Shooting Sports

BCA Bolt Action Upper Fixed

I tested Bear Creek Arsenal’s BC15 bolt action AR upper and it was far from a stellar experience. BCA is known for making budget-priced ARs and components, but they also have a reputation for budget-quality construction. Out of the box, the BC15 had a rough action, as you can see in my review video.

I received some helpful comments from BC15 owners to improve the action. I stripped down the bolt and thoroughly cleaned and lightly lubed it with CLP. Reassembling, I still found that the lugs would catch and the bolt would not release reliably. I disassembled the bolt again, this time I put a buffing wheel on a Dremmel and carefully polished the lugs until I could start to see shining metal. I was careful not to grind and round out the lugs. My goal was to mechanically simulate running the bolt hundreds of times, breaking it in. After reassembly, the bolt finally ran clean and smooth.

I mated the BC15 to my Anderson lower with a CA-compliant Hera CQR stock, the same lower I used to originally test the BC15. I swapped out a Discovery Optics ED-PRS 5-25×56 for a ED-LHT 3-15×50; a smaller and lighter scope that has the same clear Japanese ED glass. I also used a Discovery Optics Lightweight cantelever mount for a better eye relief.

At the range, the experience with the BC15’s bolt was night and day compared to my original video. The bolt ran smoothly as a bolt action should run out of the box. It makes me wonder why BCA didn’t polish the bolt lugs, as I did before assembling the BC15? At the factory, this would add perhaps 5-10 minutes of work. But BCA could increase the price of the already dirt-cheap BC15 by a modest $50, which is far less than they probably pay a workshop employee per hour. Just a thought.

The ED-LHT was also a better scope for my budget AR build. It is smaller and lighter than the ED-PRS while giving me more than enough magnification and clarity to see my 4″ target diamonds at 100 yards. Though neither cleaning the bore nor adding the ED-LHT improved my 2″ group, this is still tighter than any group I’ve shot with my normal semi-auto AR.

SHOP

Bear Creek Arsenal BC15 https://alnk.to/7McEe5X

Discovery Optics ED-LHT 3-15×50
https://discoveryopt.com/   (10% discount link: MOONDOG)  

SPECS

Magnification 3x-15x
Objective 50mm
Field of View 12.6M-2.5M@100YDS
Eye relief 88mm-83mm
Exit pupil 11.97mm-3.3mm
Tube diameter 30mm
Click Value 0.1MRAD
Elevation Adj ±23.2MRAD
Windage Adj ±17MRAD
Length 333mm
Weight 792g (27.9 oz)

Geek Out, Travel

Universal Studios Tour Tram Fail

https://youtu.be/QS31P9YIYNY

I’ve gone on the famous Universal Studios Tour since the 1970’s and experienced many of the changes over the decades. But on this tram tour was different and the longest.

Near the start of the tram tour through the Universal backlot, our all-electric tram experienced technical issues. We had a 5 minute delay at the start of the tour while the system rebooted. Later in Old Mexico, our tram electronics again broke down.

Our tram hobbled over to the Old West set and waited there for nearly half an hour for a replacement tram. We walked through the backlot set to our new tram and then continued our tour. To make up for the delay, we got a Quick Pass that we used to go on the Minions’ ride later.

Shooting Sports

Uintah Precision Victoris Trigger

After my interview with Uintah Precision on my TMI livestream show I was pleasantly surprised to receive a package in the mail. Inside was a plain black round tin, and inside was the Victoris trigger.

The Victoris is a high-quality, drop-in, single-stage AR trigger. It has a remarkable 1.5lb break with no take-up and a crisp, fast reset. The installation instructions came in a print-out sheet outside of the tin, which oddly read “Do not to use anti-walk pins.”

I asked Uintah about this, and they said this was a workaround to prevent returns by unhappy customers. Those buyers who used anti-walk pins often failed to tighten the lock-in screws, which provide the correct tension on the trigger. This caused the trigger to break inconsistently and more heavily than 1.5 lbs. Technically, I could use anti-walk pins, provided I torqued the set screws.

Correctly installed in my budget Anderson lower with a 223 Wyld upper and a Discovery Optics ED-LHT 3-15×50 scope, I tested the setup at the gun range. The trigger was a delight. After gently resting my finger on the trigger, I barely pressed, and I would send my shot. This helped prevent me from accidentally jerking the trigger and provided tighter groups than I typically get with this rifle.

Note that an ultralight break removes the safety margin against accidental discharge needed for everyday or home-defense ARs. The Victoris’ premium price also naturally discourages the casual user from picking up one of these triggers. For bench rest or long-range precision AR setups, ultra-light triggers like the Victoris are ideal for improved shooting.

SHOP

Uintah Precision https://uintahprecision.com/?coupon_code=moondog
Get 5% Off using code: moondog

SPECS

Type: Drop-in
Stage: Single
Break Weight: 1.5 lbs
Materials: NiB coated
Trigger Pins: Not included

Shooting Sports

OLight OClip Pro S

Olight upgraded their already best-selling OCLIP Pro with a new S model. It looks practically identical on the outside. The OClip is named for the large spring clip built into the body that allows the flashlight to clip onto clothing, gear, and objects; and has an embedded magnet to be attach to metal surfaces.

