American Shooting Journal - December 2022

A Unique Big Game Hunting Ranch

Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, High Adventure Ranch offers all of the excitement of western big game hunting without the costs and hassles.

Be prepared for a fair chase hunt! With over 3 square miles of prime natural habitat, our ranch provides challenges to even the most seasoned hunter, but our experienced guides and “No Game, No Pay” policy practically ensure that you won’t go home empty handed. In addition, High Adventure’s hunting season is year-round, allowing ample time to fit the most demanding schedule.

While our whitetail, elk, wild boar and red stag hunts top our hunter’s most popular lists, hunters from around the world have visited our ranch, hunting everything from American bison, black buck, fallow deer to Spanish goats and African game.

So, whether you desire a 10-point whitetail mount for your trophy room or simply the thrill and challenge of taking down one of our many elusive big game animals, High Adventure Ranch guarantees memories of an unparalleled hunting experience that will bring you back again and again.

Red Stag

Wild Boar

Whitetail

SHOOTING JOURNAL

PUBLISHER

James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER

John Rusnak

ON THE COVER

Aleisha Babitzke of Texas bagged this palmated seven-point bull elk with a single shot from her muzzleloader during a guided hunt in New Mexico’s Unit 37 this past October. (ROY DON BABITZKE)

ALEISHA’S FIRST ELK HUNT

FEATURES

34 HEROES HEAD OUT HUNTING

Thanks to Outdoors For Our Heroes and Got Your 6 Fishing, dozens of veterans had a chance to chase deer, elk and more this fall. Kelli Schueler shares a few of their success stories from around the West.

42 THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET WESTERN

The hard-hitting and flat-shooting 6.8 Western has entered the chat when it comes to the future of big game cartridges. Jason Brooks shares the history and capabilities of this newer bullet.

53 BULLET BULLETIN: PREMIUM MONOMETAL BULLET GETS A FACELIFT

With its improved ballistic coefficient and Heat Shield Tip, Hornady’s new expanding copper CX softpoint is an upgrade on the old GMX. Our professor of projectiles Phil Massaro has an appreciation for this bullet.

67 ROAD HUNTER: TOP HOLIDAY GEAR PICKS

From waders, boots and outdoor clothes to luggage to quality food and training dummies, Scott Haugen has proven holiday gift ideas for everyone in your hunting family, including gun dogs!

76 SCATTERGUN ALLEY: 10 SHOTGUN CHOICES FOR YOU

It’s about time to get a new shotgun, and our Larry Case has a few models that may fill the bill for waterfowl, upland game and turkey hunters as well as target shooters.

AMERICAN

DON BABITZKE

ALSO INSIDE

SPOTLIGHT: THE LEGAL JUSTIFICATION FOR THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE

What

“imminent threat” and “serious bodily harm.”

SELFDEFENSE TRAINING: TAKING DAVE ‘BOON’ BENTON’S VEHICLE TACTICS PERSONAL PROTECTION CLASS

With how much time we spend in our cars and trucks, it makes sense to practice vehicle-centered self-defense. Even more so when it’s taught by noted personal protection specialist Dave “Boon” Benton. Paul Pawela takes us along for the ride.

PAUL PAWELA

December

ALEISHA’S FIRST ELK HUNT

BABITZKE

Ibegan my elk hunting career in an over-the-counter tag unit. In my opinion, the unit I generally went to was overhunted. If you saw a legal bull, you had to shoot it because the chances of seeing another animal were limited, and you hated to go home empty-handed

after paying the inflated nonresident license fee.

When considering a new place to go, New Mexico looked to be a good option. After only harvesting two bulls (small five-points) in the last 15 years in the OTC unit and never drawing a tag in New Mexico for the last four

years, I decided to hedge my bet and go with an outfitter. But which one to choose? ere are so many, and I have been burned in the past by outfitters, both in terms of quality of animal and lack of ethics for my type of hunting. I was looking for a guide who could match or exceed my passion for the

A proud husband shares the story of the monster seven-point bull his wife harvested the first time she put in for a New Mexico draw tag.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROY DON

Aleisha Babitzke smiles over the seven-point bull she harvested on a guided hunt in New Mexico’s Unit 37.

outdoors. I had several references from Facebook (where else?). I made several phone calls, and I went with my gut to choose the guide my intuition told me to go with: Prime Tine Outdoors.

I asked my wife, Aleisha, if she was interested in putting in with me for this hunt. She is new to hunting, but I have been there to see her passion grow as she has taken her first dove, duck over decoys, and whitetail deer –all stories for another time. So, when we put in for this elk hunt, we did so separately to maximize our chances of drawing. After talking with our guide, we decided to put our first choice in a unit with limited tags (30, I believe), with most of them going to residents of the state. I just knew Aleisha was going to draw a tag on the first time, beginner’s luck and all. Sure enough, she was successful for her first choice

in the unit with the best potential for great bulls.

roughout the next few months, we trained by working out with weights and doing cardio in preparation for long walks with gear strapped on our backs. We also practiced with the muzzleloader just to make sure Aleisha was comfortable with the operation and ranges she would need to shoot on this hunt. e guide had suggested several Airbnbs, but Aleisha wanted to “have the full experience” of elk hunting from a tent camp.

Fast forward to the day before the hunt. We had the camp set up and we met our guide, omas Austin, for the first time. Right after the meeting, I was really sure I had picked the right guide. I knew we were in for a great hunt, though I wasn’t aware of how great it was going to be.

NOT JUST ANY DINKER

On the first morning (3 a.m. came fast) we headed to the first spot. Before we even got out of the truck, omas was giving us the play-byplay of how the morning was going to go, how the elk were going to move, where we would likely see them, and so forth. I can tell you from experience that hunting never goes as planned. You think you have the pattern down and that morning it is different for whatever reason. As fate would have it, as soon as we geared up on the first trail as daylight started to break, the elk started bugling just like our guide said they would. Obviously, he had put in the hours of scouting to see where they were.

We started to climb up to a vantage point and put ourselves in a good spot to get a shot if an animal

Aleisha’s hunt featured several o’dark hundred wakeups in a row, putting her, husband Roy Don Babitzke and guide Thomas Austin in elk country well before sunrise early this past October.

presented itself. omas was looking for a quality animal for Aleisha’s first elk; “not just any dinker” was the mentality. (I am completely sure any representative animal would have made her just as excited.) As we were getting into position, a shot rang out from the countryside. We checked the time as it was questionable whether it was legal shooting hours. Our guide wasn’t too pleased that someone would take a shot in the dark like that, no pun intended. But omas was confident that the animal we were hunting hadn’t spooked and that we could see what quality of game was grazing around when the sun came up.

Right at first light, we spotted three bulls and several cows. One of the bulls was a 310-incher, and I thought, Man, that is the largest bull I have ever seen! I figured we were going to call him in or start putting a stalk on.

omas took a few pictures through his spotting scope and assured us he was a young bull and there was an older, bigger bull around. I thought he was crazy but a true outdoorsman for wanting to harvest a mature animal. I have the same sentiment when hunting whitetails back in Texas; I am pretty selective on the bucks I harvest, but I have several months to hunt one, not five days like in this situation. Nevertheless, we continued to hike in search of Aleisha’s bull. It was a midintensity hike the rest of the morning, but I was impressed at how well my wife kept up with the guide. I, on the other hand, had apparently skipped some of those cardio days.

We made our way back to camp and prepared for the evening hunt. Nothing really noteworthy happened other than omas said he could smell the elk. I have smelled them before, but I couldn’t in this situation. Sure enough, as soon as we rounded the corner, our heavy steps spooked them out. We didn’t notice any quality bulls in the group, though. And once again, a shot rang out outside of shooting hours, in my opinion. I was impressed at how much that upset our guide; omas was so passionate about the outdoors, so shooting after hours was like a mortal sin.

An early sighting of a 310-inch-class bull whetted the hunters’ appetite.

CHASING THE HERD BULL

ree a.m. came early again as we set out on a longer hike this time. It was a beautiful countryside, and there were fresh signs of elk everywhere. I am sure they were in the area, we just didn’t see them in the timber. Since they weren’t answering any calls, omas decided to head to another spot for the evening hunt; one that was higher and more open so we could glass for them.

On the evening hunt, as soon as we got to the top, we could hear bulls bugling below. ere were three bulls: a six-point, a five-point and a dinker four-point. ey were chasing a single “hot” cow. e five-point was clearly smaller than the six-point, but the five-point was asserting his dominance over the other bulls. e six-point looked like a shooter to me, but omas assured us he was just another “typical six-by-six dinker.” At this point I was thinking he had lost his mind, but I trusted him.

We then heard an elk scream out from the canyon across from us. We made our way to that canyon, and there were seven bulls held up in there. I have never been in an area where more than one bull was bugling, but here stood seven of them.

ere was a five-point back on the ridge closest to us screaming his head off, another six-point, a seven-point and a variety of spikes and other little dinkers – my words this time, not our guide’s. One of the spikes and a twopoint were sparring; nothing major, but still so cool to see.

My attention turned to this seven-point. He looked to be the tagpuncher type to me, but I could tell from the expression on our guide’s face that he was also a little dinker. It wasn’t a little bull, but it was one I could tell omas wanted to save for another year because it did appear to be a younger bull. e genetics in this area must be present for seven-pluspoint bulls. Generally, in the areas I hunt, a seven-point is a mature bull and possibly on the decline – but not here. omas was right. I could tell the horn mass and body size weren’t quite there for a mature bull. is had me thinking, What was this mature

Fresh sign of elk was everywhere in the “beautiful countryside” southeast of Albuquerque.

bull that we were hunting going to look like?

Just about the time we were going to head over to check the next canyon, a bull bugled out from below us. e bull actually spotted our movement and started heading our way. We took cover under a small juniper tree and waited patiently as he stalked us. He ended up taking a trail about 15 yards north of us, completely unaware of our presence. He was a really coollooking six-by-seven, but still not the bull our guide was hunting for.

After assuring he was out of range so as not to spook the elk, we started our adventure back to the next canyon. About another 200 yards down the trail, another bull stepped out heading away from us this time. He was really screaming up a storm. I asked omas to hit a quick cow call just to see his reaction. As soon as the mew came out, he came walking rapidly towards us. Again, we took cover just to see what he was going to do. He came in to about the 15-yard range and spotted us; he couldn’t tell exactly what we were, but he was going to be cautious. He walked downwind of us at about the same range but soon caught our wind and bolted.

Around the time we were headed to that ever-unreachable canyon, another bull bugled out from below. is one was different, a deeper and more gravely sound. Our guide was convinced this was the herd bull. I had no clue at this point, but everything else he had said came true. As we headed down to put a stalk on this bull, Aleisha almost stepped on a huge tarantula that reared up at her foot. I wasn’t about to mention it, as I didn’t want her to scream and spook our chances at this bull. omas misstepped and dislodged a huge boulder that clanked, but the wind was in our favor. I stumbled over just as many loose rocks, drawing attention to ourselves, but the deeperbugling bull resumed calling back to us. About halfway down to the bottom of the canyon, light was fading and omas wasn’t comfortable continuing the pursuit, as we would end up having no shot and could spook the big guy to the next county.

Aleisha glasses for bulls. New to hunting, it was her first time ever putting in for a New Mexico tag and as beginner’s luck would have it, she was drawn.

As we made our way back to the truck we were interrupted by the sound of crashing shale under hoof.

e five- and six-points that we saw at the first part of the hunt had chased the cows out of the valley and over the ridge we were scouting from. Our guide assured us we were not going to blow them out as it was almost dark at this point, and we continued back to camp.

It was a sleepless night wondering if the bulls would still be in those canyons in the morning. Would there be other hunters in the area that either followed our truck or heard the bugles? Would that “hot” cow take them to faraway places? Would that deep-voiced bull be the one or just a dinker with laryngitis? All were valid questions.

THE PALMATED SEVEN-POINT

Again, 3 a.m., oh how quick it came. In the truck ride, omas assured us they were still there, and we would for sure get to look at a possible shooter bull. As soon as we got to the top of the first ridge, we waited for more light to come. It was dead quiet; no bull sounds in the air. As we waited for what seemed like hours, the sun began to rise, and the bugles came like clockwork. We spotted the six-byseven, the seven-point and all the other assorted bulls, but no new players showed their heads. We headed over to the canyon we hadn’t reached the night before. At about the time we reached the summit, we heard that deep bugle ring out in the bottom.

As I glassed the ridges, I could see a really nice seven-point and a sixpoint, along with about half a dozen cows. I was convinced the sevenpoint was a shooter for sure. All in all, I had seen about 20 other bulls, and this one was by far the biggest.

e guide was still looking down in the valley for the deep-voiced bull. I then spotted a really wide six-point in the bottom. Surely one of these bulls was the one we were looking for. Finally, omas spotted the palmated seven-point bull on the ridge. Bingo! We had a shooter bull in our midst! e guide also spotted the wide six-point with good fronts

and great tops. Now this gave us two options but also a whole lot of eyes on us. ere were probably 12plus elk on that hillside and a few unknowns in the valley bottom.

