parcours Archives - The Clay Lab

Ranger Shooting Eyewear is thrilled to announce the launch
of the Derrick Mein Signature Series, a special edition Falcon Pro Kit crafted
in collaboration with champion shooter and Olympian, Derrick Mein. This
exclusive collection embodies the qualities that make Derrick an exceptional
figure in clay target shooting.

Photo Credit: Randolph Engineering, Inc. & RE Ranger

Derrick Mein: A Legacy of Excellence

Derrick Mein began his journey into the world of competitive shooting at the age of eight, joining his father in a small local league. This early exposure ignited a passion that would see him rise to become one of the most respected figures in the sport. Throughout his career, Derrick has competed across various disciplines, including sporting clays, skeet, trap, international trap, and helice. His achievements include multiple national titles and prestigious Team USA honors in helice, international trap, and sporting clays.

Beyond his shooting prowess, Derrick holds a degree in Animal Science and Industry from Kansas State University. His hobbies reflect a deep connection to the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his family. A regular on the competitive circuit, Derrick often partners with his father, creating a dynamic duo that stands out in sporting clay events nationwide.

Photo Credit: Randolph Engineering, Inc. & RE Ranger

Olympic and World Championships Achievements

Derrick's Olympic experience includes competing in the Tokyo 2020 Games, where he demonstrated skill and perseverance. He finished 13th in Trap Team Mixed and 24th in Trap Men, showcasing his competitive spirit on the world stage.

At the World Championships, Derrick's accolades are impressive. His most recent achievement was a silver medal in the 2023 Trap Team Mixed category, and he placed 5th in Trap Men. In 2022, he secured a gold medal in Trap Men, underlining his status as a top-tier competitor.

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The Derrick Mein Signature Series: Innovation Meets Precision

The Derrick Mein Signature Series features the robust Navy Cerakote Falcon Pro frame, complete with black nose pads and bayonet temples designed to reduce glare. This thoughtful design is paired with two innovative Claysight lenses—Dark Amber and Light Amber—carefully selected by Derrick himself to match the diverse lighting conditions he encounters while shooting.

Photo Credit: Randolph Engineering, Inc. & RE Ranger

Lens Technology for Enhanced Performance

Light Amber Lens: This lens combines red and brown tones to boost visibility, enhance depth of field, and improve contrast, making clay targets more distinguishable. With a Blue AR coating and 40% light transmission (LT), it offers comfort and glare reduction, ideal for varied light settings where extra brightness is needed.

Dark Amber Lens: Crafted with Derrick’s expertise, this lens also merges red and brown tones to enhance visual acuity and target contrast. With an LT of 12% and a Blue AR coating, it provides comfort and glare reduction, perfect for bright conditions.

The kit includes a custom cleaning cloth featuring Derrick's logo and a durable navy nylon case for secure storage. Available in two frame sizes—64mm and 72mm—it ensures a perfect fit for every shooter. Priced at an MSRP of $469, this series is available starting July 25, 2024, at www.reranger.com and select retailers.

Photo Credit: Randolph Engineering, Inc. & RE Ranger

Ranger Shooting Eyewear: A Tradition of Excellence

Founded in the early 1990s, Ranger Shooting Eyewear is a family-owned company dedicated to producing high-quality eyewear for clay shooters and outdoor enthusiasts. Based in Randolph, MA, Ranger combines cutting-edge technology with industry expertise to deliver products that enhance vision and precision. With a presence in over 50 countries, Ranger continues to uphold its legacy of integrity, quality, and innovation.

Conclusion

The Derrick Mein Signature Series represents a fusion of superior craftsmanship and the unique insights of a world-class athlete. As Derrick continues to inspire and excel in the sport of clay target shooting, this eyewear series offers enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the same level of performance and precision. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to the sport, the Derrick Mein Signature Series is designed to elevate your game and provide the clarity and focus needed to excel. Get ready to shoot like an Olympian with this exceptional new offering from Ranger Shooting Eyewear.

