GEAR AND SUPPLIES

Bargain Hunters

Bag a buck without breaking the bank

BY COSMO GENOVA

W

hile hunting can be an expensive pastime, owning a quality ri e doesn’t have to put a big dent in your wallet. The market is packed with fantastic rearms for every application and budget, and for less than $1,000, you can get an accurate, dependable ri e. Whether you’re buying your rst rearm or adding to your collection, each of these hunting ri es deserves consideration for a spot in the gun safe:

1

BERGARA B14 HUNTER Calibers: .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7mm08 Rem, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag

The B14 Hunter takes inspiration and features from Bergara’s custom shop and places them in an affordable production rifle. With Bergara, it’s all about the barrel, and with this rifle you get exactly what you’d expect.

Built in Spain at Bergara’s highly automated barrel factory, the B14 Hunter is capable of sub minute-of-angle (MOA) all day. But other features also stand out, including a super-smooth action and a great factory trigger and stock. The two-lug mechanism features a sliding plate extractor and a coned bolt nose and breech that are designed to provide smooth feeding and extraction of the cartridge throughout cycling.

The stock is made of a glass fiber-reinforced polymer that is further strengthened with solid steel pillars set into the stock during the molding process. This creates a very rigid platform that holds the barreled action rock solid. B14 Hunters come with either a hinge plate internal magazine or a detachable box magazine that holds four rounds (three for magnum calibers). At a hair over 7 pounds and an overall length of about 42 inches, it is a great size and weight for your dedicated hunting setup. $825, bergara.online/us

2

TIKKA T3X LITE Calibers: .22-250 Rem, .223 Rem, .243 Win, .25-06 Rem, .270 Win, .270 Win short mag, .300 Win mag, .300 Win short mag, .30-06 Sprg, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm-08 Rem

When shooters talk about a trigger breaking like glass, or an action that is smooth as butter, Tikka immediately comes to mind. The Finnish gunmaker, now part of the Sako and Beretta family, updated its beloved T3 rifle with a redesigned stock and ejection port (and a few other small upgrades) several years ago, and the powerful T3x lineup was born.

While there are a number of stock and barrel configurations for the T3x, the T3x Lite is probably the best option for hunters on a budget who prefer a lightweight rifle and synthetic stock. With Sako quality guiding production, the T3x Lite is incredibly accurate; Tikka guarantees 1 MOA right out of the box. And at less than 6.5 pounds, the T3x Lite is a great choice from the treestand to the mountains. The foam-filled factory stocks are rigid and customizable, and there are lots of available aftermarket stocks and accessories. Tikkas are available in a wide range of calibers from varmint loads to longrange magnums, and most rifles come with a three-round magazine. $679, cabelas.com

3

RUGER AMERICAN RIFLE Calibers: .30-06 Sprg, .270 Win, .308 Win, .243 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, 6.5mm Creedmoor

There’s a reason the Ruger American is on so many “best” lists. It’s an impressive rifle for around $500, and it can often be found for significantly less.

The American has a smooth three-lug bolt, a free floating barrel and an adjustable trigger. Ruger claims 1 MOA; with common loads at moderate distances, the American is a dependable hunting and target rifle, and some people are even using these rifles to consistently hit paper targets at distances of 1,000-plus yards.

The American comes in most popular cartridges and a number of configurations. Other notable features are the rotary box magazine, the tang safety, the included Picatinny rail and the integrated bedding system. The base version weighs a touch over 6 pounds, and there is a wide variety of aftermarket accessories and stocks.

While it’s by no means a refined shooting implement, the Ruger American is an excellent choice for beginners and perfectly adequate for more and perfectly adequate for more experienced hunters. $439 to $449, basspro.com

4

SAVAGE 110 HUNTER Calibers: .22-250 Rem, .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, .243 Win, .2506 Rem, .270 Win, .280 Ackley Imp, .30-06 Sprg, .300 Win mag, .308 Win, 6.5mm Creedmoor, 7mm Rem mag, 7mm-08 Rem

When Winchester’s New Haven, Conn., plant closed in 2006, the Savage 110 eclipsed the Model 70 as the oldest continuously manufactured bolt-action rifle in North America. Sixty-three years after its introduction, the Savage 110 is still as relevant as ever, with a variety of models ranging from around $645 to more than $1,600.

The most recent iterations of the 110 feature the AccuFit system for comb height and length-of-pull customization, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger that breaks cleanly and the AccuStock, which secures the action on three-dimensions along its entire length. The Savage 110 Hunter is built to extremely tight specifications, and the rifle’s precision barrel, floating bolt head and head space control provide accuracy and consistent feeding. It has a detachable box magazine with a capacity of four rounds, and the top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. At 7.25 pounds, you might find it to be a bit more forgiving on your shoulder than the ultralight guns. $669.99, cabelas.com

The .410 Grows Up

Tungsten Super Shot is transforming turkey hunting

BY KEN PERROTTE

ust a few years ago,

Jmany hunters were swearing allegiance to the largest magnum shotguns and ammunition loads they could manage in their quest to get wild turkey gobblers — despite the punishment those setups could in ict. Some of the heaviest 3.5-inch shotshells can be jaw rattlers, strong enough to loosen llings and crack molars.

