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A MERIC A N

SHOOTING JOURNAL

Volume 10 // Issue 4 // January 2021

PUBLISHER James R. Baker

WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING Jon Hines

GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak

INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andy Walgamott

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OFFICE MANAGER / COPY EDITOR Katie Aumann

ON THE COVER

LEAD CONTRIBUTOR Frank Jardim

First, Tom Kring successfully battled prostate cancer, then the whitetail deer hunter made a recovery of an extremely rare kind this past bow and rifle season in Minnesota.

CONTRIBUTORS Jim Dickson, Scott Haugen, Jeff Hoffman, Tom Kring, Phil Massaro, Mike Nesbitt, Paul Pawela, Nick Perna

(TOM KRING)

SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold

DG Gentry Custom, LLC ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mamie Griffin, Jim Klark, Mike Smith

Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal Twitter: @AmShootingJourn

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American Shooting Journal // January 2021

CONTENTS

VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 4

41 ROAD

HUNTER: WESTERN DUCK HUNTING TIPS

Season is running out for quacker whackers, but Scott Haugen unloads some expert advice that will have you finishing strong. SCOTT HAUGEN

MORE FEATURES 29

BULLET BULLETIN: BULLETS FOR SMALL GAME “With our big game seasons winding down, it’s time to turn our attention to the predators in the winter and the varmints in the spring.” So writes our professor of projectiles, Phil Massaro, as he details top loads for popping coyotes and more.

BLACK POWDER: MODERN TWIST ON RARE WINCHESTER When Pedersoli brought back the Model 1886 lever-action in the new round-barreled Sporting Classic, it had Mike Nesbitt recalling his dear old dad’s deer hunting rifle – and casting bullets and acquiring one for a test drive of his own.

HYPE FOR THE LOWLY SNIPE Jim Dickson shares why you should hunt this totally not mythological but quite tasty denizen of marshes and muddy fields across America.

EXTEND SHOTGUN RANGE, LETHALITY WITH FLECHETTES There’s more than one way to neutralize a threat and these novel, thin, finned steel projectiles can put on a hurt at greater distance than buckshot. Jim Dickson details the history and military development of the unique ammo, as well as where to pick up a box for home defense and more.

SECOND CHANCES After successfully battling prostate cancer, whitetail hunter Tom Kring made a recovery of an even rarer kind this past bow and rifle season in Minnesota.

CONCEALED CARRY: ADVICE FROM A COP Large-frame handgun? Small? What caliber? Glock? S&W? There are so many questions about carrying concealed, but it boils down to balancing “comfort versus lethality,” says Nick Perna, who has only been practicing what he preaches for 20-plus years as a cop.

DEADLY WORKS OF ART Form and function meet in the knives of Bastien Coves’ Bastinelli Creations. Paul Pawela takes a gander at the wares in the French knifemaker’s Florida shop and shares five fantastic reasons why you’ll want a blade as a backup self-defense weapon.

AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Ave South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2021 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

CONTENTS 19

FEATURED COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: BLACK HILLS AMMO GOING STRONG With 30-plus years of success in government and consumer markets, “customers know they can count on our ammunition.” Jeff Hoffman, one of the owners of Black Hills Ammunition, shares how he and wife Kristi built their company from the ground up to the dynamo it is today.

DEPARTMENTS 25 27 99

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

Competition Calendar Gun Show Calendar Product Showcase

FEATURED COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

BLACK HILLS AMMO GOING STRONG With 30-plus years of success in government, consumer markets, ‘customers know they can count on our ammunition.’ PHOTOS BY BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION

oy meets girl. Boy and girl share a love of shooting, hunting and all things gun. Boy and girl take this enthusiasm and run with it, helping to launch – and eventually run – a successful ammunition company. Not your typical love story, that’s for sure. But that’s what makes Jeff and Kristi Hoffman’s story so great. We’ll let Jeff Hoffman take it from here … I GREW UP hunting, shooting and reloading. My father and grandfather taught me to shoot and I fell in love with it. I had my first rifle at around age 7, and my first pistol at 12. I spent my youth toting a Winchester Model 74 .22 rifle all over the area around Fort Pierre, South Dakota, as I grew up. My grandfather had a carton of .22 shells on his gun cabinet. His rule was I could have as much as I wanted, but I needed to leave 75 cents for every 50-round box of CCI Mini-Mags I took, so that he could buy a new box when that one ran dry. The system worked well. In high school I met Kristi. Now my expenses were ammo, plus gas for my pickup truck to pick her up at her dad’s farm. I didn’t have much money, so a common date was to show up with a full carton of .22s so we could shoot prairie dogs on her family farm. We later went to the same college. She studied accounting and I studied criminal justice. After college I was hired by the Rapid City Police

Jeff and Kristi Hoffman.

Department. We moved here and in 1980 we were married. Despite making the princely sum of $4.67 per hour, plus working a second job, in addition to wages from Kristi’s full-time job, things were pretty tight financially. I was on the department’s pistol team and was buying a case of ammo every paycheck from the department rangemaster, who reloaded ammunition as a way for him to help make ends meet. I was his best customer, buying reloads for $60 to

$70 per case of 1,000 rounds. One day he asked if I thought he could make a living making ammunition full-time. I said no. He didn’t listen and started Black Hills Shooter’s Supply. He hired me immediately to help load ammunition. That was my third job, in addition to being a cop and working hotel security, all at the same time. As I loaded ammunition on a Dillon 1000, one of the three loaders the company owned, I realized I had been wrong. There was a considerable americanshootingjournal.com 19

FEATURED COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Black Hills’ HoneyBadger line of fluted solid copper projectile ammunition, available in .45 ACP and 9mm among others, is very popular.

market for ammunition. I would ship the ammunition each night and no matter how much we loaded, it always went out just as fast. Kristi would come down in the evenings after working at her full-time job and load the primer tubes to start the next day’s production at Black Hills Shooter’s Supply, while I prepared ammunition to ship. She also saw the potential. THE COMPANY WAS growing and as is common with new companies, it needed additional cash. Tom, the owner, offered to let us buy a share of the company. I dismissed the thought, as I loved

The 5.56mm 77-grain Sierra MatchKing is the commercial version of the MK262 that Black Hills produces for the government.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

being a cop, and really didn’t have the confidence to jump into business. Kristi nudged a little, saying, “I wish you’d consider Tom’s offer.” I explained I knew nothing about business. She said, “You know a lot about guns, reloading and ammunition, and I know business. We need to do something because what we are doing now is not working.” She was right. Our weekly budget for food was $20. We ate a lot of macaroni and peanut butter. We ate beef only because her dad and mom had a farm and would bring us beef when they would butcher. I agreed to think about the business offer. After much contemplation, we

decided to give it a try. We went to every bank in town, trying to get a loan. We needed $12,000 to buy in. We were so green that we did not really grasp the concept of collateral. We just knew it was a good idea and that we were good for it and the bank should loan us the money. We were politely shown the door with each attempt. Nobody would loan the money. I then asked my dad if he would loan us the money. He said no. He wouldn’t loan us the money, but he would co-sign for us. That was an even better deal because then we would have a bank loan to establish credit. My dad at that time was a trucker. For collateral, he put up his truck. He mortgaged his truck so we could follow a crazy idea that we “knew” would work. The banker thought it was nuts, I could read it on him, but he had good collateral, the title to my dad’s truck. That was a great motivator for us. I had read that the Vikings would sometimes burn their ships when invading a country so that all their men knew there was no turning back. That was that moment for us, when we burned our ships. We could not fail. Failure would mean the banker got the truck. There were many times in the years after that that we should have failed but didn’t because we were too committed, too stubborn, and probably mostly because God looked down and saw that despite our weaknesses and mistakes, we were really trying, and gave us a hand at the moments when we really needed it.

FEATURED COMPANY SPOTLIGHT Kristi and I left Black Hills Shooter’s Supply in 1988 and started Black Hills Ammunition Inc. In 1996, we won our first military contract, making ammunition for the Army Marksmanship Unit. Other military contracts followed and by 1999, we had marksmanship unit contracts for the Navy and Marines. In 1999, the Navy asked us to do development for operational ammunition. That became the very successful MK262. After that we developed quite a few other specialty rounds for the military. Development and production of military ammunition has grown to be our primary market, and we are proud to support our country’s warriors in defending our country and way of life. WE SPECIALIZE IN accuracy, quality and good service. We realized early on that trying to sell the cheapest ammunition was a tough way to make a living. There is always someone cheaper because they have a manufacturing advantage, or because they are on their way out of business and maybe don’t know it yet. Our market is folks who want or need the best, at a fair price. That is probably why we have been so successful with the military. They might buy on bid, but they have high standards. Lives depend on their choices. They are looking for the best value, which generally is not the same thing as the lowest price. Our 5.56 77-grain is the commercial

The 5.56mm 77-grain is now available in a polymer-topped version, the Tipped MatchKing, for a higher ballistic coefficient.

version of the MK262 we produce for the government. Same performance, in a commercial box. It has been very popular. We sell probably more types of .223 and 5.56mm ammunition than anyone else. Similarly, our .308 match ammunition is very popular and 6.5 Creedmoor is really selling well. Our HoneyBadger line of fluted solid copper projectile ammunition is very popular. It provides performance equal or superior to the best hollowpoints, but with better uniformity of performance and better barrier capability.

Our customers know they can count on our ammunition. We take great pain to make our ammo the best it can be. We are an “assembly” plant; that is, we do not make any of our own component parts. That means we are free to buy the best components from all sources and combine them into great ammunition. The best powders, cases, primers and projectiles. We have many industry friends who supply us great components. Despite some of them being “competitors” because they may also make ammunition, they are proud to be a part of our success. We take the best components, develop great loads with them, assemble them with care, and hand-inspect every round we produce. We ship dealerdirect; minimum order is one case. We pay all freight to 48 states and we guarantee customer satisfaction. At Black Hills Ammunition, we are big enough to make some of the best ammunition available anywhere, yet small enough to care about every customer.  Editor’s note: For more information, visit black-hills.com.

The 77-grain MK262 produced for the Navy.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

PRIMER

COMPETITION C A L E N D A R

January 9

Sandy Ford Olympic Pistol Streator, Ill.

January 23-24

2021 VRPC Winter PTO Vancouver, Wash.

usashooting.org

January 15-17

uspsa.org

gssfonline.com

2021 Florida State Championship Haines City, Fla.

January 16-17

January 23-24

January 1-3

January 16-17

January 29-30

January 23-24

January 24

MArch 5

March 20

MArch 12

March 27

East Ascension GSSF Challenge V Gonzales, La.

Warmer Winter Pastures Shootout Green Cove Springs, Fla. cmsaevents.com

Rodeo Rapid City Shoot Rapid City, S.D.

2021 CMT Winter Series Shoot Castle Rock, Colo.

Sprague Rod and Gun IDPA Match Baltic, Conn.

2021 Florida State IDPA Championship Frostproof, Fla.

IDPA Cedar Ridge San Antonio, Texas

January 16

2021 Healy Arms South Mountain Showdown Phoenix, Ariz.

January 30

2021 Leupold Steel Classic Navasota, Texas precisionrifleseries.com

Central City Winter Shoot Central City, Neb.

January 9

January 10

idpa.com

Smokin’ Glock Southwest Regional IV Littlefield, Ariz.

February 27 Frontline Fury Warrenton, N.C.

Clay’s Cartridge Company Classic AG Leedey, Okla. Accuracy International Long Range Classic Baker, Fla.

California Sharpshooter Showdown Avenal, Calif. W.A.R. Rifles Shootout AG 2021 Tremont, Penn.

Note: Due to the coronavirus outbreak, social distancing requirements that states have prescribed, and rapidly changing developments at press time, it is highly advisable to check ahead on the status of individual events via the links in the above organizers’ websites. americanshootingjournal.com 25

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

PRIMER

GUNSHOW C A L E N D A R

C&E Gun Shows cegunshows.com

Crossroads Of The West Gun Shows

January 2-3

Hickory, N.C.

Hickory Metro Convention Center

January 2-3

Columbus, Ohio

Westland Mall

January 9-10

Winston-Salem, N.C.

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds

January 16-17

Harrisburg, Pa.

PA Farm Show Complex

January 16-17

Sharonville, Ohio

Sharonville Convention Center

January 23-24

Columbus, Ohio

Westland MallÂ

January 23-24

Salem, Va.

Salem Civic Center

January 30-31

Dayton, Ohio

Montgomery County Event Center

January 9-10

St. George, Utah

Dixie Center

January 2-3

Miami, Fla.

Miami-Dade Fairgrounds

January 9-10

Orlando, Fla.

