As with the previous 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 threads, the purpose of this thread is to provide a catalog of this years reviews and articles, give you a behind the scenes look at what I'm working on as I'm working on it, provide a place for input and comments, and, of course, give you something to bookmark that will ping you when a new article is done.

Video Reviews and Company Visits

The biggest change this year is that I will be doing video versions of my reviews along with the written versions. I just finished up the first one and it came out a good deal better than I expected. I even did some shiny video editing on it. To be frank, I still don’t love video as a format. It is very inefficient in data density as well as time consuming to produce and consume for that matter. That being said, lots of people seem to like them for some reason and they clearly monitize better. My intention is to make the videos shorter and lighter weight versions of my articles as I gather shorter videos are a great deal more successful and the constraints of video format are far less friendly to the consumer of informationally dense content than is a well organized article. My current plan is to do short video recaps of each review as I do the review and sprinkle in video recaps of my more recent past reviews as I go along. These will be sit at a table podcast type videos and not the high production value live action stuff Frank often does. I will also be doing some videos of site visits to some of the Ohio precision rifle related companies near me. I have spoken with a number of them about this including Kelbly’s, Short Action Customs, and XTSP. My original plan was to make these live but given YouTubes constraints on live videos I am reconsidering. If you have some questions, or comments you want me to take along with me to these companies, feel free to drop them here. If all goes well and I don’t totally suck at making videos I have a few other folks in the back of my mind for future visits. Probably just who your thinking.

The Precison Straight-Walled Cartridge Rifle:

As with last year, the biggest focus this year will be on the PurePrecison / Proof Straight wall 350L project. I knew going into it that it might be challenging to get good performance from the 350L straight wall cartridge rifle and that I would most likely never get it to group like my 6.5CM. The cartridge has that reputation. I want to be able to offer some well researched advice for getting good performance from this type of cartridge though as the relatively new straight wall deer hunting regulations have given many Midwesterners the ability to hunt at distances that were just not possible before with the inaccuracy of slug guns. I want to be able to deliver some well-researched advice in how to get the best performance out of these cartridges. I was certainly unprepared for the level of difficultly in achieving this though. I will continue to examine this subject this year, as I believe I have come a long way and have some viable theories that will help shooters of this and other similar cartridges to get better and more reliable performance. Expect articles this year on the general performance of straight walled cartridges and a little about their history, loading the 350L, and some sort of ammo guide. There may also be a terminal performance examination but I wouldn’t bet on that coming yet.

Thanks to PurePrecision, Proof, Hornady, Barnes, and Nosler for contributing both product and technical expertise to this project.


Nosler’s just introduced Whitetail Country 180gr 350 legend ammunition

Garmin Xero C1 Chronograph Article
Garmin Xero C1 Chronograph Video

I have now used the Garmin Xero C1 Chronograph for an entire year and well over 1000 rounds from a wide variety of firearms and in a wide variety of situations. I guess I should probably write about it already. It is certainly a game changing piece of equipment and realistically I would not have been able to figure out some of the things I did without it as there was no way to use the old Oehler 35p on all the range trips I did for the 350L this year.

Athlon Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph

It is cheaper than the Garmin, and uses an always-on measurement technology like Garmin does. Can it hang? I have certainly seen some excellent things from Athlon in the past. The scopes they submitted to the Sub $1k long range optics series of reviews I did a few years back were, and are, some of my favorites in the category.

Leopold Mark 4HD

It is probably long past time that I looked at the new Leupold Mark 4HD line. The Mark 5HD 5-25x56 I reviewed a few years a go is a winner and that scope line is my favorite in the high end precision rifle / hunting scope crossover category. I am eager to see how the lower cost Mark 4HD line stacks up optically and mechanically, as it’s weight and features certainly indicate it will have similar crossover appeal.

BurstFire annealer

For some time I have been thinking I need to try stepping up my reloading game by adding annealing. Frankly, there was no way I was going to spend thousands of dollars on it though. After some research, I came to the Burstfire annealer. I liked the look of the design and the very clever torch adjustment system. It also features built in rotary tool attachments, and an affordable price, so I bought one. I’ll tell you what I think about it and also their military crimp cutting head. It won’t be 10 pages, I promise.


The first batch of 350L brass I annealed on the Burstfire annealer

Field Optics Research Tripods

This was another shooting accessory that I had been meaning to pick up for a while. I spend a good bit of time a few years ago at ShotShow looking at different makers products and decided that I thought the design of the DomeTOP Field Optics Research models was pretty clever. I picked one of those up as well as a bowl top. I also very much liked the design of their FlexLite GunPOD rifle vice and will be looking at their gun vices as well. I am no guru of competitive rifle shooting off of a tripod, but I’ll give you my opinion and not pretend it’s worth more than it is on the subject.


Field optics research Hunter 32DTC3 tripod holding a Kelbly’s .308 and Pro39TC3-MIL ASFPL with FM570B gunvice holding the 6.5CM PurePrecision Crux.

