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I WANT ONE
Most likely this is a test or demonstration platform for the XM914E1 Chain Gun system that Northrop was awarded.
But yes, it is essentially a Ford F250 technical with the 30mm gun from an AH-64 Apache mounted in the back.
And I want one.
Gun Free Zone
Best Sniper & Precision Rifle for Beginners [Ultimate Guide]
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Interested in pushing past the 100-yard line? Want to get into long range shooting but are confused with all the terminology and myths surrounding it?
Today’s goal is to get you to a solid starting place to build and improve on for years to come.
We’ll lay out some of our recommended rifles for beginner precision shooters as well as point out other considerations to think about when choosing your first precision rifle.
So, keep reading to learn more about what you’ll need to get those long-range shots!
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Editor’s PickThreaded barrel with 3-port brake, 2-stage, adjustable weight trigger
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Table of Contents
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Best Long Range & Precision Rifles
1. Tikka T3X CTR
From the factory, the CTR comes with quite a few desirable features.
A hammer-forged and threaded barrel makes for an accurate shooter ready to accept a suppressor. That’s almost a requirement these days.
The action is straight enough to accept aftermarket pre-fit barrels without any machine work needed.
Not to mention, the scope base uses lugs and screws for attachment. This creates a rock-solid attachment system.
Best Out-of-the-Box
1075
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best Out-of-the-Box
The safety locks the bolt in place, preventing any unwanted opening, and that’s especially handy if you use it as a hunting rifle.
Its stock is a bit basic, but it’s sturdy enough to prevent flex, lending to an accurate rifle.
Personally, I consider the CTR a phenomenal starter rifle since they’re very accurate out-of-the-box.
But don’t worry; you can upgrade this series with a plethora of aftermarket parts.
2. Tikka T3X TAC A1
The T3X TAC A1 is the bigger, more well-featured brother of the CTR.
It uses the same action and barrel but adds a few tricks…
Starting from the front, it sports a threaded barrel with a large 3-port brake. This brake reduces recoil but can also be removed for suppressor use.
A 2-stage, adjustable weight trigger, replaces the standard Tikka trigger.
But the biggest and most noticeable feature is the chassis. It offers an M-LOK forend upfront for attaching all the accessories you want.
1899
at Sportsman’s Warehouse
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
This rifle also brings aluminum bedding blocks for the action.
And the factory grip is comfortable but can also be swapped for your favorite AR-pattern grip. We prefer versatility at PPT!
The rear end features a folding stock that is adjustable for length-of-pull and comb height. But it uses a standard AR-15 interface…you know that means…
It can be swapped for your preferred stock.
3. Ruger Precision Rifle
Ruger jumped into the precision rifle world with the Ruger Precision Rifle, and they knocked it out of the park!
With the growing popularity of precision rifle matches, Ruger reached out to some of the experts in the field to collaborate on a rifle. And the RPR was born.
This is truly the AR-15 of the bolt-rifle world…a list of aftermarket parts would require its own lengthy article.
From the factory, it comes with a threaded barrel, all sitting on a cold hammer-forged 5R rifled barrel.
Most Upgradeable Rifle
1499
at Palmetto State Armory
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Most Upgradeable Rifle
An aluminum M-LOK forend accompanies the front of the gun for attaching accessories.
One of the key features of this rifle, though, is its magazine adaptability. It will easily handle DPMS pattern, Magpul PMAGS, and industry-standard AICS mags.
An adjustable trigger, standard AR-15 safety, and grip complete the fire controls.
Moving on, it comes with a fully adjustable, folding buttstock. This stock is adjustable for both length-of-pull and comb height.
And it uses a standard AR-15 interface, so the RPR works with any aftermarket option.
Oh, and did we mention that the Ruger Precision Rimfire makes an excellent trainer rifle that will keep things consistent but cut down on ammo costs.
507
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
4. Bergara B-14 HMR
The Bergara B-14 HMR rifle hits every mark for anyone that wants a solid crossover platform.
A number of people have gotten into the precision rifle game to further their skills in the field, and instead of building two separate rifles…why not buy one that can perform at the distance range and the hunting field? It just makes sense.
Like some other models, the B-14 HMR offers a match-grade threaded barrel with a thread protector. You’ll have to supply your own break if you want one, though.
Best Crossover Platform
999
at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best Crossover Platform
The receiver is patterned after the Remington 700, which means it accepts any Remington 700 base or aftermarket stock.
A match-grade trigger adds to the features.
