What is Unboxing?: Unboxing originated with Unboxing.com, a site dedicated to helping people show off their new techie toys, favorite gadgets, consumer electronics, and more. As their tag line states "Vicarious thrills from opening new gear."

Back a few years ago when I was a pup, I had the great fortune to train a German Wirehaired Pointer otherwise known as a GWP or if have a Teutonic bent a Drahthaar. GWPs fall into the versatile hunting category and can be trained to hunt anything. And when I say anything, I really mean anything. My GWP, named Blue, was a natural-born hunter and anything I did help Blue’s training along he ignored. Back then there were no VHS tapes or DVDs to visually show you how to train a dog, just books. And since I had the time to train Blue, I thought I would do it myself. Blue obviously had read all the books and no matter how much I tried to teach him whoa and other gun dog commands he ignored me. He chewed a few of the books I read cover to cover in an effort to tell me he had everything under control. We finally reach an understand that if I would stop reading the gun dog training books he would oblige me and hunt birds. So that was how our hunting relationship ensued. I took no responsibility for his fieldwork prowess and he found birds where other dogs couldn’t. Now that Cooper is in the picture I pulled out my old dog training books for a refresher course. Blue never knew that I taped the pages back into the binding. If training Blue was an exercise in traditional dog training methods, then Cooper’s training would use 21st century methods. Electronic dog training collars, or ecollars, have been on the market since 1970s. These collars give the dog wearing it an electric shock stimulus. There are two sides of the fence with ecollars; those who think it is humane and those who think it is cruel. In a future post I will present both sides of the ecollar and let you know where I stand. The DT H2O 1810 series collar system is an example of an ecollar that can be applied in both basic and advanced training needs Some of the features are:

• Range: 1 Mile
• Intensity Levels: 16 adjusted from the transmitter
• Antenna System: built into the collar
• Power Source: rechargeable Ni-MH battery
• Waterproof: yes
• Functionality: 2 buttons; 1 nick stimulation, 1 continuous stimulation

Here’s what I found and what Cooper found when we opened the box.

Continue reading "Unboxing: DT Systems - H2O 1810 ecollar" »

Posted by SwampYankee at 08:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Now that the barrels of test guns at the SHOT Show have cooled we find that the trend in shotguns this year is light weight and trap-competition-ready models. Benelli's Ultra Light is a 20-gauge auto loader that weighs in at 5.2 pounds. Talk about svelt. Sign me up to walk all day in woods with one of those. Franchi, too, has an aluminum alloy 12 gauge auto at a lithe 6.5 pounds. You heard about Browning's BPS in 16 gauge from a previous post, plus the low profile Cynergy is now rigged for trap shooting. Caesar Guerini is also falunting their Magnus Trap, which has this DTS system with an adjustable rib to change the point of impact. The Browning and Guerini come with the typical trap features—adjustable stock, extended tubes. Remington has also tarted up thier 1100 with a nickle-plated reciever, gold trigger, and with semi-fancy American walnut. Who are they kidding, that's full-fancy if you ask me. What really caught my eye in the trap offerings, however, is the H&R Topper Trap gun. Can you image you can get into the trap game for less than $400? I would love to see the faces of those Perazzi guys when they see you break a clean 50 and they ask what type of gun you're shooting.

Posted by robert at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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If you are like me and partial to 16 gauge shotguns then here's some great news. Browning is offering their BPS, that's their pump gun that shucks the empties toward your toes and not over your right shoulder, in 16 gauge. And I am even more excited since this 16 gauge BPS is being built on a 20-gauge reciever. Read less weight. I have an Ithaca 37, which is vertually the same as the BPS, and it is a dream to carry all day. The newest BPS will also sport wood in a straight or pistol grip. Barrel lengths range from a 24 inch to a 28 inch. Just think 24-inch barrel, straight English-style stock in 16 gauge. Now that's sweet.

Posted by SwampYankee at 07:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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What is Unboxing?: Unboxing originated with Unboxing.com, a site dedicated to helping people show off their new techie toys, favorite gadgets, consumer electronics, and more. As their tag line states "Vicarious thrills from opening new gear."