I was nervous on the descent, to say the least. We played the wind right the whole time and got within 500 yards of the palmated bull. e wide six-point was in and out of the trees chasing the other bulls around. I really wasn’t confident in the 500-yard shot. I know Aleisha could make the shot, but was it an ethical shot with a muzzleloader? Probably so with a modern inline one with a supermagnum charge as I had loaded, but we had never practiced at that range before; 300 was our limit. omas said he could get a 300-yard shot if that’s what we wanted. We backed out and tried for a new position.

e palmated bull stepped out 300

yards perfectly broadside. We froze until he headed back into the trees. e guide was liking the wide sixpoint better from previous glassing. We took a few steps forward with the shooting sticks I had prepared earlier for Aleisha to rest on. e wide sixpoint stepped out probably 120 yards, looking right at us. We were busted.

is whole thing was fixing to come unglued, but within a few minutes, he put his head down and continued his light grazing and running other bulls away from his cows. He continued to stay just below us on a slight ridge.

e guide tried coaxing him out of the bottom with a few cow calls but ended up just drawing the smaller satellite bulls closer. at palmated seven-point bull just kept standing there broadside looking at the other elk and grazing.

We moved again into 220 yards

Preseason preparations for the Babitzkes involved weightlifting and cardio work, along with target practice with a muzzleloader out to 300 yards.

Aleisha with her bull. Her guide said he had “only seen one other elk taken with a muzzleloader that dropped the bull so effectively,” her husband wrote.

of the main herd; we kept glassing, and the wide six-point wasn’t giving us a clean shot. e whole valley was alive with elk screams. ey all were under 200 yards from us now. At any given time they could wind us or spot us. We were in the middle of them and this was going to happen with a happy ending or tragic one with us starting all over for a new place to hunt. omas went back and forth on which bull was better, but the palmated seven-point was the choice. e guide changed shooting stick orientation and lined up for the shot. As fate would have it, the bull took a step into cover. You have got to be kidding me, I thought. at dude stood there for 15 minutes as we plotted our shot on the other bull, and seconds before trigger time, he

moved! My luck was rubbing off on Aleisha’s hunt.

en, out of nowhere, the bull turned and faced the other way, giving us a perfect broadside shot –a textbook event. At the beginning of this trip, I had told Aleisha I had always fancied spotting a huge bull from afar, putting a stalk on and have him walking out of the trees to give me a perfect shot, and here that scenario was playing out like a TV show. I’d told omas at the beginning of this trip that my wife likes to hold on a big game animal for a while. Aleisha wants to make a perfect shot, and on this adventure she didn’t disappoint. She held her breath just right and got super steady for the perfect shot. And held and held – so much so that I couldn’t

look any more. I looked down at the ground and prayed I would hear the shot and the thud to follow. For those of you who don’t know, when you hit an animal with a rifle, there is a certain thud it makes that is unmistakable for a body shot. e thud doesn’t mean it’s a good shot, but it does indicate a hit.

Finally, I heard the boom, but I didn’t hear the thud. Fear took over, but the sight I saw was the animal down. Aleisha had made a perfect hit, but I was not convinced of it. If there is one thing I have seen from big game hunting, it is that even though they look down, they aren’t out just quite yet. As we celebrated with omas, I readied the backup rifle on the sticks. We had Aleisha hold on target for a few more seconds just to make sure

he was down. We slowly made our way up to the bull and approached cautiously, and there he was, a cleanly killed bull.

We continued with the celebration and picture taking. Aleisha’s knees were still weak and in disbelief of what she had just accomplished. She later told me I always tell her to “let it fly” (meaning the bullet), and just before the shot, she could hear me telling her to “let it fly right ... now.” en she squeezed off a perfect shot. omas said he has only seen one other elk taken with a muzzleloader that dropped the bull so effectively.

SAVING THE DAY

One would think this is where the story ends, but wait, there’s more. After we finished field processing the animal and packing our backpacks for the long hike back uphill to the truck (a hike I was not looking toward to), omas decided to remove the lower leg portion of the front quarter for our packs just to loosen the load a bit. He slipped with the knife and cut his

leg above the right knee. We both use replaceable-blade knives to process our animals, and his Outdoor Edge had a fresh new blade. e cut looked deep and a couple of inches wide. With a leg injury you really can’t take any chances when hunting far back in the sticks. Accidents can happen to anyone, even to those who take the most care, which we had.

Aleisha is a wound care nurse by trade, and she had brought the stuff to save the day. She had blood stop, and we made makeshift bandages out of the game bags we had for the processed meat. She got the bleeding to stop, and we decided to go downhill rather than back uphill to the truck. Our downhill path would take us across private land on the way to the nearest public road. It was still about 2 miles to that road, so we took our time. Along the way we alerted proper authorities as to our path and for them to alert landowners as well.

I was joking that we were going to see an even bigger bull on our way out, as that’s just my luck. I was really

kidding because we were not at all disappointed at the quality of animal Aleisha had just harvested. Any other animal we would see would just be a bonus. As you guessed, there was a monster seven-point that jumped up about a mile into our pack out. It stopped and turned just to let us know there is something to try for next time. It was just such a perfect specimen of the elk species.

We had to stop a few times on the trail to reclot omas’s knee, but we eventually made it to the highway where we were met by a game warden and another guy the guide knew to give us a ride to the emergency room. Hopefully we made lifetime friends with omas and his family.

I believe that a Christian God is what brought all of this story together, and that everything worked out just perfectly for memories of a lifetime. You can believe in whatever deities you like, or that just random chaotic events set this tale in motion. is is where one adventure ends but the planning of many more begins. 

HEROES HEAD OUT HUNTING

Thanks to two outdoor organizations, dozens of vets had a chance to chase deer, elk and more this fall, and here are a few of their success stories.

Outdoors For Our Heroes is an all-volunteer, donorfunded organization that provides countless service members with burdenfree outdoor experiences that support healing and improve quality of life. In April 2021, OFOH joined forces with Got Your 6 Fishing. Together, they serve veterans through fishing excursions and support military heroes through hunting and outdoor adventures, all at no cost to participants. ey exist to show gratitude for sacrifices made by veterans and first responders.

“As separate groups, we have been serving the veteran community in western Washington for a combined total of 15 years,” said Jason Brown, president and founder of OFOH. “We

STORY BY KELLI SCHUELER PHOTOS BY OUTDOORS FOR OUR HEROES

Danielle, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was honorably discharged after a serious injury, was among the more than 115 veterans who benefitted this year from two organizations that provide vets with outdoors-related experiences – in Dani’s case, a successful Montana bison hunt.

always shared information, our veteran base and advice. Working with the same goals and mission to serve our heroes by offering no-cost outdoor experiences, we decided to merge so we could share our many resources that directly live up to our mission of ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall.’”

e team takes the time to get to know the applicants of the program and works diligently to accommodate the individual’s needs. ey work with all physical limitations and make a point to focus on engaging with the individual to make a positive impact on their mental health as well. OFOH’s strategy works to match the person with their interests and abilities up front to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Both programs proved successful in 2022, with 51 hunting and fishing experiences, 10 rod-building classes and over 115 veterans were supported.

ese outdoor adventures took the organization’s most deserving service members throughout different areas of Washington and across several other states, including Alaska, Kentucky, Oregon and Montana.

ere were so many impactful moments and stories from this year’s successes, it was difficult to narrow it down to only a few to share. Mike Arns, longtime OFOH volunteer, led two Purple Heart veterans on an Eastern Oregon elk hunt, utilizing two Governor’s Elk Tags. Ryan Caldwell, founder of GY6F and vice president of fishing, took two Army veterans to Montana to hunt elk and deer and go fishing on the Missouri River. Raleigh Evans, volunteer and former OFOH board member, accompanied two disabled veterans to Montana for an unforgettable bison hunt.

IN SEPTEMBER, OFOH had the privilege of taking two Purple Heart recipients into the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon on two Governor’s tags. e Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty and is the oldest military award still presented to American service members. Justin Menchaca from San Antonio, Texas, and Brian Sharp from Libby, Montana,

Purple Heart recipient Brian Sharp of Montana bagged this beautiful sixpoint bull while out with Outdoors For Our Heroes in northeast Oregon’s Blue Mountains.

“I came home with new motivation and focus to better myself physically and mentally, and I am excited to continue to use the outdoors for self-reflection and healing,” said Allen Acosta after a Montana mule deer and cow elk hunt that also

featured

some fishing on the upper Missouri River.

Hunting with Ryan Caldwell of Got Your 6 Fishing, Army vet Beau Froelich bagged this nice Treasure State muley.

joined the OFOH team, making for a hunting party of 12 at the 5,000-foothigh camp. Coordinating a hunt of this nature and size takes multiple volunteers, financial resources and hours of planning and coordination. Uncontrollable challenges like high temperatures and wildfire dangers make finding a suitable location for camp and hunting very difficult on the scouting teams. Elk hunting is always an adventure, and the outcomes are never guaranteed. e teams often face physical, mental and logistical challenges, but the experience is always rewarding whether an animal is harvested or not.

ere were several highs and lows throughout the trip. e entire team maintained great attitudes and optimistic outlooks while pushing through difficult terrain and long hikes. On the fifth day of the trip, Brian was able to fill his tag with a large six-point elk. “Each hunter pays tribute to an animal’s life that was sacrificed in honor of the hunt in their own way and time,” said Arns. “To

witness the respect and tremendous appreciation Brian and his hunting companion, Chris, had for this animal warmed my heart and I thank God for the experience.”

e camaraderie and friendships built on these hunts are often more important and rewarding than harvesting the animal itself. e time at camp offers great food; endless stories of hunting, service and life experiences; and a lot of jokes and laughter. Although Justin was not able to fill his elk tag, the memories made and the experience of the weeklong hunt were a success and so impactful. “Everyone gets to decide how to measure success. In my opinion, any time you get to go elk hunting, you are successful,” said Arns.

IN OCTOBER, GY6F'S Caldwell and two Army veterans, Allen Acosta and Beau Froelich, traveled to the mountains of Montana for a week of outdoor adventures. e first day of trip was spent at the range sighting in scopes and getting ready for the next

day’s mule deer hunt. On day two, the team headed to the KG Ranch, located southwest of ree Forks along the Jefferson River. e day was a huge success; both hunters were able to harvest a mule deer. Acosta was able to take home a nice fourby-three, and Froelich took home a beautiful buck.

“Ryan’s support when the opportunity to take a shot at an animal presented itself was invaluable,” said Acosta. “He was able to help me refocus after a missed shot and reminded me to work on my breathing. is guidance helped me be successful with harvesting my deer.”

A few days of the trip included a visit to Yellowstone National Park and a trip to Helena with Army veteran Rob Conrad to catch trout and walleye on the Missouri River. Lastly, they ended the trip at the Mountain View Ranch in Paradise Valley in Emigrant, Montana, with a very successful day. Each veteran was able to take home an elk. “I am very humbled to know the amount of time and resources that went into making

this experience happen for Beau and me,” said Acosta. “We received the red-carpet treatment the whole trip, I am so grateful to the OFOH and GY6F volunteers, being able to connect with this amazing group and the camaraderie, made this an unforgettable trip. I came home with new motivation and focus to better myself physically and mentally, and I am excited to continue to use the outdoors for selfreflection and healing.”

ANOTHER GREAT HUNT in October took two disabled veterans to Montana for an opportunity to hunt bison. Danielle, or Dani, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, suffered a serious injury in a vehicle accident while serving in 1993. Due to the very physical demands of the Marine Corps, doctors told Dani that her injuries may never fully heal, and she had to make the difficult choice to take an honorable discharge with medical disability to give her the chance of making a full recovery. e second hunter was Rodney, who is a 100 percent disabled U.S. Army veteran who sustained injuries while serving

during the Global War on Terror. is was Dani’s first time hunting, and she took several trips to the range to prepare for the trip. e 6.5 Creedmoor rifle she used was a firearm she won at the 2021 OFOH Banquet and Auction. After three unsuccessful stalks, Dani was able to get into position and focus to make a perfect 100-yard shot on a large bison cow for a successful harvest. “ e smile and tears from Dani and the crazy dance and tears from her husband and companion hunter, Neil, told the story of what this opportunity meant to both of them,” said Raleigh Evans. Rodney was also successful in harvesting a beautiful bison and was so thankful for the experience to provide for his wife and five children.

IN ADDITION TO outdoor adventures and fishing excursions, GY6F offers custom fishing rod-building classes in partnership with instructor Neil Foster. Foster donates his time, supplies and expertise to offer these classes without any cost to participating veterans. Each participant leaves with their own custom-built rod and the knowledge

and skills to continue on their own. “I recently put together a little rodbuilding station in the living room and have been working on a Puget Sound jigging rod using a Rainshadow SW967 blank. anks, Neil Foster and Got Your 6 Fishing, for the rod-building classes, I’ll be putting those skills to use for years to come,” said Jeremy Koch, a class participant.