Its factory stock features an aluminum mini chassis for accuracy and molded-in QD flush cups for your favorite sling.
Length-of-pull and comb height adjustments help fit the rifle to any shooter. Bergara also offers a matching .22 LR training rifle for cheap practice.
5. Accuracy International AT
Alright, guys, here it is, my one wild card…
Accuracy International’s AT is the next generation of the wildly popular Accuracy International Arctic Warfare — one of the most widely issued military sniper rifles in the world.
While many aftermarket parts are available right out of the box, this rifle needs no improvement.
For starters, it provides a match-grade threaded barrel fitted to the receiver with AI’s quick loc system.
Ever wanted to change calibers at the drop of a hat?
Well, now you can. The quick loc system barrels make swapping calibers easy with just a 4mm hex key and about two minutes of time.
Most High End
4462
at EuroOptic
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Most High End
This rifle’s receiver is flat-bottomed and bonded to a rigid aluminum chassis, and the bolt features six lugs and a short and fast 60-degree throw.
A match-grade 2-stage trigger helps you realize all of the rifle’s accuracy potential.
The AT also delivers a 3-position safety with some unique features. Position one is safe, locking the bolt in place and rendering the trigger safe, while position two keeps the trigger safe but allows you to run the bolt to safely unload the rifle. And position three is fire.
Covering the aluminum chassis is a set of molded plastic skins that users can switch out for any color they desire.
The stock also features multiple sling attachment points in either a folder or fixed version.
If all you want to do for a rifle is mount a quality optic and get to shooting, the AT proves hard to beat.
Dependability and consistency are the hallmarks of the AT line of rifles.
.308 Winchester vs. 6.5 Creedmoor: Which Caliber Is Better for Long Range Shooting?
.308 Winchester has been the go-to standard in long range shooting for the last half-century for a few reasons…
Tons of available match ammo and regular plinking ammo exist for it — from match grade to surplus. If you decide to reload your own ammo down the road, an abundance of bullets and reloading data is available…more so than nearly any other round.
But how do you save money when shooting this round? Keep your expensive match ammo for the longer distances and use cheaper surplus ammo for close-in positional work.
6.5 Creedmoor
What about 6.5 Creedmoor?
6.5 Creedmoor is the newer, cooler kid on the block. It pushes out farther and drops less than a .308.
Factory match-grade ammo is available with good quality. While overall ammo choices and reloading data aren’t as prevalent as a .308, quality ammo is still readily available.
So, which do you choose — .308 Win or 6.5CM?
Honestly, both options are proven choices for beginners.
Twist Rates & Precision Shooting
I’m sure everyone has seen the markings on the side of a rifle barrel — 1/10, 1/8 — but what do these numbers mean?
Basically, it refers to the length of the barrel required to make one full turn of the rifling. So, 1/10 would translate to 1 full turn in 10 inches of barrel length.
Twist rates are important because they stabilize the bullet at longer ranges, especially when it starts going into the trans-sonic and sub-sonic territory.
For a beginner rifle, you want something with a very versatile twist rate as you try different ammunition or handloads to find your preferred ammo.
With a .308 Win, a 1/10 twist is generally preferred. Over the course of my career with precision rifles, I’ve never run across a bullet that won’t perform well in a 1/10.
On the other hand, with a 6.5 Creedmoor, a 1/8 twist will be your most versatile option. All of the lighter weight hunting bullets up to the heavier precision rifle bullets will perform well with this twist rate.
Upgrading a Precision or Long-Range Rifle
This is going to be a big one…
Since this is a beginner rifle article, you’ll probably want to upgrade and accessorize. One trip to your local, long-distance range or precision rifle match, and you’ll be dreaming of new parts.
From stocks, chassis systems, magazines, triggers, and even barrels…using a rifle platform that can be upgraded with aftermarket parts is huge!
Accessories like bases, rings, bipods, and stocks can make or break a rifle. I’m not saying you have to buy the most expensive accessories, but solid quality parts will keep your rifle performing, and you focused on the target.
Since you need to see what you’re aiming at, a good scope is an absolute must.
Yet again, the most expensive is not always needed. With the rising popularity of distance shooting, a lot of companies have started to produce solid optics at very reasonable pricing.
When shopping, match the reticle to the task — a duplex hunting reticle will not do any good when trying to do holdovers at distance.
And try not to overdo the magnification — believe it or not, too much can hinder you. A good 3-18 or 5-25 can cover most situations.
