New Sponsor - SniperTools.com

[Len Backus]

A belated welcome to Ward Brien, owner of SniperTools. To many he needs no introduction. Ward is the owner of the Angle Cosine Indicator and he also has shooting schools and sells other goodies. I'll let him tell us just what.

[WWB]

Len, that was a pretty nice intro... Thank you for including me as one of your Sponsor's, as it is an honor to be associated with "Long Range Hunting" and the other Top Drawer Sponsor's and members.

Long Range Hunting is a First Class web site that has matured nicely over the years. What has also matured are the hunters and the hunting community. When I first introduced the Angle Cosine Indicator, the only shooters that knew what it was used for, were former military shooters. The hunting community was not ready for it or Night Force Ballistic Targeting Software, or Kestrel Weather stations. Neither were they ready for Ian McMurchy, Shawn Carlock or the host of others who have solid reputations as seasoned instructors, and Long Range Hunters.

About seven or eight years ago I attended the SCI show in Reno. While there I had a brief conversation with a man who could not accept the idea of accurately shooting an animal at 600 yards. He was absolutely angered with the thought and stormed off, refusing to hear my rational.

Since then the hunting world has changed dramatically. As an example I had the opportunity to shoot with a friend of mine by the name of "Jim McBride." Jim is no Spring Chicken and has become a rarity in today’s world. He is a Hunter's Hunter, and one who does his own butchering.

Jim asked me to come over to his ranch and shoot with him. On that visit I brought my Ruger 10/22 that sat in a Hogue over-molded rubber stock, had a green Mountain 16” barrel and sported a Night Force 2.5X – 10X scope on it. The reticle was the NP-R2 (moa reticle) and both of us were shooting at makeshift targets out to about 400 yards. He had a difficult time believing that we were accurately hitting our targets, and in the rain to boot.
After that, I was invited back, and he showed me the Winchester Model 70 chambered in .270, which was handed down to him by his Father, and almost sixty years old!

The firearm shot an 8” -9” diagonal group at a target that was 98 yards. After investigating his target, and checking the way that the scope was mounted, I told him that his scope was bad and that he should change it out. After some back and forth disheartening conversation, I left for home. About a week or two later, he purchased a new scope, and one which I had suggested. He mounted it and then waited for me to come over to shoot it. Sure enough, his group size reduced to about ¼” to ½”. I made him a data card based on the chronographed velocity (which by the way, was several hundred fps slower than what was stated on the box that the ammunition came in), and several weeks later, took off with him to hunt antelope in Wyoming.

While glassing, we spotted a herd about five to six hundred yards out. I made the suggestion for him to set up and take the shot; however he still felt adamantly uncomfortable about attempting this. I agreed to a stalk, and after about thirty minutes found ourselves poking our heads up over the tall green grass looking at them. Jim picked one and I ranged her at approximately 265 yards. I then conveyed to Jim how many mils to hold, and called wind. So there Jim was with his Stoney Point shooting sticks supporting his Model 70, aiming and ready to pull the trigger. What a classic Picture! What a classic moment! When the wind boiled, I told him to send it, and he took the shot. At first He thought that he missed, however I saw the hit; and she quickly began dropping back from the rest of the running herd. When we got to her, we saw that the bullet had struck almost exactly where he had held; on the edge of the shoulder. He was pretty happy about this… and so was I. Next season, I believe that I can get him to take shots at longer distances; however I am a little concerned about him getting too happy and a little too cocky…

If a 72 year old can accept and adapt to the current technology, it is a pretty good indication that finally, the hunters are catching on. If you visit my web site Sniper Tools Design Company - angle cosine indicator you will find that I sell ACI’s, C-Level’s, Pocket PC’s, Night Force Ballistic Targeting Software, Eberlestock back packs and more. I also instruct a precision Shooting 1 class. Please stop by and visit!

[xphunter]

Ward,
Welcome and I am glad to hear you are a sponsor here.
I do enjoy your products.
Also glad you live closer as well

[Len Backus]

That's a great story Ward. I have used your ACI for quite a few years. Wouldn't be without it for angle shooting.

[WWB]

Ernie, it's great to hear from you and I LOVE the quote at the bottom of your post. We will have to get together soon. Are you close to D&L Sports property?

Len: Thank you again for the belated welcome and for also using my products.

[xphunter]

Originally Posted by WWB

Ernie, it's great to hear from you and I LOVE the quote at the bottom of your post. We will have to get together soon. Are you close to D&L Sports property?

Yes, but I haven't been out there since Steve & I competed there in 04.