May 13, 2013

Beat the High Cost of Ammo and Shoot More
by
Related Topics: Ammunition Competitive Shooting Defensive Tactics Firearm Accessories General Handgun Ammunition Holiday Gift Ideas Lasers Reloading Rifle Ammunition Shooting Techniques    

Ammunition is in short supply, but high demand these days. As soon as it is delivered at the loading ramp, the line starts forming in anticipation of when it will hit the shelves. The high demand has also caused prices to follow, but that doesn’t mean we can afford to let our hard-earned skills suffer as a result.

Laser Lyte Reaction Tyme unit

The Reaction Tyme Target offers a challenging and realistic target area measuring about 3×4 inches.

Recently, I came across a solution that will not only ease my ammunition demand, but it has taken my dry-fire practice to an entirely new level. LaserLyte has developed a new interactive target system with dual modes for reaction and training—the Reaction Tyme Target, TLB-RT. The laser training system comes with two targets for more realistic training scenarios. Each target works independently of each other providing you with a variety of scenarios from left-to-right or near-to-far shooting. You can position the units close together and far apart (three and seven yards for pistol and farther for long-gun scenarios).

Reaction Mode

The interactive Reaction Tyme works in two modes—reaction and training. The reaction mode features random LED signals in intervals of three to seven seconds that can be shot with any of the LaserLyte Trainers. When a hit is made the target celebrates with two audible beeps and a visible red LED flash. I use this mode for practice in drawing and firing a controlled, focused and accurate shot.

Training Mode

The training mode allows you to practice trigger control and accuracy with an always-on and ready-to-be-shot mode. The target reacts the same way as in Reaction Mode when a hit is made—you hear two audible two beeps and see the LED flash. Best of all, you can see the laser dot marking the hit. The dot lasts long enough to see the laser’s trace giving full feedback as to movement at the moment the gun would have fired with a live round. This is critical in developing a smooth, accurate trigger pull. I use this mode to hone my muscle memory and take the trigger pull from a jerky, conscious act to a smooth, repeatable action controlled by the subconscious mind. All the while in my mind I recite the mantra, slow is smooth; smooth is fast; fast is accurate and accurate is deadly.

 



 

The LaserLyte Reaction Tyme Target is ideally suited for both new and experienced shooters and aids in training for increased levels of confidence and skills—when and where it is most convenient and while saving money on ammunition. The twin targets provide an active training session that you can set-up in a variety of ways. Any of the LaserLyte Trainers work with the TLB-RT including the LT-PRO, LT-1 and the LaserLyte Trainer Cartridges in .223, .380, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.

LaserLyte offers a 3-year warranty for all products sold new, including products sold new up to three years ago.

LaserLyteTLB-RT Specifications

  • Works with any of the LaserLyte Trainers: LT-PRO, LT-223, LT-1, LT-380, LT-9, LT-40, and LT-45
  • Two Targets: With 2.5 inch diameter shooting ring
  • Batteries: 3 x AAA
  • Battery Life: 6,000 shots
  • Activation: LaserLyte Laser Trainer
  • Weight: 4.25 oz. / 119 gr.
  • Length: 1.30 inches / 33.43mm
  • Width: 3.00 inches / 75.96mm
  • Height: 3.74 inches / 95.00mm

Have you ever used a laser trainer? Let us know about your experiences or thoughts in the comment section.

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!

May 3, 2013

Powder Attack: The Next Wave of Gun Regulation
by
Related Topics: Ammunition Blackpowder General Handgun Ammunition Muzzleloaders Reloading Reloading/Handloading Rifle Ammunition Shotgun Ammunition    
Because language of the Lautenberg bill isn't official, it's possible that all types of powders and ammunition propellants could be affected.

Because language of the Lautenberg bill isn’t official, it’s possible that all types of powders and ammunition propellants could be affected.

Senator Harry Reid has introduced a new bill, S.792, that the majority leader (D-NV) has labeled as “A bill to strengthen the enforcement of background checks with respect to the use of explosive materials.” In short, the measure would require background checks for anyone purchasing “explosive materials” or “powders” commonly used to manufacture ammunition and fireworks, according to The Hill.

The pretext for the bill is the Boston bombings, which S.792’s co-sponsor Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) “shows that background checks are needed for explosive materials.”

Tamerlan Tsarnaev, now deceased, and his 19-year-old brother Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who’s currently in a prison hospital after being wounded in a shootout with police, are said to have used blackpowder from common fireworks to manufacture the bombs that left three people dead and hundreds wounded. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is charged with using a weapon of mass destruction to kill, a crime that carries a potential death sentence.

Lautenberg said in a press statement, “It defies common sense that anyone, even a terrorist, can walk into a store in America and buy explosive powders without a background check or any questions asked. Requiring a background check for an explosives permit is a small price to pay to ensure the safety of our communities.”

Purchasing more than 50 pounds of blackpowder already requires a background check. The new bill would lower the thresholds and will also include “smokeless powders,” which are used for the production of ammunition.

Source: TheHill.com

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!