Lastly, repeatable adjustments are a necessity. They keep your rifle and you consistent at longer distances.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Precision Rifle
Know Your Goal
My best piece of advice for anyone wanting to get into the long-range game is to have a clear idea of the end goal.
I’ve seen many people buy the hot commodity of the week that doesn’t fit with what they need in a rifle. This is a costly, aggravating path to take.
Easy Maintenance
One of my biggest priority’s when it comes to rifle selection is being able to maintain it.
That means having the ability to swap major parts like triggers, barrels, and stocks without taking it to a gunsmith.
Maintaining out-of-the-box accuracy without any additional expenses accurizing or bedding is a big factor. Personally, I want the ability to do the work at my own workbench, and you probably do too.
Price
Long range set-ups can run a little more than your average rifle, but with the out-of-box features and adaptability, a little investment up front will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Conclusion
With a bit of planning and forethought, the path to precision rifle shooting can be a fun and rewarding journey.
Hopefully, we’ve given you a good list of rifles to consider when shopping and some other considerations to factor in when making that final selection.
What are your favorite long range rifles? Let us know in the comments below. Need some scope recommendations? Check out our guide to the Best Long Range Scopes.
The post Best Sniper & Precision Rifle for Beginners [Ultimate Guide] appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.
Pew Pew Tactical
How Razor Blades Are Made
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How It’s Made takes us inside the Merkur blade factory for a look at the equipment and materials that go into producing razor bladed. They start as a flexible strip of steel that is perforated, hardened with a heat-treating process, and run through a grinder to sharpen their edges before they’re separated and coated.
The Awesomer
Comic for April 10, 2022
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Dilbert Daily Strip
The Fighting Tomahawk Still Has a Place in Personal and Home Defense
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One of the most iconic scenes in modern movie history was seen in The Patriot. In the scene, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) brings a fighting tomahawk to bear on multiple British soldiers. He then dispatches them with extreme prejudice.
RELATED STORY
Vi Ax: The New Indestructible Ax From TOPS Knives
The Fighting Tomahawk
The tomahawk is generally believed to have been created by the Algonquians in early America. They would use stones, sharpened by a process of knapping and pecking and attach them to wooden handles, secured with strips of rawhide.
The tomahawk quickly spread from the Algonquian culture to the tribes of the South and the Great Plains. With the arrival of Europeans, the stone blades soon became metal, and the modern tomahawk was born.
The tomahawk has experienced a well-derived resurgence over the last several years as bladesmiths have begun to explore this classic weapon. Like any edged weapon, it can be an excellent tool of defense. On the same note, it takes some training to become effective with it.
One of the benefits of modern tomahawks is design. The use of high-end design and manufacturing processes has allowed us to have access to excellent close-quarter weapons. One of my favorites is the VI Axe from TOPS Knives. It is a cross between a traditional tomahawk and a fighting axe.
With all that said, let’s look at some of the fundamentals of fighting with a tomahawk.
Grip
Using a tomahawk or fighting axe allows for devastating abilities if used correctly. The first thing to consider is grip. While you may be tempted to choke up on the weapon to feel faster, you will diminish its abilities.
On a regular-sized weapon of approximately 16 to 18 inches, your grip should be set about two inches from the bottom to allow you to maximize the mass of the weapon. You will always have the ability to choke up on the grip if the situation dictates, but let’s start out with the full power of the weapon. A tomahawk or axe has a little more mass than the average knife, so a firm grip is in order.
Stance
Next on our list of things to understand is stance. Now in all reality, if you are defending your life with a tomahawk or fighting axe, there is not going to be much of a static stance. This is the same principle I teach in shooting. It looks good on paper, but it all flies out the window when the fireworks kick-off.
What you can do however is to maintain a fighting position. That is your support side foot forward and your dominant foot in the rear. Knees slightly bent and weight balanced evenly over your feet. You will want to be slightly on the balls of your feet to increase your speed and mobility. I call this simply a fighting stance, and it is common across pretty much every serious combat system on earth because it works well.
Another aspect of this is where you position yourself in relation to the threat. Just as I teach police officers and others, take the step to get off their centerline. Try to avoid standing directly in front of them and move about 45 degrees to the side. This forces them to turn if they intend to attack you and gives you a superior fighting position.
Chop
Now that we have a good stance and great position, we are able to strike should the need arise. Cutting with any blade takes practice, and I highly encourage you to get professional training to master it.
