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EMPIRE RIFLES BROADSHEET, VOL III NOVEMBER 2006

In this issue:

2006 GREAT YEAR FOR EMPIRE RIFLES

EMPIRE RIFLES APPLIES ISO 9002 STANDARD TO MAKING ACTIONS

EMPIRE ANNOUNCES THE NEW .505 EMPIRE

NEW: “DANGEROUS GAME RIFLES” BY TERRY WIELAND

WINTERSHOEK SAFARIS OFFER TO EMPIRE RIFLES CLIENTS

EMPIRE RIFLES SEMINAR AT GUNSITE ACADEMY

NEW: CRAIG BODDINGTON’S AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

SPOTLIGHT: EMPIRE LEGACY RIFLE, FIELD GRADE

Click for Printable Version

Greetings from New Hampshire. We are in the midst of the 2006 hunting season, and the custom rifle business is strong here at Empire. 2006 is turning out to be another terrific year.

Empire Standard Rifle, .300 H&H, Express Grade

Empire has grown to be one of the strongest custom rifle companies in America, and we are adding new machinery, new production standards, additional manpower. . . . I am extremely excited about the rifles we are making, and we are enjoying your calls to discuss a rifle made to your specific requirements. We are keeping our catalog printing house busy, as response to our advertising is more than double last year. Sales are strong: Empire Rifles surpassed total 2005 sales by the end of the third quarter of 2006. Repeat business and client referrals continue to make up a significant percentage of new orders –the surest indication of our quality. Empire is in an incredibly strong position going into 2007. We are really looking forward to seeing all of you at the Dallas and Reno Safari shows.

In this vein, Empire Rifles has a new Vice President for Operations, Ray Colla. Many of you have had a chance to speak with Ray since he began working for Empire in early October. Ray’s focus is on operational flow and customer service: Ray is the man responsible for Empire’s production schedule and for working on this schedule directly with our clients. Empire is already benefiting from the extra manpower Ray brings to the company, he will be a great asset as we continue to grow.

Thanks to all of you for your ongoing support. –George

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EMPIRE RIFLES APPLIES ISO 9002 STANDARD TO MAKING ACTIONS

As a key component in our commitment to quality and Empire’s dedication to meeting our obligations to our clients, Empire Rifles is applying ISO 9002 standards to the making of the Empire Rifles Mauser 98 actions. We have been working hard to ensure our resources meet our rapid growth. ISO 9002 manufacturing standards ensures a smooth flow of precision components, in an environment geared to maintaining impeccable quality.

The Empire 98 Action, from Raw Billet, Turned and Bored, Roughed Out and EDM’ed,

Finished “In The White” and ready for a match grade barrel

Additional CNC capabilities and manpower have been added in every area of rifle making.

Empire’s 98 Mauser action and components are all CNC machined and EDM cut from solid stock here in the United States. We only use components from the top makers. The one exception is our cocking piece, which we selected as an homage to the action’s heritage: original Mauser precision parts machined in Germany during World War II, which are individually inspected and fit to each Empire Rifle –adding a small piece of history to each of our thoroughly modern rifles.

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Empire Rifle, Professional Grade with optional detachable clip magazine,

this especially accurate rifle is one of several available in inventory

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EMPIRE ANNOUNCES THE NEW .505 EMPIRE

Empire Rifles has a well established reputation as a versatile maker with several specialties, one of which is big bore rifles. As Terry Wieland recently pointed out in RifleShooter Magazine (Nov/Dec 2006, p. 40), Empire Rifles makes a significant number of .50 caliber dangerous game rifles in .500 Jeffery. Terry alludes to a new cartridge from Empire Rifles. . .

“If one were setting out today to design the perfect .500 caliber bolt action cartridge, I would vote for a scaled-up .458 Lott based on the .378 Weatherby Case. . . You want a bolt action .500 to match the power of the double-rifle .500 Nitro Express: a 570 grain bullet at 2,100 fps. If a rifle will do that, it’s a winner.”