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Krieghoff, a renowned name in the world of sporting clays, has set a benchmark with the introduction of its competition shotguns featuring Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. While Krieghoff is not the first to offer a DLC-coated competition gun, I am personally excited about this new offering. My personal Krieghoff K-80 Parcours, a reliable companion through numerous competitions and practice sessions, has significant wear in the bluing due to extensive use. This advancement in firearm technology is poised to revolutionize the experience for shooters, particularly those who frequently face the unpredictable and harsh weather conditions that come with outdoor tournaments. Regardless of your shotgun brand preferences, I encourage you to learn more about DLC Coating and the benefits it provides to long-term competitors below.

Understanding DLC Coating

DLC stands for diamond-like carbon, a cutting-edge coating technology that significantly enhances the performance and durability of firearms. As its name suggests, DLC is a carbon film that mirrors the hardness of diamonds, resulting in an exceptionally tough and resilient surface. This thin carbon layer not only provides a sleek, mirror-like finish but also boasts remarkable resistance to wear, friction, and corrosion.

The versatility of DLC coating is another of its key attributes. It can be applied to various firearm components, including triggers, sights, frames, and muzzles, and can adhere to different shapes and materials without compromising its protective qualities. Additionally, the application process is eco-friendly, avoiding strong odors or mess, making it a sustainable choice for firearm manufacturers and users alike.

Photo Credit: HEFUSA

A Personal Touch: My Experience with the K-80 Parcours Gold Standard

As an avid shooter, my journey with my Krieghoff has been marked by dedication and countless hours spent shooting over the past 3 years. My K-80 Parcours Gold Standard model has been a trusted companion through numerous competitions and practice sessions. Its performance has been impeccable, but over time, the wear and tear have become noticeable, particularly on the blued surfaces.

The bluing on my K-80 has seen significant wear, with scratches and areas where the finish has thinned due to constant handling and exposure to the elements. This wear is a testament to the many shells fired and competition use as I treat it like a tool. Despite meticulous care and maintenance, the signs of aging are evident, and it’s clear that considering an upgrade in the near future is on my mind.

The new DLC-coated models from Krieghoff have certainly caught my attention. The promise of enhanced durability and reduced maintenance is appealing, especially given the demanding nature of competitive shooting. However, there’s an important consideration that weighs heavily on my decision—the aesthetic element of my current shotgun.

My K-80 Parcours Gold Standard features intricate gold inlays that add a touch of elegance and personal significance to the firearm. This gold detailing is more than just an aesthetic choice; it reflects my personal taste and the pride I take in my equipment. Unlike most shooters in this sport, I clean my shotgun after every competition or practice session. As I contemplate upgrading to a DLC-coated version, I find myself wondering whether Krieghoff will offer the same level of customization, allowing for gold inlays on the DLC-coated models.

The integration of gold with the sleek, matte black finish of the DLC coating would create a stunning visual contrast, combining durability with sophistication. This combination would ensure that the upgraded shotgun not only performs exceptionally well but also maintains the distinctive appearance that I value.

For fellow shooters who might be in a similar situation, these images serve as a reminder of the wear that our equipment endures and the importance of considering upgrades that enhance both performance and longevity. The transition to a DLC-coated shotgun is not just about maintaining functionality but also about preserving the memories and experiences embedded in our firearms.

Photo Credit: The Clay Lab

DLC Coating for Krieghoff Shotguns

Krieghoff has now made DLC coating a standard feature for all its K-80 and K-20 competition shotguns, covering all steel surfaces of these models. This includes the barrels and receivers. The incorporation of DLC coating ensures that these critical components are well-protected from scratches and environmental factors, which are common concerns for shooters who often find themselves in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

The appearance of the DLC coating can vary depending on the underlying surface of the steel. Krieghoff has leveraged this to develop a very matte and low-reflective finish, which is particularly advantageous in bright surroundings where glare can be distracting.

Benefits of DLC Coating

Durability: One of the primary benefits of DLC coating is its extraordinary durability. The hardness of the diamond-like carbon layer provides excellent protection against scratches and other forms of wear and tear. This is crucial for competition shotguns that are subject to frequent use and rough handling like constant travel.

Friction Reduction: DLC coatings can reduce sliding friction by 200-500% compared to traditional tribological PVD coatings. This significant reduction in friction is essential for firearm components that experience reciprocating or sliding movements. Lower friction leads to less wear and smoother operation, which is particularly beneficial for competition shotguns where performance and reliability are paramount.

