064, Avg Vol 2668, SD 6.0----- 3 shot group

Group size 3/8 X 1/2 @100 yards off a concrete bench with a Caldwell Rock rest. Primers looked normal.

.

Same day, same time period, same place, same gun using Factory Federal Premium 175 Match ammo--- SD .32,-- Avg Vol 2710, Group 7/8 x 3/8------ 3 shot group

I retired the powder.( CFE 223)

My Shooting buddy shoots 30-06. He contacted Hodogon by email. the reply was There is not going to be any reloading data for the CFE 223 and the 30-06

Robert Macke          
Sunday, May 13, 2012, at 04:23:21 (ZULU)

4i's I know what you mean, I have the two different Colt HBARs (actually trying do decide whether to get rid of the 24" S/S one as beautiful as it is).  I have one last very early production Bushmaster lower which when I can save, might get a 300BLK upper.

Have any of you ever tried getting repair kits for CA legal 10 rnd AR mags?  What a waste of time - they are completely disposable line items!

Kat Girl          
Sunday, May 13, 2012, at 03:01:22 (ZULU)

So, no buying a rifle and using a ubiquitous mil-spec upper in .223/5.56 for conversion.

While on one hand, I can understand this from a ease-of-engineering, and quality-control standpoint, on the other it seems like they are limiting the volume of sales by excluding people who have mil-spec uppers/parts-kits already.

I'll pass.

4eyes          
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Sunday, May 13, 2012, at 00:55:57 (ZULU)

Anyway I could get copies?  I was just toying with a suggestion about the sensors for next year's budget.

WR Moore          
Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 12:24:59 (ZULU)

Open-source intelligence and tech info is always a double-edged sword.  I'm not privy to the classified stuff, but all-the-same I try to be careful not to educate our opponents beyond the painfully obvious when communicating in a publically-accessible forum.

The flip side is that systems developed on the classified/military side are typically tested by the same community, and so challenges to assumptions don't necessarily occur in that envionment.  Look at all the innovations on the civilian side of things that were later adopted by the military side of the house...

Clothing and parachute systems are two non-classified examples that come to mind.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, May 11, 2012, at 16:50:33 (ZULU)

In January of 2007 I presented a power point presentation on that subject at the National SWAT Sniper Symposium in Gaithersburg, MD.  I covered the full gambit of technology available at that time, active and passive.  I also addressed the issue of countermeasures.

After the presentation I was approached by representatives of the various military school houses; each asking for a copy of the presentation.  I was happy to oblige them.  I was asked if the presentation was classified or not.  I said of course not, I’m just a civilian hobbyist without the power to classify anything.  The universal response was, “It should be.”

I gathered every bit of information from the internet.

Kevin R. Mussack (Andy's Dad)          
Clifton Springs, New York, US of A - Friday, May 11, 2012, at 09:52:03 (ZULU)

Speaking of sniping in urban areas, Badlands is hosting their annual Urban Sniper course in a couple of weeks, and I do believe there are a few slots left.  I took the course last year, and was amazed at the depth of material and differences attendant to "hunting" in the urban environment.  Working in the environs of Kabul, Afghanistan, I could see the utility of haveing a skill set different from the usual out in the field stuff......

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 22:29:23 (ZULU)

Chuck has a good point.

BTW, fielded detection systems are a mix of vehicle and man-portable.  The article was on a vehicle-borne weapon-linked system.

If I were developing tactics on how to snipe and survive in an acoustic detector threat environment, I would try field-testing available suppressors against the available fielded detection systems.  Since directionality signature of muzzle blast would be easier to detect than the sonic crack of the projectile, reducing the muzzle blast signature would be the direction to pursue.  I suspect that with sufficient distance and enough suppression the muzzle blast signature would be lost in the ambient for detectability.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 16:32:10 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 14:12:39 (ZULU)

Oh, I completely understand on gunsmith selection :-)

I'm not trying to lowball the price.  I'm just lucky that the gentleman I enlisted into the project is well-known for his stock work, in additional to his metal work.

     \\

Something fully on topic -

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htecm/articles/20120505.aspx

Shoot And Scoot Or Die

May 5, 2012: France is equipping 70 of its 13 ton, 4x4 VAB wheeled armored vehicles with a sniper (or gunfire) detection system. The French made detector is called SLATE (Système de Localisation Acoustique de Tireur Embusqué) and it, like similar systems, quickly detects where the sound of a gunshot is coming from. SLATE is linked to the remote (from inside the vehicle) weapons turrets (armed with a 12.7mm machine-gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher). SLATE has an operator option that will automatically turn the turret and the operator's gun sight (a video camera with zoom) to where the gunshot came from. The operator can then decide whether to open fire. This makes life much more difficult for snipers.

One of the first, and most useful, of these gunfire detection systems was developed in a few months in 2004, in response to a U.S. Department of Defense request for an affordable acoustic sniper detector. Testing delayed it from entering immediately, but by 2005, the system was being used in Iraq. This is another example of how wartime urgency speeds the development of new technology.

Acoustic gunfire (sniper) detectors have been in the field for over a decade and have gotten better each year. Over 60,000 sniper detectors have been shipped to Iraq and Afghanistan, where they have been heavily used and increasingly popular. Sniper detection systems provide directional information about where the snipers are. Several generations of these systems have showed up over the last decade. The usefulness of these anti-sniper systems has increased as the manufacturers have decreased the number of false alarms and improved the user interface. There are other reasons for all this progress, including major advances in computing power, sensor quality, and software development. One of the latest, and most useful, improvements is providing nearly instant and easy to comprehend location info on the sniper.

British, American, French, and Israeli manufacturers have produced most of these systems, which are also sold to police organizations. This technology was originally developed for the police market. The systems have varied greatly in capabilities and price. Some of the first ones cost over $200,000, but prices have been dropping rapidly over the last five years as the technology matured.

Some of these systems are light enough (183 gm/6.4 ounces) to be worn. The most popular wearable system (SWATS) comes in two pieces. One is the sensor, which is worn on the shoulder, while the cell phone size controller, with small LCD display, is worn in front, where it can be quickly glanced at. SWATS calculates (from the sound weapon fired) direction of fire in a tenth of a second. SWATS has been very popular with troops and costs about $2,000 each. SWATS can also be mounted on vehicles and still work when the vehicle is moving at speeds of 80 kilometers an hour or more.

As the capability and reliability of these devices has improved, the troops have come to depend on sniper detectors. Without these devices there would be many more casualties. That's because, with a sniper detector, troops can quickly turn on the enemy shooter and deliver accurate fire of their own. American infantry are much more accurate shooters than your average Taliban gunman. That first shot from the Taliban usually misses, which is even more likely once American infantry return fire.

Snipers have been forced to adjust their tactics in response to systems like SWATS and SLATE. To survive a sniper must "shoot and scoot", which greatly reduces the usefulness of snipers. In many cases Islamic terrorists choosing to try some sniping, without thinking it through, is killed shortly after they take their first shot at sniper-detector equipped troops. This sort of thing is usually witnessed by other Islamic terrorists, which makes sniping less popular. This is particularly true as more accurate and reliable gunfire detectors are introduced.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 03:50:21 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 01:43:44 (ZULU)

Waiting semi-patiently for my semi-local gunsmith to complete the conversion of my Savage 110 to detachable box magazine configuration using the CDI kit.  Major stock inletting required, perhaps build up the existing pillars.  Minor metal work needed.  Takes AICS magazines.

Since my Savage 110 already has a Rock barrel, a good trigger, sloped Farrel rail and bedding upgrade,  that seemed a better choice that selling it and buying a new DBM-equipped bolt gun that I would likely rebarrel and have to also get a Farrel rail for the new unit at minimum.

Gunsmiths:  good, fast, cheap - you may only pick 2 :-)

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 16:48:24 (ZULU)

Here in Wisconsin there is a 12 hours minimum for hunter education. The gun club that puts on the class we went to is 30 hours and they shoot rifles, shotguns and archery.

My oldest, "now 14" Deer hunted 2 years with me and does not like to get up or like the cold weather. I think she is done with hunting, I am going to start my next daughter small game hunting to break her in before the cold weather hits.

My last "son" will take it in 2 years, he is Autistic and could never keep still or quite but since there are guns in the house he will take the class. If he decides he wants to hunt we may not see any game but we will have some good father son time.

JLU

Joe Udelhofen          
Oconomowoc, WI, USA - Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 21:39:22 (ZULU)

"Why do we have to get up so early just to go hunting???"

I can only explain so much.

Here in PA, I understand there is NO live fire in any hunter safety courses anymore. The computer age is a curse. There's only so much you can learn from Powerpoint presentations. There is value in watching a milk jug full of water explode from a hit by a 12gauge round, I don't care what the suits say. I still remember the first time I saw it almost 40 years ago. Virtual life will NEVER hold a candle to real life.

Steve Racer          
somewhere in Dillsburg, PA, formerly United States - Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 06:45:27 (ZULU)

One of the instructors told the kids that whoever has the high score in the class could shoot his full auto AK, incuding anyone who tied for the score. Three boy tied with 100%. Number 2 daughter had a 97.5% or 1 wrong, she missed an easy question and is kicking herself for that one.

It was still neat to see the boys eye's after they finished shooting though.

JLU

Joe Udelhofen          
Oconomowoc, WI, USA - Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 00:59:51 (ZULU)

I've never been much of an AR guy, but i'm impressed with this upper. Bolt action accuracy is no bull. I had a stripped RRA lower and put a drop in Timney trigger. I had a group today that would have been 3/8 MOA if i hadn't let by concentration go to the  line side. Got cocky on the last shot.

Gary Kaney          
Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 21:56:09 (ZULU)

H4895 is hard to beat.  Many moons back I talked with Bob Hodgdon about using H380 in my .22-250.  He suggested I try H4895 first.  He said my barrel would last longer.  I'm still using it.

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway          
The muggy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 13:15:54 (ZULU)

I've been thinking about getting a lb.myself. Would like to here some feed back before i do. Having good results with H 4895 with the new White Oak Armament upper& 60 grn. V Max 1/2 MOA. P Dogs look out.

Gary Kaney          
Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 12:09:59 (ZULU)

Have any of you tried Hodgdon CFE 223?  I bought some last week and haven't had a chance to try it out.

Thanks & Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway          
The muggy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 01:24:11 (ZULU)

Pictures would be great. What I was wondering about was the claw on the leg rotating. I assume that the leg is locked down with leg lock screws when the rifle is not in use.

I realize my questions is very open ended. The one question that I have is this, when deploying the rifle, what steps are taken with the bipod to get into position with it. This is before the rifle bipod is loaded. With the Harris, it is simply, as  you know, drop the leg to the desired height, then begin getting into position. I have to assume that with the Pod Claws that there are additional steps to be taken.

Darren          
Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at 14:32:41 (ZULU)

First off,

I am more than willing to put up a few pictures if you want to see them.  They say more than I can type.  They would show you concisely how they are mounted.

Secondly,

My steps for getting 'into position' are no different than anyone else, I'd assume.  Get out of the truck, carry accoutrements to bench/ground, Sit/Lay prone, unmask the claws, deploy bipod legs, adjust for height, load mag, chamber round, (after checking backstop) aim, pull trigger, and then finally,,, swear!

Seriously though, these don't make the bipod much different in use, other than to make it MORE USEFUL.  When loading the bipod, they definitely GRIP better, ergo a more consistent loading.  The swivel version I have, also utilizes the Pod-Loc so that runs no different either.  Now for 'panning', a little more consideration needs to be addressed, so that one 'unloads' a bit because the feet are so 'stuck-in'.

They definitely don't 'swing around' so I"m not really sure what you're asking there.  These are attached to the bottoms of the bipod legs.  In place of the rubber feet.  And when folded for transport/stalk, they are encased in a TAB Gear cover so that they don't hook/snag on anything important/inadvertent.

If one is going to be in a static position with a wood base, then the Spike feet are best.  They only require a slight rap/hit and are seated into that one place for the duration.  Yet are immediately removed without any 'prying effort' at all.  They are not "nailed in", just "set" in place.  Can be handy.

Click for a link to the Phoenix Tactical site.  Scott makes these, and he'll also answer any questions you have.  Just say the word, and I can provide some specific photo's for you.  If you want.

Sean T          
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - Monday, April 30, 2012, at 01:51:33 (ZULU)

Darren          
Saturday, April 28, 2012, at 16:47:29 (ZULU)

Kat

Check out Holland Guns he's in Oregon state. A little pricey, but he does courses in different states.

Gary Kaney          
Saturday, April 28, 2012, at 11:23:25 (ZULU)

Yayy!  I found my old AR-7 parts and found my 1" rings for my first .22 bolt action (Rem 512X) which my father got me in sixth grade.