“We know that nature and the abundant activities and quiet it provides can be a healing force in a person’s life, particularly in the lives of those who have sacrificed serving our country and put their lives on the line to serve and protect their communities,” said Caldwell of GY6F.

ese experiences and classes are making meaningful impacts in the lives of our most deserving heroes and would not be possible without the support of OFOH’s countless volunteers and donors. 

For more information about getting involved, donating to the cause or applying to participate in an outdoor experience, please visit OFOH’s website, outdoorsforourheroes.org.

Rodney, an Army vet who was injured during the Global War on Terror, “was so thankful for the experience to provide for his wife and five children” with this Montana bison.

THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET WESTERN

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JASON BROOKS

Hunting out West is synonymous with Jack O’Conner and the .270 Winchester. Jack took many North American big game animals with this cartridge, and it is hard to dispute the reputation both have. But is there a better .270? As with any other cartridge, benchrest shooters and hunters alike are always looking to improve their ballistics, even with such tried-and-true rounds as the .270 Winchester. It did take a while for this cartridge to gain attention for improvements, with some thinking there is no way to improve it at all.

First developed in 1925, the .270 Winchester cruised along as a top big game round until 1957 when Remington tried to compete with it by making the .280 Remington. However, marketing campaigns failed even when Remington tried name changes like calling it the 7mm Express. e .270 Winchester was unfazed and continued to be carried by sheep and deer hunters often trying to replicate the hunts of O’Conner. Like cola and hamburger restaurant wars, the Winchester and Remington debate has been going on for a while. In 1962 Remington came out with the 7mm Rem. Mag., and Winchester countered the following year with the .300 Win. Mag. But the .270 Winchester was left alone as nobody tried to improve on the .277 bullet pusher. at is until Winchester decided to compete with itself,

The hard-hitting and flat-shooting 6.8 Western has entered the chat when it comes to the future of big game cartridges.

Author Jason Brooks and his son Ryan with a whitetail taken in Idaho with a 170-grain Silvertip 6.8 Western.

and in 2002 it developed the .270 Winchester Short Magnum.

e .270 WSM was one of a few rounds that Winchester decided to market as a “new” and fast short-

action magnum. Ballistically it was a bit faster, around 200 feet per second, but it used the same lightweight spitzer bullets as the .270 Winchester. e main benefit was it

being chambered in a short action, and that meant a lighter rifle with a shorter throw of the bolt. Some hunters took to it, but most did not; it was not worth giving up their longeraction .270 Winchesters and having to find ammo for the new cartridge while only saving a few ounces of rifle weight. What Winchester did succeed in doing is creating a short-action, short-magnum craze. Rifle makers and load developers liked the idea Winchester produced, and Hornady took it to a new level by coming out with the 6.5 Creedmoor in 2007. Benchrest shooters and hunters raved over this round, but the 6.5mm – like the .270 Winchester, which shoots 6.8mm – uses small and light bullets. is is good for manageable recoil and fast speeds, but gravity-defying ballistics are more than light and fast.

From left to right, the .270 Winchester, 6.8 Western and 6.5 Creedmoor. The 6.8 Western fits well as a flat-shooting big game cartridge for the West.

WINCHESTER DECIDED TO revisit the short-action magnum and the .277-caliber, or 6.8mm. is time they teamed up with Browning and began to develop a new cartridge. By shortening the .270 WSM case slightly, they were able to load longer and heavier bullets. A long and skinny bullet, combined with the new case

The 6.8 Western is fairly new and uses long and heavy bullets loaded by several commercial ammunition companies.

design, made for a cartridge that could handle heavier bullets that hit hard and shoot flat and fast. Instead of trying to compete with the .270 Winchester and the .270 WSM, they came up with the name 6.8 Western. By using the metric bullet size as well as “Western,” which identified it as a cartridge for hunting big game out West, there is no confusion like Remington had in the .280 Remington and 7mm Express. After lessons learned both in marketing and in overall cartridge design, the 6.8 Western is quickly becoming one of the most popular new calibers.

Ballistic coefficient is how efficiently a bullet soars through the air (also known as “drag”); the higher the coefficient, the more effective it is in trajectory. To keep things simple, just know that speed with weight or “mass” along with an aerodynamic design makes for a flatter-shooting bullet at longer ranges. e mass of the bullet is relative to the gravity pull on that object. Newton’s laws of gravity explain this, but for our understanding, think of throwing a ping pong ball and a golf ball. e ping pong ball is light, but if you throw it as hard as you can, it will still fall quickly to the ground. e golf ball is about the same size as the ping pong ball, but if you throw it with the same amount of force, the golf ball goes a much greater distance even though it is heavier. So, if you think a light bullet going fast will fly flatter than a heavy bullet going the same speed, you might be wrong. is is a simple explanation, but it does give the shooter the idea on why a heavier bullet will “cut through the air” better than a light bullet if they start out at the same speed.

e ballistic coefficient of a .277 bullet varies by weight and construction. Since the 6.8 Western is currently offered in only a handful of commercial rounds, one needs to look at the comparisons of similar bullets in related cartridges. Winchester loads all three cartridges – the .270 Winchester, the .270 WSM and the 6.8 Western – in the Silvertip line. e .270 Winchester is loaded with the 130-grain Silvertip, which

This Idaho whitetail was taken with a 329-yard cross-canyon shot using an Oregon Mountain Rifle Company Lonerock Ti chambered in 6.8 Western.

has a ballistic coefficient of 0.433 and leaves the barrel at 3,050 feet per second. With a 100-yard sight in, the bullet drops 10.8 inches at 300 yards with 1,684 foot-pounds of energy. e .270 WSM uses the same 130-grain Silvertip bullet and leaves the barrel at 3,275 feet per second and drops 8.9 inches at 300 yards with 1,963 footpounds of energy. e 6.8 Western utilizes a .277 Silvertip bullet, but due to the case and head space, it is loaded with a 170-grain bullet. is bullet has a ballistic coefficient of 0.563 and leaves the barrel at 2,920 feet per second.

is commercial round is

shooting slightly slower than the .270 Winchester’s light 130-grain bullet, but it hits with 2,243 foot-pounds of energy at 300 yards. It does drop a bit more, at 11.3 inches, but again, mass and speed are relative to each other. If the handloader can work up the 170-grain bullet to the same speeds as the 130-grain bullet fired from the .270 Winchester, it would only drop 10.1 inches at 300 yards, and the energy would be 2,466 foot-pounds – nearly 800 foot-pounds of energy more than the .270 Winchester and less drop.

Now, compare the 6.8 Western with the .270 WSM if you were to load it to the same velocity at 3,275 feet per

second. e 6.8 Western would only drop 8.3 inches at 300 yards and retain 2,867 foot-pounds of energy compared to the .270 WSM with 8.9 inches of drop and 1,963 foot-pounds of energy.

is means the 6.8 Western would shoot over a half-inch less drop and have an astonishing 904 foot-pounds energy more than the .270 WSM at 300 yards. All from a .277-inchdiameter bullet in a short-action rifle. Of course, the likelihood of matching speeds of a 130-grain bullet using a 170-grain bullet might not be realistic.

e reality is that with bullets such as the 162-grain Copper Extreme or other all-copper bullets that tend to be longer than lead jacketed bullets, you can get velocities much closer to that of the other cartridges but with more energy and less drop. at’s the thing about handloading, you can experiment and work up the most accurate and hardest hitting, flatshooting round for your rifle.

CURRENTLY ONLY TWO ammunition makers offer the 6.8 Western, which happen to be the two companies that worked together to develop the cartridge. Winchester offers it in four different bullets, the 162-grain Copper Extreme point, the 165-grain Nosler Accubond Long Range, the 170-grain Silvertip, and the 170-grain Match BTHP. Browning offers it in two bullet styles, the 170-grain Soft Tip and the 175-grain Sierra Tipped Game King, which is the heaviest commercial round offered in the 6.8 Western.

Because of this, ammunition can be hard to find, and unless you handload, you are stuck with these options – all of which are good, but handloaders can improve on the ballistics drastically within SAAMI ranges. Keep in mind you will need to use heavy and long .277-caliber bullets, which will likely become readily available as the cartridge continues to increase in popularity.

To accommodate the longer and heavier bullets, Winchester and Browning looked at one of the most crucial factors hunters often overlook, which is barrel twist rate.

is is the measured rotation of the bullet in a certain length of the barrel.

“Lightweight rifles shooting a heavier and ballistically superior .277 bullet makes the hard-hitting, flatshooting 6.8 Western the ultimate Western big game cartridge,” argues Brooks.

A 1:10 twist rate is one rotation of the bullet in 10 inches of the barrel. is is a standard twist rate that was used for the .270 Winchester and the .270 WSM, since they use the same bullets. e short and light bullets did not need to spin fast to stabilize, and in fact, the spitzer bullets often used would tumble if they were spun too fast. e 6.8 Western uses a long bullet of the same .277-caliber, and by doing so, it needs a faster spin rate to stabilize it, or it would be prone to wobbling. ey produced a 1:8 twist rate, which is one bullet rotation every 8 inches of barrel length. is rate works well with the higher ballistic coefficient bullets and increases accuracy of the cartridge.

CUSTOM RIFLE MAKERS are taking to this cartridge as well. Oregon Mountain Rifle Company carries the caliber in all their rifles, including the Lonerock Ti series. Weighing in at 6.8 pounds – ironic, if you think about it being in the 6.8 Western – the Lonerock Ti sports a barrel wrapped in carbon

fiber and tipped with a muzzle break. Like most custom rifle companies, you can choose which stock to put on the titanium short action and cut down the weight even more. e one I am shooting came with the Alpine Hunter stock, a fully adjustable trigger and a detached box magazine that holds three rounds. e rifle is also offered in both right- and left-handed versions, and for the left-handed shooter, it can be almost impossible to find a new caliber rifle. Since ammunition is limited, I was only able to obtain the 162-grain Copper Extreme and the 170-grain Silvertips. Both shot extremely well with ½-inch groups at 100 yards. For an Idaho whitetail deer hunt this past fall, I chose to use the 170-grain Silvertips due to the amount of energy it carried downrange. My son was able to harvest a deer at 329 yards, making the cross-canyon shot with ease, which dropped the deer where it stood.

Rifles in 6.8 Western can be hard to find, and most custom rifles cost more than those mass-produced in a factory.

ere is another option if you already have a short-action rifle in another caliber, and that is to have it rebarreled with a 6.8 Western barrel. For reasons stated above, you can’t rechamber the .270 WSM or other 6.8 rifle barrel into a 6.8 Western because the twist rate is likely 1:10, and the Western needs the 1:8 twist rate. Oregon Mountain Rifle Company first started as a barrel company, and most of their custom work is still rebarreling shooters’ current rifles. ey make their own carbon fiber-wrapped barrels and can work with most commercial actions. is is a great way to get your hands on a 6.8 Western.

e .270 Winchester is nearly a century old, and it is time that it got a facelift. For the same reasons why hunters are still crazy for short-action magnums like the .270 WSM or tackdriving Creedmoors, the 6.8 Western is here to stay. Lightweight rifles shooting a heavier and ballistically superior .277 bullet makes the hard-hitting, flat-shooting 6.8 Western the ultimate Western big game cartridge. 

PREMIUM MONOMETAL BULLET GETS A

STORY BY PHIL MASSARO • PHOTOS BY MASSARO MEDIA GROUP

Iam actually old enough to remember reading the early advertisements for, and reviews of, Randy Brooks’ Barnes X bullet – a lead-free hollowpoint that was heralded for its high weight retention and deep penetration. At the time, these

newfangled projectiles were only available in component form, and it took a few years before I had the time, money and space to begin to experiment with them. Explaining the concept of a bullet without lead to my dad was no easy feat, and I completely lost him once we put those bullets on paper. It seemed, at least with those initial Barnes X bullets, that a rifle would either love them and put them

into tiny little groups, or hate them (as all of my rifles did).

Three decades have passed since the Barnes X was released. Many improvements have been made, and now nearly every major manufacturer of projectiles o ers some sort of copper alloy bullet in their lineup. Hornady – an industry name dating back to the post-World War II era of bullet making – had their GMX (Gilding

Hornady has improved the design of their copper alloy bullet, and the CX delivers the goods.

This close-up shows the difference in the GMX bullet (left) and the CX (right). Take note of the shape of the grooves in the shank; the CX is a more aerodynamic design.

Metal eXpanding), which featured their signature red polymer tip atop a copper-alloy hollowpoint boattail. The GMX was a very consistent bullet, delivering fine accuracy with devastating terminal performance. And like so many of the monometal bullets, these would retain over 90 percent of their original weight, if you could recover them at all. In my experience, it was di cult to get a GMX to stay inside of a game animal, especially on a broadside shot. I write about the GMX bullet in the past tense, because –as good as the design is – Hornady has discontinued its production.

Shooters are saddened when a bullet is discontinued, especially when that bullet gives the performance that they can rely on year after year. But

Hornady has never been a company to sit idly by when a product can be improved, and their engineers recognize where an improvement can be made. New for 2022, Hornady introduced the CX (Copper alloy eXpanding) monometal softpoint.

