Welcome to the very first edition of Redback Approved Products.

Remington Model 700 BDL - long-time favourite for hunters all around the world

Remington’s Model 700 is the number one bolt action rifle of all time, with over five million rifles produced since its inception in 1962. Remington Firearms, America’s oldest gunmaker is back, and what better way to start the first of “Redback Approved Products” than with this undeniable classic.

The brainchild of legendary Remington engineer, Mike Walker, Remington’s 700 BDL has been around for over 60 years and has just been re-released to the Australian market after four years in the wilderness.

This long-time favourite for hunters all around the world comes with a high-gloss American walnut stock, enhanced by a distinctive black forend cap and rich deep bluing which gives it that classic look. The Monte Carlo comb with raised cheekpiece is perfectly designed for use with open sights or any scope you decide to use. Another great feature the team at Rem Arms have opted for has been the inclusion of 5R rifled barrels, standard in all 700 rifles which is a fantastic initiative, differentiating them from other manufacturers.

Other features include a hinged magazine floorplate, sling swivel studs, hooded ramp front sight and adjustable rear sight, recessed bolt face and solid steel machined receiver.

Currently available in 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 Win, 7mm Rem, 308 Win, 30-06 and 300 Win Mag.

An added bonus! Remington has just announced a new partnership with world renowned trigger manufacturer Timney, and from August, all model 700’s will come with this trigger straight from the factory. Another great feature from America’s oldest gunmaker!

I can’t wait to get out there and put it through it’s paces.

Savage 110 Elite Precision - all the advantages of a custom rifle, straight out of the box

If you’re thinking of getting into PRC shooting or long-range shooting in general, the Savage 110 Elite Precision has to be at the top of the list. This rifle gives you all the advantages of a custom rifle, straight out of the box and this huge rig comes with a list of features you couldn’t jump over.

Savage factory blueprinted action, MDT ACC aluminum chassis with fully adjustable stock, ARCA Rail along the entire length of the chassis, stainless steel, flash nitride target receiver, titanium nitride bolt body, 1.5 - 4lb user adjustable AccuTrigger, self timing taper aligned muzzlebrake (short action calibres only), MDT vertical grip and AICS magazine, modified Palma contour barrel 30" (long action) 26" (short action) and a 1-piece 20MOA rail.

Available calibres currently include 223 Rem, 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 300 Win Mag, 300 PRC and 338 Lapua.

I have always been a Savage fan and have seen plenty of these Elite’s pass through the doors here at NIOA. After watching Brad and Matt’s Savage factory visit earlier this year, it is clear now why Savage rifles are renowned for their accuracy straight out of the box. The attention to detail, commitment to excellence and the knowledge and passion of their staff, all contribute to the brands success. If you don’t own a Savage yet, head out and have a look at one!

Caldwell AR500 Steel Targets - super bright & easy to see

Are you looking to upgrade from the lowly Coke can you’ve been aiming at when you head out for an afternoon of shooting? Or maybe want to test your skill with some long-range shooting out at the farm? If so, you should have a look at the range of Caldwell super bright, easy to see, AR500 steel targets. They are perfect for a bit of long-range practice or some friendly competition with mates.

They are made of AR500 hardened steel and built to withstand thousands of rounds, rated up to 3000FPS impact velocity and 3500 FP impact energy.

Caldwell also offer a range of hanging solutions for any scenario.

Caldwell Flash Bang Steel Target Hit Indicator - immediate visual hit confirmation for long distance shooting

If you’re serious about long range shooting, you will want one of these! Another great innovation from Caldwell and designed to complement the AR500 range, is the Flash Bang Target hit indicator. This device offers immediate visual hit confirmation to shooters when shooting at gongs from long distance.

Designed to mount directly to steel targets over 5" in diameter, this self-contained hit indicator features a standard on/off switch and is triggered by an impact on the target, flashing brightly to alert long-range shooters of a confirmed hit. Powered by 3 AA batteries, the Flash Bang boasts a long-lasting battery life of up to 30,000 impacts. Plus, fit the Flash Bang easily to your targets with heavy-duty hook-and-loop material for quick installation and removal, right out of the box.

These are due to hit Australia in September and I look forward to getting out and testing them on my collection of AR500’s.

Quick note - if you accidentally shoot one or two LED’s, a great feature is that the other LED’s keep working!