tn hp

I paid $475 for mine, plus another $100 for the National Match upgrade. Of course, this was in 1977. It has had one or two barrel replacements, a new, "heavy" walnut stock, a bolt replacement and been rebedded a couple of times over the years. It still shoots M.O.A. or better with match grade hand loads and took me to the master class in highpower. So, my advice is buy one now and consider it a long term investment. If you shoot, either plinking or competition, there is nothing more satisfying than having a piece of equipment that works and works very well. If you do buy one, try to find one with G.I. parts, with the exception of the barrel. If you have a choice, opt for the heavy match barrel and national match sights, they are worth the extra money. If you plan to shoot beyond 300 yards, I would suggest that you acquire the standard length barrel. Does barrel length and glass bedding make a difference? Absolutely! You can always purchase a standard model and have a service rifle gunsmith provide the upgrades as you deem them necessary. We are fortunate to have a couple of top notch service rifle gunsmiths in the middle TN area who know how to maximize the performance of an M1A. Now, if you want a .308/7.62x51 battle rifle that does not require the maintainence of an M1A, I would suggest an FN FAL. A decent kit built on an Imbel receiver is a great choice. Plus, parts and magazines are more reasonable for a metric FAL than an M1A. Accuracy with an FAL ranges from 3 inch groups at 100 yards with ball ammo to 1 inch when using match grade hand loads. Another option is to purchase a CMP M1 Garand and rebarrel it to .308. This is an excellent choice to avoid the high price of replacement M1A/M14 parts. I rebarreled my dad's M1 to .308, had it bedded and added national match sights. The groups its shoots are virtually identical to those shot with my M1A. Good luck!

I measured the barrel on my Remington 870 Marine Magnum and it appears that glockster157 is correct. The barrel on that shotgun measures 18" from the face of the bolt to the muzzle.

The Federal Statute indicates that to be legal, a shotgun barrel must have a minumum length of 18 inches and the firearm itself (shotgun) must have an overall length of 26 inches. So, when considering the shortening of a shotgun barrel, where do you measure from in order to achieve the 18 inch legal minumum? I was under the impression that one had to measure from the end of the chamber but, the Federal Statute is not entirely clear on that issue. So, if you know or have had exerience in this area, please advise but, do not speculate. Otherwise, its back to the statutes and case law. Thanks, tn hp

Take a look at the falforums.com. I have shot nice groups with my standard .308 match load, 41.5gr. IMR 4895, 168gr Sierra BTHP, Federal or Winchester primer, with Lake City cases.

The MCGC is a great place to shoot. If you think their fees are high, well, you may want to rethink that. They hold monthly Highpower Matches and are a CMP qualifed club. So, you can join, shoot there and qualify to purchase a Garand, Carbine or other U.S. military rifle from the CMP. The members, that I have known, are extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable

Chuck's Gun Shop (or Firearms) in Buckhead and actually, if I remember correctly, in located on Buckhead. He has a full line of long guns from AR's to Merkels. The hand gun selection is small but, adequate. I have seen NIB Colt Government Models from the 50's and one of a kind collector items. The walls are covered with rare military rifles, 03A4's and original M1A1 Carbines. Its a small shop but very interesting.

Good karma! The caliber begins in "4" and ends in "5"! Pound them into oblivion!

Service rifle, as defined by the NRA Rules, is exclusive to U.S. service rifles. However, an HK 91 could be shot in the match rifle class. Besides, who cares what class it is in because you want to shoot your rifle at 200, 300 and 600 yards. It is you versus the target, mano e' mano. The classifications are for scoring and ultimately, being able to establish an NRA classification. Come on down and give it a try. It has been a while since we have had an HK 91 on the line. A couple of Mark IV 303's and a Spanish Mauser 93 shot the course 3 or 4 years ago. We need more adventerous shooters! Remember, there is a scope sighted category!

Well, I am sorry that you didn't make it to the match. The weather didn't look good so, it probably kept many people away. However, it dawned sunny in Tullahoma and although the wind was "heavier" than predicted, it was a beautiful day. Ten (10) shooters, a couple of onlookers and an extra rider or two appeared. We shot two (2) relays. One on the line and one in the pits, finishing the entire 80 shot match by 2:00. The clouds rolled in by 11:30 and the light was difficult at 600 yards for those shooting service rifles. Although I do not have the final results, the match was won by Phillip Crowe of Alabama. I do know that he shot a 200-13x at 600 yards. This is how you win matches. He did it with a Tubb 2000 rifle. A great score shot by a nice guy. We had a great time and what a way to start out the 2009 shooting season. Come on down and bring your AR, M1, M1A, 03-A3, 1903 or match rifle. Remember there are categories for Service rifles, Match rifles and "any sight" (scoped) rifles.