In the last four months I've been doing some fun geek projects from my old parts kit to keep my mind active. (really boring around here)

Click for an image of me testing a 445nm (Indigo, almost violet) 1300-1500mW hand held laser in my front yard last night (yes, I made sure there were no planes/choppers anywhere).  What you're seeing is the Rayleigh scattering from a slightly humid atmosphere.  This one is really scary and burns things fast up close.  I do have 445nm glasses for it, but wow!  Would that make a military dazzler or what?!!! With this wavelength, not only does it burn skin, but can easily cause photochemical damage.  It's a class IV laser which can instantly and permanently cause blindness.

* Beam shape Rectangular

* Beam width 5mm

* Divergence <2.0mrad est. (< 0.1 deg at best focus)

* Operating mode CW (continuous wave)

My last laser project a couple of years ago was a 1.3 watt near IR diode laser:

• Center wavelength: 870 nm

• Spectral width: 5-6 nm at FWHM

• Spectral shape: Highly multimode with a half dozen peaks between 865-871 nm

I wanted to make a covert 1000+yd illuminator, but am not good at hardware (I'm fine with electronics hardware, but not mounting stuff).  This one also burns things up close and always scared the doodly out of me (and I worked with a 3 watt CO2 laser in college).  Here's an image taken of a tree 100yds away with a Sony camcorder on NightShot where I hand held a cheap collimating lens while looking away at the monitor:  http://twolftfeet.com/me/ir_laser_tree.jpg

I hope all of you are doing well!

Kat Girl          
Friday, April 27, 2012, at 21:28:43 (ZULU)

Interesting coments on Harris Bipods and Pod Claw feet.

Regards,

Steve

Steven Dzupin          
Gaithersgurg, almost, Mary Land, Usa - Friday, April 27, 2012, at 11:30:23 (ZULU)

Advice given in this venue by others in the past is to use a Frisbee under the rubber feet if you like cheap.  Find a dark-colored Frisbee if you want tacticool :-)  I've tried that, works pretty well.  Don't get the glow-in-the-dark version unless you're looking for laughs or are using it on a flat range at night and want to find it again.

I've also used the now discontinued Pod Paws on one of my sticks, liked the concept.  I'll have to look into the Pod Claws...

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, April 26, 2012, at 17:06:22 (ZULU)

Pod Claws, by Phoenix Tactical.

I have a set.  That is, I have a pair of the 'Large' Claws, the 'small' Claws, the 'Spike' feet, the 'Ski Feet' and the Rubber (MOUT) Footings for them.

I have used them all, over the past 4ish years that I've had them.  Remember of course, that this is extended use in very High-Drag/Low-Speed environments and Scenario's.  Deploying in adverse sunny conditions while cohorts are holding my coffee hostage is about the extent of the pressures of my life.  That being said, I like them.  I like them alot.  The "Small" feet are the most prominent on my bipod, as I personally feel they meet the most circumstances and situations.

If you're going to be shooting from a bench, bring a short piece of scrap carpet with you, for it to gain traction on.  These things SHINE when prone and in the dirt.

I run them mostly on my Crusader, and have had a number of fellow shooters try my bipod on their stick, just to see.

If I had the money, I'd be a stocking dealer (no, I don't sell socks) simply because once they've tried it, they don't want to give them back.

Their application really depends on what setting you will be in, most prevalently.  Getting rid of the stupid rubber blobs that came with the bipod, PRICELESS!!!!

For what that's worth, and I hope that helps.  And for all you Bum'z that're crawling outta the woodwork, IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!  We 'bin waitin'.

Sean T          
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 23:07:10 (ZULU)

Duman, Medicjim:  I don't have any kind of budget for it, but a take down 10/22 sounds wonderful.  I still have my old Armalite AR-7, but I must have put the front sight in a secret place when I was adjusting it - or those dratted rifle parts gremlins are at it again.

Darren:  I had never heard of them and looked it up.  Another thing to add to my ever growing wish list!

I hope everyone is doing well!

p.s. I used to hear Newfie jokes from a friend's dad who lives in Edmonton.  He used to crack me up with the accent he'd do.

Kat Girl          
Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 03:19:00 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 01:00:01 (ZULU)

The part fairies dropped a Savage 110 LA DBM kit into my lap that accepts AICS .308 Win magazines.  Will go nicely with my 110 in .308 Win and my sample AICS 10 round .308 WIN magazine:-)  Some inletting required...

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 00:29:06 (ZULU)

Most people don't know the difference between MOA and IPHY. What the reticle is graduated in tends to be less important than what the scope adjusts in.

For example, let's say you have a scope which adjusts in true MOA, like the Leupold 3.5-10X40M3 I used to have. And you know that under a certain set of atmospheric conditions, you need 36 MOA to get to 1000 yards with your .308 load. Then you pull off the 3.5-10, and put on a Leupold 6.5-20X50M1, and under the same set of conditions, now you need 38 MOA to get that same load to 1000 yards.

Why? Well it happened to me, and what I found was that the 3.5-10X40M3 adjusted in true MOA, i.e., 1.047 inches at 100 yards, and the 6.5-20X50M1 adjusted in IPHY, i.e., 1.0 inches at 100 yards. And with the load I had, when I changed scopes from one to the other, the POI changed by 18 inches.

When I found that, and started testing scopes, I found some scopes that should have been MOA adjustments but were IPHY. And U.S. Optics, and maybe someone else, makes scopes with IPHY reticles.

And that's why I wrote the web page which you can find by clicking on my name. If you haven't tested your reticle, and the adjustments, you can't be sure WHAT you've got. I found a batch of second focal-plane scopes by a major manufacturer which were in use by a Tier 1 special operations unit, and which could not be adjusted to a power where the reticle could be used accurately for reticle ranging.

So, when it comes to scopes, I believe nothing the manufacturer says until I have tested it for myself.

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Monday, April 23, 2012, at 19:24:17 (ZULU)

OK, so I was tapping out something here, showing that the equation from your webpage gave the exact same solution that I have. Again. Then, using the Mildot Master, a 10 MOA ranged target known to be 100 inches tall has a target range of 960 yards (as compared to the 955 yards that both of our equations give - the 5 yard error due only to the spacing of the tick-marks). Again.

I figured that there's a miscommunication somewhere. Re-read everything.

Here's where it is:

I was referencing MOA scopes. Like the Nightforce MOAR. You replied with a comment about IPHY reticles, and it appeared to me that you were talking about the same thing.

I've never purchased a scope - until now - that used an MOA scale. Just MIL-based scopes of one configuration or another. Didn't catch that there were scopes that used the 1.047 spacing instead of MILs or MOA. Never seen one of those personally. At least not that I know of. That's what you referenced.

OK, we're good. The universe is still in order, and Chuck is still grilling.

Except now I have no idea why anyone would want a 1.047 based scope, and I'm curious as to who manufactures a reticle based on that. Is there actually a market for such a thing?

Bravo          
Monday, April 23, 2012, at 16:45:11 (ZULU)

Looking for opinions on the Pod Claws. I have my own opinion on it but I am curious to hear what others have to say about it, be it good or bad.

Darren

Semper Fi

Darren          
Bay Area, CA, USA - Monday, April 23, 2012, at 16:15:56 (ZULU)

The correct factor for an IPHY reticle is 100, not 95.5.

And that's the range the new target range mark gives you.

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Saturday, April 21, 2012, at 14:01:13 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Saturday, April 21, 2012, at 06:46:05 (ZULU)

Your page uses the 95.5 conversion factor (1/1.047 as I wrote it), so it appears we both understand what's going on.

But the MildotMaster uses the 95.5, not the 100 estimation. So why make the MildotMaster less precise by moving the range reading line?

Bravo          
Friday, April 20, 2012, at 22:51:43 (ZULU)

Realistically, reticle ranging at longer distances is not sufficiently accurate anyway. But I posted that for people who may want results more accurate than 5 percent.

I'm well acquainted with the math - click on my name for a link. My point was that Bruce's invention is even more versatile than many think.

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Friday, April 20, 2012, at 22:39:04 (ZULU)

The 'inch per hundred yards' is an approximation of the MOA value of 1.047" inches at 1000 yards. To put it differently, 360 deg X 60 min gives you the number of minutes of angle in a circle. Divide the circumference by that, you wind up with 1.047" in an arc per minute.

Thus the calculation used would be:

(target size (in inches) x 100) / (MOA measured x 1.047) = range in yards.

Working out the calculations, technically the MOA conversion factor at 1000 yards would be 95.5 inches instead of 100.

When I use the MildotMaster as-is, I get 960 yards, due to the 20 yard hash marks - technically it lines up just BARELY under the 960 mark.

Granted, the 'inch per hundred yards' estimation only results in a 5% overestimation, but Bruce's invention doesn't include any overestimation - it's more precise. 960 is closer to 955 than 1000 is.

Unless I'm missing something, you're saying to make a range marker that actually calculates out 5% further than Bruce's.

Am I missing something?

ETA: I just read what I wrote - it doesn't sound like it, but work out the math. I'm not up in the night ;-)

Bravo          
Friday, April 20, 2012, at 19:36:21 (ZULU)

Take 30" on the Bullet Drop slide on the right, and line it up with 6.0 mark on the MOA scale. Now take the scribe, and make a mark above the Target Range mark on the left scale opposite 500. You can then take a marker, and fill in the scribe mark. That becomes your Target Range mark for IPHY reticles.

Using that mark, you now have IPHY instead of MOA on the right scale.

Radial slice of baked confection, i.e., piece of cake.

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Friday, April 20, 2012, at 15:52:10 (ZULU)

need a link

medicjim          
Friday, April 20, 2012, at 14:55:50 (ZULU)

Kevin R. Mussack (Andy's Dad)          
Clifton Springs, New York, US of A - Friday, April 20, 2012, at 13:18:30 (ZULU)

I spent a week in Quebec Province back in the 1970's.  I liked Toronto & Quebec City.  My opinion of the folks in the rest of the  province is best left unprinted.

WR Moore          
Friday, April 20, 2012, at 01:26:03 (ZULU)

Any of you seen this new Ruger 10-22 takedown?  Looks interesting....

Duman          
Thursday, April 19, 2012, at 14:25:37 (ZULU)

classic Newfie joke :-)

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at 17:38:18 (ZULU)

Norm JR, Norm Sr. and the rest of the IBA crew are absolutely great to deal with.  Got to spend about an hour hanging out in their workshop, and there was some uber-kewl stuff, both guns and historical stuff in there.

Click on my name for pics.  

Later Rosterfarians

Kush          
Swansboro, NC, - Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at 01:23:55 (ZULU)

Kevin R. Mussack (Andy's Dad)          
Clifton Springs, New York, US of A - Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 08:57:28 (ZULU)

MilDot Master works on MOA scopes?  Now I've got to try that!

Kat Girl          
Monday, April 16, 2012, at 23:39:12 (ZULU)

Tillman County should be safe for another 4 years. Which is really great for many folks, specifically the head honcho there. Tillman County is my "happy place".

So I got the Vortex scope mounted and running. It's a MOA / MOA scope - the reticle is hashed every 2 MOA and the turrets are in 1/2 MOA clicks.

After messing around with my Mildot Master, I came to the conclusion that it ALSO works on MOA / MOA and MIL / MIL scopes. Every bit as quick and easy as I've used it in the MIL / MOA role for all these years.

We all knew that Bruce was a genious, I just didn't fully realize the extent to which his genious encompassed. I sure do miss our old friend.....

Bravo          
Monday, April 16, 2012, at 20:12:19 (ZULU)

Quebec's relationship with the federal gov't has always been "brittle".  Several of the multi-victim school shootings (incl with registered firearms) have happened in Quebec, so the meme is closer to the surface there than elsewhere.  My best guess is that Quebec's attempt to get the data to start their own registry is in part motivated by being seen to be doing something.   When the federal judges turn down Quebec's appeal, the Quebec politicians will say "...see, we tried, but...".

The conspiracy theory folks will claim that Quebec wants to maintain a registry for darker reasons.   Say, if Quebec decides to separate, one of their first moves would be to confiscate all the firearms not under provincial gov't control.  So much easier if you have a list.

A small insight into the Quebec mindset - their provincial legislature is called (in French) The National Assembly.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, April 16, 2012, at 16:36:23 (ZULU)

WR Moore          
Saturday, April 14, 2012, at 12:24:19 (ZULU)

CDC'          
Thursday, April 12, 2012, at 04:28:07 (ZULU)

4i's          
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 20:08:38 (ZULU)

For only $25 that sounds like a great deal.  I have three small ponds so it would be great for me and my lady.

Thanks & Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway          
The crisp Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 01:53:36 (ZULU)

THANKS!