But the difference is more colorful. Instead of simply outputting a red beam for night vision preservation, the S model now offers RGB color; you can cycle between red, green, or blue color output.

The OClip is designed to clip on pockets, backpack straps or even a hat brim but right angle of the light to the clip provides limited mounting choices. Attached to a hat brim The OClip illimunates as much of the user’s face as it does items at hand reach.

Despite its limited beam direction and mounting choices, the design is compact, elegant, and affordable.

BUY IT

Amazon https://amzn.to/3Z1KTcR

SPECS

MATERIALS
Body MaterialAluminum Alloy (6061)
GENERAL DATA
Mode OperationSide Switch
Light SourceWhite, red, green, blue
Charging TypeUSB-C Charging
Max Performance600 lumens
Beam Distance80m
Max Light Intensity1,600 candela
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thickness1.10 in (27.83 mm)
WaterproofIPX6
Weight1.87 oz (53 g) (Including Battery)
Length2.24 in (57 mm)
Width1.10 in (28.05 mm)

Social

TMI 260520 Slogans and Taglines

Advertising campaigns have headlines, taglines, and slogans. What’s the difference? What makes them good, bad, or annoying? This video is sponsored by Venice.ai. Get a free trial, go to https://venice.ai/moondog or use code MOONDOG to get 20% off a Pro Plan. Enjoy uncensored and private A.I. with Venice.

Read my notes: https://moondogindustries.com/tmi-260520-slogans-and-taglines/

SPONSOR

EARLYBIRD Clue:

BRAND CONTEST CLUE

This brand is the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment,

THIS WEEK

Moondog2A

Moondog Reviews

Moondog Go

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

Advertising is about words and visuals that move the consumer towards affinity and even love of a company or its products. The words in an Ad is either the Headline or a Tagline or a Slogan. What’s the difference.

And sometimes the headline is the Tagline or the Slogan. What is what?

HEADLINE
The key message about the product being sold. What’s the problem? What’s the solution? ie. “Eat more chicken.”

TAGLINE
A short phrase or sentence expressing a brand’s core identity or ethos.

Nike — “Just do it.”

Apple — “Think different.”

De Beers — “A Diamond is Forever.”

BMW — “The Ultimate Driving Machine.”

American Express — “Don’t leave home without it.”

California Milk Processing Board – “Got Milk?”

SLOGAN
The core idea or benefit of a campaign or promotion of a product.

McDonald’s – “You Deserve A Break Today”

Verizon — “Can you hear me now? Good.”

Disneyland — “I’m going to Disneyland!”


BRAND CONTEST CLUE

This shoe and sports brand exploded in the late 1980’s through its sponsorship and partnership with basketball player Michael Jordan, which created his Air Jordan shoes.

OFFERS

CL1P Tech

10% discount this month (until April 30)
https://cl1ptech.com/discount/MOONDOG2A


Matt Hat beef jerky
Use code: MOONDOG to get 15%
Order a free sample using my link https://matthatjerky.com/products/sample-pack?ref=moondog

Anarchy Outdoors
Get 5% this month using code MOONDOG2A
https://www.anarchyoutdoors.com



MAY CONTEST DRAWING

Aquilifer 6-24×50 or a Nitecore EDC17

MOONDOG Contests

Shooting Sports

Discovery Optics LHT 4.5-18×42

The LHT 4.5-18×42 is the newest model of their LHT 3-12×42 scope. This scope has the lightweight, slim profile of a traditional 3-9x hunting scope, with an cross-over tactical features like a FFP reticle and exposed locking turrets.

This LHT 4.5-18×42 is practically identical to the 3-12×42, save for 1.5″ longer tube section forward of the turrets. Its glass performed like a budget optic. It has noticeable distortion and softening on the outer edges with some chromatic aberration. But its higher top end of 18x provided acceptable resolution of at the center of its image to identify features on my reference targets at 100 yrds.

What makes both LHT scopes stand out, is its value proposition. Both LHT’s have a street price under $150, making them a better value than even Walmart grade 3-9x scopes. Its modest size and above-average performance make this an ideal standard scope for my 10/22 takedown.

BUY

Amazon: https://amzn.to/42n69Mv
10% Discount Code: MOONDOG2A

RESOLUTION

Group -1 / Element 2

SPECS

Magnification: 3-18x

Objective.: 42mm

Tube Diameter: 30mm

Click Adjustment: 1/4 MOA

Elevation Adj. Range: 86 MOA

Windage Adj. Range: 60 MOA

Focal Plane: First

Parallax Adjustment: 10Yds-Infinity

FOV @ 100y: 26.0 FT(7.9 m)-6.4FT(1.9 m)

Exipt pupil diameter(mm):9-2.2mm

Eye relief: 85mm (3.3 inch)

Length: 335mm (13.2 inch)

Weight: 515g (18.2oz)

Geek Out, Travel

Jurassic World Ride Hollywood

https://youtu.be/FCzbT-u3OQQ

Jurassic World: The Ride is a high-intensity water-based attraction located at Universal Studios Hollywood. This ride is designed to immerse guests in an adventure from the Jurassic World film franchise. We paid for Early Access to Super Mario World. After the park opened for general admission at 9:00 am, we ventured next door to the Jurassic World ride at about 9:15am and found it almost no waiting line that early.