If you were paying attention when Hornady released the ELD Match and ELD-X bullets, extensive testing revealed that the conventional polymer tips used in most projectiles would actually deform, or melt, due to the heat generated by atmospheric drag. This would negatively a ect the bullet’s ballistic coe cient, reducing the retained velocity and energy downrange. The result of the attempts to create a heat-proof tip is their Heat Shield polymer tip.

JUST AS THE ELD-X and ELD Match bullets benefitted from the upgrade, so

has the CX, improving the downrange performance by providing a more consistent ballistic coe cient. But that is not the only function of the Heat Shield Tip. Because the copper alloy used in the CX is harder than lead, the hollowpoint will certainly appreciate a bit of help to open upon impacting the game animal. So the secondary purpose of the polymer tip is to act as a wedge, driving the walls of the hollowpoint open upon impact. Whereas the original Barnes X design has no polymer tip, among other issues was that consistent expansion was guaranteed, and many times the bullet would simply whistle through a game animal much like an arrow with a field point.

The early copper alloy bullets –with a solid shank – also generated a whole bunch of copper fouling in the bore of a rifle; I spent hours with an ammonia-based cleaning agent and a

The new CX bullet features the Heat Shield Tip and revised groove geometry.

nylon brush (once I learned what the solvent would do to a bronze brush) scrubbing the bore. Cutting grooves in the shank of the bullet served to reduce both copper fouling and interior pressures, but Hornady soon found that the geometry of the groove and its associated transitions onto the shank

also play a role in BC, and therefore the downrange performance. Hornady’s revised groove geometry on the CX bullet is another of those features that may seem inconsequential, but if a longer shot is all you’re o ered on the hunt of a lifetime, I’d want all the advantages I could get.

THE HORNADY CX is assuredly a hunting bullet, and copper alloy projectiles can be a contentious topic among hunters. Like any (relatively) new technology, the traditionalists will be slow to warm to any product that deviates from that which they hold dear. To many people – my dad included – a hunting bullet

Being a copper alloy bullet, the CX will be longer than a cup-and-core bullet of the same weight. Because of the additional length, the heaviest weights for a given caliber usually can’t be stabilized.

The Hornady CX shown in section; note the hollow cavity below the polymer tip.

The older GMX (left) and the new CX (right); though apparently the same, note the difference in the polymer tip and the conformation of the grooves in the bullet shank.

Hornady’s new 7mm PRC – shown here in the Outfitter ammo line and loaded with the 160-grain Hornady CX bullet – shot very well from the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter.

has a copper jacket and lead core, and anything else is silliness. But with the current trend of frowning upon lead projectiles, some states have passed legislation banning the use of lead

core projectiles. California has been at the forefront of this movement, insisting that the lead fragments left behind in the gut piles of hunted animals are a potential health hazard

The Hornady CS shown unfired and in several states of upset. Retained weight is often in excess of 95 percent, resulting in great penetration.

for condors and other scavengers. And of late, my native New York has heard rumblings of a lead ammunition ban on the hundreds of thousands of acres of state land available to hunters. But make no mistake, the copper alloy bullet is the projectile of the future, so it might warrant a few notes about its properties and performance.

The copper alloy used in the construction of these bullets is less dense than lead, so with the caliber being consistent, a copper alloy bullet of a particular weight will be longer than one of lead core/ copper jacket construction of the same weight. The classic cartridges we have come to know and love are most often equipped with a twist rate best suited to cup-and-core bullets, so to function properly with those

twist rates, you may see copper bullets top out at lighter weights. For example, the common twist rate for the 6.5 Creedmoor (and other 6.5mm cartridges) is 1:8; while that twist rate can stabilize cup-and-core bullets as heavy as 160 grains, in a copper alloy bullet, about 130 grains is all that will function properly. For the hunter, it’s not the end of the world, as the high weight retention of the lighter bullet will make up for the lack of weight. Just be aware of the di erence when looking at bullet weights for your favorite cartridge. The structural integrity of the bullet will withstand high impact velocities, so unlike some of the cup-and-core bullets, there is nothing to separate, and the CX make a sound choice for magnum cartridges.

HORNADY OFFERS THE CX bullet in both component form and in loaded ammunition as part of their Outfitter ammo line. I have used both, and I

Author Phil Massaro loaded the .277-inch 130-grain CX bullet in the 6.8 Western with very good results; at 3,225 feet per second, it makes a flat-shooting combination.

The .270 Winchester will happily handle the 130-grain CX, while the .280 Ackley Improved is well-served by the 150-grain 7mm CX; this bullet can handle all ranges of impact velocities generated by these two all-arounders.

have found the bullet to be among the best available.

In component form, I've had good results with the .277-inch 130-grain CX in the .270 Winchester and 6.8 Western; the 150-grain 7mm CX in the 7mm PRC and .280 Ackley Improved; and the 165-grain .308-inch diameter CX in my .300 Winchester Magnum. In the Outfitter ammo line – loaded in nickel

cases with sealed primers to battle the most inclement weather – the 6.5 Creedmoor 120-grain CX load printed very nice groups, as did the new 7mm PRC, loaded with the 160-grain CX bullet. I got to see the results of the latter when a hunting buddy cleanly took a bull moose in British Columbia with the new cartridge.

Hornady CX component bullets

are available in the following configurations: .224-inch (50-grain), 6mm (80- and 90-grain), .257-inch (90-grain), 6.5mm (120- and 130-grain), .277-inch (100- and 130-grains), 7mm (139-, 150- and 160-grain), .308 (150-, 165-, 180- and 190-grain), .338inch (185- and 225-grain), and .375 (250-grain).

Hornady Outfitter ammunition is available in the following cartridges: .243 Winchester (80-grain CX), .257 Weatherby Magnum (90-grain CX), 6.5 Creedmoor (120-grain CX), 6.5mm PRC (130-grain CX), .270 Winchester (130-grain CX), .270 WSM (130-grain CX), 7mm Remington Magnum (150-grain CX), 7mm WSM (150-grain CX), 7mm PRC (160-grain CX), .308 Winchester 150- and 165-grain CX, .30-06 Springfield (150- and 180-grain CX), .300 WSM (180-grain CX), .300 Winchester Magnum (180-grain CX), .300 Weatherby Magnum (180-grain CX), .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (180-grain CX), .300 PRC (190-grain CX), .338 Winchester Magnum (225-grain CX), .375 Ruger (250-grain CX), and .375 H&H Magnum (250-grain CX).

SHOULD WE ALL make the switch over to copper alloy projectiles? Well, I feel that the exclusive use of copper bullets might be a bit hasty right now – unless, of course, you live in California or another area that mandates their use. But if I had a rifle/ cartridge combination that I were fond of, I would want at least one load featuring a copper bullet that printed acceptable groups should things change quickly, or should you want to travel to hunt.

You could certainly do a lot worse than the Hornady CX; like the older GMX bullet, I have no complaints whatsoever with the design, and if the improvements made by Hornady equate to a boost in performance and shooter confidence, all the better. They hit hard, kill quickly and shoot accurately. What more could a hunter ask for? 

ROAD HUNTER

TOP HOLIDAY GEAR PICKS

HAUGEN

Another great year of hunting has come and gone. I spent over 250 days afield, traveling to multiple states and four countries. I used a lot of di erent gear. If you’re looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts, these are things I’ve personally used and would highly recommend.

SITKA’S EQUINOX GUARD COLLECTION

Last summer I went to Brazil’s Pantanal to photograph jaguars. The first evening along a river, I got nearly 100 mosquito bites through my clothes! For the next three days I wore Sitka’s Equinox gear and didn’t get a single bite. I also wore them spring turkey hunting in Oregon and in Alaska during the summer and didn’t get one mosquito, no-see-um or white sock bite.

The collection features pants,

gloves and a hoody, all designed to be worn together to minimize the health risk and distraction of insect bites by preventing contact with mosquitos, ticks and other bugs. It works by utilizing a newly developed bitereduction fabric and infusing built-in insect shield treatment. Each piece o ers UPF 50+ protection, Polygiene odor control technology and moisturewicking to keep hunters comfortable in warm and humid conditions. I

Gift ideas for the hunter (and four-legged friend) in your life.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT

From waders and outdoor clothes to luggage to quality food and training dummies, author Scott Haugen has proven holiday gift ideas for everyone in your hunting family.

was amazed with its comfort in the 95-degree Fahrenheit daily heat in Brazil.

Info: $448; sitkagear.com.

CHÊNE GEAR ZIPPERED KNEE BOOT

I wore these boots on multiple occasions. Deer hunts in wet conditions; fall turkey hunts; waterfowl hunts; and all fall and winter when running trail cameras, chasing predators, photographing wildlife and training dogs. I’ve worn and tested many knee boots over the years. These are awesome!

I love the ankle fit and support these boots o er while maintaining stability and comfort. The tread pattern performs great in a range of conditions, the side zipper is flawless and very convenient, and the insulating neoprene is durable and flexible. The custom insole options result in even more comfort and stability, and they’re quick drying on

Sitka’s Equinox Guard Collection will help prevent mosquito bites. Haugen wore them while hunting spring turkeys and didn’t get bit at all.

ROAD HUNTER

the inside.

Info: $200; chenegear.com.

LACROSSE AGILITY WADERS

I wore four brands of waders on over 100 waterfowl hunts last season from Alaska to Mexico to Texas, and the LaCrosse Agility Waders were my favorite. They made it into marshes, rivers, creeks and saltwater on over 60 hunts in temperatures ranging from 8 to 75 degrees.

The boots in the Agility Waders are very comfortable; I was a four-sport athlete in high school and played a bit of college ball, so quality footwear is high on my priority list. The waders are easy to get in and out of. I love the zip-out liner, which o ers plenty of warmth in temperatures below 20 degrees but was easy to remove on warm days. The breathable nylon upper was ideal on long hikes and very comfortable. A waterproof tech

pouch kept accessories dry, and I liked the shell loops and multiple comfortable pockets up front; I love places for my hands. For several days I spent 12 hours or more in these waders, and they always delivered.

Info: $550; lacrossefootwear.com.

FORLOH ALLCLIMA PANT

FORLOH stands for “For The Love Of Hunting,” and their quality clothes show it. The AllClima pant, which is 100 percent made in America, immediately caught my attention. This is a multiseason, breathable, water-resistant pant. It features a four-way stretch and incredibly comfortable knee pads that I spent countless hours on amid rocks and hard dirt this fall while hunting and photographing wildlife throughout the West. The articulated knees, gusseted crotch and ventilation side panels o er extreme comfort and mobility. The internal waistline features a silicon gripper that’s simply ingenious; it truly keeps the pants from riding up or down when moving or bending over, and your shirts stay tucked in, always! This is one of the best all-around performing pants I’ve used.

Info: $249; forloh.com.

YETI LUGGAGE & PANGA BACKPACK

I’ve traveled to some 40 countries and appreciate good luggage. This year I used Yeti’s Crossroads luggage, and I can’t say enough about its durability and performance. It took a pounding in three countries and multiple states. It got rained on, was dragged through mud and sand, and was laid in the snow – but everything was dry, and the zippers, wheels and extending handles kept working! The multiple interior compartments are very e cient, allowing a surprising amount of gear to be tightly packed. The zippers are tight but never let me down, even when excessive pressure was applied. The accessories compression bags are more than worth it.

The Panga Backpack hauled tens of thousands of dollars in camera gear in remote Alaska, Canada, Mexico

Lacrosse Agility Waders offer both quality and comfort in even the coldest conditions, and they get a big thumbs up from the author, here with a strap brimming with ducks.

ROAD HUNTER

and South America, and held up in the heaviest of downpours. If you’re a serious traveler, this luggage is a must!

Info: Starting at $300; yeti.com.

BIG AL’S DECOYS

I use a lot of di erent decoys, but one of the most e ective and a ordable has been Big Al’s Wigeon Pack Duck Silhouettes. Whether arranged in fields, at water’s edge in flooded fields and along sloughs, and even on levees, these decoys were responsible for bringing in large numbers of wigeon, mallards, pintail and teal all season long. I like using five dozen silhouettes with a dozen floaters, which allows for very e ective sets and at a fraction of the cost of full-body spreads. And the silhouettes are easy to carry.

Info: $72/dozen; bigalsdecoys.com.

FEDERAL SPEED-SHOK SHOTGUN SHELLS

Last year I used this extensively in 12-gauge 3-inch No. 2 shot. It’s one of the best-performing shotgun shells I’ve used. The pattern is impressive, the powder and primer burn very clean, and

it’s extremely e ective at long range on both ducks and geese. I shot other brands that cost three times the price of a box of Speed-Shok, and I’d not hesitate to use these anywhere on any birds, even eiders in Alaska. It has great penetrating power without ripping apart meat. I’ll be using it again this season.

Info: $23.99; federalpremium.com.