Central Florida Fairgrounds

January 23-24

Tampa, Fla.

Florida State Fairgrounds

January 30-31

Palmetto, Fla.

Bradenton Convention Center

January 2-3

Kingsport, Tenn.

MeadowView Convention Center

January 2-3

Little Rock, Ark.

Little Rock State Fairgrounds

January 9-10

Kansas City, Mo.

KCI Expo Center

January 9-10

Colorado Springs, Colo.

Colorado Springs Event Center

January 16-17

Shelbyville, Ky.

Shelby County Fairgrounds

January 16-17

Atlanta, Ga.

Atlanta Expo Center

January 22-24

St. Robert, Mo.

St. Robert Community Center

January 23-24

Tulsa, Okla.

Expo Square

January 30-31

Southaven, Miss.

Landers Center

January 30-31

Knoxville, Tenn.

Knoxville Expo Center

crossroadsgunshows.com

Florida Gun Shows floridagunshows.com

RK Shows rkshows.com

Real Texas Gun Shows therealtexasgunshow.com

Tanner Gun Shows tannergunshow.com

Wes Knodel Gun Shows

wesknodelgunshows.com

2021 shows not yet announced at press time All shows cancelled until further notice 2021 shows not yet announced at press time

Note: Due to the coronavirus outbreak, social distancing requirements that states prescribed, and rapidly changing developments at press time, it is highly advisable to check ahead on the status of individual gun shows via the links in the above organizersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; websites. To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com.

americanshootingjournal.com 27

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

BULLET BULLETIN

Just a few of the great, highly frangible varmint/predator bullets available to the hunter include (left to right) Sierra Tipped MatchKing, Sierra MatchKing, Barnes Varminator, Speer TNT and Hornady V-Max.

BULLETS FOR SMALL GAME Top loads for popping winter predators and varmints. STORY BY PHIL MASSARO • PHOTOS BY MASSARO MEDIA GROUP

ith our big game seasons winding down, it’s time to turn our attention to the predators in the winter and the varmints in the spring. Where the strong, stiff premium bullets – with their bonded cores, monometal construction and partitioned cores – are the darlings of the big game world, the small-bore cartridges that best handle the furbearers and varmints are the opposite: maximum frangibility is

a benefit. I enjoy hunting both coyotes and foxes in January and February here in New York, when the fur is prime, and both species are beginning their breeding seasons. We have no lack of coyotes, and as they feed on wildlife and domesticated animals equally, they are actively hunted. Many hunters also take them as a target of opportunity during deer season, as they will often be seen

cruising after deer or cleaning up gut piles, and taken with the deer rifle in hand. But for those who actively pursue coyotes and foxes, specialized rifles, cartridges and bullets are the norm. Popular centerfire cartridges for these species include the .223 Remington, .204 Ruger, .243 Winchester, .22-250 Remington and .17 Hornet, and among the rimfire cartridges, the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, .17 HMR and americanshootingjournal.com 29

BULLET BULLETIN With a polymer tip and boattail base, the Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint resists wind deflection well and maximizes downrange energy; the tip is colorcoded by caliber.

.17 WSM are favorites. All of these cartridges have the energy and trajectory to cleanly take the furbearers within their effective ranges, though that range will be a bit different for each of them. The muzzle velocities and bullet shapes will dictate sensible uses –

The Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint shown in section. Note the thick base and thin jacket.

for example, the bullet shapes and velocities of the .22 Magnum will limit its range, especially in comparison to the speedy .22-250 Remington – and some of them can do double duty on deer and similar-sized game. Where many deer are taken each year with the .243 Winchester, those 90- and

The .22-250 Remington and the 55-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip. Note the telltale orange tip, which indicates .224-caliber.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

100-grain bullets that excel on whitetails and pronghorn antelope aren’t exactly what you want to use on varmints and predators. Yes, they’ll work, but not with the same dramatic effect as that of a thin-jacketed 55-grain bullet at a higher velocity from the same cartridge.

BULLET BULLETIN THE IDEA BEHIND the varmint and predator loads is not complex: a high-velocity bullet of frangible construction, capable of pinpoint accuracy and that delivers a whole lot of hydrostatic shock to an animal of smaller stature than their big game counterparts. These species are thin-skinned, have lighter skeletal structures and (most) have a nervous system that can be rapidly switched off by that hydrostatic shock. Some of my favorite varmint/ predator bullets include the Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint, the Speer TNT, Barnes’ Varminator, Sierra’s BlitzKing and MatchKing (more about that in a minute) and the Hornady V-Max. All of these have the properties any varmint/predator hunter wants, and all are capable of creating the fabled “red mist” when hunting woodchucks The Speer TNT hollowpoint, shown here loaded in the .223 Remington, is an explosive bullet that handles varmints and furbearers alike.

The Speer TNT shown in profile and in section; the hollowpoint will initiate expansion upon contact, resulting in immediate energy transfer.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

and prairie dogs. They all either have a polymer tip or hollowpoint design, and most offer a boattail variant for maximizing downrange energy and minimizing wind drift. Let’s take a look at them individually to get a better feel for what might work best for you. The Nosler Ballistic Tip was the first American bullet with a polymer tip, used to maintain a consistent ballistic coefficient as well as acting like a wedge to initiate expansion upon impacting the animal. The regular hunting version has been relied upon as a great choice for deer, antelope and similar-sized game animals, with the industry and Nosler themselves understanding there are better choices for game animals larger than deer, due to the rapid expansion. That expansion, and correlative lack of penetration, might not be desirable on an elk or moose, but is absolutely perfect

for woodchucks. The Nosler Ballistic Tip is a wonderfully accurate bullet, and is frangible enough to minimize pelt damage (I recommend the lightest for caliber, to keep the bullet in the body and prevent an exit wound). I handload them for a number of cartridges, and my .22250 loves the Federal 55-grain Ballistic Tip factory load. The Speer TNT is a flat-base hollowpoint with an internally-fluted jacket, specifically designed for rapid expansion and devastating energy transfer. They are affordable and reliable, and I have had great results in both rimfire and centerfire cartridges. The 55-grain .224-inch-diameter TNT has ruined the careers of more than a few coyotes, in both my .22-250 Remington and my dad’s .223 Remington. The Federal 30-grain TNT in the .22 WMR load makes a potent choice for the rimfire fan, and at 2,200 feet per second will send woodchucks to the Great Vegetable Garden in the sky. Often overlooked, give the TNT a try and I’ll bet you’ll be happy with the results. Barnes, traditionally synonymous with lead-free monometal bullets, offers

Federal loads the Speer TNT in its .22 WMR ammo, making a great choice for woodchucks and other pests.

americanshootingjournal.com 33

BULLET BULLETIN

The Barnes Varminator is a flat-base cup-andcore bullet, with a scored jacket, capable of violent expansion. These 50-grain bullets group very well from author Phil Massaro’s .22-250.

their Varminator line of frangible cupand-core bullets. Using a thin, scored jacket made of gilding metal over a lead core known as the Deton-A-Tor core, the Varminator gives extremely rapid expansion, rarely exiting on the larger furbearing species, yet will quickly

dispatch the varmints with a humane kill. They are offered in .204-inch diameter at 32 grains; .224-inch diameter at 40 and 50 grains; and 6mm diameter at 58 and 72 grains. Looking for nearexplosive terminal performance? Barnes’ Varminator line is just what you’re after.

THE SIERRA BLITZKING is their spin on the dedicated varmint bullet, and it features a lineup of bullets from .204-inch caliber up to .257-inch. They use Sierra’s proprietary acetyl resin compound for the sharp tip at the meplat, and mix it up with a variety of flat-base offerings

Massaro’s Ruger M77 MKII in .22-250 Remington has accounted for all sorts of different game, from coyotes, foxes and skunks to raccoons, woodchucks and one ill-tempered red squirrel that ate holes in the barn soffits.

A well-placed frangible hollowpoint bullet ruined this Texas fawn-eater’s career instantaneously.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

le et as er ly.

bullet bulletin as well as boattails. Sierra indicates that these bullets can handle velocities up to 4,400 fps – probably more than anyone will generate – yet still give that desirable frangibility at lower velocities, making the BlitzKing a very versatile choice for the varmint/predator hunter. I’ve handloaded these in my .22-250 Remington for years, and they are both wonderful on paper as well as in the field.

They are not only available in component form, but now in Sierra’s factory-loaded Prairie Enemy ammunition. The industry-standard Sierra MatchKing, that record-setting bullet adored by the target crowd, makes a great varmint/predator bullet, in spite of the fact that the company recommends other choices. Based on the accuracy these bullets deliver,

folks just couldn’t resist the temptation to try them on game animals. While the results were mixed on deer-sized game, the hollowpoint MatchKings were and are devastating on varmints and predators. My personal choice for that .22-250 I’m always going on about is the 53-grain flat-base MatchKing, over a load of 38.4 grains of Hodgdon’s H380; that combination has sent all sorts of woodchucks, foxes, coyotes, rogue skunks, marauding raccoons and more to their grave. That Ruger rifle will put three shots in a group measuring just over ¼ inch, and my The flat-base 53-grain Sierra MatchKing hollowpoint is the author’s favorite bullet for his .22-250 Remington, and works wonderfully on predators and varmints alike.

The 55-grain Sierra BlitzKing – shown here handloaded in the .22-250 Remington – is both accurate and devastating on game animals.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

Our Online Catalog has over 388 different bullets WE HAVE 300 SET OF MOLDS. 25 EMPLOYEES. 25 CASTING MACHINES. 14 AUTO LUBERS. COWBOY .25 .32 .38 .38 .38 .38-40 .44-40 .45LC .45LC .458

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STANDARD .32KEITH 125 Gr. .380 95 Gr. 9MM 115 Gr. 9MM 125 Gr. .38 148 Gr. .38 158 Gr. .40 180 Gr. .45ACP 200 Gr. .45ACP 230 Gr. .45LC 255 Gr.

SWC RN RN RN DEWC SWC RNFP SWC RN SWC

BULLET BULLETIN dad’s Savage .223 will equal that figure with the 52-grain boattail MatchKing. Despite the recommendations, I am a huge proponent of the hollowpoint MatchKing as a coyote killer. I can apply the same comments to the more modern Sierra Tipped MatchKing, as I’ve found them to be on par with their older sibling in the accuracy department, and the polymer tip will definitely give rapid expansion. Finishing up with Hornady’s V-Max, you’ll find a bullet wearing the proprietary AMP bullet jacket, signature red polymer tip, with a swaged lead core. Much like the others, the V-Max is one of those great blends of accuracy and violent expansion that makes such a perfect varmint

The .17 Hornet and the Hornady V-Max go together like peanut butter and jelly.

The 20-grain Hornady V-Max will certainly create the “red mist” when sitting on a hot prairie dog town or a woodchuck-infested alfalfa field.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

bullet. They are one of the best choices in the diminutive .17s – especially that little .17 Hornet – as they will take full advantage of the velocities, most definitely creating the red mist. The bullet is so good that not only is it loaded in Hornady’s own factory ammo, but Federal has adopted the bullet in their ammo lines as well; that alone should tell you how good the V-Max is. The V-Max assuredly deserves an audition in your varmint/ predator rifle. It is also available in the .22 WMR from both Hornady and CCI. If you are a predator hunter, you’ll already understand, but if you’re not, and you want to extend your hunting season, grab a good rifle and a good predator call and get outside. Many landowners, especially farmers, will give access to those hunters in pursuit of post-deer season coyotes easier than those who wish to hunt deer. Yes, here in the Northeast it can be cold, snowy and icy, but it’s a helluva lot of fun, and quite challenging. In Texas and across the West, there are many wide-open spaces where foxes, coyotes and bobcats can give great sport. Pick up a smallbore rifle and some frangible bullets, and have some fun chasing them. 