We jumped into a boat and I filmed the experience. The added large screen LCD action and new improved animatronics ending battle scene with the T-Rex and Indominus Rex were impressive. When I rode the original Jurassic Park ride when it opened in the early 2000’s, I remember feeling a bit underwhelmed and disappointed the the animatronics. But this new and improved ride was worth it.

Shooting Sports

SHOT2026 Steiner

At the Steiner booth, they had an overwhelming array of new products. To follow on their best-selling MPS pistol red dot, they’ve created the smaller MPS-C. It has the clear glass and quality build of the MPS but with an RMSc footprint for compact pistols.

For Law Enforcement, Military, and Private Security, Steiner launched that ATLAS (Advanced Tactical Laser Aiming System). This next-generation aiming and illumination device features five powerful laser, visible and IR emitters. All 5 emitters are co-aligned with a single set of adjusters for effortless zeroing and co-alignment retention.

Finally, they showed their revamped line of H6 hunting scopes and T6 LPVOs, all made at their facility in Colorado.

Gadgets, Product Reviews

Maven B.3 6×30 Compact Binoculars

https://youtu.be/EFFqttX-Zww

The Maven B.3 series of compact binoculars are designed for those who want high performance in a small package. Despite its size, it offers a generous exit pupil for a big image. Its 30mm object Japanese ED glass offers extremely bright and clear image with a wide depth of field and field of view.

The body is covered in a rubberized grey armor with stylish color accents that can be customized on Maven’s website. It comes with retained lens covers and a neck strap. It has integral, rotate to extend eye-cups and a buttery smooth focus dial.

Maven is the most premium-looking American-made optics. They also offer the most customizable products of any optics maker. When purchased from the website, you can upgrade to a custom package which allows you to change or customize the color of its components and skin.

Maven is known for making some of the most luxurious-looking optics in the market, with stylish external design, colors, and user customization. They also produce some excellent performing pocket-sized binoculars in the B.3 series. I reviewed their 8×30 binoculars a year ago. This season I test its 6x model offering a wider field of view in an identical footprint.

The 6×30 produced a crisp, bright, and color-accurate image. It is lightweight and small enough to fit into a wide coat pocket. While this performance and style comes at a premium price, its performance is worth every penny.

SHOP

Amazon https://amzn.to/4jz2tPt

SPECS

Magnification: 6x
Objective Lens: 30mm
Glass Type: ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass
Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated (Scratch & Oil Resistant)
Prism Type: Schmidt-Pechan, with Phase Correction & Dielectric Coatings
FOV @ 1000 yrds: 8.5° (446 ft)
Exit Pupil: 5mm
Eye Relief: 18.3mm
Weight: ~16.1 oz (457g)
Width: ~4.7 in
Height: 4.6 in
Depth: 1.6 in
Close focus: 8.2 ft (2.5m)
Waterproof: IPX7

Social

TMI 260513 Retirement Goals

Social Security is insurance, not a strategy. Today, we’re going to chat with Porsche Speedster about what he’s learned about retirement planning. This video is sponsored by Venice.ai. Get a free trial, go to https://venice.ai/moondog or use code MOONDOG to get 20% off a Pro Plan. Enjoy uncensored and private A.I. with Venice.

Read my notes: https://moondogindustries.com/tmi-260513-retirement-goals

SPONSOR

EARLYBIRD Clue:

SPECIAL GUEST

1957 Porsche Speedster is a retired biotech engineer, who spent over 30 years developing and manufacturing Medical Diagnostic Testing regents. He’s lived and worked in California, the UK, Deleware, and Pennsylvania.

BRAND CONTEST CLUE

Founded in 1982, this company was one of the first online stock brokerage firms. First on Compuserve in 1983, and then on the World Wide Web in 1992.

THIS WEEK

Moondog2A

Moondog Reviews

Moondog Go


BRAND CONTEST CLUE

This online brokerage was aquired by Morgan Stanley in 2020. It remains a discount brokerage brand for budget minded investors.

OFFERS

CL1P Tech

10% discount this month (until April 30)
https://cl1ptech.com/discount/MOONDOG2A


Matt Hat beef jerky
Use code: MOONDOG to get 15%
Order a free sample using my link https://matthatjerky.com/products/sample-pack?ref=moondog

Anarchy Outdoors
Get 5% this month using code MOONDOG2A
https://www.anarchyoutdoors.com



APRIL CONTEST DRAWING

Win a CV Live magnetic laser boresighter

MAY CONTEST DRAWING

Aquilifer 6-24×50 or a Nitecore EDC17

MOONDOG Contests

Gear Reviews, Education, and Adventure