SLAYER ENCHANTRESS ELK CALL

Once in great while I see a new product that makes me just say, “Wow!” The Enchantress Push Button Elk Call by Slayer Calls is one such item. I used this versatile call on Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk last season, with impressive results. The first time I used it in the Rockies, I had three bulls bugle and come to within 40 yards, each from di erent directions. The range of cow and calf sounds the Enchantress creates is very complete. For hunters who can’t use a diaphragm call, the Enchantress is a must. Actually, it should be in every elk hunter’s pack!

Info: $55.50; slayercalls.com.

LEUPOLD RX-14000I RANGEFINDER

The new RX-1400i TBR/W is the fastest rangefinder I’ve used, and it works great in rain and fog. The bright red display is easy to read on sunny days, and the TBR (True Ballistic Range) feature was impressive in the steepest of terrains. It o ers 25 selectable ballistic groups that account to your preferred cartridge, resulting in pinpoint ranging. The 10 mph wind holds make the readings even more accurate. With this rangefinder, there’s no reason to miss a shot.

Info: $199.99; leupold.com.

MOULTRIE MOBILE EDGE CELLULAR TRAIL CAMERA

Cellular trail camera technology just got better with the Moultrie Mobile Edge. Fast, clear and consistent – that’s what I found with the cameras I used. I even set my go-to noncellular trail cams with the Edge to make sure I wasn’t missing any shots; I didn’t. It performs great in heavy rain, for predators and big game. It works with multiple data plan options and

Big Al’s silhouettes are some of the market’s most effective and affordable decoys. Haugen regularly uses them on his waterfowl hunts.

networks, and it has a long battery life. No SD card is needed. The complete information on the website will walk you through all you need to know.

Info: $99.99 moultriemobile.com.

NUTRISOURCE DOG FOOD & BISCUITS

Let’s not forget our dogs this holiday season! Quality dog food is one of the things hunters neglect most. We spend a lot of money and time on our hunting companions, so why not invest a bit more to make sure they lead a healthy, comfortable, longer life? For years I’ve been feeding my 6-year-old male gun dog NutriSource dog food, which o ers compact nutrition and pre- and probiotics. My 8-year-old male pudelpointer gets the NutriSource Element Series, which contains up to 90 percent protein. Both of their recovery times are fast and joint pains are gone with these quality foods; and their stools are much smaller and fewer, meaning digestion is optimized. Don’t skimp on treats, either. A buddy lost a month of hunting after his Lab reacted to a poor-quality treat he ate at a gas station this fall. I use NutriSource

Biscuits, which are meat-rich, protein-dense, and made with real fruits and vegetables. These foods seem pricey, but you actually feed less at each meal.

Info: nutrisourcepetfoods.com.

AVERY DOG TRAINING BUMPERS: This summer one of my dogs started getting lazy in the water, retrieving bumpers by barely gripping the end. Enter the Avery Sporting Dog PerfectHold HexBumper. The dumbbell design with enlarged ends forced my dog to gain the proper grip and hold, which carried over to our bird training and future hunts. It comes in three colors and is $10.99.

I was also happy with their EZ-Bird Pheasant with tooth-lock features for a solid hold, a puncture-proof skin, a soft floating head that won’t break teeth, and a sight/scent tail streamer for focused marks. The realistic paint and anatomically accurate design made training more fun and exciting for my dogs. I’ll be getting more of these in the waterfowl line.

Info: Eight options available;

$19.99; banded.com.

TOPFLIGHT DOG VEST

I have pudelpointers, and their deep chests and narrow waists aren’t easy to find waterfowl vests for. However, the Topflight Vest by Alps is great! The 5mm neoprene used throughout the vest not only protects the dogs in heavy brush but keeps these lean gun dogs warm on long, cold days on the stand and in the duck blind. The multiple bar-tacked areas make for easy trimming, and the contoured neck o ers an even better fit. The lift handles, leash clip and dual flotation pads are excellent, very functional features. Comes in four sizes.

Info: $49.99; alpsoutdoorz.com.

THERE YOU HAVE it, a list of some of the best gear I used this year and will keep using. Happy holidays! 

Editor’s note: Scott Haugen’s popular DVD, Field Dressing, Skinning & Caping Big Game, makes a great stocking stu er! Visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook.

The Moultrie Mobile Edge cellular trail cam delivers “fast, clear and consistent” results and “performs great in heavy rain, for predators and big game. It works with multiple data plan options and networks,” states Haugen.

The Savage Renegauge, released in 2020, is one of 10 shotguns that author Larry Case recommends for their durability, features, weight and other factors. (SAVAGE ARMS)

SCATTERGUN ALLEY

10 SHOTGUN CHOICES FOR YOU

STORY BY LARRY CASE

Maybe you have heard me say this before in these pages, but you really can’t have enough shotguns. Many forms of hunting – waterfowl, upland, turkey and small game – all rely on a dependable scattergun, and

many would argue that the shotgun is the best choice for home defense. We are blessed in the USA to have a wide variety of shotgun manufacturers and models to choose from, and here are 10 for you to consider. If you can’t decide between a couple di erent models, I

would say just get them both!

CZ-USA UPLAND ULTRALIGHT ALL-TERRAIN

It has been several years since I went to my first NRA convention as a gun writer. I stopped by the CZ-USA booth and was handed a 12-gauge Upland

Ultralight model. It was love at first heft. This is a 12-gauge shotgun that weighs 6 pounds. (The 20-gauge is less than 5½ pounds.) Many times since then I have said you carry a shotgun a lot more than you shoot it. And to me, for a hunting shotgun, the lighter the better. The Upland Ultralight has been a lightweight, fast-handling shotgun since its inception. When CZ-USA came up with the All-Terrain line, they just made a good thing better.

The first thing you will notice on the Upland Ultralight All-Terrain is the barrels and receiver got a Cerakote finish. Cerakote is a ceramic and polymer coating applied to hard finishes to protect that item (in this case, a firearm). Cerakote was developed in the 1980s, and the coating provides an ideal protective shield against abrasions and corrosion.

The standout feature of this series of scatterguns is a small but revolutionary addition to the ejector/extractor of the break-open variants. To make them more ideal for use in a duck blind or while handling dogs and equipment in the field, each of the All-Terrain over/ unders and side-by-sides has a set of rare earth magnets installed in their extractor or ejectors. With these magnets in place, most modern shells stay in the gun even when the gun is turned upside down. This makes loading them easy in a pit blind or boat, and never will a dog-

handler accidentally dump shells out of their gun while bending over to work with their dog.

Equipped with sling swivels and extended chokes, these shotguns are ready to chase birds – from doves and ducks to turkeys and grouse.

Info: $965.00; cz-usa.com.

BROWNING MAXUS II WICKED WING

This ain’t your grandad’s shotgun. These days most of us want our shotgun dressed in camo, and we want it to be tough and impervious to mud, snow, ice and Labrador retriever slobber, especially in a waterfowl gun. A semiauto shotgun that will not function reliably in the tough conditions of the duck blind does not even make a good boat paddle.

The heart of the Maxus shotgun is the Power Drive Gas System, which relies on a gas piston that has been designed to be more reliable in all conditions, fire a wider selection of loads, reduce recoil and cycle shells faster. The new Power Drive gas piston features large exhaust ports that e ectively dump gases faster on heavy loads, while the piston has an approximately 20 percent longer stroke for superior reliability with light loads. The Lightning Trigger is designed to o er a smooth, crisp feel with minimal travel, and a 3.5-inch chrome-lined chamber and bore protects against

corrosion. The bolt, bolt slide, shell carrier, bolt release button and cocking handle of the Maxus II have a nickelTeflon coating for added corrosion protection, lubricity and easy cleaning.

For 2021, Browning added a redesigned customizable stock, enlarged the gun’s controls, improved the trigger guard, and increased camouflage options and disassembly features. A Retro Vintage Tan camo pattern, Cerakote Burnt Bronze camo receiver finish, and Burnt Bronze barrel finish decorate and protect this shotgun nicely. The Maxus II Wicked Wing ships with three extended Invector-Plus Goose Band choke tubes included (full, modified, improved cylinder).

This new o ering from Browning is a beast and will handle anything you throw at it in the duck marsh or goose pit.

Info: $2,249.99; browning.com.

MOSSBERG 940 JM PRO

A few years ago, I made a pilgrimage to the hallowed ground of the Gunsite Academy training facility in Arizona. I was there for the 260 Shotgun Class. I brought with me a couple Mossberg scatterguns, one being the 930 JM Pro model. To tell the truth, I did not see much wrong with the 930 as it was, because for three days it loaded, fired and ejected shotshells in the desert sand and heat.

Working with world champion

CZ-USA Upland Ultralight All-Terrain. (CZ-USA) Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing. (BROWNING) Mossberg 940 JM Pro. (MOSSBERG)

shooters Jerry and Lena Miculek, Mossberg decided to make a good thing better. Using the 930 JM Pro-Series Competition Shotgun as a baseline, the Miculeks worked with Mossberg engineers to identify and help redesign major areas of improvement that included the gas system, loading port, point-of-aim/point-of-impact, overall product fit and functionality, sight system and choke system.

The new gas system on the 940 will run up to 1,500 rounds before cleaning and will reliably cycle any type of quality factory-made 2¾- or 3-inch ammunition. It also incorporates a stepped and vented-spacer component that keeps the gas system running fast by shedding any moisture or carbon buildup every time it cycles. Fifteen hundred rounds between cleanings? That is impressive.

Loading and unloading are major concerns on a competition shotgun, and the 940’s loading port has been

designed to allow the user to e ciently quad-load the magazine tube straight out of the box without any need of modification to the receiver. The elevator and shell catch have also been designed to eliminate common pinchpoints. Mossberg engineers worked to design a new barrel-making process for the 940 that ensures the consistent production of a platform that will allow a user to maintain an accurate pointof-aim/point-of-impact when utilizing quality factory-made ammunition.

The 940 sports a slim profile and ergonomic forend and stock, and both feature Mossberg’s signature texturing that o ers a positive yet comfortable grip. The stock is completely userconfigurable, o ering out-of-the box adjustability for length of pull (13 to 14½ inches), drop and cast. The receiver is anodized for durability, and the controls (charging handle and bolt release button) are oversized. Internal

components are nickel-boron coated for smooth, reliable functionality. The 940 JM Pro comes equipped with Mossberg’s Accu-Choke system, and ships with a set of Briley extended chokes (cylinder, improved cylinder and modified) that come engraved with constriction for easy selection.

Info: $1,157; also check out the Mossberg 940 Waterfowl model, built on the same 940 platform, and with an MSRP of $1,126; mossberg.com.

BENELLI SUPER BLACK EAGLE 3 20-GAUGE

Most shotgunners have never heard of Danish gunsmith Christer Sjörgren, or Federico da Montefeltro, an Italian duke, but both of them played a part in one of the most innovative shotguns in the past 30 years. Headquartered in Urbino, Italy – the home of the duke – Benelli revolutionized sporting arms in 1991 with the introduction of the first semiauto shotgun capable of firing 2¾-, 3- and 3½inch shells, the Super Black Eagle.

Utilizing the wonderfully minimalistic Inertia Driven System, invented in 1903 by Sjörgren, the Super Black Eagle shotgun was destined to become one of most reliable, versatile and popular shotguns in the world. In naming the Super Black Eagle, Benelli paid homage to the Duke of Urbino by naming the shotgun for the eagles depicted on his coat of arms.

The Super Black Eagle has been the darling of the waterfowl crowd for over 30 years. With its reliability (nobody is harder on a shotgun than a duck hunter), fast cycling and ability to handle heavy loads, goose and duck hunters love their Super Black Eagles. It could only be a matter of time that Benelli would o er this iconic shotgun in 20-gauge, and that day is here.

Jerry Miculek fires Mossberg’s JM 940 Pro. (MOSSBERG)

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 20-gauge. (BENELLI)

At the heart of the SBE3 is the ultrareliable inertia-driven action, which is centered around an Easy-Locking Bolt System – an enhanced breech-closing system that eliminates shooter-induced stoppage when trying to softly close the bolt or when the shotgun is treated roughly in the blind. And because hardcore waterfowl hunters don’t stay out of the field in frigid weather, the new SBE3 is designed for easier operation with gloved and/or cold hands. The oversized bolt handle, oversized bolt release, oversized safety and redesigned magazine cap, along with the enlarged load port, make for easier operation in cold conditions. The new 3-inch SBE3 shotguns are available in black synthetic, Realtree Max-5, Gore Optifade Timber and Mossy Oak Bottomland camo patterns in both the 12-gauge and 20-gauge chamberings.

Info: $2,149; benelliusa.com.

ROSSI TUFFY TURKEY .410

If you are a turkey hunter, and unless you have been living under the proverbial rock, you know that TSS (tungsten super shot) loads for turkeys have become quite the thing. Using this incredibly dense metal to make pellets in shot shells has changed the turkey shotgun world forever. Because tungsten pellets are so superior – in flight, in how they pattern and in terminal performance – turkey loads and shotgun shells have evolved. TSS followers generally agree that a No. 9 tungsten shot pellet is comparable in performance to a No. 5 in lead. This has caused two big changes in the turkey

gun world. First, because No. 9 shot can be loaded for turkeys, it allows many more pellets per shell. Second, because TSS loads are so deadly, subgauge shotguns, including the .410 bore, have soared in popularity.