Sharon

Larry J. Porter          
Boonies of the Panhandle, Texas, USA!!!! - Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at 21:39:12 (ZULU)

http://www.homespunenvironmental.com/product_p/bc-0102.htm

medicjim          
Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at 14:59:31 (ZULU)

CDC'          
Monday, April 9, 2012, at 05:32:36 (ZULU)

regards,

Steve

Steven Dzupin          
Ridgewood, New Joisey, Usa - Sunday, April 8, 2012, at 14:13:49 (ZULU)

Canadian firearm owners received an Easter egg from the Federal gov't.  Royal Assent and in-force date for Bill C-19 06-Apr-2012 00:01 hrs Eastern.

Withdrawl of the (so-called) long gun registry and eventual destruction of the records thereof.  (complex Information Technology and bureaucracies don't move very quick).  Of course, the province of Quebec initiated a court challenge about the destruction of the records.  They want to set up their own provincial registry with the existing data.  I doubt they have a solid legal leg to stand on, but it will have to grind thru the courts, probably including the Supreme Court of Canada.  This only impacts data retention and the status of registration in Quebec, not the rest of Canada.

Took 17 years to accomplish this.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/04/05/long-gun-registry-end-celebrated-by-harper-tories/

Under the new legislation and with existing licensing, I can lawfully sell a rifle direct to another Canadian license-holder in another province (except Quebec).  I don't have to go thru a dealer.  I'm not required to keep a record of the sale either.

Talk about your gun-show loophole :-)

Some folks have been talking about a frenzie of sales and purchases to ensure any past records are fully obsolete...

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, April 8, 2012, at 02:03:28 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Saturday, April 7, 2012, at 06:13:22 (ZULU)

Tom          
Arizona, - Saturday, April 7, 2012, at 00:38:32 (ZULU)

Email me if you need any advice on reloading for .223 Rem.  I've been doing it for over a decade and thousands of rounds.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, April 7, 2012, at 00:27:12 (ZULU)

http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtRifles/ColtLE90116S.aspx

http://www.ammoland.com/2012/01/13/colt-defense-le901-16s-rifle/#axzz1rIpNXYXS

4i's          
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Saturday, April 7, 2012, at 00:04:55 (ZULU)

Re: water.  I was also going to mention the Steripen since it's able to break apart DNA bonds of anything in the water.  The water can even be cloudy to a certain extent.  I have some old filtering units for camping and such.  I don't know if I can find any articles about it, but when Giardia etc became rampant in CA some microbiologists gave a great hint for saving fuel - instead of boiling, they found that a combination of disinfectant (permanganate is terrific) and water would work even better when the water was simply heated to an in-between temperature.  I'll try to do a search on this.

I really need to set up my reloader for .223 and try some of the things you've mentioned.

Best wishes to all of you

Kat Girl          
Friday, April 6, 2012, at 06:40:32 (ZULU)

Medic Jim...  I hope you and your bride will be able to find gainful employment in a field of your choice and enjoyment.

I'll definately follow-up on all of the links and suggestions you have given.  Although I don't normally drink water, I'm sure I will need some for coddee and tea, plus for my bride to drink.

Again, THANKS!!!!

Sharon

Larry J. Porter          
Boonies of the Panhandle, Texas, USA!!!! - Thursday, April 5, 2012, at 02:15:19 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Thursday, April 5, 2012, at 01:55:28 (ZULU)

Its funny.  When I first got on here in 1997 we had no Facebook, no YouTube, no texting, no LOL/IMHO etc.  Kinda makes you feel old!

Gooch out.

Gooch          
Hot Springs, AR, US of A - Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 19:29:25 (ZULU)

http://www.steripen.com/

The Steripen will purify 50 liters of water on a set of CR123 batteries. The Camelbak unit is rechargeable, but can be easily recharged with any USB cell phone emergency charger and Eveready Ultimate Lithium batteries:

http://www.amazon.com/NEEWER%C2%AE-Portable-Emergency-USB-Charging/dp/B003VWTLY0/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1333561945&sr=8-22

I gave those away at Christmas as stocking stuffers.

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 18:53:20 (ZULU)

My opinion is that the standard answer of sodium hypochlorite leaves much to be desired, or more specifically, you taste the bleach. Not nearly as much with the permanganate.

The other thing about permangante is that it takes very little to do the trick - when your water turns ever so slightly purple, you're golden. Store it in the dark and you'll be completely safe for well over a year.

As for filtration, my personal opinion is that the MSR Miniworks is great for a small, compact, light-weight solution. If you're going to be using the water in your home (not concerned with carrying the filtration) then it's really hard to beat a Big Berkey. They're a touch expensive, but believe it or not, you can build one yourself out of food grade 5 gallon buckets "on the cheap". Just make sure they're food grade.

ETA: You guys posted fast! Jim, like HDR said, you're in prayers. And best wishes ;-)

Bravo          
Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 18:06:07 (ZULU)

The USS Arizona - Still In Service.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgE2KiPd3xg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

HDR          
OK, - Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 16:39:41 (ZULU)

HDR          
OK, - Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 16:24:59 (ZULU)

IMO...Emergency supplies get old (and must be disarded), my suggestion would be for you to begin consuming bottled water in your everyday life... store your 'natural' pantry reserve in the shelter...you might even consider designing and using the shelter as your pantry.

Water filters....I found a supplier that sells the ceramic candle filters used in the big 'camp' filter systems.  They are actually very reasonable when compared to the 'camper' market filters.  I then found a very cheap tubing kit which screws directly into the filter and has about a 5' tube length.   I grab a 5 gallon bucket full of unfiltered water and stick it on a shelf or hang from a tree.... put the filter into the bucket and start a siphon... bammo, instant filtered water solution for minimal cost using common materials.

http://www.purewaterproducts.com/gravity.htm

Personal update - The company I work for was aquired.  The layoffs are hitting now.  Both the wife (in our 40s) and I are dealing with aging and sick parents...  basically, we are in the suck and learning how to stay positive when youth and enthusiasm fades....

I hope this pub keeps going, you guys are a unique group, lots to be admired here.  I wish you all the best in your personal challenges.

medicjim          
Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 16:08:27 (ZULU)

Also, what is a good portable water filter and a source for the filter?

Thanks!

Sharon

Larry J. Porter          
Boonies of the Panhandle, Texas, USA!!!! - Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 14:55:47 (ZULU)

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 12:17:44 (ZULU)

 I had the opportunity to visit the Lodge and do a little shooting at the facility about a year ago.  You couldn't ask for a better venue.  Good luck.

Kevin R. Mussack          
Clifton Springs, New York, US of A - Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at 08:54:21 (ZULU)

Conventional wisdom is that a faster twist makes poor projectiles look worse, but it's not as big deal for good projectiles.

So as long as your're not entertaining fantasies of shooting tiny groups with jelly-bean production 55g FMJBT projectiles (or similar ammunition) you'll likely be happy moving to a faster twist barrel.

If you've ever looked at the visible variances in the bases of the bulk Winchester 55g FMJBT projectiles you'll know what I'm talking about.  I'm presuming the same quality projectiles are used to make their M193 ball ammunition.

Barrel quality is always just as big a wild-card.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, April 2, 2012, at 23:23:22 (ZULU)

Sniper Country Training is getting its fall training schedule out in the next few days or so.  The course and facility descriptions and are on the website already.  On the course prices note that they include lodging and food.  The facility has an awesome lodge to hangout in.  I'll be the primary instructor for this year.  As we get our bipods under us I'll be bringing in other guys to help also.  Rick B has said he would help out when we get rolling and he is the kind of guy that I'm going to aim for to help teach.  There are a lot of action guys out there are coming back from the sandbox that are running courses these days, but not many of them have ever worked in a schoolhouse environment.  Its my goal to fill you so full of marksmanship knowledge you will just puke and to be masters of your rifles!  

If you go to Facebook you can "like" sniper country training and keep up on our shenanigans.  

I really think that SCT is going to do for long range rifle marksmanship what gunsite did for tactical pistol shooting back when it first got rolling.  I'm working on getting a blog/videos etc produced for Desert Tactical Arms and SCT but as in all venture like this the initial momentum has been very sniper-like, slow and deliberate.

If you feel so inclined give Mike Davis a ring at DTA at 801 975 7272 ext 118 and let him know if you're interested in training this or next year.  He'll get you on their mailing list and keep you up to date on all the happenings.

Our first Precision Rifle 1 course will be in August so check us out.

ADMIN NOTE:  Will someone please change my registration email to my sniperkwg@hotmail.com??  I've been trying to get this changed for over a year.  Thanks!

Gooch out

sniperkwg@hotmail.com

Gooch          
Antlers, OK, US of A - Monday, April 2, 2012, at 22:15:42 (ZULU)

Sarge

Sarge          
Southern Area 51, NM, USA - Monday, April 2, 2012, at 20:55:06 (ZULU)

Duman, biodiesel? Yeah, I've got some experience with it (GRIN). I could get with one of the engineers and find out what the heck they were doing. I remember the only serious step was adding the NaOH and separating the aqueous layer from the organic. All of it was kids stuff, like you'd piddle with on a Saturday evening. What's the best AR out there? HA! The XCR! We'll see how the kiddo does with it.

Mac, I read that when it was first out. Kind of makes you think about Fast And Furious a little differently, doesn't it? Now let me recommend another one for you:

http://www.amazon.com/Escape-Camp-14-Remarkable-Odyssey/dp/0670023329

When you finish reading that one, if you don't clean a rifle thinking "never in my country, never while I still breathe", I'd be really surprised.

(For those of you who think I'm up in the night, and that "nothing like that could ever happen here", look into what we did to eachother in a 'kinder and gentler' time - research "Ft. Delaware" and "Camp Sumter".)

Bravo          
Monday, April 2, 2012, at 20:07:03 (ZULU)

Dependable operation and only fair accuracy so far. about 1 to 1.5 inch groups with 55 gr. Hornady SPs.Easy to clean up with the new Piston operation thinge. Twist is 1 in 9. I am liking it better as I go along. Like the ability to limit the gas or eliminate it and shoot single shot. Keeps the brass rounded up. I'd probably do it again for the simplicity of that Piston arrangement but it doesn't cure all the shortcomings of the AR system.

Yote          
Monday, April 2, 2012, at 17:39:09 (ZULU)

If you want another leather smith to check out. Go to gunbroker.com and type on Idaho Leather. The gut has done me some real nice work. Ben Wetzel in Boise ID. still using the same equipment that his father  had when he started the business back 1939.

Gary Kaney          
N.W. , ILL., - Monday, April 2, 2012, at 11:28:08 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Monday, April 2, 2012, at 00:34:06 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Sunday, April 1, 2012, at 03:34:16 (ZULU)

SSG Mac          
Bluff CIty, TN, - Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 23:28:00 (ZULU)

I got the 1:7 because I wanted to try the heavier pills. I've heard good things about the 77gn SIEs, and I'd like to try the balistic-tips too.

SSG Mac          
Bluff CIty, TN, - Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 23:24:15 (ZULU)

H322 with "lighter" projectiles worked just fine for me in an AR15-pattern rifle in .223 Rem.  Sure meters nice.

I'm trying to move in the direction of the "Extreme" family of rifle powders for the lower thermal co-efficient.  Prefer not to have a different summer and winter loading.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 23:11:15 (ZULU)

No worries.  I was actually hoping it WAS a new powder... more stuff to try out!!

Duman          
Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 21:47:35 (ZULU)

Gary Kaney          
N.W., ILL, - Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 16:45:55 (ZULU)

What flavors of AR-15s are y'all shooting?

Duman          
Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 15:40:02 (ZULU)

The powder I use in many of my 22-caliber rifles, with LIGHT bullets is 'H322'.  I've never seen an 'H332'.  I use H335 sometimes in bullets up to 69-gr, but haven't any experience with 75-gr 22-cal projectiles.

The H322 is great for bolt action varmint rifles, don't know how it would work in an AR-15.

I've always had good luck with the Accurate brand of powders.

FWIW, YMMV.

Duman          
Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 15:35:17 (ZULU)

H4198 and H322 are faster powders, which makes them poorer choices for heavy projectiles in .223 Rem.  H335 in that role isn't much better.  I had issues with Varget packing unless I used a long drop tube or vibed the powder to fit into the case.  So H4895 would be my choice from your list. (That's what I choose too - funny thing about that).

(I'm assuming the reference to H332 is a typo, no powder with that name I can find).

The popular velocity powders for the 75g projectile in .223 Rem from my research are:

AA2520

Varget

H4895

RL15

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 14:10:09 (ZULU)

I picked up a RRA stripped lower about 3 yrs. ago. Yesterday my WOA Varmit upper came. 20" 7 twist. From what i'm reading the 75 grn projectile is what i want. The powders i have on hand are IMR & H4198 H332 H335 Varget and H4895  I'm not really into AR's with the 20" AND 7 twist which of these powders would be best suited?

Gary Kaney          
N.W., ILL, - Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 13:42:11 (ZULU)

Finally found my load/chrono data book with the 75g projectile .223 Rem data.  The loading I created with a non-canister-grade powder (IMR4896) was approx. 2700 ft/sec with the Hornady 75g HPBTM projectile in a 20" Rock Creek button rifled 1:9 barrel.