Looking for a lighter option like bartlien #3b. Open to just about any brand. 1/7.5 or 1/8

The Socialists are conspiring to undermine the economy

Up for sale is a left hand, 22GT rifle.

22gt Prood barrel. Cut by TS custom.
Ec tuner
Origin Action
Trigger tech diamond
Xlr chassis
Xlr weights internal
Side weights
Bag rider
Ergo vertical grip
Sold
(Don't include the bipod)

PM if interested.

Most of my events are from Oct-March and it’s not uncommon to get wet, grey, low contrast days and even some fog.

When I was shooting PRS, I went through a fair amount of glass before buying a March that really felt like I could pick out targets in bad weather.

That said, that is the only tier 1 scope I can swing.

In the sub 1k mpvo market, is there any good performer for low contrast days? I’ve been looking a lot at the helos 2-12, gpo 4-16, and uso ts12.

Just got a Tangent Theta TT735P with a Tremor3 reticle in stock

Hey guys, a long time ago Ruger sent me the new style two-piece stock for my gen 1 Ruger American predator 308. I had a lot of life happen since then and I'm just getting around to putting it all together. The reason they sent it to me is because I called with trouble with my original rotary magazine. The spring wore out which sounds like it's common, so I bought the upgraded single stack one and it never clicked in my old stock. So I called them and asked about it and they sent me this stuff. That's the background.

Now I have it all installed, but I'll be darned if I'm not having the same problem. The magazine won't click in. Actually it will if I push ridiculously hard using two hands, but you get the idea. This is with a 10 round Magpul. I tried my Gen 2, 6.5 Creedmoor factory Ruger five round magazine and the same thing. Worse actually, I never couldn't get it to click in.

Has anybody else ran into this?

Also it seems like I'm only a couple threads into my action bolts now. Was l supposed to receive longer ones?

For sale is a Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27x50 MIL. Rings included. Original owner. Clearing space in the safe. In great condition. Used very little.

$500 shipped (PayPal FF, G&S add 3%, Venmo)

Checking here to see if anyone has a 457 MTR rifle for sale. I’m looking to use this for PRS Production.

Looking here before I buy new.

MPA Sportcount timer mount with timer for the matrix/matrix pro

40 shipped for timer with MPA mount

FDE NF x-treme duty ultramount A696
-1.54”
-34mm
-0 MOA
-unopened in packaging

FDE NF RAP-I 34mm dive board
-unopened in packaging


Pictures available if interested.
$400 shipped TYD

Apple says its a bug.

As luck would have it, I worked in NLP/speech transcription and AI.

Its not a bug.

Nice quality testing you got there Apple.

Possible easter egg: If you have a new Toyota/Lexus, ask the assistant to "play hipster music"

We had it programmed to respond ("Ok playing 10% least popular music")

Cleaning out the reloading bench, all are 6.5/.264
62- 127gr Barnes LRX $40
100- 130gr Sierra Tipped GameKings $35
79- 130gr Berger VLD Hunting $40
81- 129gr Nosler Accubond LongRange $40
Willing to sell all for $100
Note: The Barnes have unaligned polymer tips, I contacted Barnes about this and they said they have seen it before and haven’t noticed any affect on accuracy or performance.

All my fellow 90s kids remember her child acting work. She was found dead today by her mother from apparent complications from a liver transplant a few months prior to her death. RIP.

I have a Surefire XC1 and TREX arms holster for a Glock 19/ XC1 combo. Light functions as it should and has some light carry wear. No issues. Holster would need a trim to fit RMR/ SRO

$175 shipped for the pair.

LMT Mars-H complete lower with Larue 2 stage trigger, Geissele H3 buffer, Ergo grip

Have a Coyote B5 Enhanced Sopmod stock that can be included for another $50

$900 Shipped to your FFL if they do transfers from individuals
$925 FFL to FFL

Attempted to buy a Bergara premiere bolt today. I had some gut feelings after seeing they’ve been inactive for about two years but decided to purchase anyway. Seller asked that I pay f&f. I paid goods and services and paid extra for the fees and expedited shipping. After they received payment, they seemed upset that I paid g&s and have since stopped replying to messages and did not ship today as agreed upon.

Just seeing if anyone knows this user or has had transactions or if I’m being over paranoid.

Thanks. Also if you are legit and have a Bergara 6.5 premier bolt, let me know.

Selling a midwest industries 14” combat rail m-lock handguard $80 sold
Comes with barrel nut and hardware, but no wrench.



All prices are shipped and payments via paypal f&f

Eveything is sold

Scopes in my safe are stacking up again and, as I go through and publish my reviews, some of them should really find a new home where they actually see some use.

This time around, it is the Revic Acura 5-25x50. As I mentioned previously, I like the scope a lot, but it is in MOA, which is not my cup of tea. Aside from the whole MOA business, it is a very good long range hunting/precision scope leaning a little more toward the MOA side of things.