Now that grouse season is winding down and the snow is deeper, I thought I’d bring you all up to speed on how Big Green’s workhorse pump, the Model 870 Wingmaster shouldered this season. If the 870 didn’t perform as expect there was something wrong with the world. My experience with 870’s in 12 and 20 gauge goes back a few decades from well-worn 12’s that doubled as slug guns during deer season to light 20’s that were just the ticket for all-day bird hunts. The 870 in 16 gauge performed flawlessly as I expected it would. It loaded and unloaded easily and came to the shoulder like an 870 12 gauge with the recoil of an 870 20 gauge. This 16 gauge, as mentioned in the Unboxing post, is retrofitted to a 12-gauge receiver. Back in the day, guns were scaled to the caliber and it was quite obvious the size differences between a 12, 16, and 20 when compared side by side. The added weight of the larger 12-gauge receiver made this 16 gauge carry like a 12 gauge but on the other side of the coin the added weight absorbed recoil and felt like a 20. The glossy stock and gold plated trigger is about as American as you can get for a sporting firearm finish. I’ll bet I could shave using my reflection in the stock. Gunwriters predict the demise of the 16 gauge on a regular basis to sell magazines as well as remind manufacturers to build a few more 16s. Of course it does takes a smidge more effort to find shells. I typically can find 16-gauge shells at big box retailers and recently purchased a case at Dick’s Sporting Goods, a big box chain here in the northeast. Many times you have to settle for #6’s or #7’s but isn’t that what you were going to buy in the first place? As I alluded to with the Robert Frost quote in the original posting—the 16 makes good hunting partners. With a 16 you won’t have to worry about your buddies asking to borrow shells. I suggest you also refrain from allowing them to shoot your 16. Once they get a feel for it, they’ll be lining up to purchase one. It’s best to be polite and perpetuate the mystery around 16 gauges. Tell them the shells are hard to come by and you barely have enough for the season. Or tell them you don’t know what they’ll think about the recoil. So why go with a 16 gauge? Again another Robert Frost poem comes to mind:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

Posted by SwampYankee at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We received an email from Men’s Vogue recently concerning the November issue, which is on newsstands now. Though you might not consider Men’s Vogue a sporting magazine—it depends on your definition of sporting—this issue touts the upland sporting life with a cheeky piece about how they hunt pheasant and other upland birds across the pond. Tweed is de rigor and preferable your grandfather’s tweed. And the mustier smelling the better. Of course the Brits and Scots make up for their foul, I mean fowl, clothing with their guns. Dare I say best quality Purdeys with a few bespoke Holloway & Naughton guns thrown in. The Italians make their presence a la Rizzini and Fabbri, with nary a Browning, Remington, or Kimber to be seen. Do take a look, however, at those side-by-sides and under/overs (know as an over-and-under here in the US) and if that isn't art you need a nice sip of single malt to clear your head. So if you’d like to gear up for the remainder of hunting season the issue also includes wares from some of the finest purveyors of hunting kits—for when you fancy gunning UK-style.

Posted by robert at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

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What is Unboxing?: Unboxing originated with Unboxing.com, a site dedicated to helping people show off their new techie toys, favorite gadgets, consumer electronics, and more. As their tag line states "Vicarious thrills from opening new gear."

Yankees are a frugal lot and no doubt there are those of you not from these northern areas who also try to save a dollar or two by not buying the most expensive brand. We all try to cut corners and I have particularly on boots. I can state with certainty that I have had cheap boots that chaff, leak, wear out quickly and are as heavy as anvils. I’m not sure what it is but boots stamped "Made in China" and my American feet have a definite language barrier. One pair of upland boots that I remember with disdain had a layer of material that quickly wicked moisture. The problem was it wicked the moisture from the outside of the boot to the inside. That the early morning dew was inside my boots soaking my socks. I once tried to refresh the treads of the soles with a hacksaw of another pair I liked and created a series of ridges. Those ridges acted like skis on the side of a snowy hill. Ass end over a tea kettle I believe is the expression. So I cashed in my Cabelas points a bought a pair of Browning 10” Kangaroo Featherweight Uninsulated Boots. BTW: Due to state law, these boots cannot be shipped to California. Some of the stats are:

• Upper: Kangaroo leather with a sharkskin toe cap
• Sole: oil resitant Vibram
• Average weight: 2.8 lbs./pair
• Linings: GORE-TEX, Cambrelle, and Dryz
• Laces: waxed nylon
• Eyelets: metal tubes

Here’s what I found when I opened the box.

Continue reading "Unboxing: Browning 10" Kangaroo Featherweight Uninsulated Boots" »

Posted by ras400 at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Word on the street is the Winchester Model 70 is back. Winchester Repeating Arms announced the rifleman’s rifle will continue production in 2008 and it will continue to be American-made. I lament the fact that the barrel won’t be stamped with New Haven, Connecticut, but Columbia, South Carolina, is fine by me. Expect the classic pre-‘64 controlled round feeding, characteristic three-position safety, and improved fit and finish. They’ll ad a bit of enhanced accuracy, too. It will also tout a new M.O.A. trigger system. Should Savage and their AccuTrigger be looking over their shoulder? The M.O.A. is said to have zero take up, zero creep, and zero over travel. You can look forward to this spring with models in Super Grade (SRP: $1149), Featherweight Deluxe (SRP: $999 – $1049), Sporter Deluxe (SRP: $999 – $1049), and Extreme Weather SS (SRP: $1149 – $1199).