ROAD HUNTER

WESTERN DUCK HUNTING TIPS Season is running out for quacker whackers, but these experts’ advice will have you finishing strong. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN

’ll be right back; the jerk cord has grass on it,” shared my dad as he exited our duck blind. Soon we were back in action, the jerk cord moving our Ultimate Motion Ducks Spreader System with ease across the pond’s flat surface. “A lot of new birds are showing up and they can be finicky,” Dad reaffirmed. “I want to make sure everything’s perfect so they don’t hesitate.” It didn’t take long until Dad and I had our limit of puddle ducks, reliving the morning hunt as we

“

gathered decoys. It was late November and we were hunting in a state that allowed only the use of wind-generated or handpulled moving decoys. Waterfowling involves a series of important steps this time of year, and when it comes to hunting throughout the West, there are many things to consider, and decoys top the list. MOVING DECOYS Living in a state that forbids the use of motorized decoys, my go-to decoy

movers are Motion Duck Spreaders that operate with a jerk cord, a pair of Revolution Waterfowl decoys, and two sets of WindWhacker decoys. When there’s a slight breeze, the Revolution and Whacker decoys continually spin, capturing the attention of passing ducks. With more precision, hunters can control the frequency and types of movement with the Motion Ducks, which keeps birds and water moving when there’s no wind. I’ve also hunted in states that allow the use of motorized decoys. The first

Chad Yamane (center) and a couple happy clients in northern Utah. Yamane is dedicated to details and hard work when it comes to waterfowl hunting, which is evident by his years of success. americanshootingjournal.com 41

ROAD HUNTER time I hunted with Chad Yamane and his partner Rob Friedel, owners of Fried Feathers Outfitters in Utah (friedfeathers.com), they opened my eyes to how effective motorized decoys can be. “Moving decoys are an important part of our spread, with motorized decoys being our constant go-to movers,” shares Yamane. “Wonderduck Decoys are battery-operated decoys we rely on every day and they’re key to our spreads, as they give the illusion of a feeding flock. We hunt a lot of calm sheet water and it’s unnatural to have a spread of ducks sitting there with no movement. Our typical spread is 300 silhouettes and 15 to 20 dozen floaters every time out, and you never have that many birds in nature without lots of movement. Wonderducks are perfect because they’re not just a moving decoy, they also get a lot of water moving.” CONTRAST AND COLOR I’m a fan of starting my season out

The peak of duck season is now, and paying attention to details and staying organized are key points to consistent success.

with simple, small decoy spreads since I’m targeting local birds. As the season progresses, I’ll add shovelers, teal and pintails to the spread for color and contrast, along with species recognition benefits. “Mallards will decoy into anything, but pintails, canvasbacks, goldeneyes and bufflehead flock to their own kind;

if you don’t have those decoys set in their own little group, you’ll miss those birds,” adds Yamane. BONUS DECOYS Something you’ll almost always find in my duck decoy spread is a pair of honker decoys. Goose decoys give approaching ducks confidence that No matter where in the West you hunt, adding variety to your decoy spread as the season progresses will help attract more birds.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

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ROAD HUNTER all is OK, as geese are wary birds. “We used to include a couple swan decoys in our duck spread, but a few seasons ago we switched to running a couple dozen goose decoys with ducks mixed in,” adds Yamane. “That’s something these ducks don’t see around here, and it works!” Adding a great blue heron, egret, even coot decoys to the edge of your decoy

spread can help attract wary ducks. BOAT BLINDS I’ve hunted multiple times with Fried Feathers Outfitters and keep going back. I love how knowledgeable and dedicated Chad and Rob are, especially when it comes to hunting the marshes in their boats, be it a layout, airboat or a duck boat.

CHERRY DUCK SAUTÉ

lthough higher in fat than upland game birds, wild ducks and geese are still considered to be a low-fat protein source. Their dark, rich, flavorful meat can be prepared in a variety of ways. The biggest mistake people make is wanting their waterfowl to “taste like chicken.” Ducks and geese more closely resemble venison in taste and texture, and should be prepared and cooked as such. Special care must be taken not to overcook these delectable game birds, as that’s where the “gamey” taste comes from. Here’s a recipe that works great on a range of waterfowl, from divers to puddle ducks to geese. Strongerflavored ducks can be marinated in equal parts beef broth and apple juice for up to 12 hours in this recipe. 44

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1 pound duck breast, chopped 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup onion, diced 1 clove garlic, pureed 1 tablespoon flour 1/3 cup apple juice 1/3 cup beef broth 1/3 cup dried cherries Salt and pepper to taste In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft. Add meat (drain and discard marinade) and brown. Add flour to pan and stir 1 to 2 minutes. Add apple juice and beef broth to pan and bring to a boil. Lower heat, add cherries and simmer 20 to 30 minutes or until meat is tender. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.

“Boats can be hard to camo up, especially in the early season when things are green,” offers Yamane. “Make sure to break up your boat blind with natural vegetation, just like you would a ground blind. Brush in that black hole or dark strip that runs right down the middle of the boat. Make grass mats, or pile rushes or tall grass all around the boat to cover up shadows, as that’s what alerts birds when hunting from boats.” GROUND BLINDS For many of us, hunting from ground blinds is the norm. “The most important things for ground blinds is for them to match the surroundings and break up their outline,” notes Mario Friendy, vice president of Final Approach. “There aren’t many straight lines in nature, especially in the marsh, so be sure to break up the sides and top of the blind. Also, using cover taken from the area you’re hunting will blend in better than bringing in cover materials from somewhere else, something that can look very unnatural.” Friendy reminds hunters that blind maintenance is a year-round commitment. “Give attention to it in the off-season and it’ll be a big benefit come time to hunt.” MINIMIZED CALLING Friendy is one of the best duck callers I’ve hunted with, but emphasizes that knowing what sounds to make, when, is as important as being a good caller. “Be sure you’ve practiced and are confident with a range of sounds, but also know the boundaries of the sounds you can deliver. Knowing what sounds to make, when, is key, and that only comes with experience. As the season progresses, add to your calling repertoire. You don’t need to be aggressive early in the season, but as educated birds move down the flyway, louder, more pleading sounds are effective. It’s better to call too little, and let the decoys do the work, rather than overcalling and scaring birds before the decoys have a chance to do their job.”

ROAD HUNTER Refrain from finishing off crippled birds when a dog is on them. Dogs have highly sensitive ears, and blasting shots over their head will result in permanent hearing loss.

PREPARING YOUR DOG “When it comes to preparing your dog for late-season waterfowl hunts, the most important thing is to keep them out of the water, and warm,” stresses Friendy. “It’s hard on a dog to be standing or sitting in cold water all morning, so make it a priority to give them a dry place to sit. I use neoprene vests all the time, as it’s not only warm

for the dogs but it also offers much needed chest protection from sharp brush and provides buoyancy, which is great when hunting in deep water.” Friendy emphasizes the importance of minimizing your dog’s movement. “Be sure your dog is covered, especially if it’s hyper. Any movement is bad when waterfowl hunting. As long as the dog can mark Author Scott Haugen has been waterfowl hunting the West for 44 years, and enjoys every coming season. He credits much of his success to changing things up, creating lifelike scenarios with decoy spreads, and paying attention to details.

birds in front of your decoy spread, that’s all that’s needed.” DOG POSITION Speaking of dogs, Friendy urges hunters to never put a dog in front of them when waterfowl hunting. “Dogs have incredibly sensitive hearing and should never, ever be shot over. People wonder why their aging dog can’t hear. It often comes down to having shots fired over their heads, even as they chase crippled birds, that causes it.” Placing a platform or dog blind to the side of your blind is ideal. If hunting from a boat, make sure the dog is beside you, never in front of you. With the height of the waterfowl season upon us, adapt your hunting style and decoy spread to meet the natural surroundings and match bird behaviors. The more attention you pay to detail, the more success you’ll have, and the more you’ll enjoy the addictive nature of waterfowl hunting throughout the West.  Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott and Tiffany Haugen's popular cookbook, Cooking Game Birds, send a check for $20 to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489 or order online at scotthaugen.com.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

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Snipe aren’t the biggest birds in the marsh, nor are they as popular as other species, but the fast-flying game offer a more-than-sporting hunt. (USFWS)

HYPE FOR THE LOWLY SNIPE

Why you should hunt these totally not mythological but quite tasty denizens of marshes, muddy fields and coastlines across America. STORY BY JIM DICKSON

hen you say “snipe hunting,” most people think of the age-old gag pulled on unsuspecting kids where they are sent out at night with a bag and told to call the snipe, which will then run into their bag. Most are surprised to learn that there really is a game bird called the snipe. A shorebird and a great delicacy,

the snipe was extensively hunted by the market hunters, along with other shorebirds, into the early 20th century. Today it is also popular for the fast and difficult shooting it provides gunners, as befits such a close relative of the woodcock. They get the name jacksnipe from their jack-in-the-box eruption from the ground into twisting, erratic 60-mph

flight. The snipe, or Gallinago delicata for those who prefer its scientific name, is a small bird weighing about 4 ounces, measuring only 9 to 11 inches long, with a 15- to 18-inch wingspan. It takes a bunch of them to make a meal for a big man, but the sport makes it worthwhile. These are strictly birds of fresh- and saltwater marshes, as they need soft, wet ground for their flexible beaks to americanshootingjournal.com 49

probe for insects, crustaceans, larvae, worms, etc. They tend to feed at night and seldom go out onto the mudflats during the day, preferring to feed and lay low in the marsh grass during the daylight hours. Habitat destruction has reduced their numbers from what once was huge flocks of hundreds to the few stray birds seen today. This has also eliminated the old practice of hunting them over decoys. THE LONE HUNTER really needs a dog to retrieve his downed birds, as these tiny, well-camouflaged birds are almost impossible to find in the tall marsh grass once downed. A spaniel that will stay heeled until the bird is shot is ideal. If you have no dog, you had better keep your eyes locked on the spot the bird fell until you get there to begin a search pattern to find it. Good luck; you’ll need it. You will also need hip boots, as these birds prefer marsh

with an inch or two of water over mud that you will sink into with every step. This habitat will be interspersed with the occasional moist hammock, which may also contain snipe. When the bird flushes, you must be able to shoot extremely fast and accurately. The bird will often first fly into the wind, then make a turn across the wind towards the nearest body of water. When hunting in some of the freshwater marshes in the deep South, try not to step on the alligators. They don’t like that. Snipe can sometimes be found in waterlogged fields where the ground is soft enough for their probing bills, as well as alongside the muddy shores of lakes that have shrunk during the dry season. You will definitely need a retriever when shooting over water. When you have several hunters, they can take turns being the shooter while the others try to drive the birds

toward the designated shooter. The drivers must take into account the normal flight patterns of the snipe, and adjust their position relative to the shooter as needed to ensure the flushed birds fly within his shooting range. This may mean moving 30 or 40 yards to one side or another, as well as changing positions for the prevailing wind. Once the first birds are flushed, you will have a general idea of where they are flying. Even though they fly higher than the trees, snipe will generally fly over a gap in any trees present, so take this into account when placing the designated shooter. The drivers should avoid noise so as not to panic the birds into the next county. Just moving through the marsh in a zig-zag pattern will get the job done. The drivers should not do any shooting. This way, the birds may be moved and shot with minimal disturbance. Pay attention to where

Dudded up in rubber boots and aided by the sharp nose of a Lab, a pair of hunters prepares to head across a muddy field for snipe. The Atlantic Flyway produced the most during the two most recent seasons for which federal data is available, an estimated 70,800 and 50,300 snipe, but the Mississippi Flyway had the most hunters in those years, 13,000 and 9,900. (TONY YOUNG, FLORIDA WILDLIFE COMMISSION

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

the flushed birds are heading, for that is your next destination. A SIDE-BY-SIDE 12-GAUGE game gun stocked to fit the shooter with open chokes is the best gun for snipe. Due to the tiny size of the quarry, a new hunter may be fooled into thinking that the bird is out of range after the first shot is fired. It generally is not, and the second barrel will probably bring that bird down. While I use 1 ounce of No. 6 shot over 3 drams of powder for everything I shoot with birdshot, I have no quarrel with those who want to use No. 7½

The bird’s long beak helps it probe mudflats and other moist places for its breakfast, lunch and dinner. (USFWS

Hunters display a trio of snipe they harvested. Florida, North Carolina, Michigan and California are among the top states to chase these near-mythical – but very real – game birds. (BO AND DEIDRA JOHNSON, TENACITY GUIDE SERVICE

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

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challenging shooting for those who love this sport.

shot on these tiny birds. Personally, I won’t use smaller shot than No. 7½ because it may be accidentally ingested upon eating the birds and I don’t consider lead a health food. (Note that some states manage snipe as waterfowl and thus require the use of nontoxic shot.) Some folks will say that they can duplicate my load in their 16-gauge or 20-gauge magnum. Sure. But they can’t duplicate the absolutely perfectly even patterns of the larger 12-bore, and these are critical when shooting at a bird like a snipe that is small enough to escape unscathed through any gaps in the pattern. 54

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

Slogging through deep mud is tiring and the possibility of a fall is great. A gun wet in a salt marsh must be thoroughly and completely flushed with fresh water then dried and oiled, for according to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, salt is only soluble in water. Any gun dropped in the marsh must also have the bore carefully checked for mud inside it before shooting, as this has been the cause of many burst barrels over the years. One benefit of snipe hunting being so difficult is that it means you will not have a lot of other hunters around you in most places. It’s a lot of work for a tiny bird, but it offers some very

THESE BIRDS HAVE a very wide range, spending their summers as far north as Alaska and Newfoundland and wintering as far south as South America. The migration is erratic, with birds here today and gone tomorrow. This means that if you find suitable marsh habitat, there will be snipe there at one time or another. The snipe really demonstrate their flying ability during the mating season, which begins in the spring around the middle of May or early June, depending on the area in question. The male courts his female in the early morning and late evening hours with aerobatics, climbing high and making fast, wide circles in the air to make sure she is watching before dive-bombing. The wind rushing through the male’s wings makes a humming sound that the female finds most attractive. He will also buzz low to the ground while calling “Kuk, kuk, kuk,” and may light in a tree if tired, where he will continue to call. After the snipe honeymoon, a nest is constructed. This takes the form of a grass-lined hollow in the marsh where three or four eggs are laid. The young look a lot like the adults and mature rapidly. Snipe hunting has its own following and offers challenging shooting for those devotees willing to undertake the hardships of pursuing this tiny delicacy. 