Existing .500 cartridges have a couple of drawbacks, some real, some imagined. The drawback of the .505 Gibbs is it’s sheer size, which requires an extra long 3.9” action and a fat .750 diameter bolt. Moreover, many hunters are concerned about the rebated rim on the .500 Jeffery --a concern I do not share. What began as a simple conversation about the .505 Gibbs evolved into the design of the .505 Empire, delivering .505 Gibbs velocities in a package fitting neatly into Empire’s Mauser actions. Excellent bullets are available from several makers, notably Barnes and Woodleigh.

From Left: .505 Gibbs, .500 Jeffery, .505 Empire, .458 Lott.

The .505 Empire launches a 600 grain bullet at 2,150 fps for a TKO of 93.06 –slightly ahead of the redoubtable .500 NE

The cartridge design is simple: Weatherby magnum brass, straight taper to .505 Caliber, with a 3.6” COL. Fits in the Empire 98L and 98S actions with their 0.700 diameter bolts. Although the cartridge achieves 2,250 fps with a 600 grain bullet, we load it down to 2,150 fps, generally considered the ideal velocity for a stopping rifle, and within the recommended impact velocity for the Woodleigh bullet. This equals the velocity of the renowned 500 NE (3”) with 30 more grains of bullet weight.

While the .505 Gibbs was traditionally loaded with 525 grain bullets, the caliber comes into its own with a 600 grain bullet at moderate velocity. Like the .505 Gibbs, the .505 Empire will drive the lighter 525 grain bullets close to 2,400 fps.

The 600 grain bullet at 2,150 fps yields momentum of 129 lbs/ft and a Taylor Knock Out value of 93.06 –values which are significantly higher than the excellent .458 Lott, and in the good company of the .500 Jeffery, the .505 Gibbs, and the .500 NE. I put little stock in kinetic energy, but for those who do this cartridge generates 6,158 lbs. Both hunting ammunition and low velocity (read low recoil) practice loads will be available from Superior Ammunition. I am looking forward to using the .505 Empire on Cape Buffalo next Summer! Please call George on 603.469.3152 to discuss this exciting new cartridge.

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Terry shares his excellent knowledge of, and experience with, dangerous game rifles, including single, double and bolt action. Of especial interest to us at Empire, Terry details his appreciation for the Mauser 98 action. The book is comprehensive, with chapters on actions, sights, loads, ballistics, weight and balance. . . As this is written, Terry is hunting in Tanzania with Robin Hurt, who wrote the forward.

I have now read Dangerous Game Rifles twice, and heartily recommend it –it will be stored for ready reference next to John Taylor’s African Rifles and Cartridges. Terry’s book is available from Safari Press, www.safaripress.com, and Countrysport Press, www.countrysportpress.com.

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WINTERSHOEK SAFARIS OFFER TO EMPIRE RIFLES CLIENTS

Last year at the SCI convention, a good friend introduced me to Nico Smith of Wintershoek Safaris. Wintershoek has an excellent reputation for quality safari hunts in the Republic of South Africa. After their original lands were taken over by the RSA government, Wintershoek relocated to two new concessions. With 27 species of game from Springbok to Cape Buffalo, and an expanding presence in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Wintershoek is interested in increasing their exposure to US hunters.

Wintershoek is making a great offer to Empire Rifles clients: purchase an Empire Rifle, and Wintershoek will wave the daily rate on a 7 day hunt in the RSA. I was schedule to hunt with Nico while in Africa this August, but the level of activity at Empire compelled me to return a bit early, taking a rain check on that portion of the trip. At $300/day this is a terrific offer, and is as straightforward as it sounds. All arrangements are made directly with Wintershoek Safaris (www.wintershoek.com), please contact Nico for more information.