April 26, 2013

M1 Garand — Shoot Fast! With Jerry Miculek
by
Related Topics: Antique Firearms Collector Firearms Competitive Shooting Firearm Collecting Firearms General History Rifle Ammunition Rifles    

In this episode of the new Shoot Fast! series, CTD Team Shooter Jerry Miculek takes the legendary M1 Garand out to the range to see just how fast he can shoot it.

At the front of the 18:44 video, Jerry talks about the development of the rifle, its wartime use, and cartridge design and variations.

The Shoot Fast! part starts around 11:10, when Jerry shoots 6 rounds into a single paper target at 7 yards. He’s using 150-grain Greek M2 ball ammo loaded into clips (not magazines) unique to the rifle.

The first shot from low ready gets out at .71 seconds, with a total time of 1.56 seconds for the 6-shot string. The split times are around .17 seconds.

“You can see the firepower of the M1 coming into play every 17 hundredths of a second,” Jerry says. “Pretty impressive.”

He later wards off an attack by six charging soda bottles.

 

 

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!

March 15, 2013

AR-15 vs. AK-74 Video Comparisons with Jerry Miculek
by
Related Topics: 3-Gun 922(r) AK Ammunition AR-15 Ballistics Carbines Competitive Shooting Firearms General Rifle Ammunition Rifles    

In Part I (26:51), Jerry gives us a comprehensive breakdown of the two systems and shows us some of the pros and cons of each platform: The American made AR-15 (or M16 and M4) designed by Eugene Stoner and the Soviet AK-74 (or the original AK-47) designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov.

The rifles used in the shooting portion of the video are an AK-74-style rifle shooting a 5.45×39 and an M4 Carbine-style rifle shooting a 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington. The AK-74 was chosen for being a more modern style of the rifle that is more closely comparable to the AR-style cartridge.

 

 

In Part II (14:33), Jerry measures the triggers on the two systems and compares them to a competition rifle. He then shows details of cartridges for the AR and AK systems.

 

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!

February 23, 2013

Hello New Shooter, I am .223 Remington…
by
Related Topics: Ammunition AR-15 Basics 101 History Rifle Ammunition    

I’m sure you’ve heard of me. I am one of the most popular cartridges in the world. I’m the caliber of choice for America’s favorite rifle. I’ve been around since the late ’50s and have proven myself an excellent battle, hunting, competition and plinking round. Yep—I’m pretty much the most versatile cartridge in the entire world.

After WWII, the U.S. was seeking a smaller-caliber, magazine-fed, select-fire, semi-automatic rifle to replace the .30 caliber M1 Garand. The military needed a high-velocity rifle that was adequate in close combat. Eugene Stoner’s AR-10 rifle fell short of the requirements. However, in 1956, military officials asked ArmaLite to develop a smaller version of the AR-10. ArmaLite chambered this smaller AR-10 prototype model for .222 Remington.

With the right bullet, distance and placement of shot, the .223 Remington is a lethal round for small varmints , predators and medium-sized game.

With the right bullet, distance and placement of shot, the .223 Remington is a lethal round for small varmints, predators and medium-sized game.

Initial testing proved the round was not powerful enough. The military needed a cartridge to maintain the speed of sound at 500 yards at sea level. Developers stretched the case of the .222 Remington, so it could hold more powder making the new round faster and more powerful. This round was designated the .223 Remington.

The AR-15 had a short life with ArmaLite. The company sold the rights to the rifle in 1959 to Colt. Colt then entered the rifle into military testing. Ten years later, the AR-15 became the standard issue rifle to the U.S. Army with the designation of M16.

Even though the cartridge had been around since 1957, the Remington Arms Company didn’t introduce the .223 Remington to the civilian market until 1964. The caliber quickly became popular with varminters, benchrest competitors and law enforcement officers.

The .223 Remington has a 0.224” bullet with 40- to 75-grain bullet weight. It has a rimless steel or brass case and can reach velocities up to 3,650 fps. With the right bullet, distance and placement of shot, the .223 Remington is a lethal round for small varmints, predators and medium-sized game.

Part of the .223 Remington’s popularity is its affordability and (previous) availability. The .223 Remington is generally cheap and easy to find. Because of the cartridge’s design, it accommodates a wide variety of bullets for all different types of shooting situations. This aids in the caliber’s versatility when reloading. Since it performs well, and remains a powerful round with less propellant, the .223 Remington does not produce a lot of recoil. That’s why the round makes an excellent caliber for new shooters, young shooters and women.

A Note About .223 Remington v. 5.56 NATO:

5.56 NATO is the military designation for .223 Remington, but it is not the same cartridge. The 5.56 NATO is loaded at a higher pressure (psi) than the .223 Remington. The .223 Remington meets SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Institute) specs and has more headspace and a longer throat than 5.56 NATO. To read an extensive explanation of the differences between the .223 Rem and 5.56×45 NATO and which one you can safely shoot in your AR-15, read your owner’s manual and be sure to check out the blog post .223 vs. 5.56: Which Ammunition is Safe for “My” AR-15?

 

Like this article? CLICK HERE to get stories like this, useful tips, and valuable resources every other weekend in your e-mail inbox.

The mission of Cheaper Than Dirt!’s blog, “The Shooter’s Log,” is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt!
Older Posts »
iFrame Test