Corrosion Resistance: The protective qualities of DLC extend to resistance against environmental factors such as moisture and oxidation. For outdoor sports where shooters often contend with rain and humidity, this corrosion resistance is invaluable. It ensures that the shotgun remains in optimal condition, requiring less maintenance and providing a longer lifespan.

Reduced Need for Lubrication: The low friction properties of DLC coatings also mean that there is a reduced need for lubrication. This is a significant advantage as it minimizes the accumulation of dirt and dust, which can impede the functioning of the firearm. Less lubrication also translates to less cleaning and maintenance, allowing shooters to focus more on their performance.

Aesthetics: In addition to its functional benefits, DLC coating enhances the visual appeal of firearms. The shiny, mirror-like finish combined with the matte black options gives shooters a range of aesthetic choices, making their shotguns not only high-performing but also visually striking.

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Special Features and Customization

Krieghoff's new DLC-coated shotguns come with a range of special features and customization options. For instance, the DLC barrel finish can be complemented with an optically matching Krieghoff lettering, available in a shiny, permanent form. This adds a personalized touch to the firearm, reflecting the owner’s preference and style.

The DLC-coated, free-floating barrel sets are another highlight, featuring an optically matching Titanium Front Hanger that is also DLC coated in matte black. This combination not only enhances the visual coherence of the shotgun but also ensures that every component benefits from the superior protective qualities of the DLC coating.

Furthermore, the DLC-coated receiver is paired with an optically matching DLC coated, matte black trigger. This attention to detail in matching components ensures that the shotguns maintain a cohesive and professional appearance, appealing to both competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts.

Impact on the Shooting Experience

The introduction of DLC-coated competition shotguns by Krieghoff is set to make a significant impact on the shooting experience. Shooters can now rely on their firearms to perform consistently, even in adverse weather conditions. The enhanced durability and reduced maintenance requirements mean that shooters can spend more time honing their skills and less time worrying about the upkeep of their equipment.

Photo Credit: Krieghoff

Considering an Upgrade?

For current Krieghoff shooters, particularly those using blued models that have seen extensive competition use, the new DLC-coated shotguns present a compelling upgrade opportunity. Over time, even the best-maintained blued shotguns can show signs of wear and tear, especially on surfaces exposed to the elements and frequent handling. Scratches, surface wear, and the onset of corrosion can detract from both the performance and appearance of these valuable tools.

For those who take pride in the aesthetic appeal of their shotguns, the customizable options available with the DLC coating—such as the matte black finish and shiny Krieghoff lettering—offer a fresh and modern look that stands out on the range. This upgrade is not just about maintaining performance but also about making a statement with a visually striking firearm that reflects the shooter’s dedication and style.

Photo Credit: Krieghoff

Conclusion

Krieghoff’s new offering of competition shotguns with DLC coating represents a significant advancement in firearm technology. By integrating the diamond-like carbon coating, Krieghoff has not only enhanced the performance and durability of their shotguns but also addressed the specific needs of outdoor sports shooters who frequently encounter challenging weather conditions.

For current Krieghoff owners, especially those with well-worn blued models, there is no known information about whether Krieghoff will offer the service of DLC’ing barrels and receivers that are used. Only time will tell but it may not be cost effective from yours or the company’s standpoint. For now, the assumption is that DLC is only offered in new models.

I would expect many more companies to follow in the footsteps of Beretta and Krieghoff to offer a DLC competition shotgun. I also expect that some will not waver from traditional finishes. As I consider this upgrade for my own K-80 Parcours Gold Standard, I am reminded of the countless memories and achievements that my current shotgun holds. The potential of a DLC-coated version to offer the same reliability and elegance, while providing superior durability and performance, makes this an exciting prospect for the future. Regardless of your current shotgun brand, the new offerings from manufactures with DLC coatings are worth exploring for anyone serious about their shooting sport.

See Krieghoff's Announcement Article HERE

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Derrick Mein Signature Series: A Special Edition Falcon Pro Kit by Ranger Shooting Eyewear

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DLC Coated Shotguns? Krieghoff’s New Offerings and My Experiences

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