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EMPIRE RIFLES SEMINAR AT GUNSITE ACADEMY

In May four of us traveled to the Gunsite Academy in Prescott Arizona, for a three day private version of the Hunter’s Prep course.

Gunsite literature states: “Students should possess basic rifle skills and will be challenged in both square range and outdoor simulators throughout the three day course. Shooting exercises include working from sling and field carry conditions, finding shooting positions that work best for you and your rifle, range estimation, operation in low-light conditions, and building speed and marksmanship under stress (buck or buffalo fever!). Other topics include practical ballistics, the Hunter's Mindset, and movement in the field.”

Two Gunsite Senior Instructors manage all hunting courses and are a terrific team: Il Ling New, an expereinced hunting guide and veteran of several dangerous game safaris, and Eric Olds who brings his tremendous skill earned as a member of the elite Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance.

Eric and Il Ling personify the Gunsite training courses: Gunsite has leveraged its unequaled expertise in tactical training creating a practical rifle course designed specifically for hunters. The goal is to train students to efficiently and reliably hit the 8” vital zone at any range from 5 to 400 yards, with the first shot, every time.

Four students and two instructors meant plenty of individualized training. As students our abilities ranged from novice to a veteran of hunts on five continents. The several thousand rounds a year shot from the bench performing Empire’s QA (shooting bull’s eye targets testing accuracy) is the opposite of Gunsite’s definition of “practical field shooting”. I was excited to go thorough the training: any rifle is only as capable as the hands holding it.

We shot at one conventional target the first day to check rifles and scopes. Thereafter there was no bench, and no conventional target, for the rest of the seminar. Field positions, shooting sticks, natural rests. . . shots at paper animal targets, steel plates, and life-size reactive targets (modified 3D archery targets) force us to select a shooting position, pick a spot on the animal, shoot efficiently, and hit the vitals.

Basic instruction blocks are delivered. The blocks are then woven together. The goal is to be able to capitalize on shot opportunities, to shoot deliberately and quickly, as opposed to rushing. Better to take a few extra seconds to shoot accurately than to rush a poor shot. And be ready for a follow up.

We shoot prone. Freehand. Rice Paddy Squat. Over the pack. Butt on the deck, elbows on the knees. Using knees, elbows, trees, shrubs, shooting sticks, whatever rest is available in the moment when the shot must be taken. Proper use of the sling. Topping off the magazine while focusing on the target. Assess the shot. Acquire the target. Fire the shot. Follow through. “Everyone wobbles. Make friends with your wobble!” admonishes Il Ling. Bang. Don’t admire your shot --“Cycle the bolt NOW” urges Eric after every shot. Keep the rifle on your shoulder. Stay focused on the target. Cycle the bolt forcefully. Cycle the bolt like you mean it. Cycle the bolt and be ready for another shot. Cycle the bolt in the instant after the shot, cycle the bolt while the animal is still wondering where the thunder came from.

With a little practice all four of us are improving nicely, cycling the bolt quickly, forcefully, bang-snick-snick. 200 shots and it becomes second nature. Or so we think; Eric demonstrates and we hardly see his hand move, he is back on the grip before the action really registers. We need more training.

This was intended to be a fun shooting trip, as opposed to an Empire Rifles love fest. Any reliable rifle in .270 or 30.06 will serve. Between us we had three Empire Rifles (two were mine), one D’Arcy Echols, one Rocky Mountain Riflery, one Dakota, and one Winchester Custom Shop. Two men opted to bring their .338’s for some practice prior to bear hunts. All but one of the rifles performed well; one man purchased my “spare” rifle on the spot, and Il Ling promptly ordered one of our .375’s. . . but more on that later.

I selected an Empire Legacy Rifle, Professional Grade in 30.06 Springfield. We chose Federal ammunition for its quality. Shooting was split between 165 grain Premium ammo and Federal’s Low Recoil ammo. The low recoil loads are accurate, and the 300 rounds required for the course were a pleasure to shoot. A Schmidt & Bender 1.5-6X42 scope with the excellent No. 9 reticle topped the rifle, and repeatedly dialing the point of impact between the two loads was flawless. All other scopes were high quality Swarovski and Kahles.