Happy New Year! What better way to start than a high power rifle match at the AEDC/TN Nat'l Guard Range near Tullahoma? The Blue & Gray Rifle Club from Huntsville, AL is sponsoring a match on Sunday, January 4, 2009. Registration begins at approximately 8:00 a.m. CST with the first round down range at approximately 9:00 a.m.. Did you get a new AR, M1, M1A or other center fire rifle for Christmas? Want a chance to shoot it at 2, 3 and 600 yards? Bring your rifle and at least 120 rounds of ammo (88 rounds for the match & extra for a potential alibi) along with a shooting mat (pice of carpet) a stool or folding chair and come on down. Cost of the match is $20 (ususal fee) and competitiors will be required to pull targets. Bring a lunch, water and what ever else you think you may need, ear plugs, shooting glasses, a hat, spotting scope, etc.. There are are service rifle, match rifle, scoped rifle categories. Check out the NRA competitions web site for high power rules or check out tnssa.org for infromation. What else have you got to do on Sunday?

Gentlemen, I believe this situation is covered by the Volkmer/McClure Act as codified in the Federal Law, previously stated. This is the same situation that many of us faced a few years ago when traveling to Camp Perry for the National Matches. Cincinnati, OH had an assualt weapons ban in place and the issue was, could you travel with your service rifle through Ohio legally. This short answer, just like the issue with Illinois, is yes. The U.S. Constitiution contains a supremacy clause that gives Federal Law priority of state and local law where Federal Law has spoken. Federal Law provides a "floor" and state and local law cannot lower the "floor". State and local law may give more rights and therefore, "raise the ceiling" but, not put further restrictions on what the Federal Law has established as the "base line". The Tenth Amendment reserves for the states, the ability to pass (make) laws that have not been specifically covered (reserved) by the Federal Government through statutes, rules and regulations and, of course, Federal Case law that interpets Federal, state and local law. Pursuant to existing Federal Law, you have the right to transport a firearm (rifle, pistol or shotgun) from the state where you are legally able to own/possess such firearm to another state, where you would legally be allowed to possess that firearm. I always advise client to use the "KISS" method. This is not an insult to anyone but, "Keep It Simple Stupid" and don't make this issue or any other more complicated than it is or needs to be. Remember, law enforcement officers are not always well versed in Federal Law and in some instances even applicable state and local law. That is why there are courts and district attorneys to interpert and enfore federal, state and local laws. Not all lawyers are well versed in Federal, state and local laws. Most practice in a specific area but, simply because a lawyer may know domestic relations (divore law) he or she may know nothing about commercial law, secured transactions or bankruptcy law, much less, Federal firearms law. You can ask 100 people or 100 lawyers their opinion and get just as many diverse responses. Keep it simple, rely on the Federal supremacy clause, obey the speed limit and carry your firearm to\hrough Illinois, provided you meet the criteria specified in the statute.

I am sure that others will chime in but, I read, several years ago that if you flattened out a .22 or 9mm case you could scrape off lite rust with out removing or damaging the bluing. The article recommended soaking the rust with oil prior to using the flattened brass cases. I was skeptical but, it worked for me. However, I tried in on a magazine for an M1 Carbine that had some rust on it first. The WWII Carbine magazines have excellent bluing and when it worked very well on that, I felt confident enough to try it on the slide of a handgun. I was not disappointed.