Rising to this task, Rossi is o ering a very interesting version of their Tu y shotgun for hunters. The Tu y Turkey .410 shotgun is the second edition of Rossi’s single-shot Tu y, which is an a ordable entry-level shotgun perfect for the young hunter’s first shotgun. At first glance it would seem that Rossi engineers changed very little from the first Tu y, but that would be incorrect. Rossi changed the receiver on this little shotgun completely, ditching the all-steel version and replacing it with a polymer version that includes a steel frame. This makes for a lighter version of the shotgun and less worries for rust and corrosion.

The features on the Tu y Turkey include a 26-inch barrel (much better for the turkey hunter than the 18-inch version on the original Tu y) and two chokes, an extra full and a modified. The stock on this little shotgun is a great improvement in that it is adjustable with a removable extension. This allows for the younger shooter to comfortably shoulder the shotgun with the extension removed, and Dad can use it with the extension inserted as well. The OD green synthetic stock also has four shell holders on each side.

Info: $243.07; rossiusa.com.

STOEGER M3500 SNOW GOOSE

For waterfowl hunters the phenomenon

of the conservation snow goose hunt is a dream come true. The snow goose has multiplied in the past several years to numbers that are causing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and various state fish and game agencies to rethink bag limits and shotgun restrictions. Some states have extremely liberal daily limits and gone is the requirement for only three rounds in the gun.

Stoeger addressed this happy dilemma by modifying the venerable M3500 Waterfowl Special shotgun to add the 922R-compliant extended magazine of the Freedom Series shotguns, creating the Stoeger M3500 Snow Goose shotgun. This versatile shotgun eliminates the need to add U.S.-manufactured components to gain the extra capacity demanded by serious snow goose hunters. With a capacity of 10+1, plus cold weather loading, unloading and operating, the Model 3500 Snow Goose shotgun is made easier by the oversized bolt handle and bolt-release button. A specially machined and beveled loading port makes feeding shells into the magazine tube with gloved hands quick and e cient. Rugged, weather-resistant construction and finish stand up to the worst conditions. A distressed-white Cerakote finish adorns the stock, forend, and receiver and barrel to blend in with winter environments.

At the heart of the M3500 Snow Goose shotgun is the Inertia-Driven System for dependable operation. The Inertia-Driven action is contained primarily within the receiver, providing a

Rossi Tuffy Turkey .410. (ROSSI)

Stoeger M3500 Snow Goose. (STOEGER)

better, more centered balance and swing. The receiver also stays cleaner longer. Five extended choke tubes (improved cylinder, modified, extra-full, closerange, midrange) along with a choke wrench come standard with the M3500 Snow Goose shotgun. Also included is a paracord sling and shim kit, which allows for adjustment of the gun for drop and cast. The full-length vented rib is topped with an easy-to-see red-bar front sight that stands out in low light.

Info: $899; also check out the Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl model, with an MSRP of $849; stoegerindustries.com.

RETAY GORDION

Retay has caused a shake up in the shotgun world in the past few years with the introduction of its Inertia Plus system. In short, Retay’s rotating bolt system employs a torsion mechanism to keep the shotgun in battery so that a sharp jarring or setting the shotgun down abruptly would not disengage the bolt, as would sometimes happen with traditional inertia-powered shotguns.

Also, Retay’s patented push-button removable trigger system is a big leap forward in shotgun usability and safe storage. This feature allows the shooter to remove the entire trigger group in less than two seconds with no tools. This can be accomplished easily in the field to clear mud or debris or at home before storing the shotgun as an added level of safety.

Retay has added the Gordion to its line of shotguns, o ering shooters and hunters with a more economically priced shotgun with most of the features of their Masa Mira line of guns. This is a lightweight, highly functional shotgun with the Retay Inertia Plus System that won’t break the bank. The Gordion features Retay’s Mara Pro Barrel, Easy

Retay Gordion, above and below.

(RETAY )

Custom Guns

When it comes to full custom guns, whether it be custom revolvers, custom 1911s, or full custom large caliber rifles, the place to look first is Gary Reeder Custom Guns. In business for almost 40 years building some of the finest full custom guns, built to your specs. Reeder Custom Guns is a fully licensed firearm manufacturer and can build that very special gun you have always wanted. To see almost 70 different series of full custom guns, see our web site, or if you have questions feel free to call.

10 to 12 month delivery in most cases.

Gary Reeder Custom Guns • 2601 7th Ave. East • Flagstaff, Arizona 86004

Load Trigger Guard, oversized SP controls, quick unload system, red TruGlo front sight, and five chokes (full, modified, improved modified, improved cylinder, and cylinder). Choice of 26- or 28-inch barrel and ships in a hard case.

Info: $899; retayusa.com

FRANCHI INSTINCT SLX

Some shotguns just feel right when you pick them up. The Franchi Instinct SLX is a nice shotgun, and it sits atop the popular Instinct SL line as the deluxe version for shooters who enjoy beautiful styling as much as performance and superior ergonomics.

The heirloom-quality shotgun is now available in 28-gauge and follows the Franchi tradition of producing fast, reliable and smooth-swinging guns for hunters and sporting shooters. These over/under shotguns boast features usually seen on expensive high-end

shotguns, such as a cut-out locking lever, an artistically engraved receiver with gold inlays, a gold trigger, and a handsomely checkered AA-grade walnut Prince of Wales stock and Schnabel forend. The glossed-blue barrels are tipped with a red fiber-optic sight and extended choke tubes to complete the overall aesthetic.

A safety-mounted selector switch allows shooters to choose which barrel fires first. All-steel auto ejectors throw spent shells well clear. Chambering is 2¾ and 3 inches, and the barrel length is 28 inches.

Info: $2,099; franchiusa.com.

WINCHESTER SX4 FIELD

It has been a while since Tim Flanigan set multiple shotgun shooting speed records with the Winchester SX3, 2010 to be exact, but most shotgun aficionados agree that Winchester SX

shotguns are still the fastest around. Among other records set, Flanigan was able to fire 12 rounds of Winchester AAs in 1.42 seconds, and that, my friends, is fast.

The new line of SX4 shotguns, including the SX4 Field model, have several improvements you are going to want to check out. One of the first things experienced shooters notice about the new Super X4 is the improved ergonomics. It’s lighter and the pistol grip is slimmer regardless of which hand you use to pull the trigger. The balance point on the gun has been moved slightly forward for a more fluid swing and better target tracking. The fit and balance of a shotgun stock are critical factors of how well you’re able to shoot it. The SX4 comes with polymer length of pull spacers that fit between the stock and the recoil pad. When adjusted properly, you shoulder the shotgun with a smooth confidence and “felt recoil” is greatly diminished. Synthetic-stocked SX4 models come with one spacer already installed to provide a standard 14¼-inch length of pull and include one additional spacer in the box.

The new Super X4 features a larger bolt handle and an oversized bolt release for easier engagement and faster operation – two especially important features when your hands are cold and wet, or when you’re wearing gloves. The larger, easier-tooperate ambidextrous safety button on the SX4 is located at the rear of the angular-profile trigger guard, and it is easily reversible for both right- or lefthanded shooters. The opening on the trigger guard is generously sized, even

Franchi Instinct SLX. (FRANCHI)

Winchester SX4 Field. ( WINCHESTER)

Case knows his way around the world of shotguns, from competition to self-defense to upland and waterfowl hunting – the last as evidenced by a stop at Stan Jones Mallard Lodge. (LARRY CASE)

when wearing heavy gloves. Rounding out this speedster shotgun’s features are a 14½-inch length of pull; 3-inch chamber; 26-inch barrel; 6-pound, 10-ounce weight; and full, modified and improved cylinder chokes.

Info: $959.99; winchesterguns.com.

SAVAGE RENEGAUGE

Among the many items talked about at the 2020 SHOT Show was the new Savage Renegauge shotgun. Savage had not put out a shotgun in a while and certainly not one in this price range. On top of everything else, this shotgun has a fluted barrel. Oh yeah, people were talking about it, including me.

The heart of any semiauto shotgun is, of course, the gas system which operates the gun. Most would agree that Savage started with a blank piece of paper in conceiving the Dual Regulating Inline Valve, or DRIV, system. The DRIV gas system has two valves that function in unison to balance the pressure

needed to operate Renegauge’s action. As the round fires, expanding gases are vented from inside the barrel by the two valves that work together. The harmony of these two valves in the DRIV gas system allows for a precision tuned action. Extraction is consistent and reliable, no matter how hot or mild the shell. The DRIV gas system takes some of the bite o of magnum shells. Renegauge’s stock rod bu er does even more to reduce felt recoil. The combination shock absorption extends the life of the action bar assembly. In the barrel, Renegauge has ports in a staggered multiport arrangement to prevent wad shaving.

An adjustable length of pull and comb height allow for a customized fit that enhances accuracy and comfort for each shooter. Three recoil pads can be used to adjust length of pull; comb height inserts make proper cheek weld on the stock even easier; and a shim kit allows for further

personalization of fit.

Getting the fit right on a Renegauge is easy, but there’s more to the gun’s ergonomics than the tailored fit. Renegauge is built for speed. Savage builds the guns with competition-ready, beveled magazine ports and angled trigger housings for easy and rapid reloads. Even the charging handle, bolt release, and cartridge release lever are oversized for ease of use.

Info: $1,539; savagearms.com. 

Editor’s note: Larry Case has been a devoted outdoorsman since he was a child. He will admit to an addiction to turkey hunting (spring and fall), but refuses any treatment. He enjoys the company of gobblers and cur dogs that are loud and people who speak the truth softly. Case served 36 years as a game warden in West Virginia and retired with the rank of district captain. You can check out his podcast and other stories at gunsandcornbred.com.

Savage Renegauge, above and below. (SAVAGE ARMS)

vlineind.com

V-Line’s new in-wall Tactical Closet Vault is finished in a rugged flat black powder coating and is outfitted with an all-steel MOLLE board on the door. The vault has been specifically designed to conveniently store and organize tactical gear. The three-point locking system with the Simplex quick-access push-button lock provides superior security on the corners of the door. The lock does not require batteries and will always be at the ready. It provides a unique and space-conscious way to secure firearms and your tactical gear, such as magazine clips, ammo pouches, flashlights and optional mounts for your home-defense weapons and other items, with the convenience of quick access. The door and frame protrude less than 2 inches from the wall, allowing it to be concealed behind a door or in a closet.

HOLI DAY GIFT GUIDE

VAULT PRO USA

vaultprousa.com

Handgun Pro II standard features:

• American-made handgun safe – factory direct;

• Superior-strength handgun safe;

• 10-, 7- or 3-gauge steel body models;

• S&G D-Drive digital lock;

• Auto easy-open system with gas shock;

• Military-grade PE foam insert;

• Holds two handguns plus mag azines and ammunition;

• Bolt-down capability.

mag-

FIELD N MARSH OUTFITTERS

northwesthunting.com

Jeff Miller combines his love and knowledge of the outdoors with a passion for excellence and 20-plus years of hospitality management and over 30 years as a full-service outfitter to provide an exceptional experience for both his numerous day hunters, destination-oriented individuals and corporate groups.

FLASH SPORT FISHING

flashfishing.net

Join Captain Steve Talmadge and his crew for a safe and exhilarating time shark and deep sea fishing out on the San Francisco Bay waters. Flash Sport Fishing Charters is one of the top fishing charters in San Francisco, offering exceptional fishing trips and tours to anglers of all skill levels. They offer several half-day and full-day guided charter and trip options. Just bring your fishing license and a meal – everything else is included! Fully insured in California and equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard Masters License.

Check out their rates and charter availability on their website.

ALUMAGRIPS alumagrips.com

Our Desert Eagle grips have undergone a redesign with improvements that are second to none. First we removed almost 1/8 inch from the thickness of each grip. Then we enlarged the radius on the back edge of the grip to reduce the overall circumference. And finally, we eliminated the need for two screws as well as the plastic insert that traditionally is needed for mounting the grips. Excellence in design and function, that is the goal of AlumaGrips.

COVERT CARRIER covertcarrier.com

The Covert Carrier is designed for “deep” cover or “back-up” use. Suited for small-framed, singlestack semiautomatic handguns, it can be affixed to a removable grip panel or via rubber sleeve. Carry with total handgun concealment. No holster, case or pouch required. Just “grab and go.” No cloth, elastic or leather to fail or wear out.

TRIPLE K triplek.com

The Space Cowboy Scoped Holster is a strong-side vertical-carry holster designed for the long-range handgun hunter. The holster can be worn on any waist belt up to 2 1/4 inches wide and features a tie-off leg strap for added stability. The holster can also be added to our popular Wyoming drop loop belt. Belt sold seperately.

MSRP: $185.