SECOND CHANCES After successfully recovering from prostate cancer treatment, a whitetail deer hunter makes a recovery of an extremely rare kind this past bow and rifle season in Minnesota. STORY AND PHOTOS BY TOM KRING

his is a story about second chances, both in hunting and life. On November 12, I shot the biggest buck I’ve ever harvested in my almost 45 years of deer hunting, and let’s just say there’s more to the story. Let me back up a bit and give you some background into where and when I was able to hunt this past season. I live in Tennessee but deer hunt in Minnesota every year. I grew up in Minnesota and have hunted on a friend’s farm there since I was in high school in the late 1970s. I make sure to get back for the archery opener every year. Even for the three-plus years I was stationed in Europe while I was in the Navy, I would take leave and get back to hunt, no matter what. That tradition continues to this day and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The world, of course, has its own plans and as we all know, 2020 was nothing like any of us have ever experienced. So once the pandemic hit, I had to wonder what impact, if any, it would have on my ability to get back to Minnesota for hunting. Thankfully, that particular malady didn’t impede my chances to make the opener. However, just when I thought I was safe to get my hunting plans in order, after an annual physical and some follow-up testing, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and told that I had to have my prostate removed to prevent the spread of

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

cancer throughout my pelvic region. That surgery took place on June 2, and thankfully by September, I was told that my PSA results reflected that cancer was no longer being detected (early detection, my fellow 55-plusyear-olds). They had gotten it all with the surgery, so no additional radiation was necessary. My hunting plans were back on track! AS IS TYPICAL, the weather

for Minnesota during the opening weekend in September was warm. The farm we hunt is about 300 acres, with around half of it in timber and most of the crop fields in CRP, or Conservation Reserve Program, land. It is, however, surrounded by thousands of acres with other farms producing plenty of crops and woodland to support a big deer herd, so it is truly a prime hunting area. As optimistic as I am every opening weekend, I was yet again hoping to catch a big bruiser buck unaware that humans had now and would continue to invade his living space over the coming days, weeks and months. I knew based on rubs and other deer sign that there were some nice mature bucks in the immediate area. Unfortunately we don’t have too many stands where we can hunt over crops, so we hunt passthrough areas to and from fields and bedding. Between the really warm weather and the extremely heavy foliage that existed in the woods at the time, I didn’t see a deer all weekend. That’s OK, though; I knew I would be able to get back to Minnesota in mid-October, as I had committed to helping my father recover from a hip replacement

After Tom Kring bagged this 10-point Minnesota whitetail with a rifle in November, he dug a very familiarlooking broadhead (left) out of the buckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoulder. americanshootingjournal.com 57

surgery, so I was optimistic that I would get some time out in a stand then. I headed back home to Tennessee with anticipation of my return to Minnesota for some pre-rut action. I returned to Minnesota in midOctober for my dad’s surgery, and as luck would have it, my 80-yearsyoung dad is a tough old bird and his recovery from the hip replacement

surgery went very well. Being a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman who raised my brothers and I to follow in those footsteps, he made a point of telling me after a week of caring for him to get out and do some hunting while I was there. I think he may have been living vicariously through me at the moment, so who was I to let him down? The weather for the next day looked perfect, so the hunt was on.

While the author lives in Tennessee, he grew up in Minnesota and returns there every fall to hunt a friend’s 300-acre farm with members of his family. The region offers a good mix of whitetail habitat, with standing crops, fallow ground and patches of forest intermixed with bluffs and valleys.

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I REACHED OUT to one of my nephews who was going to take the day off and go hunting as well, and we discussed which stands to take based on the predicted wind direction. I opted for a stand deep down in a valley surrounded by bluffs that were several hundred feet high. I was not disappointed. Just before sunrise, a couple of deer started working their way towards me; I grabbed my bow off the hanger and waited. As they got closer, I could see they were a pair of fork-horn bucks. They were right in front of my stand within minutes and I watched them as they grazed on the valley flora. All of a sudden, they both snapped their heads up and looked at something approaching from behind me. I couldn’t risk turning around and looking, as I was directly in their line of sight and my movement had the potential of spoiling the whole moment if I was spotted. Then I heard something crashing through the brush, and instantly a big 10-point buck – bigger than any I’ve ever shot at or seen while on stand – came trotting below me down to my right. At this point, I was facing to the left, as I’d been watching the forkhorns; now I had to turn as gently as possible in order to get a shot at this big boy. Thankfully, both of the small bucks turned their attention to the 800-pound gorilla in the room and I was able to get turned and draw my bow. The 10-pointer was now walking straight away from me and heading towards a ravine. This whole event had taken place in less than 30 seconds. By now he was between 35 and 40 yards away; I gave him a quick “brrr” and he stopped ever so slightly, turning his head to the left and presenting his front left shoulder and rib cage to me. I let my arrow go and saw the impact right where I wanted it to hit, and he took off running. Oddly enough, it appeared as though I didn’t get a lot of penetration; the illuminated nock was clear in the dawn twilight and I could tell there was a lot of arrow hanging out of the deer due to the bobbing nature of the nock as the deer ran away. Once the pounding of my heart got to a point where I could again hear

myself think, I texted my nephew and told him what had just happened. We both agreed to wait an hour and then begin tracking. It was warm enough that finding the deer before it had been dead for several hours was critical. An hour later, the track was on; we found blood a short distance from where he was hit and it looked like good blood, possibly something that would produce a kill. We spent the next two and a half hours tracking this deer for over a mile and a half, finding everything from big 6- to 8-inch blotches of blood, which we kept spotting several feet ahead of us, to following just pin drops. Eventually, after all of this tracking, the last blood we found was at a spot where the buck had run straight up a 150-yard hillside, jumped a fence and disappeared into the neighbor’s several-hundred-acre corn field. I was devastated; clearly we were pushing him and he wasn’t hurt badly enough to where he ever even bedded down during that mile-and-a-half journey. I resigned myself to a potential shoulder shot, even though I thought I was far enough behind the shoulder when I saw the impact. But what else could have happened? This buck was not giving up. I hated the thought of him slowly dying from my wound, so I kept a positive outlook that deer are tough animals and can endure a lot of punishment and still survive. We’ve all heard the stories and so I consoled myself with that thought process and moved on. Well, other than reliving the moment I shot him a thousand times a day, I kind of moved on. FAST FORWARD TO the Minnesota gun season opener three weeks later. It was 70 degrees that Saturday morning and between my brother, my nephew and myself, we didn’t see a deer all day and heard little to no shooting in the surrounding area. The weather predicted for the next two days was more of the same 70-plus degrees. We decided that our time would be better spent in South Dakota pheasant hunting, so we packed up that night and went pheasant hunting for the next two days, shooting several. The weather turned while we were there, 60

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

and by Veteran’s Day it was cold again in Minnesota. Luckily enough, on that Wednesday morning the bucks were moving all over the place. Not only were we seeing them, we could hear shooting on the ridges and in the valleys around us. It didn’t take long and both my brother and I had a couple of nice bucks down, which was neat considering we’re both veterans and both filled tags on that special day. We spent the rest of that day taking care of those deer and planned to get back out on stand the next morning to fill our doe tags. My nephew, who still had his buck tag at this point, told us to shoot a buck if we saw one, as he was simply trying to get some venison in his freezer. With Minnesota allowing cross-tagging – also known as party hunting – this past year, both my brother and I agreed that if we saw a buck, we would shoot it; considering how target-rich the environment had been the day before, we anticipated filling his tag early that morning. As luck would have it, none of us had seen a deer by 10:45 the next Kring displays the wound in his deer’s left shoulder where his broadhead had hit about a month before. Despite following its blood trail for a mile and a half, he hadn’t been able to recover the animal – until by chance he downed it during the rifle season.

morning and so we texted each other about getting out of the woods for lunch and coming back later. We agreed that we’d spend another 30 minutes and hang it up at 11:15. The next 30 minutes were just like the rest of the morning, nothing moving, so at 11:15 I started to pack up my gear to get down out of the stand. Just as I turned to lower my gun and pack, I spotted a fawn about 50 yards behind me walking uphill to my left. She was going to pass directly by me on a regularly used trail, so I texted my brother and said I would be a few minutes late, as this fawn could be accompanied by a doe and I might get a shot in a few minutes. After she was a good 75 yards past me with nothing else coming behind her, I decided her mama wasn’t coming so I started to get my gear ready to lower to the ground again. As I turned to face the woods behind me, I saw movement in the same area where the fawn had come from and thought, “Yes, I’m going to fill my doe tag after all.” I grabbed my gun and acquired the deer’s body in my scope. Then I

americanshootingjournal.com 61

realized it wasn’t a doe but a buck; I could just make out some antlers through the heavy brush. So now it looked like I was going to fill my nephew’s tag. I ANTICIPATED THE buck would follow the fawn’s path and he did. I still hadn’t really seen his rack but it didn’t matter to me at that point anyway; this was just a meat buck for my nephew’s freezer. I picked up his movement in my scope and waited for him to reach a spot about 60 yards directly uphill from me where there was a brief opening in the heavy brush. When he entered that spot, I gave him a quick “brrr” noise and he stopped, presenting me a perfect broadside shot. I fired and down he went, right where he was standing. It was a very nonchalant experience for me, as I wasn’t trophy hunting antlers by any means, just getting some venison for my nephew. I quickly texted my brother and nephew and told them I had just filled his tag and that I would jump in the

Ranger and come get them so we could get this deer out. I got down out of my stand, not even bothering to go up and look at the deer; he wasn’t going anywhere. I hiked to my Ranger and headed up and out of the valley to get the boys. It wasn’t until we got back down to the valley that we all realized what a big beast he was – a massive 10-pointer with tons of character in his rack. He was a beauty and at that moment I was glad I didn’t have the time to let it sink in just how magnificent he was before I had been able to get a shot. After field dressing the deer, we went to start the Ranger to get him out of that valley, only to find that the battery was dead. My strong young nephew opted to hike out of the valley, drive to the nearest town and buy a new battery and then come back. While he was gone, my brother and I were just talking about how nice the deer was, when I said, “That deer really looks a lot like that nice 10-point I hit with an arrow several weeks ago.” But of course, both of us were skeptical, as

what are the odds? The deer was lying on his left side and that’s where the wound would have been, so curiosity forced me to turn the deer over and take a look. I turned him over and there was no noticeable wound on the left side. I started to part the fur near where I thought my arrow would have hit and you can imagine my disbelief when there it was: a partially healedover hole in his hide. It was ultimately confirmed when we cut the deer up; there, wedged between his rib cage and front left shoulder was my broadhead. My arrow had hit right where I wanted it to, but due to the buck’s angle away from me, it had followed along his rib cage and lodged up into the area between his shoulder and rib cage. It did not hit any vitals and had he not passed by me on that stand that morning, he would most likely still be out chasing does! I’ve never heard of anyone shooting the same deer twice with both an arrow and a gun weeks apart, so I wanted to share the anomaly. How’s that for a second chance story! 

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American Shooting Journal // January 2021

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BLACK POWDER

Very colorful casehardening is done to the 1886 Sporting Classic’s receiver, plus the forearm cap and buttplate.