While we want to use the razor-sharp edge and mass of the weapon, we need to balance that with the type of strike we will use. As with all striking or cutting, we want to utilize our center or core. Engage the hips as you swing the cutting edge towards the target. Avoid any large wind up because our hips are going to give us the power we need. As you swing, try to focus on the tip of the edge and drive it forward.
Just like a sword, imagine you are flicking something off the tip of the blade. This will give you the best cutting stroke. As you cut, you want to follow through. Avoid stopping the motion as you meet resistance and let the blade cut through the target. Done correctly, a good cut can relieve an adversary of a limb. As you cut through the target, bring the weapon back into your center, and then prepare for another strike.
Cut
In the event space gets tight, you can still get excellent results with a tomahawk. Made correctly, the edge of these weapons is as sharp as any knife.
Cutting with a tomahawk is done the same way as we would with a knife. While slashing does not have the fight-stopping power of a chop, it will certainly do extensive damage. To get the most out of it, bring the weapon up into your center and slice forward and down into the target.
Our goal is to cut deep and long. We want more than just a superficial cut. While painful, these cuts rarely become fight stoppers. Just like we did with the chop, we want to have good follow-through and then reset for another cut. One cut is never enough.
Hook
One of the unique features of a tomahawk or fighting axe is its ability to hook. This allows us to move the subject if need be and position them. To execute this maneuver, drive the head of the weapon just over the area you want to hook.
A common target is an arm or wrist. Once you are just past the target, drive the edge down as you pull back into your center. If you use your entire body in this move, you can easily move an arm or more.
The benefit of this technique is to open them up to a more effective chop or even a deep cut. Once again, following through is important.
Hammer
Many weapons in this class can also double as a club. If the situation dictates a less bloody response. Slamming the back end or even the side of the weapon onto a target such as the nose or head can get solid results.
This is where you treat the weapon as if it were a hammer and the target as a nail. We want to drive the nail in with one stroke and break their will to fight. A solid piece of steel slammed into the skull can cause not only pain but mechanical dysfunction as well. Placing that strike across the bridge of the nose gives us pain once again but additionally causes the eyes to water profusely giving us a tactical advantage.
Where
Tap dancing here on the edge of too much information, I would like to talk about targeting and places to attack. Our defensive goal is to get them to break off their attack. This is done in one of two ways.
The first is that psychologically they decide they have gotten into more than they bargained for and break off their assault. The other option is that they become physically incapable of attacking you.
Regarding the latter, we want to make every cut or chop effective and productive. The human body breaks down in two ways: they mechanically can no longer function i.e., losing a limb, or they lose so much blood that they become ineffective. When we look at limb removal, the size of our weapon and skill level must be taken into account. With most tomahawks or fighting axes, fingers or even a hand can be taken off with a well-placed chop.
If we are driven to focus on blood loss, then attacks along the side of the neck will give us the best results. While cuts and chops into the thorax are certainly destructive, the time it might take them to dissuade an attacker can be drawn out if they are committed to the attack. We need them incapacitated as quickly as possible. The shorter the physical conflict, the lower the chance that you will be seriously harmed.
A Weapon of Convenience
The tomahawk or fighting axe in modern society is a weapon of convenience. Rarely do we see someone carrying this classic weapon on their belt. Along with being a fantastic weapon, it is a solid performing EDC and bugout tool. Think of it as a very sharp utility tool that has the ability to cut wood as well as people. I have encouraged the inclusion of these handy helpers in truck kits, bug-out bags, and camping loads for decades.
As I alluded to earlier, the market is now filled with a variety of options to choose from. Much like buying a handgun, take your time and find the one that fits your needs and space the best. While a five-foot battle axe will end about any fight, it is not going to fit in your Corolla very well.
As with all things in life, we need to find a balance. Once you find the one you want, seek professional training to get the most out of the newest member of your personal defense family!
This article was originally published in the Personal Defense World Gun Buyer’s Guide February/March 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.
The post The Fighting Tomahawk Still Has a Place in Personal and Home Defense appeared first on Personal Defense World.
Personal Defense World
Epic Games releases RealityScan app, putting photogrammetry in the palm of your hand
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Epic Games has collaborated with Quixel to introduce RealityScan, a free 3D scanning app that converts smartphone photos into high-fidelity 3D models.
Available now as part of a limited beta test, RealityScan leverages the technology of RealityCapture, desktop photogrammetry software for Windows and puts similar power into a mobile device. The possible applications for such technology are numerous, including the ability to quickly scan real-world objects and use corresponding 3D models in different projects, such as games or digital animations.