Posted by SwampYankee at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

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Each year that stalwart publication F&S publishes a "Best Of The Best" list where the staff chooses the best hunting and fishing gear for that year. I took a quick look at the past winners and in 2005 it was Ruger's Gold Label, in 2006 in was the Remington 501 CTi, and this year the L.C. Smith 28 Gauge by Marlin. Want to bet you won't be able to find the new Marlin in your dealer's rack. Think about it. Hefted any 501s lately? How many GLs do you see on the shelves? Rumor has it that Ruger isn't manufacturuing the GL ongoing but will probably offer it in limited runs. (Read the hot string that I unitentionally started.) Does F&S curse these manufacturers with their endorsement? I am sure it is not their intention to give the evil eye to gun makers but to inform the shooting and angling public of quality products. The question still remains, why can't we find these shotguns at our dealers?

Posted by SwampYankee at 07:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

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Back in 1988, Federal and Pheasants Forever partnered to offer the first ammunition with a portion of the retail price donated to conservation. Since then Federal has donated nearly $120,000 to PF including $25,000 last year alone. This year Federal is also helping out Quail Forever by making a contribution to QF’s habitat work for every box of QF-labeled shells sold. Grouse and woodcock hunters shouldn’t feel slighted since the loads are also suitable for northern bird hunters. Wing-Shok Quail Forever Loads are available in 20 gauge (1-ounce at 1165 fps velocity in number 8 shot) and two 12-gauge loads (1-1/8-ounce at 1200 fps velocity (available in #7.5’s and #8’s). I have not yet tried the Federal loads but knowing a potion of the cost goes to quail habitat restoration does make me want to try them out.

Posted by SwampYankee at 05:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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What is Unboxing?: Unboxing originated with Unboxing.com, a site dedicated to helping people show off their new techie toys, favorite gadgets, consumer electronics, and more. As their tag line states "Vicarious thrills from opening new gear."

I’ll bet we all have experience and a story about a Model 870, Big Green’s workhorse pump. Shouldering the Wingmaster is like shaking hands with an old friend. It just feels good. The Remington Wingmaster made its debut in cornfields, upland hills and duck blinds back in 1964 and traces its roots back to 1950 and the Model 870. This sexed up version has deep bluing, enough reflection in its glossy walnut stock to shave with, and the bling-bling of a gold-plated trigger. It's also chambered in 16 gauge. Every once in a while the demise of the 16 gauge is proclaimed and gun companies like Remington re-tool and produce a run of 16’s just to prove that the 16 isn’t going anywhere soon—other than those cornfields and blinds mentioned before. I feel 16's make good hunting partners, just like Robert Frost said, "...good fences make good neighbors...". Here are the specs which you probably know like the back of your hand:

• Action Type: pump
• Caliber: 12, 16 (shown) & 20 gauge
• Barrel Length: 26 in. vent rib
• Choke: Rem Choke tubes; full, modified, improved cylinder
• Weight: 7 lbs. (unloaded)
• Capacity: 4+1 rounds

Box end label. Plain brown cardboard box with logo. All component secured in foam within the cardboard box.

Continue reading "Unboxing: Remington Wingmaster" »

Posted by robert at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

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The News Hound reported that Hunter Dan is 10 years old this month. You know Hunter Dan the American Sportsman action figure. He’s about eight inches tall and has a big job--promoting hunting to our future hunters. Dan even has a friend in the same way Ken has Barbie, Dan has Ann. But have you ever wondered why Dan doesn’t come in a pheasant hunter or grouse hunter or even a quail hunter? And what about woodcock hunter? Hunter Dan does come in Duck Hunter, Goose Hunter, and Turkey Hunter. Me thinks there’s something rotten in the state of Dan-mark? The Ruffed Grouse Society, Quail Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever should lobby the Creative Outdoor Products, Inc., which produces Hunter Dan, for an upland action figure. Perhaps to satisfy some purists, Dan could be attired in tweed breeks, brogues and cradling a hammer gun. If Upland Dan was fashioned after the lot of upland hunters I know, he would be shod in LL Bean boots, toting a Sear Roebuck Ted Williams Approved shotgun and wearing a blaze vest heavy with birds. Send an email to Hunter Dan sales@hunterdan.com and tell them Upland Feathers asked you to inquire about producing an upland hunter Dan.