MODERN TWIST ON RARE WINCHESTER Pedersoli brings back Model 1886 lever-action in new round-barreled Sporting Classic. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT

y father’s first “deer rifle,” perhaps his first centerfire rifle, was a used Winchester Model 1886 in .45-70. I don’t have that gun now, but I do still have some of Dad’s old ammunition. That bit of background makes me welcome this Pedersoli copy

of the old Winchester 1886 with open arms. Called the Model 1886 Sporting Classic, the gun represents the Winchester ’86 in its standard form, with a 26-inch round barrel, as it was when the ’86 first hit the market. This is probably what I would have bought, perhaps carrying on my father’s example, if I had been a hunter back in those times. Any old Winchester Model 1886

can be considered uncommon, if not quite rare. In the almost 50 years of production, just under 160,000 ’86s were made. And out of the 160,000 rifles, only 32,000, speaking in rough terms, were made with the round barrels. Even though the round barrels were standard, they were not as popular as the octagon barrels. Another standard feature seen on the 1886 Sporting Classic is the americanshootingjournal.com 65

BLACK POWDER This .45-70 features the 26-inch barrel and the straight grip stock.

color casehardened receiver. Color casehardening was standard on the original ’86s up to about 1900, or serial number 122,000. And it was about 1900 when the smokeless loadings for the high-velocity loads for the .45-70 (and others) came out, as well as the .33 Winchester cartridge, which was the only true smokeless cartridge ever chambered in the ’86. This Pedersoli version of the good ol’ ’86 has a nicely color casehardened receiver, as well as the forearm’s nose cap and the buttplate. The crowned muzzle has a short bevel, offering protection for hands.

THOSE STANDARD AND early features

seem to underline the idea for me that the Model 1886 Sporting Classic is a “black powder rifle.” That most likely isn’t exactly what Pedersoli had in mind with this gun, so please accept my comment as simply the way I look at it. Pedersoli describes this rifle as having an English-style straight stock made of American walnut with a quality round 26-inch barrel, equipped with open sights, a blade front sight and a buckhorn rear sight.

The receiver is machined from forged steel and it is drilled and tapped on the left side for a peep receiver sight. The tang is also drilled and tapped for the earlier style of tang sight. They say the full-length magazine will hold eight .45-70 cartridges. The wood for the stocks is certainly fancy, and there’s a lot of color in the buttstock. Even though we’d still call this wood “straight grained,” it really catches the eye. Also, I think the buttstock has less drop at the heel than the old Winchesters. There was no problem aiming the rifle, especially after the rear sight was raised to get the shots printing center on the target. The fit of the wood to the metal is excellent. The front sight is a bead-style sight, which is very easy to see, and the rear sight is a semi-buckhorn, which is also easy to use. I’ve got no complaints about the sights at all. The excellent round barrel is rifled with six grooves, with a 1-in-18-inch twist rate. And the otherwise flat muzzle is “crowned” with a slight taper to recess the ends of the rifling lands. One part that Pedersoli did not copy from Winchester was the long spring steel extractor that is plainly seen on top of the bolt on the old ’86s. Replacing that, Pedersoli uses a much shorter extractor, which rides the front of the bolt. The shorter extractor worked just fine.

SEVERAL CAST BULLETS were considered for use with this rifle, but the one I finally settled on was Lyman’s No. 457193. My mold for this bullet is marked “Lyman Centennial Edition,”

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

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BLACK POWDER

Bullets were cast from author Mike Nesbitt’s old Lyman No. 457193 mold, making fine bullets.

Five shots using the cast bullets over 63½ grains of Olde Eynsford black powder.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

which reminds me that I’ve had it since 1978, when Lyman celebrated 100 years in business. This bullet has a big flat nose and in the 1916 Winchester catalog, a load with a similar bullet is shown and that load is labeled the “.45-70 Marlin.” So, a good number of those bullets were cast and only one bullet was selected to be weighed. That slug balanced the scale at 424 grains. In general, Lyman’s No. 457193 is regarded as a 420-grain bullet, so perhaps my alloy is just a little softer. To review some loading data, I quickly consulted Mike Venturino’s book, Shooting Buffalo Rifles of the Old West, and looked at what he tested this bullet with. Mike used five different powders for his testing with the 420-grain bullets, using 63 grains of powder with all of them. Let’s remember that Mike’s book came out 17 years ago and one thing he couldn’t do was test the load with Olde

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BLACK POWDER Eynsford powder. So I quickly loaded just 10 rounds using 63½ grains of Olde Eynsford 1½F under No. 457193, with the bullets sized to .457 inch and lubed with BPC lube from C. Sharps Arms. A .060-inch over-powder wad from John Walters completed the load and they were primed with Winchester standard large rifle primers. Talking about that black powder load is jumping the gun by just a little bit because my first shots taken with the 1886 Sporting Classic were fired with smokeless loads by Precision Cartridge, Inc. Those loads fired a 405-grain lead bullet with Starline Brass, listed as “light” loads for cowboy action shooting. Shooting those in this ’86 was rather comfortable, even though the PCI loads didn’t feel that light to me. One shot was fired over a chronograph just to see what they were doing, and that load zipped across the screens at 1,269 feet per second, just about what

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

a 405-grain bullet should be doing out of a 26-inch barrel. That is not an average; just one shot was speedchecked. Those smokeless loads were beneficial in checking the rifle’s sights, and some adjustment was needed. With the rear sight adjusted just a little for windage, I tried another target, posted at 50 yards, with the black powder loads. Two shots printed well for windage, but they were low. So the rear sight was raised one step and then, wow! Allen Cunniff was spotting my shots and my next shot was an X at 11 o’clock. I don’t remember the sequence of those shots now, but the final group was a very delightful 50 with two possible Xs. All of that shooting was done on just one target. To show the five-shot group the best, I covered those first two low bullet holes with loaded cartridges, which were shot before the sight was raised. Then the picture of the rifle and the group was taken.

The black powder loading was not checked for velocity. We can guess that the bullet’s speed was about 1,250 feet per second. The old Winchester Model 1886 was probably the smoothest operation of the lever-action rifles, and Pedersoli’s version of it certainly follows in that tradition. This particular Pedersoli rifle was made available for testing and review by the Italian Firearms Group and they told me the suggested retail price for the 1886 Sporting Classic model is $1,995. The only thing I would add to the rifle would be a Lyman No. 2 tang sight, which would finish this rifle in grand style. The last thing I will say is that I like the 1886 Sporting Classic quite a bit, and I think my father would like it too.  Editor’s note: For more information about this rifle and other firearms offered by Italian Firearms Group, go to italianfirearmsgroup.com.

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EXTEND THE RANGE AND LETHALITY OF YOUR SHOTGUN WITH FLECHETTES There's more than one way to neutralize a threat and these novel, thin, finned steel projectiles can put on a hurt at greater distance than buckshot. STORY BY JIM DICKSON PHOTOS BY SABOT DESIGNS LLC

lechettes were first used as small bomblets dropped from airplanes in World War I and World War II. Their use in small arms began in February 1951, when Irwin R. Barr of Aircraft Armaments Inc. came out with the concept of firearms flechettes. Initially, the emphasis was on firing one flechette instead of a standard rifle bullet. This led to the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW) program, as the concept was tested. The first flechette shotgun loads were made in 1953. These held 32 flechettes, which were

A comparison of flechettes and buckshot.

The aftermath of a watermelon hit by a 12-gauge flechette load. americanshootingjournal.com 73

Flechettes shot into ballistic gelatin (above and below).

smaller than those loaded today. During the Vietnam War, the ability of the flechette to stretch the range of the cylinder-bore riot shotgun out to 82, and even 100, yards saw their widespread deployment alongside the traditional buckshot loads. The troops were pretty well evenly divided in their preference between the two loads. Flechettes gave longer range when shooting across rice paddies, but in heavy jungle, nothing is more resistant to deflection by the foliage than a round ball. It should be noted that the M16â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5.56mm round is the most easily deflected of all the cartridges our government has ever standardized, and that caused a lot of trouble for those using it in jungle warfare. At one time I represented a company

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

that armored regular cars for use in third world countries where civilians needed extra protection. One thing that impressed me about the 5.56 cartridge was how easily it was deflected. It was hard to stop if it did not deflect, but it was awfully easy to deflect. Too easy for me to want to use it in combat. During the Vietnam War, many of the flechette-loaded 12-gauge shells were marked â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whirlpoolâ&#x20AC;? because that company was involved in their development. Both Western and Federal cartridge companies loaded 12-gauge flechette rounds for the military. The Western shells had 20 flechettes per round and the case mouth was closed with a standard star crimp. The Federal shells had 25 flechettes and the tips of the flechettes

were exposed at the case mouth. Both loads had the flechettes loaded in a plastic cup with granulated white polyurethane to maintain alignment with the bore. A metal disk at the rear prevented the penetration of the overpowder wad when the shell was fired. All the shotgun flechette loads of this period were for cylinder-bore riot guns only. The incompressible steel flechettes would do severe damage to a choke and the choke would disrupt their pattern. Some folks load surplus flechettes taken from artillery beehive rounds into shotgun shells. These are the cheaper canister-grade flechettes. Typically, some are loaded forwards and some backwards. Firing these in a shotgun can severely score the barrel and damage any choke in

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pattern. His flechettes have the latest subtle improvements, including fins shaped to give a stabilizing spin to the projectile. They are all new manufacture, with a hardness of 45 on the Rockwell C scale. The sabot is also designed to be suppressor-friendly, so these shells can be fired in shotguns with silencers. Load specifications of Sabot Designs’ 12-gauge flechette: Sabot: M1A8 Projectiles: MIL-F-8167 flechette, 8-grain Packing: 19 flechettes Muzzle velocity: 1,925 feet per second Powder: Flake (3 dram equivalent) Primer: Waterproof 209 equivalent Chamber length: 2¾ inches Quality standard: MIL-C-48656 cartridges, shotshells A watermelon is hit by a 12-gauge flechette load.

it, resulting in a new barrel being required for that gun.

TODAY, FLECHETTE SHOTGUN loads are made by Sabot Designs LLC, a registered defense contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense. They have been doing this since 1998 and the head of the company, John Flanagan, is today’s top expert on flechettes. He made experimental tantalum flechettes for the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s cargo round, and he designed and made tungsten flechettes for the NSWC’s EMRG, or electro-magnetic rail gun, submunition. Flanagan also collaborated with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for the development and testing of the high-density packing canister for the M1 Abrams main battle tank, resulting in his getting the patent for the HDP canister. He served as a consultant to Lockheed-Martin for the fin design of flechette projectiles for the Hydro-7 mine clearing system. The Marine Corps has also got him developing a flechette round specifically for shooting down drones. Flanagan also holds the patent 76

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

on the M1 flechette sabot, which enables them to be fired through any shotgun without damage to the gun. That said, the cylinder bore still gives the best performance and .725 inch is the minimum choke diameter recommended for choked guns, as tighter chokes disrupt the A human cadaver femur bone is shattered by a 12-gauge flechette load.

Engagement ranges: Average point target range: 50 yards (45 meters) Maximum point target range: 82 yards (75 meters) Maximum area target range: 164 yards (158 meters) Maximum effective range: 328 yards (300 meters) – this being the longest range that a single projectile will produce a casualty

A COMPARISON OF buckshot versus flechettes shows some significant advantages to the flechettes. Buckshot depends on its weight and frontal area for stopping power. Its round balls are the shape that is least prone to deflection in jungle foliage. Flechettes depend upon their velocity, penetration and energy. Each flechette has the same energy signature as a 9mm Parabellum round. It will penetrate over 20 inches of ballistic gelatin or go through a car door to take out an opponent on the other side. The flechettes transmit their energy to the target by creating an expanding supersonic cavitation wound channel as they yaw off course, going through the target. This wound channel is approximately 800 percent larger than the flechette’s own diameter and averages .58 caliber. They may also bend or break, creating a secondary wound channel. They shatter bone on contact. A major factor for the soldier is the fact that the flechette rounds weigh about half as much as the buckshot rounds, enabling you to carry more

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

ammo into combat. The size and weight of 12-gauge ammo has always been a limiting factor on deploying shotguns in combat. Another big plus is the fact that the standard military 00 buck load is nine balls, while the flechette load has 19 flechettes. That’s 211 percent more projectiles for a denser pattern. This gets critical as ranges increase, where the aerodynamic shape of the flechette is nearly perfect, while the round ball is the worst aerodynamic shape. This is the reason flechettes consistently made kills at 82 to 100 yards in Vietnam, whereas hitting at that range with 00 buckshot took a lot of luck.