BULLARD LEATHER

bullardleather.com

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.

VORTEX

vortexoptics.com

Is it even winter without flannel? The Timber Rush Flannel holds back the chill better than a campfire. Shop for the shirt at our website.

REPTILIA

reptiliacorp.com

After more than two years of development and testing, Reptilia is proud to announce the Recc·E Stock for AR-15/ M16- and AR-10/SR-25-pattern rifles. Designed at the request of a military end user, the Recc·E Stock features a constant cheek weld, ambidextrous QD sling attachment points, rubber buttpad, and a modular design that allows usage of a standard AR-15 carbine buffer system, or A5/SR-25 carbine buffer system by replacing the receiver extension (buffer tube) and forward portion of the stock. Weighing only 12.0 ounces including the proprietary AR-15-length receiver extension, the Recc·E stock is the ideal lightweight solution for the entire spectrum of AR-pattern guns, from compact to precision.

The initial preproduction run of AR-15-length Recc·E stocks will be extremely limited and available exclusively through RSR Group for dealers, and direct to consumers at the above website. MSRP: $159.95.

TACTALOAD

tactaload.com

TactaLoad is a new company providing quality aftermarket accessories. The FLASH-5 is a unique shotgun stock incorporating an internal magazine that offers the shooter instant access to five additional rounds of ammunition. The FLASH-5 protects your spare ammunition and feeds them out the bottom of the stock fast!

SHELL SHOCK TECHNOLOGIES shellshocktech.com

If you loved Shell Shock’s lightweight 9mm cases, try our .380 ACP cases. More calibers coming soon. Lighter than brass, more powder capacity, greater consistency between rounds, and can be picked up with a magnet. Reduces ammunition weight and increases performance. Made in the USA. Shell Shock…Shoot it, Love it!

Evolution Gun Works egwguns.com

The Krebs beavertail milling fixture is designed to help properly cut and shape a 1911 pistol frame for installation of a beavertail grip safety. Now manufactured and sold by EGW, the fixture solidly holds the gun’s frame in the correct position to be worked on, and clamps into common milling machine’s vise.

REDDING RELOADING EQUIPMENT redding-reloading.com

Redding engineers have developed a unique concentricity gauge, which uses the science of ergonomic design to improve overall precision and ease of use. The single-point contact-bearing surfaces are placed at an angle and made of hardened stainless steel, creating an ergonomic positioning of the case and improving the ease of motion turning the case by making the action far more natural.

The new Slant Bed Concentricity Gauge features a large and easy-to-read dial indicator that quickly mounts in a factory-aligned base dead-on the centerline of the case.

EXQUISITEKNIVES.COM

exquisiteknives.com

Featuring the Steve Hoel Pearl Folder engraved by Steve Lindsay. This amazing piece of art is just one example of the variety of high-end custom knives offered by Dave Ellis, retired master bladesmith.

Exquisiteknives.com has been offering a very discriminating clientelle knives made by some of the most collectible makers, such as Bob Loveless, Bill Moran, Ron Lake and Michael Walker.

PRESENT ARMS INC. presentarmsinc.com

Present Arms is a veteran-owned small business that manufactures professional firearm tools and workstations. We offer quality and affordable products to service and build firearms.

PROLIX LUBRICANTS prolixlubricant.com

armor-

Whether a sportsman, armor er or military, our solutions are cost-effective, armorer-approved, field-tested and built to meet the needs of sportsmen and professionals everywhere.

BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION  black-hills.com

Black Hills Ammunition’s 10mm HoneyBadger has deep flutes designed for optimum terminal performance without reliance on hollow points. The bullet penetrates deeply, cutting through bone and muscle to get to vitals. This is important when relying on your handgun for protection, including the possibility of bear attack. This is a solid choice for defense!

Even Santa would love to see a bottle of PrOlix in his stocking this holiday season! There is no product on the market to date that works like PrOlix; just see their ad in this publication and learn more over at their website! Let PrOlix make it a joyful holiday!

PEET SHOE DRYER peetdryer.com

The Advantage Plus dries and deodorizes all types of footwear in one to four hours. The Advantage Plus is fan-assisted, dries two pairs of shoes at once and is compatible with all Peet DryPorts. Assembled in the USA and comes with a five-year warranty.

FREEDOM MEAT LOCKERS

freedommeatlockers.com

Skirt steak, tri-tip, chicken and more! National and state award-winning family-owned and -operated butcher shop since 1972.

Specializing in custom cutting, smoked meat and retail meat sales. Award-winning smoked meats, including 30 varieties of sausages, all made in-house, plus bacon. We have been awarded Best Ham in the United States!

We carry only the best steaks for our customers. We offer high choice-grade beef.

We have a full deli on the premises that will make your mouth water!

We pride ourselves in unique marinades on skirt steak, tri-tip and chicken!

No order is too small or too large!

ALFORD DESIGNS LIMITED, LLC etsy.com/shop/AlfordDesignsLtd

THE BUFFALO WOOL CO. thebuffalowoolco.com

This is the big boy – these are our heaviest, most insulating, most wicking socks, and most likely the warmest sock on the planet (excepting electric).

Ultrasoft bison fiber blended with fine merino wool means there is no prickly itch from these socks.

Will keep your feet warm and dry all winter long.

FULL FORGE GEAR fullforgegear.com

Our beautiful, handcrafted leather embossed and leather-lined concealed carry purses feature a special V-shaped pocket inside for your small pistol, plus a cut-resistant strap. All our products are made in Virginia. We offer patent-pending cut-resistant leather straps that can be purchased sepa rately. Offering fine handcrafted leather products since 2015.

sepa-

The Cat-2 Double Pistol case features a padded divider to separate the pistols and accessories. Its wrap-around zipper and lay-flat design allow for easy access. Also features a large external compartment with webbing for securing magazines and tools in the case. Available in tan and black.

TED BLOCKER HOLSTERS tedblockerholsters.com

Our handsome suspenders are the best you will find on the market today. The quality top-grain leather used in our shop for these suspenders is sourced here in the USA, as are all the other components. With three color options you are sure to please the men in your life. Add a Derringer pouch and you have a very unique gift to give or keep!

VERLE’S

verles.com

HIGH ADVENTURE RANCH

highadventureranch.com

High Adventure Ranch, the oldest big game hunting ranch in Missouri, was founded by Charles Puff in 1983. The ranch has over 30 big game species, with an estimated 2,000 animals. Our guides have over 70 years of experience. The ranch offers lodging, homecooked meals and full-service meat processing.

DAVIS TENT davistent.com/product/ sleeping-bag-cover

Our sleeping bag cover is a great way to protect your sleeping bag and add a little warmth. You can even sleep under the stars on a starry night! Roll your sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping pad up and it’s a perfect bedroll to keep all your sleeping gear organized.

Verle’s has the Big Chief front- or top-load package for you. Smoking is made simple with the Big Chief, as all you have to do is plug it into a standard household outlet. Just place your food (after brining or preparation) on one of the five racks that sit over the top of the drip pan. The smoker’s capacity is a whopping 50 pounds of meat or fish! Includes: smoker, five easy-slide chrome-plated grills, electric cord, drip pan, wood flavor pan, free bag of

and recipe booklet.

Alder

MSRP: $134.99, including holiday special of four extra bags of smoking chips –a $20 value!

LUTHAR luth-ar.com

The new Wing Grip AR pistol grip by Luth-AR LLC is thick, robust, tough and ambidextrous. Designed with ambidextrous ergonomics in mind, the full palm swells fill the hand, providing a consistent and rapid grip positioned to promote accurate and repeatable shots on target. The thumb rests and palm shelf work together to lock the hand in place shot after shot.

Features: Designed with wings on either side for enhanced support and handling leverage, also doubling as thumb rests; ambidextrous grip with full palm swell; palm shelf for additional support; robust texture on side panels and backstrap for a non-slip grip; and dual freedom flag panels for maximum freedom. Made using 50 durometer Thermoplastic Vulcanizate for a tacky and slightly rubberized feel, the new Wing Grip AR pistol grip is designed by Luth-AR and made in the USA.

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LEGAL SPOTLIGHT

What seems reasonable in the moment may not be in the eyes of the law or a court, given potential nuances around a self-defense incident. (SHUTTERSTOCK)

THE LEGAL JUSTIFICATION FOR THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE

STORY BY SHAWN VINCENT

The legal justification for the use of deadly force in selfdefense is deceptively simple and infinitely complicated.

Don West, criminal defense attorney and national trial counsel for CCW Safe says, “The core principle of self-defense – with minor tweaks within

the 50 states – is that if you have a reasonable belief that you are facing an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death, then you have the right to use deadly force to prevent yourself from being injured or killed.”

It sounds simple enough, but how soon is “imminent”? How bad does an injury need to be to qualify as “serious bodily harm”? What makes a belief “reasonable” anyway? Concealed

carriers arm themselves so they are prepared to survive an attack from a violent criminal. Understanding the laws governing the use of deadly force is critical for armed defenders to survive the legal scrutiny that follows any such event. As a concealed carrier, you have a responsibility to know the laws wherever you carry, but there are certain core principles that apply no matter where you live in the United States.

Exploring the concepts of ‘reasonable belief,’ ‘imminent threat’ and ‘serious bodily harm.’

Justification for the use of deadly force begins with the defender’s “reasonable belief” that an attacker poses a serious imminent threat. West says that “when a jury decides whether a defender’s conduct was reasonable, they will assess it from a subjective and objective point of view.” The subjective assessment looks at the facts from the defender’s perspective, taking into account the information they knew about the specific circumstances, and it may include factors such as the defender’s personal experiences, selfdefense training, and physical abilities. The objective assessment, West says, “is evaluated from the jury’s perspective where they, in a sense, put themselves in the shoes of the defender” and decide if the conduct was reasonable from that standpoint. “The more legal definition of ‘reasonable belief,’” he says, “means a belief that would be held by any ordinary or prudent man (person).”

IN THE SHOOTING of David Crofut by Gerald Strebendt, Crofut rear-ended

Strebendt on a dark night on a remote section of highway. Crofut exited his vehicle shouting obscenities and making threats while advancing toward Strebendt. Strebendt happened to have a rifle in his vehicle, and he grabbed it along with his cell phone and dialed 911. He started commanding Crofut to stay back, but Crofut continued to advance until he was close enough to touch the barrel of Strebendt’s rifle. Strebendt fired a single shot. It proved fatal. Crofut was unarmed.

Objectively, considering the circumstances, an “ordinary and prudent” person might find Strebendt’s belief that he faced a serious imminent threat was reasonable. Crofut was the one acting unreasonably; he was the one making the threats and advancing in the darkness toward a man with a rifle despite being warned o . Subjectively, however, the assessment changes when it is revealed that Gerald Strebendt is a veteran Marine sniper and a retired professional UFC fighter

nicknamed “The Finishing Machine.” With his combat training and physical capabilities, a juror could decide subjectively that Strebendt didn’t have a genuine reason to fear an unarmed man in his 50s. Stebendt endured an aggressive prosecution for murder and ultimately pled to lesser charges, serving significant time behind bars.

Conversely, Curtis Reeveswas a frail man in his 70s when he found himself embroiled in a pitched verbal exchange with a much younger and stronger man named Chad Oulson. The altercation began when Reeves asked Oulson to put his cell phone away during previews at a movie theater. After some terse words, Oulson stood up and leaned over his seat, shouting at Reeves seated in the row behind him. After Oulson knocked a bucket of popcorn o Reeves’ lap, Reeves drew his pistol and fired a single fatal shot.

The news media dubbed the case “The Popcorn Shooting,” and public opinion was largely critical of a concealed carrier for shooting an

Self-defense instructor Steve West teaches students to assess a potential threat’s ability, opportunity and intent to do harm.

(SHUTTERSTOCK)

unarmed man during an argument in a movie theater. At trial, however, Reeves’ lawyers presented evidence about the defendant’s physical frailties and emphasized how Reeves was vulnerable in the seated position while Oulson towered over him. While Reeves’ use of deadly force might not have been objectively reasonable to an “ordinary and prudent” person, the jury’s subjective assessment of Reeves’ condition likely contributed to his surprising acquittal.

WHILE THESE TWO cases might not be particularly instructive to a concealed carrier, they help illustrate how nuanced the assessment of a defender’s “reasonable belief” can be. Steve Moses, a self-defense and firearms instructor, o ers his students some more practical advice on how to understand what constitutes a reasonable belief or “serious bodily harm” or death. He teaches students to assess a potential threat’s ability, opportunity and intent to do harm.

“Ability,” Moses says, “simply means that a potential threat has the skills or the tools to cause serious injury or death.” When an attacker wields a firearm or an edged weapon, assessing an attacker’s ability is relatively easy. It’s more di cult with unarmed attackers. But even with a clear-cut assessment of ability, it’s not enough on its own to justify the use of deadly force; Moses says an attacker must also have the intent to do harm. An armed security guard at a jewelry store has the ability to cause serious injury or death, but he almost certainly does not have the intent to harm law-abiding citizens.

