This past weekend was my first time at a big match (Southern Nationals). I had a great time and tried to soak in as much as I could.

One thing I noticed was a large number of bloop tubes, tuners, counterweights, etc. in use during Saturday's standard rifle match.

I'm currently working on a low-buck standard rifle based on a Russian biathlon action and barrel, and I think it could benefit from some additional muzzle weight.

Are some of the bloop tube designs (particularly the clamp-on style) commercially available, or are they all one-off custom made pieces. Even if they are custom made, I'd be interested in hearing some of the design ideas and features that have been found to work.

I have a long way to go developing my shooting skills in the sport, but I also enjoy tinkering with the mechanical side of things. Any tips would be appreciated.

SteveM.

Jetmugg, you can buy similar/same types commercially. I think I have seen them in Champions Choice, Creedmore or Champions Shooters. A lot of small-bore position shooters and high-power match rifle shooters use them to extend their sight radius when they shoot with iron sights, so if you look at any from the commercial makers they may be listed under front sight accessories. But they are pretty much the same thing. Most clamp on with a set of Allen head screws and I think the smallest inside diameter I have seen commercially is .750 inches, which fit well on the AR factory national match barrels making it easy to convert them for aperture iron sights.
The way the one I have fits up requires that the barrel be at that diameter (.750) for about three inches or very close to fit properly. It is basically a smaller tube that fits inside a larger tube that is splint and threaded for Allen head screws. The larger tube secures both the smaller tube and also secures the device to the barrel. Mine is a sight radius extension, but I also use it for a barrel weight. I have an Izhmash biathalon basic and I’m not sure my tube would work on it without turning the barrel on a lathe—and that might be interesting---the barrel on mine has a hammered finish that is not smooth.
It seem like Anschutz also makes something similar and Walther made clamp on barrel weights. I’ve also seen custom makers advertise tuners---you might check out one of the BR/50 rimfire sites, those guys use the tuners quite a bit.
Hope that helps.

If you are going to get a bloop tube, be sure the hole in it is big enough. It should be over 1/2 inch, 3/4 would be even better. Crap builds up inside them and screws up the bullet flight. I use a 12 ga brush on mine when it starts getting dirty. Be carefull where you put the weight, it does act as a tuner or de-tuner depending on where you put it. 0.10 of an inch makes a big difference.

I've gotten them from Medesha Firearms in AZ http://www.medeshafirearms.com/

Look under 'Products' and then 'Sight extension tubes' He will bore the mounting collar to your barrel diameter for a perfect fit.

You can even go crazy and get different 'bling' colors ;)

I thought anything that extends past the end of the barrel is not allowed. Nor non factory tuners?
I guess Im confused about the rules.

Mike, you are confused with the hunting rifle rules. Go to the standard rifle rules.

Jettmugg, I have a Time Precision Supertuner that I would sell for $75.00 + shipping. They are $110 new plus shipping and handling. I had it on a 54 MS that I no longer shoot.

It like the upper one in this picture.

Sounds like a good price, Al. Do you know the size of the barrel (diameter) this tuner is intended to fit?

SteveM.

Steve, I had it on my 54 MS, and that measures .870. Al

look for a tuner / tube with enough weight to influence change in the rifle's accuracy. tubes with additional weights are the best because you can add or remove them to best develop accuracy.

I tend to dial in the silhouette rifle from a BR stock, working the ammunition and the tuner. Once a good combo is found, I transition to the silhouette stock for fine adjustments.

Eric and I have a new design, and it looks like this:





this is what i used in winnsboro

Beautiful work Steve B. I am thinking of machining my own as well, but it will probably not be as sophisticated as yours.

SteveM.

Steve M,

The blue tube in an Ans product, just FYI.

tube systems are easy to make, it's the attention to detail that sets them apart. there are some systems that are total garbage, and some are very good. just gotta pick what style you like and have at it.

s.

Jerry G wrote:Mike, you are confused with the hunting rifle rules. Go to the standard rifle rules.

The 2005 NRA Rifle Silhouette Rule book, Rule 3.1(c) Attachments which do not cause any portion of the rifle to exceed the weight or dimensions as listed herein are permitted provided they do not extend past the end of the barrel. Sighting devices are not concidered "attachments".

So bloop tubes or "sight extension tubes" are not a problem.

AZRifle wrote:

Jerry G wrote:Mike, you are confused with the hunting rifle rules. Go to the standard rifle rules.

The 2005 NRA Rifle Silhouette Rule book, Rule 3.1(c) Attachments which do not cause any portion of the rifle to exceed the weight or dimensions as listed herein are permitted provided they do not extend past the end of the barrel. Sighting devices are not considered "attachments".

So bloop tubes or "sight extension tubes" are not a problem.

On the other hand the weight limits of hunting rifles and the rule about having a tapered barrel would prevent us from having tuners like the ones shown here. First time somebody shows with one to a big match will be protested would be my prediction.

steve b. wrote:Steve M,

The blue tube in an Ans product, just FYI.

s.

Steve B - do you know if the blue part is steel, or aluminum? If aluminum, the weight would be much lower, but steel would offer greater stiffness (i.e. resistance to bending).

SteveM.