IT SHOULD BE noted that the flechette round is not reliable in automatic shotguns. John Flanagan has one that is reliable that will be marketed as soon as the patents are secured. On game, the flechette has proved effective on deer, bear, turkeys, wild hogs and coyotes. Due to their extreme penetration, you usually do not have to deal with them in the

meat. They will penetrate the thick skull of a 1,000-pound hog or a steer when 00 buckshot will not. That can be a matter of life or death to you if you suddenly are faced with an enraged bull or oversized hog. A lot of farmers carry a shotgun to shoot coyotes and wild dog packs attacking their livestock, yet when farmers are killed by animals, it is almost invariably their own livestock doing the killing. It’s just common sense to carry something that is able to deal with that, should it occur. One Sabot Designs customer used a 12-gauge flechette round to take out the heart and lungs of a wild hog that was chasing his friend at a range of 7 yards. They do work dramatically. For personal defense, Flanagan also sells a 2½-inch .410 load with seven flechettes for use in .410 shotguns. Today, the flechette has taken its place alongside birdshot, buckshot and slugs as a standard type of shotgun load. They are available from Sabot Designs LLC by calling (541) 770-6047 or visiting sabotdesigns.com. 

CONCEALED CARRY:

ADVICE FROM A COP Large-frame handgun? Small? What caliber? Glock? S&W? It's all about balancing 'comfort versus lethality,' says longtime policeman. STORY AND PHOTOS BY NICK PERNA

ne of the best parts about being a cop is HR 218. This law allows officers to carry a firearm in practically every locale in the United States. “Carrying on your badge,” as it’s referred to, is one of the few perks law enforcement still enjoys. In 2020, the job lost a lot of its appeal, but I still appreciate the fact that I can carry concealed to protect others and myself. In a perfect world, these rights would be afforded to every law-abiding citizen. Maybe someday. I remember as a new copper, excitingly carrying my departmentissued Glock 22 in a Desantis black leather holster while off duty. Of

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

course, I was packing an extra mag or two, a pair of cuffs, pepper spray and an incredibly shiny new badge. I had to buy an extra-large shirt to cover all of that gear but, by god, I was armed and prepared for the worst! THAT WAS 20 years ago. A lot has changed since then. For starters, I dumped the Glock 22. I’m not a huge fan of .40 caliber. The recoil is sharper than what I would like it to be and there are better options out there. Now I carry a .45 (Glock 21), the official caliber of old cops. I’d consider switching to a 9mm but I don’t feel like shelling out the dough for a new gun, magazines, duty holster, tactical holster, mag pouches

and so on. With the gun and all of the necessary accessories, you’re looking at a few thousand dollars to make the switch, so I’ll stick with the trusty .45. Large-frame guns are the way to go while working the streets, but these days I don’t generally walk around with a large-frame handgun while off duty. It’s not practical and, obviously, difficult to conceal. I am very picky, though, about what I choose to carry for protection. To me it comes down to comfort versus lethality. I want something that conceals well but will still do what it’s designed for if I need to use it. Something that won’t jab me in the ribs every time I sit down. Before I get into my choices for concealed carry,

According to author Nick Perna, a California law enforcement officer, carrying concealed is one of the perks of the job. americanshootingjournal.com 81

I want to point out some common errors I see. • Fashionistas: For some, a concealed carry gun is more of a fashion statement than a practical means of defense. “Accessorizing” a weapon to match your outfit is not a good idea. I remember having an instructor in the police academy who wore expensive suits, a Rolex watch and a matching H&K P7. Although a fine gun in its right, the detective wore it because, in his mind, it looked cool. A handgun carried for self-defense should be chosen for tactical reasons. So leave the pearl-handled revolver with satin finish in the safe, even if it

The author’s rookie-cop everyday-carry kit. “I had to buy an extra-large shirt to cover all of that gear but, by god, I was armed and prepared for the worst!” he writes.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

matches your shoes. • Gun of the month club: The only thing better than owning one gun is two guns (or three, seven, 15). We all like buying and owning guns, there’s no denying it. But just because you own it does not mean you should carry it. You need to carry the most reliable, deadliest weapon you own. You also need to be hyper-proficient with it. The time that you need to use it will most likely be a very highstress scenario, so the only thing you should be thinking about is getting off accurate shots to eliminate the threat. You need to choose a weapon system and stick with it. It might

be fun to strap on your M1911A1 compact one week, then switch to a Sig P365 for awhile and maybe a Beretta Bearcat after that, but by doing so you are setting yourself up for failure. In times of extreme stress, 10 fingers can quickly turn into 10 thumbs, so you want to stake your life on something you are intimately familiar with. Take all the other guns to the range instead. • Getting too comfortable: If comfort is the biggest concern in terms of what gun to carry, you are making a mistake. A .25-caliber semiauto or a five-shot titaniumframe air-light revolver is like

Perna’s preferred concealed carry trifecta includes the Glock 21, Glock 30 and Glock 43.

“wearing nothing at all,” but if you have the option to carry a more lethal firearm, you should do it.

The author’s Glock 30 with magazine extension for Glock 21 standard capacity magazine and Kydex holster from Cleveland Kydex.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

I RECOMMEND CHOOSING a handgun make and model that comes in small, medium and large frames. Just about every successful handgun on the market today comes in these varieties – the Smith & Wesson M&P series, Springfield XD and so on. Basically, the same gun, just in different sizes. My preferred carry weapon series is the Glock. I’m not advocating for it over the aforementioned brands or others. On the contrary. I carry Glock weapons because that’s what I was issued many moons ago, so I’m familiar with them. And that’s the point, really: carrying a weapon system you are comfortable with. In times of stress, like when someone is trying to kill you, you want a gun that you are

With his Glock 43, Perna has leather and Kydex IWB carry options. The leather holster is the LS2 by Outbags USA and the Kydex holster is from Concealed Carry Solutions.

intimately familiar with. At that moment you don’t want to have a weapon that handles differently and has a different set of controls than what you are used to. For example, if you routinely carry a gun that lacks a manual safety, then you probably don’t want to all of a sudden opt to carry a gun that has one. You need to train extensively with that gun if you plan to have it with you as a way of defending those close to you. Since I carry a Glock 21 at work, my preferred backup/off-duty carry gun is the Glock 30, the small-frame .45. This is the best-case scenario since my Glock 30 readily accepts Glock 21 magazines. The downside to the Glock 30 is that for a “small-frame” gun, it’s a little on the large side. This means it’s not as concealable as I would like it 86

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

to be. I generally carry on the belt, in a Kydex holster. Tactically, this makes sense, but it makes it even more difficult to conceal since the holster and weapon tend to protrude out a bit. So when I need something a little smaller to conceal, I opt for the Glock 43, the small-frame 9mm. It’s my preferred IWB, or inside the waistband, gun. It’s not too small for my hands and with 9mm, it packs the necessary punch. With six-plus-one ammo capacity, it meets the basic load requirement; extended magazines are available that do not make a big difference in terms of concealability. THE ONLY TIME I deviate from carrying a Glock is when I need an extremely small gun. This would be driven by wardrobe, if I’m wearing a

T-shirt and shorts, for example. In law enforcement I’ve also carried smaller guns when working undercover. In those instances, I opt for the Ruger LCP. This .380 is small and is easy to hide IWB, or in a pocket or ankle holster. This is a bit of a compromise, though (remember comfort vs. lethality?). Although a good round, the .380 isn’t in the same category as a 9mm or .45 in terms of stopability. It has no real sights to speak of, so this is pretty much a point-and-shoot gun. With all that being said, it’s better than no gun at all. In many respects, the fire controls and levers are pretty much the same as a Glock (no safety/ decock; just a trigger safety). The key is to practice routinely with all of the guns you carry and in all of the configurations you carry them in.

Whether it’s outside the waistband (OWB), IWB, ankle or pocket holster, make sure you practice often with it. Don’t be a “range robot” going to your favorite shooting venue with your carry guns, firing them from a bench while never practicing drawing from the holster. If your local range does not allow drawing from the holster while firing, make sure you do lots of dry fire practice at home breaking leather (or Kydex). Wear what you would normally be dressed in when practicing getting your weapon out. Your life and the lives of others may depend on it. 

Perna’s one non-Glock carry option, the Ruger LCP, is used when he wears T-shirts and shorts and needs a smaller handgun for concealment purposes.

American Shooting Journal // January 2021

Editor’s note: Author Nick Perna is a sergeant with the Redwood City Police Department in northern California. He previously served as a paratrooper in the US Army and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also has a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. He is a frequent contributor to multiple print and online forums on topics related to law enforcement, firearms, tactics and veterans issues.

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Deadly Works Of Art Form and function meet in the knives of Bastien Coves’ Bastinelli Creations. STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA

he knife has been utilized in mortal combat for thousands of years. Since its inception, the knife has had a dual-purpose role, first as an instrument of survival and the other as a tool for combat. There is no question or doubt that when wielded into action, the knife is both a maiming as well as killing tool.

Ironically, most people who carry a firearm for personal protection never give a second thought about carrying a backup weapon, but the next logical self-defense tool is indeed a knife. Let’s look at some reasons to have a backup knife on your person: • You have been ambushed by an attacker and you are in some position where you can’t grab your gun. • Because of snow or wet grass, you slip and fall and now it’s a fight on the ground and you can't get to your primary weapon.

• You may be in a position in which your strong arm is occupied or injured. • You may experience loss of dexterity because of the cold or blood loss. • You may have had your gun disarmed from you and you are too physically exhausted to fight back. Consider the reasons that you carry a gun in the first place. It is because the odds are very good you could get into a deadly-force encounter, and the odds are very good americanshootingjournal.com 91

For author and self-defense expert Paul Pawela, the knives of Bastinelli Creations check all the boxes – they’re made by an expert; used and endorsed by professionals; are quality, lightweight devices that hold an edge; come with a good sheath or holster; and lastly, have caught the eye of Hollywood and its audiences.

it is going to be up close and personal. Should you not then consider the possibilities of all the aforementioned circumstances? THERE ARE AS many different knife makers out there as firearms manufacturers, so what separates one from the other? First, let me state I am not talking about the Rambo survival knife. I am talking specifically about the last-ditch weapon system that a counterterrorism team member would have on their person during a hostage rescue, or that of the infantry soldier who goes into battle day in and day out. I’m talking about the weapon wielded by the personal protection specialist whose duty it is to protect others at all cost, or that of the law enforcement officer who needs a backup weapon at a moment's notice. Most importantly, I’m talking about the self-defense 92

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knife for you, the concealed weapon permit holder whose responsibilities are just as important – the protection of yourself and your family! The criteria I look for in a good custom self-defense knife maker are the following: • Does the knife maker have good knowledge, training and experience in the field to understand the needs of the people who are going to be using their product? • Are the knives used by professionals in the field and endorsed by said professionals? • How effective is the knife? Is it easy and lightweight to carry? Is the knife sharp, and does it stay that way? • If we are talking concealed carry, does the knife have a good holster system? • Many may think this is cheesy, but it has a lot of rationale behind it: Did Hollywood ask them to make something special for their movie as a

prop? If you think that is not a factor, then I would suggest you google Jimmy Lile. He was the original knife maker for the movie Rambo and his survival knives set the standard for what all other survival knives are to this day. ENTER BASTIEN COVES, the man behind the tactical art knives of Bastinelli Creations, and whose custom products meet all of the above criteria and then some. Coves’ fascination with knives began at the age of 7. As with many young men, fascinations become obsessions, obsessions become passions, passions become dreams, dreams become realities and realities become livelihoods. And capitalist livelihoods are what the American dream is all about, is it not? Coves took his craft seriously, as he knew his metal would be scrutinized by the very best in the world: Professional men who would

Knives by Bastien Coves line a display wall. The knifemaker originally from France is now headquartered in Kissimmee, Florida, near Orlando.

You’ll get no argument from Coves – seen here during a training class – that his knives are solid for self-defense, and his history with the implements dates back to an early age. “I fell in love with knives when I was 7 years old,” he writes on his website, bastinelliknives.com. “I grew up coming across different knives and eventually decided to make my own,” beginning with Corsican- and French-style blades, then coming up with his own designs, first in his head and then on paper. “I make a point in creating the custom knife all by myself, from cutting the steel to shaping the knife, making the handle, grinding, sharpening and engraving,” he states. “I use mostly D2 steel but occasionally other variants. I live my passion every day thanks to people who share this same passion for my knives.”

5 REASONS WHY KNIVES ARE GREAT SELF-DEFENSE WEAPONS Here are some good reasons to pack a backup knife for self-defense: • Knives are deadlier in life-or-death struggles. According to the FBI, only 10 percent of those officers injured in a gun fight died from their wounds. However, when officers were involved in a knife assault, the percentage of deaths jumped to 30 percent. So, logic dictates that if a life-or-death struggle is going south for the good guy or girl, then the knife is the quickest tool to end it. • Knives can do lethal damage at any angle and they don’t miss their target; guns, on the other hand, generally only kill if the path of the bullet is in a direct line to vital target areas. Even at close ranges of 3 to 6 feet, only one out of four bullets hits the target. Sadly, these statistics come from the arena of supposedly trained police officers. • A knife never runs out of ammo, nor does it ever jam. • Knives take zero skill to use, and under stress that is a huge advantage. There are plenty of documented cases to back that up; a thrust to the eye sockets, heart, lateral side of the head, subclavian arteries, back of the neck, groin, ear canal or throat quickly ends lethal encounters. • Knives are very easy to conceal, and many times the person being stabbed did not know they were injured until it was too late. Under duress, a knife is hands-down the easiest tool to use!