I didn't pick the powder to maximize velocity, but picked one I already had in volume that metered well and wasn't a compressed load. (That excluded Varget :-(  The powder name is *not* a typo.  It was/is an experimental short-cut version of IMR4895 - Lot 1 Sep/96 production date.  I got a deal on a partial keg several years ago.  IMR plant is in Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada - friend had a connection :-)

When I exhaust the IMR4896 I plan to switch to H4895 with the 75g projectiles in .223 Rem.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 04:01:46 (ZULU)

I've got so much to do, just not enough time to get 'er done... scopes, loads, riffles, yada, yada... good problems.  :8-D

On a COMPLETELY different topic, have any of you had experience making your own biodiesel, and running it in your vehicles?

I've hung around Bravo too long... starting to think outside the cracker-jack box.

Duman          
Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 02:29:40 (ZULU)

Russia Revives Their Sniper Tradition

March 28, 2012: In the past year Russia has trained and deployed its first sniper companies. Within three years each combat brigade will have a company of snipers. These troops will not only be graduates of a sniper course but will all be volunteer (not conscript) troops. As part of their sniper training they will be taught to call in air and artillery strikes. For that purpose they will have special binoculars equipped with laser range finders and GPS. Each sniper company has about a hundred men (four platoons of 25 each). This comes out to 3-5 two-man sniper teams for each of the nine infantry companies in a brigade.

All this is part of the Russian effort to reform their Cold War era armed forces and adopt the best techniques used by the more successful Western nations. For the past year Russia has been selecting the most promising new recruits and sending them to a three month sniper course. Via this, and other recruiting methods, the Russians hope to obtain at least a thousand additional snipers in the next few years.

Ironically, the Russians were large scale and successful users of snipers during World War II and developed many training and operational techniques now used by Western armies. But during the Cold War everything in the Russian military got threadbare and shabby. Too many people were just going through the motions and Russia lost its edge in maintaining a large and capable force of snipers.

The United States has been the most successful user of snipers in the last decade. During that time sniper training in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps has undergone tremendous change. Mostly this is because so many snipers were getting lots of combat experience. That experience comes back to the sniper training schools. Another change has been increasing communication between the three primary centers of sniper training (army, marines, and Special Forces). Each of these schools has long tended to develop in isolation from the others. But now there are more competitions and gatherings that bring together snipers from all three and many valuable exchanges of tactics, techniques, and experience have taken place. Finally, the growth in the number of snipers led to many more new sniper weapons and equipment. This has been driven, in part, by the growth in the number of civilians taking up sniping as a sport. Some of these civilian snipers are former military but most are civilian shooters seeking an edge in their hunting, or simply to develop some new, and challenging, skills.

It was eight years ago that the U.S. Army yet again adopted a successful combat practice from the U.S. Marine Corps. In this case the army began training additional snipers so that army units would have more than three times as many. This was about the same number of snipers the marines have had for a long time.

To make this happen the army has tripled the output of its sniper schools. The army had a five week sniper course, while the marines had a ten week course that was considered one of the best in the world. These schools turn out professional snipers who know how to operate independently in two man teams.

Marine regiments (about the same size as army brigades) then had about three times as many snipers per battalion as did army units. Back then, the army only has six or eight snipers per infantry battalion. The additional sniper training sought to provide one sniper in each infantry squad. There are 27 squads in an infantry battalion.

But both the army and the marines were also taking advantage of the greater number of veteran troops in their combat units and the fact that just about every soldier has a rifle with a scope and has a lot of target practice behind them. In the past, infantry commanders were encouraged to find and designate about ten percent of their men as sharpshooters (sort of sniper lite) and make use of these guys to take out enemy troops at a distance, with single shots. This was a trend that had been growing for over a decade and was becoming a major feature of American infantry tactics. These sharpshooters, especially the ones with combat experience, were the prime candidates for sniper school. The trained snipers, however, also have the special skills required to find the best shooting position and how to stay hidden or get out of harm's way if discovered. Trained snipers have proved to be a powerful weapon in the kinds of battles encountered in Afghanistan and Iraq. The enemy fighters greatly fear the snipers, and the presence of snipers restricted the mobility of enemy gunmen.

Back during the Cold War the Russian army was supposed to have 25-30 snipers per infantry brigade. These men were equipped with specially built sniper rifles. There were also trained snipers in the growing Soviet commando forces and among the KGB (secret police) combat units. But in the last two decades of the Cold War (that ended in 1991) the quality of Russian snipers declined, as did most everything else in the Russian military.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, March 30, 2012, at 03:18:51 (ZULU)

Wind drifted 69 gr SMK kick my butt.  I was once trying to hit a water filled bleach bottle at 500 yards and gave up with 69's.  Second shot with 75's took care of it.  First one was called out.

WR Moore          
Thursday, March 29, 2012, at 12:14:07 (ZULU)

OK, so I ordered some of the Hornady 68 grainer BTHP's. Better that than an order of 75 BTHPs that might not stabilize in the short 1:9.

Hopefully he'll be able to stretch that out to 600 without too much of a problem. If the wind doesn't kick our butts, I don't see a problem with it.

I ordered 168 AMAXes for me, and they substituted 175 SMKs. See? When I actually try to 'progress', fate tends to keep me where I was. It's not me. Really.

And I do believe you about those 75 grainers in the highpower / service rifle stuff. Wasn't that long ago Sinister was putting me to shame with that combo - and he was molycoating them too IIRC.

Bravo          
Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at 19:46:20 (ZULU)

   My gun plumber and shooting bud shot a leetle under a 3/4 inch (3 shots were clover leafed) 5 shot group with that 75 grain load at 200 yards slung up with my RRA National Match and open sights. It has an 8 twist barrel. Much to my shagrin he's a damn good shot and reminds me of that each and every trip. LOLLOL

Bolt out again...........

Bolt          
NC, - Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at 01:29:24 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at 00:29:13 (ZULU)

It's stable in some 1:9 barrels, *not* others.  Faster twist makes it easier.  Surface roughness and how fast you're driving them would be the tie breaker in 1/9 twist barrels.

I'm getting good stability with them in a 1/9 Rock Creek 20" barrel (button rifled).  I don't remember the velocity I was getting offhand (I'll have to look it up).  I was driving them to the limits of the pressure signs I felt comfortable with for the powder, brass and primers I was using. My goal was getting near the Hornady published factory velocity for the same load (non-crimp primers).  I got pretty close.

Hornady's published velocity for their #8026 brass-cased 75g HPBTM loading is 2790 ft/sec in 24" brl.

http://www.hornady.com/store/223-Rem-75-gr-BTHP-Match/

n.b. the 75g AMAX projectiles are even longer, which normally mandates a faster twist.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 16:43:05 (ZULU)

That was actually my concern, because these are 1:9 barrels. Wasn't sure if the 75 BTHP would stabilize at less than 1:8 or so. Sounds like that's what Mike said as well.

Chuck, what was the twist on your barrel?

Maybe I ought to just order some of those 68 grainers, and call it good.

Bravo          
Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 16:22:49 (ZULU)

Out of my Mini-14 with 1-10" they go sideways at 50 yards:((

You might pick up a box of the Hornaday factory match and give it an experiemental try.  The stuff does 1/2 MOA in the above noted bolt gun.  The handloads are a skosh tighter.

BTW, the wind drift on the 75 gr HPBT is almost exactly what the 155 & 175 SMKs are at 2850 & 2660 respectively.  

WR Moore          
Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 12:58:51 (ZULU)

Griz hunt is out because her scholarship fell through and that money is going to tuition.

But this place is THICK with pheasants.  I'm a happy guy.

CDC'          
Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 03:58:20 (ZULU)

I run the 75 BTHP's with 24.5 grains of Varget, BR4 primer with -.003 neck tension in Win brass, 24.0 grains in LC brass. Only problem I have is mashing a ring in the thin jacket boolits. Doesn't happen with 77 grain Sierras. My 9 twisters like 69 grain bullets and my 7 and 8 twisters like 69-77 grain.

Kush,

Butner ain't what it used to be. More of a pain than anything else. My buds from VA are coming down for a match at Butner from 4/13-15. Practice on Friday, 600 on Saturday and 1000 on Sunday. I'll probably shoot Friday and Saturday but I've got to get the garden started on Sunday.

I think I've found a hidey hole where some guys up in the hills are shooting 1000-2000 yards. Supposed to have the scoop this week.

Bolster out!

BOLT          
Triad, NC, - Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 02:31:31 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 00:22:07 (ZULU)

Does anyone have any experience driving the Hornady 75 grain BTHP (not the AMAX - I was specifically told the AMAX wouldn't stabilize) out of a 16" 5.56 NATO barrel?

If this combo will work, it'll be the rig for the kiddo to POSSIBLY run at a school, where they reach to 600. I want to try that bullet because the advertised BC is so much better than the 69 gr SMK's I've used before.

I'm thinking Winchester brass, that bullet, a healthy dose of Varget, all set in motion with a CCI primer.

Any thoughts on whether it'll stabilize?

I figure the carbine is capable of it - I had no problems hitting half-height pepper poppers at 400 off a tower, using Winchester white box 55gr FMJ's and a 2 MOA dot Aimpoint. Switching in good ammo and magnified optics, I don't see why he shouldn't be able to hit at 600 as well as I did at 400.

Any thoughts on that?

And for your entertainment, here's "Will the real Mitt Romney please stand up". Especially entertaining if you've heard the Slim Shady song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxch-yi14BE

Bravo          
Monday, March 26, 2012, at 22:26:48 (ZULU)

It's been great shooting weather here, I just can't seem to get my ass off the Road King long enough to get to the range......an embarrassment of riches.......Jehovah akhbar!

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Monday, March 26, 2012, at 02:13:15 (ZULU)

The Army hasn't trained anyone to shoot for at least 30 years. They sold-out to the bean counters and just record "qualification" once a year: 40 rounds for record (after a generous 16 rounds to zero).

...but I'm not bitter.

SSG Mac          
Bluff City, TN, - Monday, March 26, 2012, at 01:03:19 (ZULU)

http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=769

If nations want to engage targets at long range, then it is not about rifle caliber, projectile or barrel length, it is all about more training.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Sunday, March 25, 2012, at 22:06:33 (ZULU)

That Kel-Tech looks interesting, I'd love to hear a review.

 However, ya'll would have to pry my M4-Super90 from my cold, dead fingers... it's my sweetheart.  :8-D

Duman          
Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 22:42:37 (ZULU)

To the surprise of no-one who knows you.

CDC'          
Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 03:35:08 (ZULU)

Hopefully in the next week or two I'll get my M40 from IBA.  Getting exited.

Bolt, good to see you around, I always wanted to make it up to Buntner for a visit.   Not enough time.

Kush          
Havelock, NC, - Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 00:55:28 (ZULU)

I'm looking for some good BUIS, but it doesn't look like I can fit the folding rear BUIS under the ocular bell of the optic.

I'm thinking "outside the box". Or at least "off the 12 o'clock rail", as the case may be. Who knows, maybe I can fit a kitchen sink on this stick too.

Bravo          
Friday, March 23, 2012, at 19:58:36 (ZULU)

Since we are doing shotgun country, has anyone played with that switch-magazine Kel-Tec?

Thanks to the mild winter I got to ride my new/old motorcycle at least twice every month this winter. : )

But it sure is eating up my shootin' stuff fundage.

4i's          
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Friday, March 23, 2012, at 17:02:42 (ZULU)

Bolt:  Your dumb-ass, ghillie-eating dog story is a Roster classic.  It still makes me smile.

CDC'          
Friday, March 23, 2012, at 05:58:29 (ZULU)

Shore glad to hear you old boys.

Yote          
Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 22:16:36 (ZULU)

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 17:12:37 (ZULU)

Kevin, Chuck, Joe.... glad you are all still kicking.

Lindy - why is the DPX load any better than wadcutters on that snub J-frame?  serious question, I don't know the answer.

Looks like I may have to move from NYC suburb to a St Louis suburb...been flying on the 'commuter' plane between those two locations more than I want.  

medicjim          
Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 14:52:54 (ZULU)

CDC'          
Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 03:50:52 (ZULU)

On his shelf were two LMT-308's.  DREWL.... any of youz worked with one of these?  All the press clippings are positive.

Duman          
Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 13:53:12 (ZULU)

It is really great seeing all these names here!

Yote: 51mph breeze? ow.

Joe,Gooch,HDR,Duman,Kevin,Lindy, 4I's, Bravo - pleeze don't be strangers - I still get to be a fly on the wall and learn new things!

Fast shooting shotguns are sure fun though!

Kat Girl          
Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 07:20:01 (ZULU)

Now the proud owner of an AR50. Tweaking on it now and have some Federal AE 50bmg waiting on the christening day.