When using the new RealityScan app, the app prompts the user to capture at least 20 photos of a given item. Your results will improve as you capture more photos from as many angles as possible. The app then processes the images and converts them into a 3D object. You can export the scan to Sketchfab, a 3D asset platform that Epic purchased last year.
As of now, the app is being beta tested on iOS by up to 10,000 users. A broader beta test is expected to commence this spring, and an Android version should come out later this year.
Photogrammetry isn’t new, but it has generally required specialized equipment to do well. If RealityScan delivers upon its promise in terms of ease of use and 3D model quality, it will go a long way to reducing the barrier to entry of photogrammetry. We’ve previously seen photogrammetry used to great effect in games such as Star Wars Battlefront and Forza Horizon 5, which uses photogrammetry to build out the racing game’s Mexican biomes. With many games and other digital media being created by individuals or small teams, making photogrammetry more accessible and affordable has potentially huge benefits.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
If Blink-182 Performed Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” … this is great
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It actually slaps, not gonna lie:
Not the Bee
Klingon Bat’leth Multitool
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| Buy
Inspired by the Klingon melee weapon of choice, this Bat’leth multitool helps you perform your everyday repairs with honor. Its functions include a bottle opener, three hex wrenches, a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, a cord cutter, and a butterfly wrench. It’s also great for battling Romulan action figures.
The Awesomer
Here are the Top Five WrestleMania Matches of All Time
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It’s Saturday, and we could all use a break from politics. There was plenty of bad news this past week. There will be more examples of the wheels coming off the planet next week. So, if you’ll indulge me, and since it’s WrestleMania weekend, I thought I’d share my top matches of all time. Hey, at least it’s not another Will Smith post.
A lot of you are fans, even though you may not admit as much aloud. Even those of you claiming not to be fans know you’re going to be silently arguing about what matches YOU would have put on the list. So, here we go.
5. Edge vs Mick Foley in an Extreme Rules Match, WrestleMania 22
Out of the entire list, this one is mostly a personal favorite. Three key reasons. One, Mick Foley is an island boy who finally got his WrestleMania moment. Two, Edge is on my Mt. Rushmore, and this was at the height of his heel run. And three, it’s has a flaming tables spot.
Edge Spears Mick Foley – WrestleMania 22
youtu.be
4. Bret Hart vs Steve Austin, WrestleMania 13
This match wound up redefining an entire era of pro-wrestling. It started off with Bret Hart as a good guy and Steve Austin as a bad guy. It ended with the swapping of those roles, and Austin turning into a pop-culture icon. And just as an aside, you really need to check out Jordan Peterson using Bret Hart’s "hero’s journey" in a college lecture.
Talk Is Jericho: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart at Wrestlemania 13
youtu.be
3. Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon in a ladder match, WrestleMania 10
Shawn Michaels is another wrestler on my Mt. Rushmore. Scott "Razor Ramon" Hall sadly passed away last month. Twenty-eight years later, it’s common to see ladders, chairs, and assorted other furniture used in wrestling matches. Some would argue overused. This was the first, and still one of the best.
Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon watch their historic WrestleMania X Ladder Match: WWE Playback
youtu.be
2. Ricky Steamboat vs Randy Savage, WrestleMania 3
Steamboat was my favorite wrestler as a kid. We never had cable growing up, and I remember growing pissed off at my mom’s coworker (I was 12 at the time) because he kept forgetting the VHS he recorded for me at home. What blew me away was finding out years later that this match was scripted. Most wrestling matches are improvised in the ring minus a few big sports. Savage choreographed this match moment for moment.
WWE Biography: Macho Man vs. Ricky Steamboat: Wrestlemania III | A&E
youtu.be
1. Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker, WrestleMania 25
In my past life as a wrestling blogger (so long ago, the word bloggers wasn’t invented), the annual argument was between Steamboat/Savage and HBK/Razor. Since then, Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker blew them both away and hasn’t been topped since. It’s not just considered the top WrestleMania match of all time, but one of the best period. Undertaker was inducted into the hall of fame last night and looks to be starting his new career as a motivational speaker.
FULL MATCH – Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels: WrestleMania XXV
youtu.be
Don’t pretend you don’t have your own top five and aren’t angry with me that I left your favorite off of the list. Fight about it in the comment section of whatever social media platform brought you here.
And also consider a disco nap. There are like 217 hours of wrestling to watch this weekend.
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Donald Trump vs. Joe Biden on SMACKDOWN! | Louder With Crowder
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Louder With Crowder