Competitors’ Corner: August 2019

Do you live in an apartment that reminds you more of a hotel room? Or are you trying to develop loads while at the range? This month’s cover story is meant for the people trying to get their reloading or handloading game on, but are hamstrung by a limited amount of space, or need something portable. Shooting Illustrated’s Assistant Editor Evan Brune explores the subject in his article “Reloading on a Minimalist Setup.” 

August’s Product Focus by Field Editor Chris Christian reviews the newest version of Smith & Wesson’s popular M&P 15-22 rifle, the OR. This model includes a M&P dot optic with both green and red illumination and is ready for action-rimfire competition straight from the factory. Check out his review.

When it comes to the AR-15, knowing your chamber matters, especially in regards to pressure. In his article “Semi-Automatic Tech: Understanding Chambers,” author Glen Zediker goes over the differences between .223 Rem. and 5.56 NATO cartridges, as well as the venerable .223 Wylde chambering and tips for handoaders. Read the full story here.

Field Editor Art Merrill explores wind-drift compensation as it pertains to High Power Rifle shooters in his article “Quarter Points and Ball in High Power.” Merrill takes us back to the WWII-era, chronicling how calculating wind compensation has been performed, up to the present day. Read his article here.

Finally, in July I attended the last NRA Precision Pistol Nationals conducted at Camp Perry. The mood was bittersweet for some, which is understandable since over a century of history is on these ranges, but despite this, bullseye shooters are optimistic about the move to Camp Atterbury. Next month’s issue of SSUSA will feature coverage of the match, which saw three-time Olympian Keith Sanderson once again taking the coveted title, unseating back-to-back champion Jonathan Shue in the process. Aided in no small part with favorable wind conditions uncharacteristic for Lake Erie’s shoreline during the summer, Sanderson chalked up an impressive 2647 score, the first time a 47 score has been reached in many years.

Also in the September issue, be on the lookout for coverage of the NRA Smallbore Rifle Nationals from Assistant Editor Kristen Walter. Next year, the Smallbore Rifle and Precision Pistol matches will join the NRA High Power Nationals at Camp Atterbury.

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John Parker
—Managing Editor, Shooting Sports USA