Outa here, Boltenator

Boltster          
Peekin out of the bushes in ...;, NC, - Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 00:58:56 (ZULU)

Carbine vs shotgun- there is a controllability edge to the carbine and the available round advantage/reload speed is there.  However, the slug can do things the 5.56 can't-even Foster slugs do impressive things to autos.  There is also much to be said for instant arrival of a number of projectiles.

Finally, there's a lot to be said for the reputation of the shotgun of hitting everything in sight.  It's not true of course, but it sure doesn't hurt anything.

WR Moore          
Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 00:31:28 (ZULU)

Joe,Gooch,HDR,Duman,Kevin,Lindy, 4I's, Bravo all in one week and even the ole Catman peekin through the Cattails even if he didn't say nuthin. Glad to hear from you weed crawlers.

Windy out here soldiers..... whew. 51 mph breeze yesterday. Didn't know how many fence posts to take for the windage Doc.

Yote          
Monday, March 19, 2012, at 22:28:31 (ZULU)

Praying for you man. Hung in there.

CDC

Did you get the E=Mail i sent about the Game Plan? Got a call today from a commuincations contractor wanting experienced inspectors. It's summer only i'm sure it can be worked around.

Gary Kaney          
Monday, March 19, 2012, at 22:17:01 (ZULU)

Glad to hear about your positive progress.  

Doc:

John Farnam is a big advocate of the DPX product family.  If you can stomach the price they're a good choice IMHO.  If you find them too pricy one of the Gold Dot loadings would be another interesting option.  Classic advice is 200 trouble-free rounds before depending on a loading for "serious social purposes".  That's a lot of wallet pain with the DPX pricing.

Kat:

I read Jim Cirillo on M-1 Carbine too.  Launching a good .30 cal hollowpoint at 2000+ ft/sec would be a winning combo.  Bonus points for wood furniture and blued steel for problem 2.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, March 19, 2012, at 16:43:44 (ZULU)

HDR          
OK, - Monday, March 19, 2012, at 15:57:27 (ZULU)

Glad to see everyone, especially JoeM.  Nice to hear your hair is growing back, gots ta do sump'n about that ugly mug...  DOH!  :8-D

Keep your powder dry, and shoot straight!

Duman          
Monday, March 19, 2012, at 13:52:15 (ZULU)

JoeM: I am so happy to hear so far, so good.  I've had a number of close friends go through chemo and my heart really goes out to you.

Rod: Thanks - brain slip.  I originally got it because it was the then FBI issue.  Along with w/ Jeff Cooper's recommendation Jim Crillo found the old M-1 carbine to be very effective with modern loads.  I'll have to dig up my gelatin profile on it.  Impressive.  Of course, you're right back to the bad-Cop-killer-assault-weapon (ick) non-PCness.

Kat Girl          
Monday, March 19, 2012, at 07:27:54 (ZULU)

Great to have you guys back and both of you still vertical.  Keep up the fight and we'll keep the prayers coming.

Lindy has Cor-Bon DPX +P in his J-frame.  Any other suggestions?

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway          
The muddy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Monday, March 19, 2012, at 06:03:45 (ZULU)

Off the WH website.  Read through this crap carefully....check out the fun things like "required contract acceptance" or "departments (individual) authorized to grant loan guarantees" to circumvent congressional funding approval, etc etc.  Who needs a COTUS to rule?

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/16/executive-order-national-defense-resources-preparedness

What a hideous exec order......told ya we elected a dictator:-))

Andy's dad:  Glad to hear your travails worked out and you are still among the walking/ talking....I too battled(ing) cancer since we last crossed paths here.  The jury is still out on the win/ lose aspect, but I am hopeful....and stubborn.

Gents:  As for that, I am just finished the 5th round of chemo---one more to go.  I'm awaiting an appointment to NIH now to start the experimental vaccine stuff----more as insurance "in addition to" the new-ish standard treatment.  The last MRI in late Feb was clear....the neurosurgeon is really proud of how clean the margins were/ are; he thinks he got it all.  

Oh, and my hair is growing back finally:-))  

Joe M          
Monday, March 19, 2012, at 04:30:03 (ZULU)

M-13 is a K-frame, not a J-frame.  Having said that, they were issue to FBI before they made the switch to auto-pistols.  Small revolvers have a certain charm for carry...

     \\

Based on what I've read, I concluded several years ago that reduce/tactical slug and buckshot 12ga loadings were adequate for 2-legged varmints.  US Border Patrol made the switch a while back.  Faster recoil recovery, less abusive to train with than full-power 12ga, still adequate penetration.

Jeff Cooper espoused the concept of the "Brooklyn Special". It was a standard .30-30, either Marlin or Winchester, cut down to a minimal legal barrel length and the stock was chopped so that the rifle was marginally larger than the restrictions for shoulder arms. The folks who lived in New York city could possess one of these with a lot less hassle than other self-defense weapons.

In "The Great White North" we face similar issues.  AR15 pattern rifles are in the same legal category as handguns, with additional inane magazine limits too.  In that kind of legal environment, lot of charm to a 12ga pump-action shotgun.  Kind of like using a full auto in self defense in US jurisdictions.  Good for solving problem 1 (surviving), not great choice for solving problem 2 (staying out of prison).

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, March 19, 2012, at 01:59:13 (ZULU)

CDC'          
Monday, March 19, 2012, at 01:32:07 (ZULU)

I guess working backwards:

Bravo:  That is one nice looking carbine!

Chuck: it's only a WAG, re: feed problems, have you tried a different brand of magazine or get new springs etc?

Kevin: cancer and open heart surgery are never minor - I hope you've had a good recovery and no signs of bad things returning!  

It's funny about shotguns and J-frames.  Just took an int def/tac shotgun class and got some new info.  The instructor is a Det. Supervisor LAPD.  Either they use or he uses (I'm pretty sure LAPD is using) for their 12Ga ammunition Win Ranger 1oz slugs.  Lighter recoil, only giving up about 200 ft/sec and much less muzzle flash at night.  For Buckshot, Federal Premium Personal Defense 9x00Buck. The shot is packed in a new polymer sawdust and it really extends the effective (not outside the target to go flying downrange somewhere) range.  My Glock 27 (which feels like a brick on my body) doesn't conceal any better than my P229 and I've started playing with my S&W M-13 J-frame again. (p.s. I love my Benelli)

Erik:  "do you have a rifle course for old, retired, bad back shooters?"  Sounds like me.  I had a back injury last October which kept me flat on my back for three weeks and I'm still not quite healed.  I want to take that I want to take one (or more) of those DTA SCT classes so badly that I can taste it.  Budget is the biggest problem for me.  But wow, it would be great to have Gooch and Sinister for instructors!  Lucky you CDC!

Lindy: I used to have a Win Model 94 Trapper in .44Mag and it was fun to shoot (recoil was a rather mild thud), the bullets would chrono so much faster than a revolver and it was maneuverable and comforting in the house!  I don't have it now but it went to a very good man.

Just saying hi really.  The very best to all of you!

Kat Girl          
Sunday, March 18, 2012, at 08:57:11 (ZULU)

Sitting here writing the beginning of what I'm hope to use as a training manual at SCT.  Feels good to be back in the saddle again.  Its been quite the journey, spirituality and personally. I'm 30 years older than when I went to my first sniper school in Okinawa, 14 years since I retired and 8 years since I surrendered my life back over to God.  LOL  But as Charles Spurgeon once said, "By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”

Cant believe I posted on here the first time in 1997... Time flies.

Erik.  Yes we are going to have courses that are purely riflery without the knuckledragging.  I know the feeling brother.  

Gooch out.

Gooch          
Hot Springs, AR, US of A - Sunday, March 18, 2012, at 04:51:10 (ZULU)

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Sunday, March 18, 2012, at 01:51:19 (ZULU)

Eric: Back when the "assault weapons ban" was being debated, I bought a Marlin 1894S chambered in .44 Remington Magnum for use as a truck gun. The tube holds 10 rounds of heavy hollowpoints. It's a formidable weapon in the right hands.

And my J-frame has a Crimson Trace laser sight on it. Very handy on a short-barreled weapon.

So, there is no one solution.

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Sunday, March 18, 2012, at 01:46:47 (ZULU)

nice work, that got the crickets out of here!

Congrats on the new "work", do you have a rifle course for old, retired, bad back shooters?

FWIW, I think everybody has some good points.  It seems to come down to a comfort tool, C. Hunt is happy with a 12 ga (and lots of training), others will be happier with a carbine (citing lots more ammo and a higher degree of precision esp as the ranges get longer).  Just to add smoke/heat (though probably not much light) to this, while our climate makes carrying a 45 revolver easy, my long arm of choice is an 1895 Marlin, cut to 16.25, Xcess sights and a big lever.  I can get through about anything with that needs a hole in it, and it is most comforting when the big boys are out and about.  Needing one for a bear is vanishingly rare but if you feel better, they will read that and it lowers the tension, everybody goes home happy, no shots fired.  Think of a big dog you don't know, same deal.  OK, really big but you get the idea.  I'm firmly in the J-frame in an outer pocket camp, though.

Kevin M. good to see you're on the mend, sounds like you've had quite a go of it.  

Take care all, send us some warmer weather,

Happy St Paddie's Day,

Erik

Erik in Kodiak          
Saturday, March 17, 2012, at 18:51:38 (ZULU)

HDR          
OK, - Saturday, March 17, 2012, at 16:06:08 (ZULU)

Like Gooch, it’s been a while since I’ve posted here.  As they say there’s been a lot of water under the bridge since last time.

I’ve had a little run-in with Cancer, but that’s all fixed and I had a minor problem with heart failure that a simple open heart surgery took care of.  I’m now on the mend and am delighted to be here.

On a lighter note; it’s interesting how so many folks arrive at the same solution to a common problem.  I too find myself stuffing a 2-inch J-frame in my pocket more often these days.  Dealing with the concealment of a G17 or a Government model is sometimes just too much.

Carry on.

Kevin R. Mussack (Andy's Dad)          
Clifton Springs, New York, US of A - Saturday, March 17, 2012, at 11:01:13 (ZULU)

So........I grabbed the AK and just had some fun, but even that was not very satisfying when you're used to shooting holes, not groups. As it happens (fancy that) I have the GAP SCLE deathray rifle with me, so I assuaged my anguished tears with shooting steel at a thousand yards.  Quite therapeutic, that......

Tomorrow, more steel with the GAP, then off to the pistol range to brush up on some up-close social skills.  Chili awaits.....

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Texas, by God, USA - Saturday, March 17, 2012, at 01:02:09 (ZULU)

I kinda dig it.

4i's          
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Friday, March 16, 2012, at 19:46:38 (ZULU)

Gooch          
Hot Springs, AR, US of A - Friday, March 16, 2012, at 18:07:51 (ZULU)

My carry piece is just part of the stuff I wear daily. The 870 is only a constant companion while in a vehicle or at home.

But unlike you, I just don't wear shorts. You - and everyone else - may thank me for that at your leisure (GRIN).

Chuck, best of luck with the ratgun - I brought one (although a different type) home last night. I'm thinking I'll slap some optics on it and take the Urban Sniper course out there. Obviously haven't run any rounds through it yet, but folks that fired theirs within the first 24 hours were getting 5 round groups going into roughly 1/2 MOA with Fed GMM. Should be plenty good enough. Those are very early results though, the serial number on mine is in the mid double digits (GRIN).

Clicky the name for a pic.

Bravo          
Friday, March 16, 2012, at 16:26:21 (ZULU)

Gooch: If you believe #4 shot won't penetrate drywall, click on my name for a link to pictures of it going through 6 layers of it. I agree with the writer of that link - anything which will penetrate a bad guy will go through walls.

Analyses of threat matrices will often be different. The weapon I most often carry is a Smith J-frame loaded with Corbon +P DPX. It's certainly not ideal - but the one you will carry everywhere, for me including when I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt, which is much of the year, is better than a more effective weapon left at home.

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Friday, March 16, 2012, at 12:44:51 (ZULU)

Lindy....I understand exactly what you're saying about the need to stay current and proficient with the tools that you have to use.  Please understand that my comments on the scattergun are meant conversationally.  To that point, I'm up here about to start wringing out the AR-10 carbine like I should have been able to when I got it.  I'm pretty sure I got the timing problem worked out. I added several more grams of weight to the buffer, and I'm getting really good results so far.  I had to machine a nut so I could add a bipod to the aluminum forearm for stability, and also relieve said forearm with lightening/cooling holes to keep the bbl from heating up. Armed with a few hundred rounds of NATO ammo and a case of Black Hills match fodder, we'll see what she'll do.  

Gooch......good to hear you're still kicking.  Good luck!

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Friday, March 16, 2012, at 01:18:49 (ZULU)

I'll post it anyway, along with a "good to see you Gooch!"

Lindy, I’m game. What you say makes sense.