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be brutally honest and critical of his work if it did not pass muster. He also had to impress his toughest critics, his own family, starting with his grandfather who spent his entire life as a police detective, his father who served in France’s Secret Service protecting some of the world’s greatest leaders, and his brother who serves as a clandestine special response team member as a counterterrorism operator. I would submit that this all meets criteria No. 1. Every country in the world must be prepared for the threat of terrorism, and France is no different. France has an outstanding counterterrorism unit called RAID, which was put to the test when they killed the terrorists responsible for the Hypercacher supermarket and the Bataclan Theater massacres in 2015. When RAID needed a special knife made for their team, they sought out Coves and he made them the RED V2. They are now also using the Bastinelli Chopper. Criteria No. 2, check! In terms of personal testimony, I

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have been teaching knife combatives for over 38 years for military, law enforcement and martial artists all over the world. What impressed me about Bastinelli Knives was how lightweight all of the knives are, which is great for concealed carry. How sharp are they? I have a documented rescue of a first responder who had to cut a seat belt to get a victim out of a serious car accident. The knife that was used in the rescue was the Bastinelli RED Folder. Not only did it cut the seat belt like butter with one easy stroke, but the airbag was also no problem to cut through. Criteria No. 3 completed! As a tactical trainer for concealed carry with firearms, I see people spend $500 to $1,000 on guns and then do something totally irrational by putting said gun in a $20 nylon holster. Sadly, I have seen the same thing with knife makers. However, Bastinelli Knives all come with outstanding Kydex holsters that are specifically tactically made for securing the knife. The holster allows for ease of accessibility and can be

mounted horizontally or vertically. Criteria No. 4 in the books! Finally, when the filmmakers of the 2014 French movie Lucy, starring Scarlett Johansson, were looking for a great prop, they went after a very visual weapon everyone in the audience would remember. And so the Bastinelli Raptor L was born, as was one of the most memorable knife scenes in recent motion picture cinema. To top things off, you know you hit the big leagues when Doug Marcaida from Forged in Fire on the History Channel endorses your knives! Criteria No. 5 done, over and out! Bastien Coves is now living the American dream, as he and his family relocated to Kissimmee, Florida, four years ago. He continues to create new knives to sell for personal protection. I highly recommend you take a look at some of his creations. Do I trust his knives? With my life, and no higher endorsement can be made!  Editor's note: For more information, visit bastinelliknives.com.

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Custom Rifle Actions www.defiancemachine.com 406-756-2727

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P R O D U C T

SHOWCASE Barnaul Ammunition

New for 2021 from Barnaul Ammunition is the 9x19 Subsonic. The 9mm Subsonic is a 151-grain FMJ featuring a zinc-coated bimetal cartridge and a zinc-coated steel case. Developed originally as part of a competition sport line, the new heavier 151-grain 9mm will remain subsonic in more platforms and barrel lengths. The average velocity with a 4.5-inch barrel is 850.3 feet per second. The Subsonic 9mm will be available in the first quarter of 2021. barnaulammo.com

Shell Shock Technologies

If you loved Shell Shock’s lightweight 9mm cases, wait until you try their new calibers coming soon, including 5.56x45mm, .300 BLK, .380 ACP, .40 S&W and others. Shell Shock’s cases are lighter than brass, with more powder capacity, greater consistency between rounds, and they can be picked up with a magnet. Satisfies global military mandates to reduce ammunition weight and increase performance. All Shell Shock’s cases are proudly made in the USA. Shell Shock… Shoot it, love it! shellshocktech.com

Black Hills Ammunition

New from Black Hills Ammunition is a .300 Blackout round in two distinct loads: supersonic and subsonic. The supersonic is a 115-grain projectile at 2,200 fps that provides exceptional terminal performance. The subsonic load features a heavier 198-grain machined projectile that provides the necessary balance of bullet weight, subsonic velocity (1,050 fps), accuracy, proper weapon function and, of course, great terminal performance that’s generally hard to obtain at subsonic velocities. This load provides an optimum combination of terminal performance at the subsonic velocities desired for use through suppressed firearms. black-hills.com

Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading has reached full production on the highly innovative Redding Slant Bed Concentricity Gauge. Redding engineers developed this new concentricity gauge, which uses the science of ergonomic design to improve overall precision and ease of use, just prior to the pandemic. With numerous government-mandated shutdowns up and down the supply chain, full implementation of the specialized production was delayed, but Redding is now in serial production. The new Slant Bed Concentricity Gauge features a large and easy-to-read dial indicator, which quickly mounts in a factory-aligned base dead-on on the centerline of the case. This assures the highest level of precision, as no additional indicator alignment is needed. Moreover, the uniquely angled design of the slant bed also better positions the dial indicator for easier reading, as opposed to older designs. Additionally, the gauge can be transitioned from right-handed use to left-handed by using a provided set of mounting holes on the base. redding-reloading.com

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Product SHOWCASE Alpha One Outdoors

Huskemaw Long Range Optics

The Tactical Hunter 5-20x50 Riflescope, the newest addition to the Huskemaw Tactical Series lineup, incorporates dual interlocking turrets, the patented TrueBC, the Rapid Field Ballistic Compensator (RFBC) and the patented wind compensating reticle. The reticle is also illuminated with 10 levels of intensity. The 34mm main tube, 50mm objective lens and side focus parallax correction dial make the 5-20 Tac Hunter an outstanding choice for both hunters and long-range shooters. Ballistic compensation and parallax adjustments are easily made without breaking shooting position, and the F2 50mm objective lens creates a bright, clear image for high magnification and low light use. Backed by Huskemawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifetime warranty. MSRP: $2,199. longrangestore.com

The Nano ultramicro gas block by TF Tactical is perhaps the smallest and lightest adjustable all-steel gas block ever made. It was designed and created by Eddie Leasure (E.L. Tactical) and Brian Nixon (22 Reloader). Both Eddie and Brian are lifelong gun and shooting sports enthusiasts and have spent years creating unique parts, accessories and innovative high-quality products at prices that everyone can afford. The Nano is precision-machined from a solid block of 8620 steel, making it remarkably dependable and durable. It has an exceptionally low profile, meaning it can fit inside any handguard, fore stock or accessory rail system. Weighing in at under an ounce, the Nano is on average 45 to 55 percent lighter than other micro gas blocks without sacrificing strength, durability or functionality. Crafted in the United States of America, by patriotic gun guys, for patriotic gun guys. el-tactical.com alphaoneoutdoors.com 22lrreloader.com

American Built Arms Company

The A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock X is designed and engineered for military, law enforcement and private security. The Urban Sniper Stock X is a stronger, more compact, lightweight ergonomic precision rifle buttstock that can be used on any weapons system that utilizes a carbine-length buffer tube. abarms.com

CDNN Sports

The DPMS LR-308 complete lower with stock is now available at CDNN Sports. It can be used for multiple calibers, including .308, 6.5 Creedmoor and .243. The kit, which does not come assembled, includes: DPMS LR-308 factory complete lower receiver with graphite black cerakote finish; Bushmaster adjustable stock with carbine buffer, spring, tube, castle nut, lower parts kit and end plate; and barrel nut. MSRP: $299.99. cdnnsports.com 100

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Product SHOWCASE Diversified Innovative Products (DIP Inc.)

As an avid shooter and hunter, DIP Inc. owner Bob Bland was tired of the plastic parts made for rimfire firearms that continually break. He knew that other shooters and hunters had the same frustration, so he sat down with a cup of coffee, a napkin and a pencil, and drew out a couple of parts. Bland searched locally for different machinists to make his designs. Now DIP Inc. has 500-plus parts all made of aluminum or steel – no plastic! – and the company continually designs new products. Everything is manufactured in the Pacific Northwest, USA. diproductsinc.com

Dead Foot Arms

Safety Harbor Firearms Inc. Gentry Custom LLC

Gentry Custom is known for the Quiet Muzzle Brake, which will make for a user-friendly rifle. The Quiet Muzzle Brake reduces recoil and muzzle jump so you can get that second shot off if needed, without the large increase of noise to the shooter. Many of the factory rifles have been threaded for a muzzle brake. Gentry Custom offers 5/8x24 threads and many others. Call them today and they can provide the proper Quiet Muzzle Brake for your rifle. Gentry Custom also offers a three-position safety for the Remington family of rifles and the Mauser 98. gentrycustom.com

The SCW 2.5 Tailhook is by far the most compact PDW-style pistol brace that the industry has ever seen, with a collapsed length of 2.5 inches. While compact, it is still very versatile, allowing for button-free brace deployment and five length-ofpull settings. The SCW 2.5 utilizes the patented Dead Foot Arms Modified Cycle System. The SCW 4 rifle or 9mm stock/brace is a great option if you want compact while using your own bolt carrier group. The SCW 4 has a collapsed stock length of 3.9 inches. At full extension, length reaches 12.5 inches from trigger, keeping it comfortable for shooters of all sizes. deadfootarms.com

SHF manufactures the SHTF50 .50 BMG upper conversion for the AR-15, along with the Kompact Entry Stock line of pistol braces and stocks for the AR-15; Sig MPX/MCX; Stribog SP9A1, 2 & 3; CZ Scorpion; and MP5/MP5k. For quality and innovation, look to Safety Harbor Firearms. safetyharborfirearms.com

Stocky’s

Stocky’s M50 adjustable stock is constructed from a proprietary custom-blended, high-fiber composite to create the stiffest, most durable unit they could make with acceptable weight, and their famous aluminum Accublock chassis is molded right into the stock from the start. The forend is made for bags or rests; you have two choices of cheek heights in the form of two snapin/bolt-on combs. The High cheek is perfect for scopes in low or medium rings, and the X-High version is perfect for big scopes in medium or high rings. Choice of Stocky’s KickSoft or SVL Limbsaver pad. In stock today in choice of spiderwebs or camo hydrodips. stockysstocks.com

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Product SHOWCASE UltiMAK, Inc.

Faster, simpler, easier targeting, in a wider range of lighting conditions, with your full field-of-view. That’s what a good optical sight gives you. An UltiMAK mount puts that optic in the right place, and keeps it there, rock-solid and dependable. Designed to be installed by the user, UltiMAK’s unique optic mounts are produced for a host of AK-47 variants, the M1 Garand, M-14/M1A, the Ruger Mini-14/30, and the M1 30 Carbine. ultimak.com

Timber Creek Outdoors

Take your build to the next level with the Timber Creek Outdoors Enforcer Kit. Available in nine color choices, this kit features highend performance parts and jaw-dropping looks. It’s perfect for sportsmen, competitors, firearms enthusiasts and people who trust their lives to their equipment. When combined together, these parts improve usability, ergonomics and dependability of any small-framed modern sporting rifle. Timber Creek products are manufactured by Americans in the USA, who implement uncompromising quality control and offer a lifetime warranty, making the Enforcer Kit one of the best investments a shooter can make in their equipment. MSRP: $749.99. timbercreekoutdoorsinc.com

Velocity Precision Engineering

The Velocity Precision Recoil-less Bolt Carrier with Adjustable Gas Block is designed with accuracy and performance in mind. Their unique patent-pending design is stronger than other low-mass bolt carriers and is one of the lightest bolt carriers on the market. The Recoil-less Bolt Carrier significantly reduces your rifle’s recoil impulse for faster follow-up shots and its Nano Diamond Nickel coating makes it extremely wear-resistant, easy to clean and uncompromisingly durable. This unique coating creates a very slick surface, which reduces the probability of failures due to a lack of lubrication, reduces typical wear and tear, and truly makes shooting your AR-15 much more fun. velocitytriggers.com

Unique-ARs

The completely customizable Unique-Grip perfectly conforms to each shooter’s hand, regardless of size, shape, strength or dominance. This ergonomic pistol grip adjusts exactly to your hand to reduce fatigue and improve performance. The patented functionality of the grip allows it to compensate for the natural twist of every shooter’s hand. Instant fit, instant comfort. Made of space-age polymers, this grip easily installs on all MilSpec AR platform rifles. Simply grip it, lock it, and fire away. Weight is 4.2 ounces. unique-ars.com