FA = Frankfort Arsenal. Match brass was/is the military arsenal's best effort to produce brass that is consistent in weight, thickness and overall demention from round to round. The primers in match brass produced by FA or LC (Lake City) are not crimped since it was not produced to be shot in fully automatic weapons. The 30.06 match ammo was designated as M72 and was loaded with the 173 gr FMJ match bullet. The .308/7.62 match ammo, known as "white box" was, I believe, designated a M118. It too, had the 173 gr FMJ bullet. Later on, based on a decision made at Springfield Armory, the 173 gr FMJ bullet was replaced with the Sierra 168 BTHP Match King bullet. This match ammo, also known as "white box" was designated as M852. Initially M852 had a "knurled" ring around the case just forward of the case head. This was so the round could be identified as a match round since, in the earlier years, the 168 gr BTHP Match King was not deemed "legal" as a combat round. That issue was later resolved and the round was approved for combat use. Now, there is a round designated as the M118 LR (Long Range) developed for sniper use. It is loaded with the 175 gr Sierra BTHP Match King bullet. However, the brass that it is loaded in, at least what I have seen, is not "match brass". It is loaded on what was commonly referred to as "special ball brass". This brass, while made to match specs, has a crimped in primer. The "special ball" was orginally loaded with the 173 FMJ match bullet and then with the 175 gr. Sierra. Most Lake City Match ammo is loaded with canister grade powder. IMR 4895, 4064 or equivalent powders. Most of you know that IMR is an abreviation for "improved military rifle" powder. Match ammo, like the standard "ball" ammo is loaded to a velocity. Therefore, actual powder charges, depending on the powder used, will vary from lot to lot. This is why it was important to obtain as much as one lot of match ammo for shooting rifle matches in order to avoid a change of zero. The powder used also depends on the contractor supplying the powder or which contractor held the contract at Lake City. However, the military dictates what components are to be use with approved substitutions. Two Tennesseans figured prominently in the bullets used in the match ammo. Mr. Larry Moore, formerly of Oak Ridge, helped to design the 173 gr FMJ match bullet. Col. Homer Pearson (Champion's Choice) played a significant part in the decision to change to the Sierra 168 gr. BTHP. Why change bullets? The Sierra was much more accurate as a result of the jacketing process used by Sierra versus the jacketing equipment available and used at the arsenal. If I recall correctly, the USMC reloads all ammo for its High Power rifle teams. Although, they have used some Black Hills match ammo in limited quantities. The Army's Marksmanship Training Unit (AMU) has used some Black Hills match ammo for its short range use and has hand loaded for the 600 and 1000 yd. loads. There is, to my knowledge, no "match" .223 brass produced by Lake City. The AMU does use primed .223 Lake City brass for loading its long range loads in order to avoid "blown primers". The brass is weighed and sorted for consistency. TN HP

For an alternative, check Widners Reloading/Shooting Supplies in Johnson City, TN. They have different weights and quantities available at what I believe a very good prices, considering current conditions.

The advice on the heavy bullets, 75 and 64 grain, is excellent. If you don't reload, purchase the Winchester ammunition with the 64 grain bullet. If you reload, then you probably know that it is important to match the bullet to the barrel's twist rate. I have found that the heavier bullets work well in my 1 in 9 twist rate up to the 69 grain Sierra BTHP but, for hunting I use the Sierra 63 grain BTSP. This bullet, with the right powder and primer combination will produce 1" or better groups.

Very sound advise so far regarding choice of caliber. Although I am a 1911, .45 acp fan and carrier, my advise to any one who is buying their first primary carry gun had been to buy a .40 Glock. I have no experience with the Springfield polymer pistols but, everthing that I have read has been positive. Regarding the size, for daily carry, buy the sub compact model unless you can conceal the mid size model. If your going to use this as a shooter, plinker, target practice piece, buy the mid size model. The Glock model 23 or it counterpart in the Springfield line, is about as good as it gets for the best all around first primary carry piece and home defense weapon. Brass, extra mags, holsters, bullets, you name it and its available in .40 caliber. If you want a full size model, save your pennies and buy a police trade in model in a year or two. You will save money and be able to use the full size mags in the smaller model. Keeping your primary hand guns in the same caliber is, in my opinion, another good idea whether you reload or not. Let us know what you decide!

The best link for information, according to my just completed search is: tennesseeshootingsportsassociation.org The tnssa site has links to all of the affliated clubs, including Chattanooga, Memphis, Oak Ridge and Columbia.

The Muary County Gun Club, Columbia, TN is having its annual Garand Match next weekend, Nov. 1. Although I have not shot their in a while, they used to have (and probably still do) several club M1s for shooters to use. You must supply your on ammo or make arrangements to purchase it from the club. They used to have it available for sell at the match at DCM/CMP prices. I do not know whether or not the ammo is still available. Check out their web site or the TNSSA (Tennesse Shooting Sports Association) web site on the Delphi Forums. There should be a link to the M.C.G.C. Depending on what grand division of the Great State of Tennessee you live in, I would also recommend the Oak Ridge Sportsman Association range and the Memphis Shooting Sports Association Range. I know that Oak Ridge has CMP Garand Matches on an annual basis. In fact some of you probably saw an episode on American Shooter about their match. They have loaner M1s from the club as does the Memphis Club. Oak Ridge has, in my opinion, the most beautiful high power rifle range in the state and maybe the southeast. Our fellow member FroggyOne2You is a member of the Oak Ridge Club. Maybe he can give us some insight.