Personally though, I don’t see myself being mugged by someone beyond 100 yards from me.

You’re right, different tools for different usages.

But beyond that though, the shotgun has a few benefits that I can’t get out of a carbine:

1. Deflection from glass penetration: a 1 ounce slow slug isn’t deflected hardly at all, where any 5.56 ammo I’ve seen tested deviates dramatically. In today’s society, I believe that having the capability to punch through heavy automotive glass without dramatic deflection is a good thing.

2. Raw power / terminal performance: even comparing double-ought with my preferred carbine round, the Hornady TAP. Shotgun hands-down.

3. Penetration of intermediate barriers / raw penetration: I haven’t seen a carbine round that would reliably go through both sides of a cast iron engine block. Obviously class 3 armor isn’t going to stop that (but probably would a soft lead slug), and class 4 might. But who wants to absorb that kind of energy and hope for non-lethal blunt force trauma? Good luck.

Granted, my shotgun isn’t as precise as my carbine due to the great big glowing radioactive front sight blade, but out to 20 yards I’m putting 100% of my double-ought pellets in the head of a hostage-taker target, and double that distance easily with a slug. I figure that’s good enough for the girls I dance with. Not that I’d want to wade into ‘taliban on parade’ with the smoothbore, but I don’t see that as very likely in CONUS. I’m not saying it is always THE BEST choice, but I believe it’s the optimal choice for normal encounters in the US.

The way I look at it, if I need to step away from the shotgun due to range, precision, or capacity limitations, I’m headed for a 7.62 NATO chambering.

But I certainly agree, a carbine makes more sense in some scenarios, just not the scenarios I believe would make up 95% of my threat assessment (GRIN)

Bravo          
Thursday, March 15, 2012, at 19:59:33 (ZULU)

In the house all the rifles except for the .22 (cat and raccoon gun) and the 12 gauge are are unloaded and secured.  For self defense in the house with neighbors within 30 yards a high-power rifle is not the preferred choice in my book due to over penetration of interior and exterior walls. 2 3/4" #4 shot will take out bubba without penetrating a normal wall of double dry wall.  

Plus hasnt everyone always wanted to do the pump action "chu-chink" freeze!" number?

I have...

Gooch out.

Gooch          
Hot Springs, AR, US of A - Thursday, March 15, 2012, at 04:49:36 (ZULU)

All that having been said, I'd just as soon have the AR-10, it's just not as versatile in situations that can morph from outdoor to indoor to outdoor.  Shotguns can take a door off a lot more easily and with less chance of collateral damage than a carbine.  #4 buckshot is lethal at room distances and out to about 20-25 yards, 00 a bit further.  Even if someone is wearing body armor, a one-ounce slug is gonna scramble things so bad they won't be shooting back for a few moments, but a 5.56 to a shock plate is inconsequential to someone when they're jacked up.  5.56 usually gets the jacket stripped off by car windshields, a slug doesn't even notice the glass.  

Wrapping up......if I'm GONNA be in a fight, in the posited 100-yard-plus distances, give me something belt-fed!  Failing that, the AR-10 with the Aimpoint sighted in at 50 yards.  But, if I find myself with the Mossberg 930 and a bunch of 00 buck and a pocketful of slugs, I'll be your Huckleberry and just as lethal as the guy with the 5.56 carbine, out to about 200-250.  JMNSHO.

During my stint as an Emergency Response Team leader at the Embassy in Kabul, having a good 12-gage was absolutely essential for clearing CAC's or any room in a building not actually in the Embassy. (that was the Marines' baliwick, and they would just kill and eat anything not supposed to be in there.)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Thursday, March 15, 2012, at 02:35:55 (ZULU)

Shooting with Sinister on the spotting scope is like driving a BMW.  I can't imagine that Gooch would be any kind of step down.  If this stinking parkinson's didn't limit me I would make the trip.  

CDC'          
Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at 16:05:20 (ZULU)

In addition, because of what I do, I have to maintain proficiency with a carbine, a pistol, and a sniper rifle. That requirement makes another weapon system unattractive - and I suspect that none of us spend as much time on the range as we'd really like to - not to mention that shooting a carbine is cheaper than shooting a shotgun.

Different strokes...

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at 13:15:12 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at 08:59:55 (ZULU)

Great news.  Congrats.  Please keep us posted as things come together.

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway          
The balmy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at 05:23:00 (ZULU)

Just to let you know I'm getting back into teaching sniping and long range precision shooting again.  Guess where?  Sniper Country Training where else?  Sinister Dave brought me out there (near Salt Lake City) I got the tour of Desert Tactical Arms, visited with Nick Young the owner, checked out the training facility and made plans and it looks like they are coming to fruition.  

Sniper Country Training is the training branch of Desert Tactical Arms of which Col Dave is the military sales rep if you didn't know already.  I'm pretty excited about it because a) I'm working with a pro like Dave. b) DTA rifles define the next generation of sniper rifles and c) THEY HAVE 55,000 (fifty-five thousand Vern..not a typo) acres to train on.  

I've been talking to Mike Davis their LE sales guy and he is circulating a POST/CLEET course for comment out there and we will soon hopefully be the go to for LE sniper training soon in the area...then the US...then...THE WORLD!!  

As we get our bipods under us we plan on hosting the finest training available based on sound doctrine and proven techniques with the most up to date information available.  Can you tell I'm a little stoked?

Mike is generating a schedule for the rest of the year, starting around July/August, we'll attack that, evaluate, then look at tearing it up next year at full speed.  So check out the SCT website http://www.snipercountrytraining.com/ and inundate Mike with your requests for schools.  

And in closing,

"My brothers, I do not count myself to have taken possession, but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:13,14

Gooch out!

Gooch          
Antlers, OK, - Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at 23:18:39 (ZULU)

Sure, 28+1 rounds in a carbine would make me feel much more comfortable if I were concerned with being jumped by some 'enemy patrol', but inside the CONUS the shotgun rules as far as I'm concerned.

And that took a lot for me to say. I love the carbine. Like Chuck said though, 200 yards with a shotgun isn't a difficult shot at all. It's difficult for me to concieve of a legal defense to the question "why were you defending yourself past 200 yards?". Or for that matter, half that.

And Chuck was being humble. He was clearing the Dozier in a little less than what he said.

Bravo          
Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at 15:54:05 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at 13:49:52 (ZULU)

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Monday, March 12, 2012, at 12:49:44 (ZULU)

(I also loaded that 148grHBWC backwards in .357Mag and those were FUN and it's how I learned about the Lewis Lead Remover)

Seriously: IMHO, the only way a side-by-side .45ACP would be useful would be like a micro-African double about 4-6" long, but even then, I'd want to use a more effective caliber.

Kat Girl          
Monday, March 12, 2012, at 04:50:40 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Monday, March 12, 2012, at 01:28:29 (ZULU)

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Sunday, March 11, 2012, at 17:24:03 (ZULU)

WR Moore          
Sunday, March 11, 2012, at 12:09:35 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Saturday, March 10, 2012, at 02:37:09 (ZULU)

<affecting my McKenzie brothers dialect> Oh say ya know Rod, I found this good link, eh?  So'h you should click it eh?  Yeah and I left my comment too hoser (as pinktalon; one of my many aka's).

:D

Kat Girl          
Friday, March 9, 2012, at 20:02:16 (ZULU)

We're adults here.  Occasional exposure to turbo-geek is good to keep us humble.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, March 9, 2012, at 18:42:13 (ZULU)

CDC'          
Friday, March 9, 2012, at 06:03:17 (ZULU)

n>19 is good :-)

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 16:28:04 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 09:03:11 (ZULU)

SSG Mac          
Bluff City, - Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 00:54:11 (ZULU)

Very smart people create those mathematical methods.  (Click).  Fairly smart people write the software that is supposed to be used to apply those methods.  When you get outside of the math department, people who do not know what they are talking about teach students who don't realize that they are in way over their heads to happily plug numbers in to that software.  Those goofs apply the resulting output to real world problems.  If the goof works in the private sector, a supermarket may lose 5% of its potential tomato sales.  If said goof works in the public sector, people with guns may do howlingly stupid things:  Such as profiling the D.C. Sniper as being one of us.

CDC'          
Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at 16:14:06 (ZULU)

That means the other thing isn't:))))))

WR Moore          
Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at 08:06:02 (ZULU)

CDC'          
Monday, March 5, 2012, at 04:36:25 (ZULU)

Sorry I didn't include the time vacuum warning :-)

It's up there with "Unintended Consequences".

The author (Matthew Bracken) has 2 other volumes in that series,

and a more recent title with a different foundation.  Don't know if the most recent will be a series or not.

Enemies Foreign and Domestic

Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista

Foreign Enemies And Traitors

Castigo Cay

His other 3 titles are also available in Kindle for $6.99 ea.

I purchased them all at various times as soiled dead tree format before they were available as ebooks.

Has to purchase from AMAZON.COM, AMAZON.CA doesn't seem to carry Second Amendment fiction :-)

For a number of years "Unintended Consequences" was blocked from importation into Canada (in soiled dead tree format).

Guess they found the concepts too subversive.  Of course, some copies leaked thru.

http://christopherdiarmani.com/4687/freedom-of-speech/freedom-to-read-what-you-like-not-in-canada/

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, March 3, 2012, at 17:03:01 (ZULU)

SSG Mac          
Saturday, March 3, 2012, at 15:46:29 (ZULU)

 What is the popular consensus on best mount for optics for G-3/HK 91/PTR 91? Claw mount?

Pat II          
Saturday, March 3, 2012, at 04:36:09 (ZULU)

Best to all of you always!!!

Kat Girl          
Friday, March 2, 2012, at 04:16:52 (ZULU)

Thanks.  I'll give it a go tonite.

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway          
The balmy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 22:45:13 (ZULU)

You need the chain wind gauge :-)

              \\

fwd from Matthew Bracken postings:

My 2nd Amd Novel "Enemies Foreign And Domestic" is now on Kindle free

--------------------------------------------------------------------

My 2nd Amd novel "Enemies Foreign And Domestic" is in the Kindle "free library" for a couple of days.

The plot foreshadows current, actual evil govt plots like "Operation Fast And Furious" by a decade. The purpose of putting it into the Kindle Free Library is to cause its downloads to spike to such an extent that the anti-2nd Amendment mainstream media takes notice. This will force an overdue discussion about their complicity in the coverup of Fast and Furious and other administration scandals.

They can't put a hate on my novel, without at least mentioning the real-world scandal Operation FAF, which they sweep under the rug while spending 90% of their time on celebrity news and invented propaganda memes like "birth control."

Here is the link directly to the Kindle page for the FreeLoad. If you don't have a Kindle device, you can download the Kindle for PC app or other free apps for other gadgets, Macs, etc. It will not load on a B&N Nook, but almost everything else.

Please hit "Enemies Foreign And Domestic" Fast And Furious, and send a clear message from the Bitter Clinger Nation to the lamestream media, and Gangster Government, Inc!

Direct link to the EFAD Kindle FreeLoad:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JF4L98

Free from 1-5 March, 2012

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 17:10:31 (ZULU)

Hope it's better today.

Yote          
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at 16:09:56 (ZULU)

Hit me with an E-Mail addy. The one i have bounced back.

Gary Kaney          
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at 15:06:29 (ZULU)

Yes.  It does get breezy out there.  The only place I've ever seen where you use fence posts for windage calls!  "Hold about six fence posts to the left and you should hit that little varmint."

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway          
The balmy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at 05:04:09 (ZULU)

WR Moore          
Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 22:53:14 (ZULU)

Trying a 6.5-284. finally broke down. Too much wind to tell much about it. Fired 3 shots to zero the scope and quit on account of time.

Heysus Christie it's like the 30's out here. Visability 50' at times. You got to be tough to live out here Doc. Doc knows...

Sorry your back blew out again Kath. I hate it when it does that.

AR- piston job not outstanding accuracy... may be the chrome barrel.

Seen? the Seal Movie.  I know we're supposed to be cool sniper dudes and find all kinda hollywood flaws in those things but I loved it!

I forgot to look for flaws. Cooool! I don't know why the double spaces.  (^(^^*%*%((&*$$*.

Yote          
Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 22:04:10 (ZULU)

Sharon

Larry J. Porter          
Boonies of the Panhandle, Texas, USA!!!! - Monday, February 27, 2012, at 02:16:39 (ZULU)

It's mere speculation, but it seems to me a lot of people think there's more riding on this election than is being talked about. ...I do too.

SSG Mac          
Bluff City, - Monday, February 27, 2012, at 00:48:32 (ZULU)

MarcS          
South S.F. bay area, CA, - Sunday, February 26, 2012, at 17:49:15 (ZULU)

Myself and my son have a dog shoot planned in S. Dak. the week before Memorial Day. The only thing that would put a glitch in it would be a change in his work schedule or 6.00 gas. Which i'll gladly pay if it unseats elephants ears in DC. What motel accoms. in the Williston area?

