News releases about new tools for hunters come into my e-mail just about every day after midsummer. Some of it is actually interesting and useful. Here is a sampling.
Starting with a product that is made close to home, the Redishooter is the first practical replacement for the gun sling that I have seen. Actually it does not completely replace the sling, only in certain situations.
The Redishooter holds a rifle or a shotgun in a horizontal position, at the ready for a small game hunter or a spot and stalk hunter, and for my favorite whitetail hunting method, still-hunting. It would be great for just standing. It is a lot less tiring that carrying a rifle over your shoulder on a sling. A rifle or a shotgun is in a much better position when it comes time to aim at a target, and you do not have to make nearly as much movement as you would getting the sling off your shoulder.
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Mike Bleech
For trap shooters of skeet shooters, it will hold a break action shotgun in a safe position when the action is open, a far sight better than resting the muzzle on your toe.
You will be impressed by all of the details built into it. It is adaptable to fit rifles or shotguns of any reasonable size, and it can be done without any tools. Adjustment mechanisms are built in. It can be adjusted to hold a gun firmly or loosely.
The parts where the gun is cradled are high grade plastic. Metal parts are brass and stainless steel. Felt inserts are included with the newest version for anyone who uses a high-cost firearm, though the plastic is not likely to leave marks without the felt.
The Redishooter is a top quality product that will take some weight off your shoulder, and it can make you a more efficient hunter. It sells for $69.95. Take a look at it at the web site, www.redishooter.com, and be sure to check out the short videos.
Newer powders are a big improvement over the older powders when it comes to making specialized loads. In the case of a load for hunting coyotes look at Longshot Powder, made by Hodgdon. The label of a one-pound container displays a few sample loads. One for 12 gauge shotguns gives 1-1/8 ounces of shot a muzzle velocity of 1,585 fps. This is approximately a 32 percent improvement over factory ammunition that was the best commonly available just a few years ago.
A new knife in my pack this year is the Piranta Edge, from Havalon. Check the line out at www.havalon.com. This company makes various good designs. My choice of this particular model is because of its bright orange handle which will help to prevent losing it.
The really special, unique to my knowledge, thing about these knives is that the blades are very easily replaceable. I like the 60XT blade for carrying in the field. It has a classic hunting knife shape.
Case Knives are another product made nearby. Made in Bradford, they are top quality, hand crafted knives. Their Case XX logo is a widely recognized sign of quality. The XX refers to their special blade hardening process.
An excellent Case knife for big game hunters is a new design, #3774, The Utility Knife. It has a 5-inch blade with an overall length of 9-1/4 inches. The surgical steel blade and G-10 handle mean business.
The Millenium M100 Multi-System HangOn Stand is billed as the hang-on stand that is easiest to set up. It will support up to 300 pounds. The secure receiver chain with a Cam-Lock system keeps it solidly secured to any location without penetrating or damaging the tree. It is constructed of aluminum to keep down weight, and it folds flat so it can easily be carried on the back. It comes with a TMA certified full-body harness.
Federal Prairie Storm are special 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotshell loads for pheasant hunters. Their special wad is the key to full patterns at a variety of distances. It is available with shot sizes 4, 5 and 6 which are a mix of copper-plated and nickel-plated lead. Velocities run between 1,350 fps and 1,500 fps in 12 gauge loads, while 20 gauge loads have a velocity of 1,300 fps.
Federal also has new loads for slug hunters. To get deep penetration try their 12 gauge TruBall Deep Penetrator slug. This 1-ounce rifled slug is intended for smoothbore barrels. It has a muzzle velocity of 1,600 fps, with 2,491 foot pounds of muzzle energy.