I am the proud owner of a Colt Delta Elite. It was discovered hiding on the bottom shelf of a display case in a local pawn shop and it had some blueing issues on the right side of the slide. Otherwise, it was original and came with one Colt magazine and one Chip McCormick mag. I couldn't pass up the offer of $460 out the door. This was about three years ago. This is, of course, a basic government model but, it does have the three dot sights. After choking on a $21.00 box of Remington ammo, I obtained 500+ rounds of once fired brass, bullets and dies. Plus, I scored 2 extra Colt mags off of flea bay and a client gave me a stainless Delta mag he had in a box in his shop. I have owned and carried a Glock and have shot most all of the available Glocks in all calibers except 10mm. So, I cannot compare the two handguns. I can say that I own 6 1911 pistols, 5 Colt and one Remington Rand. Of all of these, I enjoy shooting the 10mm and a Colt "C" prefix model that has been accurized the most. The "C" prefix is a government model, produced in 1947 and is a .45 acp. My Delta is extremely accurate for an unaltered G.M. and at 10 to 15 yards will deliver 3" or less size groups if I do my part. The 10mm is, in my opinion, one serious kick a** round. I have absolute faith and confidence in this pistol, as I do all of my 1911's. So much so, that the Delta Elite is my primary home defense handgun. I saw a new dealer price list the other day from one of the major distributors that included the new Delta Elite. Their dealer price was $795.00. Maybe you have a dealer who will order and sell one to you at a reasonable price. I would recommend the use of a recoil buffer in the 1911 pistol for this caliber. It is an awesome weapon!

I have purchased from Widners, Champions Choice in Lavergne, TN and the Reloaders Bench, when I had no other choice. However, I have purchased a great deal of powder and bullets from Powder Valley in Kansas. Yes, there is a haz mat fee for powder and bullets however, if you a a few other combine your orders, its cheaper than TN sales tax. There bullet prices are very competitive.

What about the Wolf River and Ghost River State Natural Area near LaGrange, TN? According to the TWRA Hunting & Trapping guide, it is open for gun/archery for the Young Sportsman hunt set for this weekend, 10-26 & 26th. Although I don't see it listed, do they allow hunting in the Hatchie Wildlife area. I know that I used to hunt squirrels there when I lived in Jackson years ago.

My daily carry is a Series 80 Officer's Model. Several hundred rounds down the tube and no, I repeat no issues. However, if I could only have one 1911, it would be a Commander size model. The full size grip, 8 round magazine capacity, compact size and comfort in shooting makes this size, in my personal opinion, the perfect size 1911.

I had a great Sunday afternoon. 2 bucks showed up at about 4:45, a spike and a young 8pt. The 8pt will make a fine trophy in a couple of years. Then at 5:30, with the spike and 8pt. still hanging around, 4 more bucks showed up for the party. A 4pt., a 6pt, another young 8pt and the leader, a nice mature 8pt with a wide main beam causing his antlers to stick out about 4 inches on either side of his ears. I estimated the range at about 30 yards, finally got a good view of the mature 8pt, held the pin on the kill zone, got a great release and make the shot. It was a great shot but, it was 5 yards short! Oh well, its been a long time since I have seen that many bucks together, in front of my stand with at least 2 shooter bucks in the group. The others need to stay healthy and grow up a little. It is amazing what a food plot can attract!

No, I have not made it to Ingomar yet. I am going to try to go back next year but, may have to wait until I get my daughter out of college. College tutition has put a crimp on out of state hunting for a couple of years.

The first time to Missoula (sp) and then across the line into Idaho to hunt elk in the Bitterroot mountains in the Bob Johnson Wilderness area. The second time to Billings, then east to Hysham. Hunted islands in the Yellowstone for white tail, mule deer and after filling the deer tag, pheasant. Hope to go back next year and am lucky to have a friend there who owns a ranch with his brother west of Billings and the family farm in Hysham. The ranch had been caught in the wild fires before my last trip. Everything had burned and it was to early for new growth to attract the animals back onto the ranch. They had a good year this past season though.