Looking at the scope carefully, I see a couple of minor scratches that mostly came from bumping into other scope in the safe (I assume). I also see relatively faint ring marks (I tried to take a picture).

$1175 shipped within CONUS. SOLD


The next casualty of safe overcrowding is Meopta Optika LR 10x42 LRF binocular.

Optically and mechanically, it is in excellent condition. I see slight discoloration on the rubber eyepiece on one side. Beyond that, I do not see any evidence of me using for a couple of years.

I lost the cover for the threaded hole that is commonly used for tripod adapters, so I have the Vortex Pro binocular adapter stud in there to avoid leaving the threads exposed (this thing https://alnk.to/6IGzVeW).

$675 shipped within CONUS. Meopta is SOLD.

Back in 2015 while taking the Harrison Honor Guard for a boat ride I broached the idea that when my dad passed if it would be possible to fire an M1 Garand I owned during his 21 gun salute.
I was told it was not allowed due to insurance & liability issues and I figured that was that. Some time latter I had a very good friend of my dad tell me that no matter what the policy was he would make it happen. Well 13 months latter my Dad passed and I brought the rifle with me to his funeral. Dads friend on the Honor Guard told me they would disable the gas system on the rifle and racked the bolt for all 3 rounds, leaving the last round in it.
After the service the rifle returned home to the gun safe, last discharged round still in the chamber, where it would stay in perpetuity. I then began to look for a way to display the rifle in my man cave as a tribute to him along with other mementoes of his time in the service.
Well after 8 1/2 years I finally found a display case that would do justice to the rifle & to my Dad. I ordered it from M1 Garand Transit Crates II and Paul A Lukas set about to make it happen.
I received it today and can honestly say I am beyond pleased and it is finally in its place of Honor in my man cave.
Hears to you Pops, gone but not forgotten.

Dad 12/43


Dad 6-6-2014 D-Day Museum New Orleans

2015 Harrison Honor Guard Boat ride




Harrison Honor Guard Memorial Day 2016


Dads Funeral, 2016









Display for "Dads" M1

Forestry industry is volatile as ever and am looking to start my own business buying/selling timber. Been through layoffs with westvaco, plumb creek, AWP and others as they go under and getting tired of it.

Need some start up cash, have a farm with heavy amounts of White Oak thinking of coppice cutting with reserves from 110 ba per acre (mixed White, Chestnut oak)- to 20 BA per acre, then selling the farm or prescribed burning it within 3 years to kill a lot of the non-oaks then placing it into a carbon sequestration easement lasting about 80 years ( I can thin about 20 BA per acre as needed). Or selling some guns (will be listed on gun broker).

Purchasing timber on public land will be not be possible for at least 2-3 years depending on politics. So I would need cash upfront and have to deal with private landowners. A few logging outfits I have worked with in the past would be willing to wheel and deal with me. Would also be working on being a consultant on the side.

Thoughts?

Thunder Beast Arms Extra 30BA Brake 3/4x24 .30 $35 USED, WORN FINISH

Fortis R.E.D Brake 1/2x28 .22/.556 $20 USED, GOOD

Desert Tech SRSA2 Brake 3/4x24 .338 $100 BRAND NEW, INCLUDES SHIMS

308 WInchester
Preferred Barrel Blanks
Stainless Steel Bead Blasted Matte (Cerekoted black)
24 inches
5R Twist 1-10
Medium Palma
Threading:
5/8"x24 - UNEF 2A
For Curtis Valor QC, but I've been told it works for the Terminus Zeus as well.
150-200 rounds?


$350

Hello,

Intent of Post: Learn about L&S Ultra 10X-M3A Scope with M118 Reticle and A.R.M.S throw-lever mount value.

From there I may post it for sale AFTER going through the appropriate channels in the PX.

I was given one of these scopes by a buddy years ago. I understand this scope was used on old M24 setups and guys doing M24 builds may be interested. I’ve seen some that were previously sold on the page.

I don’t really have a use for this scope. What are good resources to learn how to price one? If anyone that has experience with these scopes is willing to see some pictures and point me in the right direction please PM me. Thank you.

Jeff

What's up fellas, long time member, infrequent poster.

Here is a barreled action built by Northwest Action Works in Oregon. I am the second owner. First owner sold it to me unfired several years ago. It has not seen much use, I have put around 375 round of factory Hornady 147's through it. I prefer a heavier barrel so this should go to someone who wants to build a lightweight hunter, etc.

*Proof Research 1-8 twist 24" Carbon Fiber Barrel threaded 5/8x24 w/ Thread Protector, Chambered in 6.5 Creerdmoor

*Stainless Steel Remington 700 Short Action trued by NW Action Works with Seekins 20 MOA rail.

*Not sure exactly what work NWAW did but I had my gunsmith pull the barrel and look; he saw squared shoulder, lapped lugs, trued threads, trued bolt face, pinned beefier recoil lug, and upgraded bolt knob.

$1,300 now $1,100 now $1,000 shipped to your FFL. Also open to trades for ammo. Thank you for looking. -Ben