Gary Kaney          
Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 11:56:37 (ZULU)

give me an idea of what you want and I'll see what I can do.  Plenty of guides, do you want a fly out hunt or one here on the road system, where you can sleep in a real bed and have a hot shower now and again?  Also what is your projected time frame, spring or fall hunt?  Most of the island is by drawing only so you have to draw (by lottery) for the area you want, but I think hunting the road system only requires a guide.  As far as spitting distance goes, that's easy, esp in the fall when they are thick on the streams, and on the range.  We had five in one bunch hold up a 22 match last summer.  Usually you can voice them off but one wants to be sure the car is close and the door is not locked.

    I check in here almost daily or feel free to hit my email if you still have it.  Also keep in mind that a fall hunt also offers some excellent salmon opportunities.  Of course, you will be sharing the streams...

All the Best,

         Erik

Erik in Kodiak          
Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 08:24:43 (ZULU)

{humor on}

Just don't use the .223 for griz unless you're say 200 yards away :-)

Griz at bad breath distance?

Sounds like a job for something crew-served...

{humor off}

                \\

QOTD from Michael Bane:

Should the sitting President be re-elected, get ready for the Mother of all Firearms Bubbles...

My comment would be - Got lots of ammo/components?

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, February 24, 2012, at 16:59:41 (ZULU)

Erik in Kodiak (If you're out there):  Do you know a licensed guide who will put be within bad breath distance of a griz at a bargain price?

CDC'          
Friday, February 24, 2012, at 06:17:42 (ZULU)

>>> Joe is doing ok. Completed 4th round of chemo last Friday-worst round by far but feeling better now. Fatigue is the biggest problem. Overall doing ok-same ole issues but being managed. Next MRI is on the 27th of this month-we will keep you posted. <<<

She also told me he is very tired and nausiated, sleeping about 14 hrs per day...

Sharon

Larry J. Porter          
Boonies of the Panhandle, Texas, USA!!!! - Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at 03:25:56 (ZULU)

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 16:30:17 (ZULU)

I'm on top of it :-)

For further reading on all the civil liberties specifically removed from licensed firearm owners in Canada:

http://christopherdiarmani.com/4822/canadas-firearms-act/conservative-mp-cheryl-gallent-understands-gun-owners-hate-firearms-act-pity-minister-public-safety-vic-toews-listening/?awt_l=Abats&awt_m=3Vs9nlFOjCtLzRJ

Read the second section.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, February 17, 2012, at 20:53:49 (ZULU)

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/02/15/conservatives-and-enthusiasts-cheer-the-end-of-the-long-gun-registry/

MarcS          
South S.F. bay area, CA, - Friday, February 17, 2012, at 16:42:41 (ZULU)

The 10BA .308 Win cartridge body magazine bears a striking resembalance to the AICS 10 round .308 Win magazine including the latch tab detail.  

https://store.savagearms.com/magazines-misc-parts/magazine-box-model-10ba.html

It looks like the Savage LE Series 10BA and 10FCP-SR models support the 10BA magazine.

So that is an interesting option.

Navagating the Savage site to confirm the 10 round magazine SKU was tricky, but I prevailed.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, February 17, 2012, at 00:30:04 (ZULU)

I can get the 10rd AI magazines from the Canadian distributor.  Suspect they get them from Europe, so US ITAR doesn't come into play.  (Kind of ironic that I can get some firearm stuff easier from European sources than the USA).

I didn't realize that *some* of the Savage rifles use the AI magazines, I'll have to dig into that a bit further.  The ones I saw use a side latch slot that seems to be Savage proprietary.

I think I'll send an email to lanzshootingsupplies.  They don't list accessory magazines for the Savage for separate sale.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 16:33:54 (ZULU)

Here is a link to a dealer in Canada that is selling them so I don't think the 10rnd mag. is a problem.

http://www.lanzshootingsupplies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=295

Joe Udelhofen          
Oconomowoc, WI, USA - Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at 23:02:46 (ZULU)

SSG Mac          
Bluff City, - Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at 21:30:58 (ZULU)

I'm pretty sure Savage knows about the aftermarket 10-round magazine been made for their rifles by SSS that is available in the US, but that doesn't seem to have stimulated them to make their own version.

I suspect that unless Savage got a military contract for their detachable box magazine bolt-action rifles they would not ship/sell a large enough volume of 10-round magazines to pay for the tooling cost.

The vast majority 0f the hunting market would be satisfied with the 4-round flush detachable box magazine offering, and many would prefer the flush 4 round to a protruding 10 round. Since most hunting jurisdictions have a 5-round magazine limit, that would tend to reinforce such limits in the product demand.

It may also be that a 10-round unit crosses the ill-defined ITAR boundary blocking the export of "high capacity magazines" too.

{sigh}

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 22:37:21 (ZULU)

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 19:28:51 (ZULU)

Anyone done business with DelTon? I have an M4 kit on back-order with them. They (understandably) refuse to give a NLT date of availability, but are they generally good to do business with? I ordered the 1/7 twist barrels so I can play with the heavier bullets, and that's the glitch.

Kat, you have the best toys!

SSG Mac          
Bluff City, - Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 19:14:54 (ZULU)

One of the comforting things about the pub is the fact that we all have interests in common.  Good Optics for one.  I love good optics (click).  A frame grab from the mpeg.  I enhanced the photo so it shows better on a computer monitor.

SSG Mac:  Yes I am pretty lucky to have had a good job where I could save.  I'd rather have a house and family though!

A new meaning for "wind correction"  http://twolftfeet.com/me/wind_correction.jpg

Kat Girl          
Friday, February 10, 2012, at 22:34:49 (ZULU)

The Savage 10FCPx is a good suggestion.  Alas, Savage only sells it with a 4 round magazine.  I can't find a Savage factory 10-round magazine offering :-(

Aftermarket 10-round Savage magazines only seem to be available from Sharpshooter Supply, who don't ship to Canada.

(SSS probably not registered with US State Dept. for ITAR exports).

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Friday, February 10, 2012, at 16:41:51 (ZULU)

Why does that vid suddenly impart the urge to propose marriage?

Seriously, looks like fun, and nice job on the hit (it was a hit, wasn't it? Otherwise, our marriage is in jeopardy)

How was the recoil? Didn't look too devastating. I just love your posts.

Steve Racer          
somewhere in Dillsburg, PA, formerly United States - Friday, February 10, 2012, at 07:36:59 (ZULU)

Yote          
Friday, February 10, 2012, at 03:57:34 (ZULU)

http://www.impactguns.com/savage-10-fcp-sr-silencer-ready-threaded-barrelaccustockaccutrigger-308-19480-011356194800.aspx

or click

SSG Mac          
Bluff City, - Friday, February 10, 2012, at 03:33:11 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Friday, February 10, 2012, at 01:18:57 (ZULU)

Yote          
Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 23:41:57 (ZULU)

p.s. MarcS - now I know what my mouth always fills with sand and grit!

Kat Girl          
Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 19:41:54 (ZULU)

.308 Win bolt gun that accepts 10 round detachable box magazines.

Base rifle price under $1000.

I would like to upgrade my Savage 110 to same, but US export ITAR issues are not looking good for access to the CDI upgrade product that would make it possible.  {sigh}.

I'll need a product or components that are importable to Canada, but I can make that determination from product suggestions.

Ideally it would be a system that accepts AICS magazines, since they are available in Canada from European sourcing. (no US ITAR export issues).

Any suggestions?

(probably an overly constrained problem).

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 12:40:08 (ZULU)

I put a Vias on the 7 WSM that we know about. It recoils as if it were a 243.

Gary Kaney          
Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 12:21:27 (ZULU)

Patagonia must have been beautiful. I'd love to see it someday.

MarcS          
South S.F. bay area, CA, - Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 03:10:07 (ZULU)

Yote          
Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 20:42:57 (ZULU)

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 19:07:02 (ZULU)

Yote          
Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 03:05:59 (ZULU)

Now comes the good part:  I sent the components to Marc Soulie and he sent me back the rifle I would choose if I could only have one hunting rifle.  He chambered the barrel to .300 win, added a vais muzzle brake, and bedded it in devcon steel.  Marc does an absolutely outstanding job of building these things so this rig looks and feels right in a way that is hard to explain

The barrel minus brake is 25" so it is a little muzzle heavy.  The balance point is about 1/2" forward of the front action screw.  Since I am getting shaky in my old age, I like the muzzle stability that adds.  I haven't weighed it but the rifle itself is a little heavy.  Since a .300 has the potential of slapping you, I'm fine with that.  My loading gear and components are in Idaho and I am in North Dakota.  

CDC'          
Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 00:01:30 (ZULU)

Dallas from here?

Yote          
Monday, February 6, 2012, at 23:49:50 (ZULU)

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, February 6, 2012, at 16:28:59 (ZULU)

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Monday, February 6, 2012, at 16:26:52 (ZULU)

Sorry about the late response, but just back from an extended trip hiking in Patagonia.

FDAC:

http://www.actsvirginia.com/sliderule.php

Lindy          
Rifles Only, TX, Northern Occupied Territory of Mexico - Monday, February 6, 2012, at 02:27:32 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Sunday, February 5, 2012, at 23:48:46 (ZULU)

Yote          
Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 03:57:58 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Friday, February 3, 2012, at 23:32:00 (ZULU)

Dats cool.

Roger that Rod.

Yote went a lectronic Yote call. Made by Primos. Nice little critter getter called "Alpha Dog". Nice n' loud for this desert country. I was having next to no success lately and thought I'd just try one. Not much luck but it sounds real good.

Allows me to set it away from the hide and remote. Since we lost most of our cover out here it should work. Not too many dogs I suspect hound hunters got most of them due to the low cover. Not many cattle/calves lost lately

Yote          
Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 21:53:46 (ZULU)

Rod and Yote:  I just heard an interview with a Scout/Sniper instructor where he was saying that generally the country boys were better behind the trigger and were better woodsmen than the kids from the city, but the ones from the city got really good at the ballistics part of the course and any technical info or gear.  Interesting and makes sense.

btw - when I was little, because I wanted to shoot doves in our neighborhood but wasn't supposed to, I learned to hide deep in a room facing the back yard.  Take off the screen and open the window only a crack so the pellet or CB cap wouldn't be as loud outside :)  me in 6th grade.  It's a sure sign of a twisted mind huh?

Kat Girl          
Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 20:28:37 (ZULU)

no issues.

It's a pretty fair bet that someone who grew up in a rural environment with a rifle in their hands has the opportunity to be a more proficient marksman than someone who lacks such opportunities.  Natural talent will only get you so far, repetition of the right skills will advance you further.  I would suspect that a lot of the people recruited into today's services have had little to no exposure to the principles of marksmenship (formally or informally) before they joined.  That's probably why some of the more proficient snipers come from a background of field shooting and woodcraft.

You had an interesting childhood, Yote.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 16:46:41 (ZULU)

Yote          
Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 22:28:31 (ZULU)

Does seem like America's rural farm areas seem to produce a lot of the scout snipers and sharpshooters of the past. Probably due to the fact that young men from these areas have several years of practice on those who were taken from Urban youngsters.  Sgt. York, Murphy and Hatchcock just to name a few. Ed Kugar is an exception but it stands to reason that 6 weeks of Basic and even 6 months of Sniper training may not produce a shooter the quality of America's farm boys. Even Annie Oakley seems to bare this out just to keep this thought simple. When I was less than 10 years old it wasn't uncommon for me to shoot a running cotton tail rabbit or a 300 yard Jack. Hell, I thought everyone did it.  Throwing cotton bolls in the air on my way to get the cows for evening milking and watching them explode with my 22 shorts from my Marlin Mountie. I guess I thought everyone did that. Most of my school buddies could. Shooting ducks on the fly with our .22's was a Saturday venture because we couldn't afford shot shells. We spent many a Sat afternoon lying on our back shooting Hawks soaring overhead.  Nothing magic about it just didn't know we couldn't. I'm always amused at Hollywood cause the Hero is always Ex-service Beret of something. Not that a lot of us didn't train and shoot better after we made it to the range but those early years of conditioning made a difference. I hunt with someone occassionaly that will caution me not to shoot because he's moving. I usually don't shoot and laugh a little under my breath. Just my 2 cents.

Before someone nails me.... I'm not against training or instruction but somewhere sometime the first guy had to learn it on his own. M

Yote          
Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 17:07:50 (ZULU)

http://michaelbane.blogspot.com/2012/01/were-looking-for-few-good-people.html

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

We're Looking for a Few Good People...

...for an episode of SHOOTING GALLERY filming the last week of February (27 Feb-1 March) in Texas.

Basically, you'll be teamed up with 2 other individuals (2 men; 1 woman per team) and given a barrage of training from 2 legends in the world of Special Forces...then the 2 teams will face off...the remaining team will then run a simulation against yet another legend in the Special Ops world.