Proper technique was constantly reinforced. The culmination of the training came in two sessions: a walk through a simulator where the student has to locate and “kill” life size reactive targets at unknown ranges, and a session against robotic charging Cape Buffalo and Brown Bear careening across the uneven terrain. Nothing inspires confidence like hitting a Bighorn in the heart at 323 yards or delivering multiple brain shots on each charging animal. For fun we also ran (literally) the “Scrambler”, a simulator requiring the student to run from station to station, then find and hit steel targets at ranges from about 30 to 110 yards. Managed 59 seconds, and had as much fun as a rifleman can have.

To a man we came away from the training with two reactions: (1) we each wanted more --you do not know what you do not know until someone shows you-- and (2) an agreement that every hunter should avail themselves of this training. Johannes went straight from Gunsite to the Alaska Peninsula for a Brown Bear hunt with Phil Shoemaker, where he killed a terrific bear with his Empire 338.06 –a 225 yard shot using his body as a rest. Johannes says he would not have taken the shot –and would have come home empty handed-- but for Gunsite’s training.

There is a poster in the Gunsite office which proclaims “The Gunsite Epiphany”. Although overused, the word applies. In three days, Gunsite fundamentally changed our relationship with our rifles.

Anyone committing time and treasure to big game hunting owes it to himself to invest $1,320 in a long weekend at Gunsite with Eric and Il Ling. The training is invaluable, especially in light of the cost of a safari. For details, visit www.gunsite.com –get past the tactical information and click on the rifle link top center.

Empire Rifles will be hosting an annual Gunsite seminar in early Spring, please contact us if you would like to be included on the mailing list for this event. seminar@empirerifles.com.

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NEW: CRAIG BODDINGTON’S AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

Taken from his book of the same title, this new 2 DVD set truly is a comprehensive guide to the modern safari, but portrayed in moving pictures so much better than a book could ever do. It starts with a short history of safari, highlighted by some classic footage from the great old days, and continues to game animals, game country, guns and loads, planning tips, shooting and shot placement, field care and taxidermy. This two-DVD set with a run time of three hours really is an essential tool not only for planning your safari, but giving you a real glimpse of the adventure that lies ahead . . . whether you’re a veteran or a first-timer.

The easiest way to order is on Craig’s website, www.craigboddington.com

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SPOTLIGHT: EMPIRE LEGACY RIFLE, FIELD GRADE

Empire Legacy Rifle, Field Grade

The Empire Legacy Rifle in Field Grade is an absolutely terrific, accurate, hard hunting rifle. While the Empire Legacy is our most cost effective rifle, it boasts most of the features from our flagship Standard Rifle, a terrific value standing tall against any rifle fielded by the competition. The heart of the Empire Legacy is the 98L action. The 98L is identical to our flagship 98S in all but 2 respects, as the photos illustrate: (1) the 98L does not have the third, rear locking lug near the bolt handle root, and (2) the 98L uses a two-part bottom metal setup. The Legacy and Standard Rifles use the same barrels, shrouds, stocks, etc. The Empire Legacy is delivered with our industry leading accuracy guaranty; in fact, one of the most accurate medium bore rifles we have made is an Empire Legacy Rifle, .338 Winchester Magnum, Field Grade delivering a .232 MOA group with factory ammunition. If you are looking for a great rifle that outclasses the competition, look closely at the Empire Legacy Rifle in Field Grade.

Photos detail key differences between the Empire Legacy Rifle and Empire Standard Rifle. The Empire Standard Rifle also includes a Dropped Box Magazine (4+1 most magnum cartridges) at no charge.

The Empire Legacy Rifle is an unbeatable value, winning hands down in rifle-to-rifle comparisons: Empire Legacy Value.