I am starting to get a bit frustrated with the optics companies and rifle scopes.

You can get any scope you want these days as long as it is matte finish with ballistic turrets (sarcasm).

Why don’t they manufacture silver finish scopes, gloss finish scopes, and just a ballistic reticle these days? I realize that most ballistic reticles are only good out to ~ 500 yards, but that covers around 98% of shots taken.

Additionally…you don’t always have time to range an animal and adjust the elevation turret. Game animals generally don’t stick around long.

These optics companies need to go back and diversify their product lineup again.

I’ve been watching this cartridge and the related marketing. I’m on the fence with this cartridge; not sure it is going to make it or not.

I like the .270 caliber, but I’m not sure about running heavy bullets in a .270. I’ve always leaned a bit more towards a 7mm or .30 cal for larger game like elk. I don’t know if the 6.8 Western closes the gap enough with the number of heavy .270 cal bullets.

I know O’Conner used the 270 Winchester for a lot of things…I just don’t know it I would grab it as my first choice for elk hunting.

Does anyone have one or a friend with one?

I had some of these components from a previous project that never came to fruition.

I hate to see a “stranded investment”, so I sent all the components I had to Hill Country Rifles and had this rifle built.

It shoots 3/8” groups with Hornady 175 grain ELD-X factory ammunition, so my plan is to use it for any big game permits I draw this fall.

The rifle feels great at 9.6 lbs. it has a great trigger (TriggerTech) and I am impressed with the Swarovski scope so far. Seems to balance really well - I think I can make a reasonable off-hand shot with this rifle.

Not too many things excited me from the SHOT show this year, but the new Colt Python Blued 4” did appeal to me.

With that in mind, I just acquired one. I have many S&W revolvers and other handguns, but I’ve never had a Python.

I really like the revolver…feels great in my hand. The full lug barrel adds some weight out front - I’m glad I didn’t get a 6” barrel.

When the weather improves, I’ll shoot a box through it and give you my shooting impressions.

I have been watching most of the websites and other outlets; I didn’t see much of interest emerge from SHOT Show.

I realize I’m a little more of a traditionalist, but just not much in the way of bolt action sporter rifles.

I did see Colt released the Python with a 6” and 4.25” barrel in a blued finish - that does have my interest.

Did anyone else see anything of interest I may have missed?

I have a 7mm PRC being built on a Defiance Rebel action that I posted a while ago.  Then...the other day...I found another one of my unfinished projects.  I have had this FN Mauser 98 action for around 25 years and have had various improvements made.  Ed Lapour (gunsmith/metalsmith) installed the 3-position safety, custom bolt handle, and blind rear action tang.  It also has Blackburn bottom metal and a Timney trigger.

Whereas I am using a composite McMillan stock with the Defiance action, only a high grade English walnut stock will do to accompany this classic FN Mauser action.  This is a .30-06 length action with a magnum bolt face, so I think this will become a .338 Winchester Magnum.  Once this project is complete, I'll post the final result.

I assume you all saw this. Looks like something interesting coming from Weatherby on May 31st.

I was looking for a new rifle/caliber to tinker around with this year.  I wanted to try the 7 PRC, but it was just a little too new; rifle and ammunition choices are limited this year.  I might acquire that caliber next year.

With that in mind, the Thompson Long Range Weatherby Mark V caught my eye.  I have some rifles with scopes having ballistic-tuned turrets, but I always liked the simplicity and utility of a ballistic reticle, which is what Thompson Long Range outfits their rifle with - a Leupold VX5HD 3-15x44mm scope and custom reticle for the 180 grain Nosler Accubond. 

I have a 300 RUM and a 338 RUM, but this will be my first 30-378 and it certainly looks impressive.  The rifle feels great and just slightly muzzle heavy, but I kind of like that with a bigger caliber rifle. 

Our local outdoor range doesn't open until May 1st, so I'll have to wait a while to sight it in and break in the barrel.  I'll let everyone know how it performs at the range! 

Thompson Long Range offers a 1-day course in long-range shooting and I think I'll drive down and attend that this summer. I need to start praying for a successful elk tag drawing!!