You will probably "die!!!"

But you will have the adventure of a lifetime!

We'll have details on what you need to provide us on DRTV later today...

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 16:58:52 (ZULU)

Yote          
Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 15:18:26 (ZULU)

Gary Kaney          
Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 11:28:28 (ZULU)

Pleasantly surprised me that they would book him.

$20K bounty on snipers by the other side...

American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History

http://www.amazon.com/American-Sniper-Autobiography-Military-History/dp/0062082353

Blurb:

"He is the deadliest American sniper ever, called “the devil” by the enemies he hunted and “the legend” by his Navy SEAL brothers . . .

From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most career sniper kills in United States military history. The Pentagon has officially confirmed more than 150 of Kyles kills (the previous American record was 109), but it has declined to verify the astonishing total number for this book. Iraqi insurgents feared Kyle so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle earned legendary status among his fellow SEALs, Marines, and U.S. Army soldiers, whom he protected with deadly accuracy from rooftops and stealth positions. Gripping and unforgettable, Kyle’s masterful account of his extraordinary battlefield experiences ranks as one of the great war memoirs of all time.

A native Texan who learned to shoot on childhood hunting trips with his father, Kyle was a champion saddle-bronc rider prior to joining the Navy. After 9/11, he was thrust onto the front lines of the War on Terror, and soon found his calling as a world-class sniper who performed best under fire. He recorded a personal-record 2,100-yard kill shot outside Baghdad; in Fallujah, Kyle braved heavy fire to rescue a group of Marines trapped on a street; in Ramadi, he stared down insurgents with his pistol in close combat. Kyle talks honestly about the pain of war—of twice being shot and experiencing the tragic deaths of two close friends.

American Sniper also honors Kyles fellow warriors, who raised hell on and off the battlefield. And in moving first-person accounts throughout, Kyles wife, Taya, speaks openly about the strains of war on their marriage and children, as well as on Chris.

Adrenaline-charged and deeply personal, American Sniper is a thrilling eyewitness account of war that only one man could tell."

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 06:03:31 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 22:21:57 (ZULU)

It's not intuitive, takes fine motor movement to deploy or fold, and the  locks for extending and collapsing can get sand, dust, or snow in them to prevent proper use.

sinister          
Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 21:26:19 (ZULU)

Gary- Personally I'm not too fond of the Atlas. They are a "nicer" than the Harris, but don't seem as solid when in position IMO. I know others that disagree and shoot well with them so it's a personal preference I guess. I still like the plain old Harris swivel 6"-9" (BRMS) with a KMW Podloc.

MarcS          
South S.F. bay area, CA, - Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 21:22:23 (ZULU)

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 17:01:27 (ZULU)

Yote          
Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 14:00:48 (ZULU)

Picked up a FN SPR this past weekend that is set up for an Atlas Bipod.  I see the are a little pricey IF you can find one. Anyone have any dealings with these?

Gary Kaney          
Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 12:29:43 (ZULU)

Doing a quick touch-and-go.  I'm glad to see youse gristly, cranky farts still above ground and kicking despite the Big C and the March of Time.  You get more prayers than you know -- God Bless You and your families.

I've sold my dependable Swarovski Laser Guide and moved on to the Vectronix Terrapin (the Pocket Laser Range Finder-05).  It is a true point-and-click that will range to around 2500 Meters (farther in good conditions) at half the cost of the older PLRF-10 (a wonderful piece of gear -- I coveted Kevin Mussack's and the one I got to borrow from work).  I can hit what I aim at to around 2 klicks, but I really need the laser or Google Earth to confirm my ranging at extreme ranges.

I finally got detachable box magazine bottom metal (welcome to 1999) for my 700V and promptly bought 5-shot AI mags and 10-shot Alpha mags.  Again, nice stuff.

I invested in a Redding UltraMag press and it has made .338 Lapua sizing a whole lot more pleasant.  The Giraud trimmer is the best thing for metallic cartridge reloading since the home reloading press.  Two RCBS Chargemasters have have speeded up .338 Lapua assembly line powder charging.

250 and 300-grain .338 Lapua Scenars and Match Kings will bend a 3/8" thick AR500 E-type at 500 Meters.  

Can anyone give recommendations on an affordable (not "Cheap"), capable, weather-proof hand-held PDA that can take Patagonia Load Base or JBM ballistic software?  I usually print out tables from the (free) JBM Ballistic before heading out to the desert to shoot.  I figure I should try to get a rig I can take with me.

The next investments will be a Kestrel 4500 and a Schmidt-Bender after putting on a new roof and truck bed (damn those low and narrow SHOT Show parking garages).

sinister          
Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 05:25:08 (ZULU)

http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/Snipers-Rule-1-22-2012.asp

Snipers Rule

by James Dunnigan

January 22, 2012

In the last decade, American soldiers and marines have greatly increased their use of snipers. This can be seen from the fact that the American sniper with the most kills ever, former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, had 160 confirmed kills (and 95 unconfirmed). Most of these were achieved during four tours in Iraq. The previous record holder, with 109 confirmed kills, was Vietnam era soldier Adelbert Waldron.

Chris Kyle set his record in part because of the more aggressive use of snipers in the last decade. In that time, because of Iraq and Afghanistan, infantry tactics have changed considerably. This has largely gone unnoticed back home, unless you happen to know an old soldier or marine that remembers the old style of shooting. Put simply, the emphasis is on a lot fewer bullets fired and much more accurate shooting. Elite forces, like the Special Forces and SEALs, have always operated this way. But that's because they had the skill, and opportunity to train frequently, to make it work. The army and marines have found that their troops can fight the same way with the help of some new weapons, equipment, and tactics, plus lots of combat experience and specialized training. This includes the use of new shooting simulators, which allows troops to fire a lot of virtual bullets in a realistic setting, without all the hassle and expense of going to a firing range.

One thing that helped, and that was developing for two decades, was the greater use of snipers. Currently, about ten percent of American infantry are trained and equipped as snipers. Commanders have found that filling the battlefield with two man (spotter and shooter) sniper teams not only provides more intelligence, but also a lot of precision firepower. Snipers are better at finding the enemy, and killing them with a minimum of noise and fuss. New rifle sights (both day and night types) have made all infantry capable of accurate, single shot, fire. With the emphasis on keeping civilian casualties down, and the tendency of the enemy to use civilians as human shields, lots of snipers, or infantrymen who can take an accurate shot at typical battle ranges (under 100 meters), are the best way to win without killing a lot of civilians.

New sniper equipment has made a big difference. During the last decade the U.S. Army has issued several new sniper rifles. The M110 SASS (Semi-Automatic Sniper System) was delivered to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan four years ago. This weapon is not a big technological breakthrough. It is based on the older AR-10 rifle. The U.S. Navy had already been buying a similar weapon, the SR25 since the early 1990s. The SR25 was also known as the Mk11 Sniper Rifle System (SRS). These new semi-automatic sniper rifles are 7.62mm weapons based on the M-16 design elements. The basis for the M-16 was the AR-15, and a 7.62mm version of that weapon was called the AR-10. About half the parts in the SR25 are interchangeable with those in the M-16.

The Stoner sniper rifle achieved its high accuracy partly by using a 20 inch heavy floating barrel. The "floating" means that the barrel is attached only to the main body of the rifle to reduce resonance (which throws off accuracy). The M110 weighs 7.9 kg (17.3 pounds) in combat, and about 32 kg (70 pounds) with all components of the system. The M110 can use a ten or twenty round magazine. The 1.03 meter (40.5 inch) long rifle can have a 15 cm (six inch) tube attached to the barrel, which reduces the noise and flash made when the rifle fires, and largely eliminates nearby dust rising into the air, which often gives away the sniper's position. In the last few years, snipers have had the use of more powerful rounds (like the .338 Lapua Magnum and the .300 Magnum) and ever more useful accessories. Several sniper rifle models were modified to handle the longer range rounds.

Previously, many snipers have had success using tuned up M-14s (from the 1960s) as sniper rifles. While semi-automatic and rugged, the M14 wasn't designed to be a sniper rifle. The AR-10 was a better model for a semi-automatic sniper rifle, since it is inherently more reliable and accurate. As far back as World War II it was known that there were many situations where a semi-automatic sniper rifle would come in handy. But it's taken over half a century to solve the reliability and accuracy problems.

The M110 has largely replaced the bolt-action M24, and provided commanders with much more effective snipers. That increase in numbers (of snipers) and their effectiveness, has changed the look (less random fire from U.S. troops) and feel (the U.S. troops appear more in control) of the battlefield. It's also easier to spot the enemy. He's usually the guy firing on automatic. The fellows firing one shot at a time are the Americans, and they are usually the last ones standing.

rod regier          
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 01:13:58 (ZULU)

Still here.  I had a slightly difficult half year last year and wasn't shooting as much as I would like to have.  Starting again and trying to regain some skills which got rusty.  I did have a chance to take another adv. tac shotgun course and will be doing a couple of two day adv carbine courses in the near future. :)  I guess I've been lurking kinda

Kat Girl          
Monday, January 30, 2012, at 20:38:23 (ZULU)

Where you been hidin ?

Gary Kaney          
Sunday, January 29, 2012, at 10:59:22 (ZULU)

Kat Girl          
Sunday, January 29, 2012, at 02:40:36 (ZULU)

Vax/VMS/Fortran/C/DCL -- Geeze I do feel old - but @ least not alone anymore. I have alot of time with all those.  Current world is Linux/Shell scripts/Networks/Power/Cooling etc.  Heck - I still have a Vax/VMS workstation here @ the farm :)

Onward to 2012... I'm thinking for a start in Nov 2012- how about anyone but Obama - how's that!  

Time to hit the 'archive' button on this site and trim off the stuff back to Oct 2011.

Take care, God bless, Keep prayin' for the USofA!

Ken

Ken Hunter          
Northern VA, Near DC, USofA By Golly!! - Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 14:01:11 (ZULU)

I've always said " Never say your sorry, it shows weakness"

Romney.

I'd like to sit down in a high stakes poker game with him. He difinately does not have a good poker face.

His staff helped draw up Obammer Care. He raised taxes by some 400% on firearms in his state. I fact Freedom Arms will not sale to his state becuase of the ridiculous testing requirments that he imposed.

Gary Kaney          
Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 12:24:25 (ZULU)

Yote          
Friday, January 27, 2012, at 22:08:13 (ZULU)

Obviously, the answer is Ron Paul. Although as we've already seen by the Iowa caucus, the republicrat party is far too corrupt to allow the peasants to know the truth!

Interesting that Paul has received contributions from active military so far that is over double that of all other candidates COMBINED.

But that makes sense I guess.... they'd want someone who honorably wore the uniform and served his country - like romn-a-bamma (ahem!)

Say it loud, say it proud, none of us are Keynesians now!

Bravo          
Friday, January 27, 2012, at 20:05:49 (ZULU)

   I have two friends who each have FNARs both heavy barrelled.  I have to agree with Doc...they are very heavy.  My friends bought them at the same time and one shoots fairly well feeding it Black Hills match ammo  while the other only likes handloads (both shoot  175's).  Local gunshow had an overrun batch of them (that was the dealer's story) for about a grand.  A couple of years ago I picked up a DPMS LR .308 with a heavy stainless fluted barrel (24 inch) and a flat top for about $700 new from Kiseler's Police Supply in Indiana and I'm pretty happy with it.  The FNARs definitely feel very front heavy and shooting offhand felt a little weird.

Gerry          
Newberg, OR, USA - Friday, January 27, 2012, at 04:09:05 (ZULU)

Where/who are all these strict constitutionalists?  Right now Wall Street has both the Democrats and the Republicans in its pocket.

Gerry          
Newberg, OR, USA - Friday, January 27, 2012, at 03:46:20 (ZULU)

I put a scope on one for a buddy last month and sighted it in at 100 yards.  It's a heavy dude; but it shoots well.  It was only a 4x scope so I couldn't very well shoot any small groups.  As one guy said "It's a Browning BAR(not the full auto variety) on steroids.

Cheers,

Doc

Doc Holloway          
The muddy Ozark boonies, MO, USA - Friday, January 27, 2012, at 02:42:16 (ZULU)

Checks and balances.  What a fantastic concept.

Les          
USA - Friday, January 27, 2012, at 01:46:58 (ZULU)

Chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Texas, USA - Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 22:00:59 (ZULU)

Fabrique National.

Thinking about a FNAR in 308. Anybody handled or own one?

Gary Kaney          
Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 12:59:35 (ZULU)

There are 80 MILLION gun owners in America.

Someone should read between THOSE lines.  :0

chuck Hunt          
Spring Branch, Tejas, USA - Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 02:50:49 (ZULU)

That sent chills up my spine.

But I tend to read between the lines. ; )

4i's          
Siloam Springs, AR, USA - Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 00:55:16 (ZULU)