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Product SHOWCASE

ADCO

Coming soon is the Redstone line of shotguns from Aselkon, available in the U.S. in 18.5-, 24-, 26- and 28-inch models. Aselkon will also be supplying ADCO with IF1 models with the superior inertia locking bolt system found on far more expensive shotguns. The Redstone brand, the Aselkon brand and ADCO’s Avanti 3.5-inch magnum models will be available through major distribution channels in the coming year. Watch for them and save. adcosales.com

Gary Reeder Custom Guns

When you are looking for fullcustom guns, look no further than Gary Reeder Custom Guns. They have been building full-custom guns since 1987 and currently have almost 70 series of fullcustom revolvers, custom 1911s, custom lever guns, custom single-shots and a lot more. These include the very popular Black Widow, one of their most popular series since 1987. For more info, call (928) 527-4100. reedercustomguns.com

Dickinson Arms

New Ranger Series single-shot shotguns from Dickinson Arms combine classic good looks, craftsmanship, excellent shooting performance and remarkable value. There is a full family of models for adults and youth – as well as a short-barreled, folding Survival model – at retail prices ranging from $144 to $164 MSRP. dickinsonarms.com

Tap Rack Holsters

Tap Rack Holsters is a leading provider of premium, American-made custom gun holsters, but they do not stop at gun holsters. If you want to carry it, then they want to build it. Tap Rack Holsters started with gun and mag holsters and branched out to provide knife sheaths and spear mounts; emergency and first responder tool carriers; mask and bag inserts; wallets; passport, iPad, laptop, cell phone, flashlight, pepper spray and Taser gun carriers; RV light mounts; and so on. At Tap Rack Holsters, they are dedicated to building the best Kydex products possible and ensuring their customers are 100-percent satisfied. taprackholsters.com

Bullard Leather

Bullard Leather uses premium Hermann Oak Leather to handcraft all their leather holsters, carry belts, wallets and knife sheaths. All products are handmade, and holsters are molded and boned to the gun for a snug, firm fit. Bullard Leather has an array of products, colors and exotic skins. Pictured is the Defender Holster for a Taurus Judge Magnum with .44, .45 and .410 bullet loops. Stop by Bullard Leather’s location in Cooper, Texas, or visit their online store. bullardleather.com

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Introducing the Dragoon QD 350 Titanium Rifle Suppressor from TiON Inc. TiON Inc is proud to introduce the revolutionary Dragoon QD 350 suppressor utilizing Total Breakdown Technology (TBT) and our Gas Indexing Technology (GIT) [U.S. Patent 9,410,761]. GIT allows the rotational orientation of baffles in a given stack providing optimum sound reduction capabilities for the 9mm pistol caliber shot from a rifle. Top rated sound reduction is achieved in the primary .350 Legend and 9mm calibers and very good performance in .300 Blackout. As a bonus the suppressor will achieve good hearing safe performance on .223/5.56mm and .308 Winchester bolt action rifles. In a market where heavy, welded, non-serviceable designs are the norm; the Dragoon distinguishes itself with an all Titanium takedown design. The TiON design with TBT allows the user to remove, clean and service ALL Components. The Dragoon QD 350 suppressor is machined from solid Titanium Bar Stock eliminating any weld failure points creating an extremely durable and light weight suppressor that can be serviced down to the piece parts. Our Quick Disconnect design allows for one handed 2 second mounting/removal and achieves total repeatability of shot group. This QD design and smallest suppressor diameter in the industry facilitates sliding under many metal firearm forends with short barrels for fast attachment without the need to have a removable forend section. Seven QD mounts and flash hider/mounts are available in 13.5X1LHM, 1/2X28, 5/8X24 and 9/16X24 threads. All our mounts are Titanium adding to the unsurpassed light weight of the suppressor.

DRAGOON .350 QD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Caliber:

Optimized for Rifles & Pistols with Braces chambered in 9mm and .350 Legend. Secondarily, it performs very well with .22LR, .300 Blackout. Bonus, Hearing safe on bolt action 5.56mm & .308Win rifles.

Finish:

Black, FDE Cerakote and Clear Cerakote Gunmetal Finish

Length:

8.0 inches

Diameter: 1.375 inches Weight:

12.2 oz. Sound Pressure Level (Mil-Std 1474D Test @ 1 meter) 9mm 147gr Winchester Train & Defend 16” BBL 121dB .350 Legend 255gr Winchester Subsonic 16” BBL 133dB .300 Blackout 220gr Remington Subsonic 16” BBL 130dB

Material: 6AL-4V Annealed Titanium QD Spring – Stainless Compression Bushing - Brass MSRP: $1285.00 Additional Mounts MSRP: $125.00 to $160.00

www.tioninc.com Call: (717) 227-9060 suppressors@tioninc.com

Product SHOWCASE PrOlix

Triple K Mfg.

Now available from Triple K Mfg. is the 274 Ultra 3 Piece Shoulder Holster. This three-piece holster rig features a dual harness system for carrying your firearm and two magazines or speedloaders. No belt keepers necessary. Designed for comfort, concealment and style. Available in tan or black. Available for most popular medium- and large-frame semiautos and double-action revolvers. Made in USA with premium vegetable-tanned leather and solid brass hardware. MSRP: $171. triplek.com

PrOlix is a penetrating solvent/dry lube product that was lab-developed and tested by law enforcement, military and commercial shooters over many years. The citrus-based biodegradable cleaner, pioneered in 1995, is the first successful “all in one” gun care product, now deemed “Bio-Technology.” Their recyclable (strain and reuse) products are made of 89 percent or greater renewable resources, a true commitment to sustainable practices and caring for the environment. As such, the USDA has listed PrOlix as a BioPreferred Product since 2012. The solvent “goes on wet, cleans, bonds, and the lube turns dry to the touch.” It removes carbon, copper, lead, shotgun plastic residues and black powder. PrOlix will not damage wood, freeze or flash off, and it can be used for commercial and industrial applications as well. prolixlubricant.com

October Country Muzzleloading

Back in 1977 when the company was in its infancy, October Country Muzzleloading was a hunting bag. One product. Today, the northern Idaho-based outfit offers a complete and thorough line of muzzleloaders and muzzleloading accessories, including ramrods, Pushing Daisies patches, Blue Thunder solvent, Bumblin’ Bear Grease, quality leather shooting bags, powder horns and hand-forged shooting tools. All exceptional quality goods for the hunter, shooter, collector and history reenactor enthusiast. October Country features products specifically designed and manufactured for cowboy action and black powder cartridge shooters. October Country has new products that include PowerBelt Bullets, Birchwood Casey, Uncle Mike’s, Ballistol, Hoppe’s, Cash Manufacturing, Hornady, Lyman and RCBS muzzleloading and black powder cartridge ball and bullet molds, as well as Lee Bullet Molds, to name a few. octobercountry.com 108

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S R’ R E L LE UMMB THTU

BRASS MASTER ULTRA VIBE CASE CLEANERS

Made of durable steel construction - heavyduty, sealed ball bearing motors - thermally protected - fast, quiet operation - 3/4 to 4 3/4 gallon capacity - industrial and rotary models available. Send for our free brochure! TRU-SQUARE METAL PRODUCTS, INC. P.O. Box 585, Auburn, Washington 98071 TEL (253) 833-2310 or Toll Free 1-(800) 225-1017 www.thumlerstumbler.com t-tumbler@thumlerstumbler.com

“Manufacturers of quality case cleaners, deburring and tumbling equipment since 1959”

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Product SHOWCASE

Peet Shoe Dryer

Blue Wonder Gun Care Products

Blue Wonder Gun Blue and Gun Black will make your gun look new again. Touch up a worn spot or refinish an entire firearm. Easy to use and forgiving in application, Blue Wonder Gun Blue looks and wears like factory blue! Helping gun owners like you care for the firearms you love for 19 years. bluewonderguncare.com

The Original Peet Dryer provides safe, silent and energy-efficient operation using convection technology to push slightly warmed air through their specially designed AirChambers and DryPorts to quickly and quietly dry your footwear or gear. The Original Peet Dryer is ideal for drying shoes, boots and athletic and hunting footwear, as well as your outdoor gear. Proudly made in USA and has a 25year warranty. peetdryer.com

Seal 1

Dandy Saw

The last saw you’ll ever buy. After repeated disappointment in the available game and camp saws on the market, Ron Grachen of Missoula, Montana, decided to design his own saw. Six years later, after extensive field testing and experimenting, he developed what Durwood Hollis calls “the get-serious saw.” The saw has a handle made of special plywood that is comfortable to hold and easy to use from any direction. You can really get a good grip and use all the pressure you need to get the job done without getting sore hands. The blade is made of Swedish bandsaw steel. The patented tooth design is good for cutting bone and wood. The saw is available in four blade lengths: 12 inches, 18 inches, 28 inches (the original saw) and the two-handled 36-inch blade. Each saw has a lifetime warranty. Just return it and they will replace it. robertsonenterprises.net 110

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Seal 1 CLP Plus will season your firearm and provide unparalleled lubrication, protection and reduced cleaning time, and help eliminate jams created by fouling and poor lubrication. With proper application, muzzle velocity in long guns has shown an increase from 3 to 8 percent. Seal 1 CLP Plus was developed after years of R&D and testing in real-world conditions to meet the needs of the discriminating user. Now the formula is available in a new aerosol format. Get all of the great qualities of Seal 1 CLP Plus in an easy-to-use aerosol spray can. A great way to get into all the hardto-reach places. seal1.net

Taking You Where Tires Can’t Go!

100% MADE IN USA • Great For Use on Ice or Snow • Easy Bolt-On Install • Nearly Maintenance Free • Satisfaction Guaranteed

AmericanTrackTruck.com • 1-800-900-0995

Product SHOWCASE

Kershaw & Zero Tolerance Knives

From award-winning technologies and advanced materials to the solid sound of the blade lockup, when you’re carrying a Kershaw, you know you’re carrying the real thing. With Kershaw, you get incredible bang for your hard-earned buck. Even their inexpensive models are impressive. In fact, everything about a Kershaw is solid, crafted, reliable. That’s why they can back each of their knives for the life of its original owner against any defects in materials and construction with their famous limited lifetime warranty. kershawknives.com

The Michlitch Company

The perfect spice and seasoning gift ideas for any professional or home chef. The Michlitch Company’s gift packs include freshly ground spices and handcrafted seasonings that showcase their signature blends and gourmet spice collections. MSRP: $19.98. This gift box contains: 5-ounce jar of Blackened Red Seasoning 5-ounce jar of Chili Chipotle Lime Seasoning 5.5-ounce jar of Chipotle Fire & Smoke Seasoning 5.4-ounce bottle of Fletcher’s Hot Sauce spokanespice.com

Woodman’s Pal

A unique gift for any outdoorsman, your new Woodman’s Pal will become an instant family heirloom. Both the ash wood handle and the beautiful leather sheath are handmade and finished by Amish craftsmen. Each blade is individually hand-sharpened to ensure the machete cuts through everything. $175. Made in USA. woodmanspal.com

Web Steel Buildings Northwest

Web Steel Buildings Northwest is a Pacific Northwest manufacturer of preengineered steel-framed buildings. Their frame systems allow you to design just the right building for your needs. Folks are discovering the cost-competitive and environmental advantages of the preengineered steel buildings. Applications for residential, commercial and agricultural purposes are available. wsbnw.com 112

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Product SHOWCASE Tannerite Sports, LLC

Tannerite’s Binary Reactive Rifle Target is the original exploding target. Safe and legal, Tannerite-brand targets are specifically designed to be safe and only initiated by a center-fire rifle. Only Tannerite Sports, LLC holds a valid patent on Binary Exploding Rifle Targets, and they have spent many years perfecting their product. Find out more on the company’s website. tannerite.com

Western Range Camps

Western Range Camps specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of the highest quality range camp RVs, toy haulers and teardrop trailers. If you are looking for something just a little different than the normal RV – something a little more rugged, a little more durable, and something with better insulation, ground clearance and longevity – you have come to the right place. All can be customized in length with options to fit your specific needs. Give Western Range Camps a call and see if there is something they can build for you. wrcamps.com

UBCO

The 2021 UBCO 2X2 Work Bike is the fifth-generation bike released from UBCO since 2015 and is the world’s toughest electric utility bike. Its new KXH Power Supply features a fully insulated, IP66-rated sealed alloy case that is fully water- and dust-resistant. Ports are sealed. KXH can also be used as a portable power station for charging the rest of the electronic devices. Power through any environment on your 2X2 with its awesome power-toweight ratio. With a Flux2 high-torque motor in each wheel, you’ll tackle variable terrain with no trouble. Maintain control and traction with independent front and rear two-stage regenerative braking. ubcobikes.com/us

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