Posted by ras400 at 04:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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You all know you’d rather dab or spritz No. 9 than No. 5. The scent is intoxicating. You’ve got the picture: Wind blown hair, heart beating staccato, flushed. The flush of birds, of course. Hoppe’s #9 is probably the one scent gunners most easily identify. That and maybe wet dog or Old Spice. It’s a gunner’s smell. Well move over Chanel No. 5, Calvin Klein Obsession, and other sweet smells in chic bottles. Hoppe’s has gone green. Hoppe’s Elite is ammonia-free, odorless, non-toxic, biodegradable and non-flammable. So now you can go in public without leaving a scent trail and when you’re in the checkout line and the cashier asks if that’s Hoppe’s #9 you can say no, 87 octane by Quickie Fuel.

Posted by ras400 at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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There are those among us who strive for tradition by walking in the footsteps of their fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers. The Parker bunch and L.C. Smith bunch are notable examples of shotgunners who look to yesterday for memories today. They are old school to say the least. If you have a taste for tradition but hate to think of taking a damascus-barreled O-frame in the field, you might want to take a look at Tate Gunmakers of Anglo American Sporting Agency. Anglo imports F.lliPoli (that would be Italian for really fine shotguns) bar-action hammer actions and barrels in the white. Dale Tate then crafts these hammer guns to a customer’s specifications. These guns look like they are from the late 19th-century yet they are constructed of the latest materials. Tate trained at Purdy in London (yes that London and that Purdy) prior to moving to the US and takes about 18 months to deliver your gun. Think quality not quantity. With prices starting at $9,000 you may want to start saving now or cash in that 401K. Great grand daddy would be proud.

Posted by ras400 at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Gun Tests, the self-described consumer resource for shooters, has revamped its rating system, which was ambiguous at best. They went from a system that rated guns from “Best Buy,” “Our Pick,” “Conditional Buy” and “Don’t Buy” to a more universal system of “A” thru “F.” Anyone who ever received a school report card will understand the A thru F system. Hopefully this new rating structure will make it easier for readers to understand how Gun Tests rates guns. Anyone familiar with the publication knows they look at usability, fit and finish, accuracy, and price as their main criteria, but in the past I’ve scratched my head at why they gave guns different ratings. The common denominator they used was difficult to determine: Price? Accuracy? Functionality? I think now that the rating system is better defined the staff at Gun Tests will better be able to dial in what makes a gun worth owning.

Posted by ras400 at 08:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The crowds have gone back to their shops and the vendors are hoping for orders. This year's Shot Show in Orlando, FLA, has ended. The NSSF has left the building. But take stock (pun intended) on the latest and greatest shotguns for us upland hunters. When these guns will actually be on your dealer's shelf is anyone's guess. I'm still looking for a Ruger Gold Label. How about one of those Remington 105 CTi? Maybe I'm not looking hard enough. So without further adieu, here’s a look at some likely guns for grouse, quail, and pheasant.

Smith & Wesson is back in the shotgun game. You might recall they pitched a line of semis about 20 to 25 years ago. Well they are jumping back into the market with a new semi and side-by-side. Ruger and Marlin think the side-by-side is an idea that has come full circle again and they all are probably right. The S&W Elite Gold comes in 20-gauge in three popular stock configurations: straight, pistol grip, and Prince of Wales.

Keeping with the “gold” theme started by Ruger a few years back, Savage, like S&W, seem to think that the word 'gold' in the model name and double barreled guns go shell in chamber. Savage’s “Gold Wing” over-under shotguns come in all the prerequisite gauges—12, 20, 28 and .410—and are built on frames that are gauge specific, so the 20-gauge model hopefully won’t feel like and over weight 12-gauge.





The ersatz LC Smiths from Marlin are now being chambered in 28- and 410-gauge.







Ok, who has some experience with Benellis? The new Benelli Cordoba comes in 20-gauge. Tell us what you think about your Benelli and let’s see which of the Big B’s (Browning, Beretta and Benelli) are really worth the price of admission. Does a cryogenically treated barrel really put more pellets on target? The ComforTech stock takes some getting used to. It’s not easy on the eyes.



And Beretta fans now have an enhanced AL391 Urika. The new Urika 2 has an improved gas system that allows for more shooting between cleanings.

Posted by ras400 at 02:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Now that winter is here and you're clicking through cable shows because hunting season is over, you might want to think about those pants you wore this season. A sweet gun, a good dog, and a really nice pair of pants. What more could you want for chasing grouse? I've been on a quest for really good pants since my LL Bean pair, bought years ago, suddenly started to shrink. My belt for that matter, too. A hunting partner of mine has been wearing the same pair for at least 20 years and the pant cuffs are so frayed I'm embarrassed for him. Not that any of us as fashionistas, but a good pair of pants that block briars, keeps you dry, holds stuff in your pockets...gosh is there anything better? I bought a pair of Filsons and I can say I'll be wearing these pants for as long as my middle does not decide to expand.

Posted by ras400 at 07:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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