Ability and intent alone are not enough to justify the use of deadly force. Moses says the potential threat must also have the opportunity to cause serious harm or death. An attacker wielding a firearm likely has the immediate opportunity to cause serious harm – as long as they’re not too far away or behind some bulletresistant barrier. However, he notes that an attacker with a baseball bat

on the opposite side of a car, or an attacker armed with a knife behind a window, may have the ability and intent to cause harm, but they do not have the immediate opportunity – not unless they run around the car or they shatter the pane of glass.

WHILE ABILITY AND intent speak to the “reasonable belief” aspect of the legal justification for the use of deadly force, “opportunity” speaks to the “imminent” element. There is no firm legal definition of imminent, but CCW Safe’s West says that, in practical terms, imminent means “right now or something that can occur in a split second.” It doesn’t mean something is about to happen; it means something is happening. Some armed defenders who encounter aggressors with the ability and intent to do harm face legal consequences for using deadly force because they resort to their firearm either too early or too late – either before or after the attacker had the imminent opportunity to inflict harm.

Michael Drejka shot Markis McGlockton after being violently shoved to the ground. The incident was captured by security cameras. At first, the much larger McGlockton appears as if he is going to continue the attack, moving toward Drejka with an aggressive posture. However, when Drejka pulls his pistol and points it at McGlockton, the situation changes. The attacker steps backward, diminishing the opportunity to cause harm. Drejka shoots anyway. It proves fatal. A jury convicted Drejka of manslaughter. After the verdict, one of the jurors told reporters, “I think he had the opportunity not to kill him.” The attack was no longer imminent. Drejka shot too late.

In other cases, defenders have shot too soon. Markus Kaarma detected an intruder late at night using a video monitor he had set up in his garage. All he could see was the silhouette of a figure, but he knew someone was there. He grabbed a shotgun and went out to the front of his opened garage

and fired into the darkness, fatally injuring the intruder. Greggory Farr was startled awake in the middle of the night by a stranger pounding on his front door trying to break through. Terrified, Farr made the mistake of firing through the door, killing the man on the other side.

The intruder in Kaarma’s garage turned out to be a teenaged foreign exchange student who was “garage hopping” (stealing beer from refrigerators in garages that had been left open). The intruder in the Farr case was a drunken neighbor who thought he had been locked out of his own townhome a few doors down. Both were unarmed, and neither had the immediate opportunity to cause serious injury. Both Kaarma and Farr faced criminal prosecution.

AS IT TURNS out, neither of the intruders in the Kaarma and Farr cases had the intent to do harm, but the law generally allows homeowners to assume uninvited intruders intend harm. For concealed carriers outside of their homes, Moses, the selfdefense instructor, says intent is the hardest of the elements to determine because “it essentially requires the defender to peer into the other person’s brain.” He says one tactic for assessing the intentions of a potential threat is to create distance between you and the aggressor if you can safely do so. Provided the threat is not wielding a firearm, creating distance removes the immediate opportunity for the aggressor to do serious harm, as they would have to draw a gun or close the distance to create an immediate threat. If an aggressor presses an attack – especially if the defender retreats and issues clear verbal warnings – it removes much of the ambiguity regarding their intentions, and if the opportunity becomes imminent and ability remains, an armed defender can resort to their firearm with some confidence that their use of deadly force will be found justified.

Despite creating distance and issuing clear verbal warnings, Gerald Strebendt faced challenges in his selfdefense claim because his attacker did not subjectively have the ability to cause serious harm, especially considering the defender’s mixed martial arts skills. This touches on the one aspect of the legal justification of deadly force we haven’t explored yet: the concept of serious bodily harm. The statutes in some states refer to this as “great bodily injury.”

Whatever the terminology, deadly force is only justified to prevent an injury that would cause lasting harm, chronic pain, disability or significant disfigurement.

“Normal bodily injury is just pain,” says Moses. “It’s temporary. It’s fixable,” whereas serious bodily injury includes “things that would break a bone or create a laceration or puncture wound that would require an extended hospital stay.” He says that

an attack that could render a defender unconscious or incapacitated, such as a choke hold, could also be considered “serious bodily harm.”

AS AN ARMED defender or concealed carrier, you should research and understand the specific laws in your state, but wherever you go in the United States, the core elements justifying a citizen’s use of deadly force are fundamentally the same. A defender must have a reasonable belief that they face the imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death. One of the best ways to ensure your actions are reasonable is to use the “ability, opportunity, and intent” test that Moses endorses. When you create distance between yourself and a potential threat and issue verbal warnings, if the aggressor continues to attack, you can be reasonably confident that they have the intent and opportunity to do you harm, and you’ll

have more time to assess their ability to cause serious injury or death.

While these are the core principles justifying the use of deadly force, there are other factors that can a ect a self-defense claim such as who is the “initial aggressor.” There are also justifications for the use of deadly force in defense of another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. A defender can lose some of the benefits of the self-defense laws if they are trespassing or engaging in criminal acts. All these factors, of course, add to the complexity of self-defense laws. We’ll explore these concepts in our next article. 

Editor’s note: Shawn Vincent is a litigation consultant who helps select juries in self-defense cases, and he manages public interest of high-profile legal matters. Mr. Vincent is also a regular contributor to CCW Safe’s news and podcasts.

Self-Defense TRAINING

TAKING DAVE ‘BOON’ BENTON’S VEHICLE TACTICS PERSONAL PROTECTION CLASS

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA

Ihave had the honor to know some of the best marines the Corps ever produced.

I have had the privilege to train with these great men and to receive training from them, as their knowledge, training and experience are unmeasurable.

As a trainer in the self-defense industry who is blessed to continue his training and travel as a writer observing and participating in exercises with the

industry’s top training leaders, it should come to no one’s surprise that my top three favorite instructors are personal protection specialists (aka bodyguards) and two of the three are marines! This is a continuation of one of those extraordinary instructors.

Dave “Boon” Benton has been mentioned before in the pages of the American Shooting Journal and is highly popular for the portrayal of his exploits and heroism in the movie and book 13 Hours, the inside account of what happened in Benghazi. Benton always humbly states for the

record the Benghazi incident did not define him, for that was one of many situations where he kept his cool and helped his teammates and others survive predations.

I have spent a lot of time with Benton over the years, both professionally and personally, and the more time I spend with him, the more that I admire the man. Not just because of his vast knowledge, training and experience – which very few in the industry can top – but because when he is in his element, his demeanor is so calm

With how much time we spend in cars and trucks, it makes sense to practice car-centered self-defense.

Gladius International Training’s facility in south Florida was the site of a recent course centered on car-based self-defense tactics and taught by noted personal protection specialist Dave “Boon” Benton.

and relaxing, which makes learning more enjoyable for his students and everyone around him.

I have also become good friends with many who served under fire with Benton, and all confirm that his coolness in a crisis situation is no di erent from his training to go into combat situations. His leadership is outstanding, as is his calmness when total chaos is surrounding everyone. That’s the sign of a great leader and an even better role model.

When I learned he was teaching a

class on vehicle defense, or car-based personal protection issues, I could think of fewer men on the planet better qualified to teach that class than Dave Benton. So of course I was there, ready to learn.

With a background in special operations in the Marine Corps, it was natural for Benton to become a contractor as a personal protection specialist for the U.S. State Department, which later led to the CIA. Like the true professional he is, rarely does he talk about his true-life

exploits, but one incident is especially relevant. He was working for the state department under contract with Blackwater in Iraq in 2004; he was a team leader in a five-vehicle convoy that was ambushed while driving through Baghdad.

As the driver in the lead vehicle sped away toward safety, Benton calmly kept the rest of the convoy updated on what was happening, allowing them to respond to the insurgents and escape the ambush without casualties.

Shooting from inside through glass.

Proper shooting form when coming out fighting from an automobile.

VEHICLE ATTACKS

Once again, readers may be wondering how any of this applies to the everyday citizen, and once again my reply is always the same. For your family, you are the team leader and lead bodyguard!

In the United States, the number one location for a violent attack against the common citizen is not the home but the vehicle. According to one source, carjacking is a federally recognized crime defined as “the taking or attempted taking of a motor vehicle from the person of another by

force and violence of intimidation.”

For civilians to consider, some felony crimes that could and have happened in or around vehicles are sexual assault, road rage, kidnapping, and even murder.

We spend a lot of time in our life going back and forth to work; picking kids up from school; going to the gas station, the grocery store, the mall and the movies; or visiting family and friends. If we are responsible gun owners who are concealed carry permit holders, is it not also responsible to practice self-defense for street

encounters and home encounters as well as vehicle encounters?

Ask yourself these questions. Do you and your family have a plan if you are attacked in or out of a vehicle?

Have you ever tried to get access to your primary gun while wearing a seat belt? If you are being shot at while in your vehicle, are you confident you and your family will be protected from those bullets? Do you know if the bullets you are carrying as personal protection rounds will not only penetrate your vehicle's windshield glass, but how much deflection or

Rounds coming out from inside.

Protecting the passenger.

bullet drop di erential they’ll have when returning fire to threats?

If you must exit the vehicle, do you know where critical cover points are to gain the best points of cover to return fire? Do you have a plan for your passengers on what to do if attacked? After the shooting is over and there are medical injuries, do you have the equipment and training to deal with them?

TAKING THE COURSE

There are many di erent schools of thought on vehicle tactics, and they generally include:

• Mental conditioning for combat engagements;

• Firearms safety and shooting fundamentals;

• Di erent shooting positions inside and outside the vehicles;

• Use of cover shooting over, under, and around the vehicle;

• Target discrimination;

• Ammunition e ectiveness into vehicles through glass and metal barriers;

• First aid;

• Communication skills in a gunfight;

• Vehicle deployments and counter-ambush techniques.

This was the curriculum that Benton taught at the beautiful range hosted and owned by Gladius International Training in south Florida. Michael Bird, who is the CEO, and his excellent sta are worthy of their very own article, which I will accommodate readers with soon.

The course was special for many di erent reasons. Benton’s assistant instructor, Marty Castellanos, is a very good friend of mine and a seasoned veteran police o cer who comes with a lifetime of experience, retiring as a lieutenant/detective from his department. Another surprise in the class was another long-time friend Andre Dallau, a gun writer extreme who has written for a wide variety of magazines for years – a man who I respect and admire.

The class participants had an interesting component to themselves. Dedicated civilians pushed themselves beyond their normal shooting levels and went more out of their comfort zone, and if that were not a test unto itself, the civilians would be going head-to-head with some of our country's most elite military special operations personnel. For obvious reasons, I cannot disclose who they were or what they do, which is sad because they are due all credit they earn. What I can say is how damn proud I am of those warriors who put their lives in danger to keep America safe, to keep us safe, to keep our families safe. You would be proud of them as well, and I ask we pray for them, as well as all our warriors who go into harm’s way!

As stated previously, there are similar types of vehicle tactics courses throughout the country. There are di erent instructors with knowledge and training, but the real-world experience that applies to us mere mortals is very rare. That is what makes Benton the exception. He has that personal experience of volunteering to go into a gunfight and to help

Force-on-force training around the periphery of a car.

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rescue others. He did not have to go to Benghazi, but innocent American lives were on the line, and make no mistake, he did not hesitate as he saved lives.

Benton has the experience to tell you what it is to fight inside and outside a vehicle. Benton lives and breathes the Marine Corps motto to never leave anyone behind. I have personally learned so much from him; he has taught me how to lose and how to win. And he turned me on to the writing of Joseph Campbell, who wrote, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

That sums up Dave Benton. His training cannot be recommended enough, as the man's training is second to none! For more information on Benton’s training, go to Threat Management Solutions at shootingclasses.com. For information on Gladius Management Solutions, go to gladiusinternational.com 

Editor’s note: For realistic self-defense training, see assaultcountertactics.com. Author Paul Pawela is a nationally recognized firearms and self-defense expert based in Florida.

Starting on September 11th, 2012, alQa’ida carried out a series of terrorist attacks on the U.S. Consulate and CIA Annex in Benghazi, Libya, killing four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens. With over 150 attackers at the Consulate alone, the attack was the largest terrorist attack on a U.S. diplomatic mission in history. And yet, the case remained unsolved. The terrorists were never brought to justice because they had not been identified until now.

Two former Central Intelligence Agency o cers involved in the Libyan crisis before, during and after the attacks decided they would not allow an al-Qa’ida terrorist attack to become a cold case. Inside these pages, you will find a first-hand account of the attacks showcasing the terrorists involved. For the first time, they open their files into a self-funded, open-source investigation into the perpetrators.

Drawing on their extensive experience and knowledge of the region, to o er a unique and valuable perspective on the events.

This important and timely book provides crucial insights into a tragedy as the CIA o cers share their findings with the reader. The hope is to honor the memory of those killed by exposing and bringing justice to the real enemies of the United States. –From the book overview

Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy coauthors Sarah Adams and Benton with Pawela.

Author Paul Pawela with the legend himself, Dave “Boon” Benton, and holding Benton’s Bastinelli knife.

The class photo.