Today’s trend, however, is toward light and lethal. Hunting with .410 shotguns, the smallest bore available and commonly seen as a kid’s rst shotgun, is becoming more common. Hunters are cleanly taking turkeys with shot shells loaded with tungsten pellets in either size 7 or 9 shot at ranges previously reserved for much larger 12-gauge guns with conventional loads.

Pellet density is the reason. Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) has a density of 18 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc); traditional lead shot comes in at about 11 g/cc. A No. 9 tungsten pellet has the approximate lethality of a No. 5 lead pellet when red at comparable velocities. Smaller pellets mean more shot loaded into the shell, meaning more pellets on target, given an appropriately patterned gun equipped with a tight choke tube.

Forty yards used to be the gold standard range for an ethical shot with a 12-gauge >

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STEVENS 301 TURKEY

gun. Smaller guns like .410s topped out at 25 to 30 yards — and that was with premium ammo. New shotshells stuffed with TSS are making the .410 the new 40-yard gun; in turn, shotgun manufacturers recognize the new ammunition has changed turkey hunting and are making .410s with features previously reserved for larger shotguns.

Mossberg offers a 500 Turkey pump-action .410 shotgun ($549, mossberg. com) featuring an extrafull, extended choke and camou aged in a mossy oak bottomland pattern. I used this gun to take three turkeys in Virginia and Nebraska this spring. All were shot at fewer than 40 yards, my personal cutoff for the maximum range I want to attempt cleanly killing a large turkey with a .410. Would a 12-gauge gun stuffed with TSS have extended my range? Yes, but that is not part of my turkey hunting ethos.

Mossberg also makes the SA-410 Turkey ($629.99, cabelas.com) for hunters preferring the lighter recoil of a semi-automatic. It comes with a receiver mounted rail to allow adding scopes or red dot optics. The SA-410 weighs in at 6.5 pounds, has a 13.75-inch length of pull and features a 4+1 magazine chambered for 3-inch ammo.

Savage Arms has the single-shot, break-action Stevens 301 Turkey line ($199.99, basspro.com) weighing in at 5 pounds, sporting an extrafull choke and available in multiple camo patterns.

Tristar Arms’ Viper G2 semi-automatic shotgun lineup added a .410 baby bore turkey model ($770, tristararms.com) in 2019. The gun features a tactical-style pistol grip and comes in multiple camo offerings.

All of these shotguns have some sort of sighting system along the barrel and are drilled and tapped to accommodate a Picatinny rail, which allows the addition of a favored optic. I mounted a GPO SPECTRAdot red dot sight on my Mossberg 500. A well-zeroed red dot can be indispensable in ensuring maximum pellets are delivered to the point of aim, eliminating the variability and sighting errors sometimes encountered with ber-optic sights or a simple bead at the end of the barrel.

Manufacturers of .410 shotshells loaded with TSS are steadily increasing. Federal began the .410 craze with its 2018 introduction of Heavyweight TSS No. 9. A 3-inch load contains 13/16th of an ounce of shot, equating to about 290 to 300 pellets. A full-length wad is designed to prevent the harder-than-steel shot from directly contacting the barrel.

Apex Ammunition and Nitro Company Ammunition also make .410 tungsten turkey loads. HEVI-Shot makes a variety of tungsten-based turkey loads in .410, including a 12 g/cc density No. 6 offering and an 18 g/cc density shotshell with either No. 7 or No. 9 shot.

Shot shells stuffed with TSS are pricey. To get started, consider getting a quality optic for your .410 and using cheaper, high-brass lead ammunition with comparable load sizes to get the gun patterning well. Then switch to tungsten loads, shooting rst at 25 yards and then backing out to 40. Done properly, you should be able to zero your optic with a single box of ammo. l

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MOSSBERG 500 TURKEY

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TRISTAR ARMS VIPER G2

The author used a Mossberg 500 Turkey shotgun to take a Merriam’s gobbler in Nebraska this spring.

THREE COLOR OPTIONS The Wetland shotgun case is available in orange, coyote and multicam.

Go for the Dunk

Keep your gear dry in the great outdoors

BY T. EDWARD NICKENS

Ahigh-tech wave of fully submersible gear bags is a godsend to hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who don’t let nasty weather keep them holed up. Waterproof zippers and ingenious closing systems keep rain and slop from sneaking into bag interiors, and new, lighter fabrics allow manufacturers to build bags that are comfortable to carry, with pockets and closures that are far easier to manipulate than those of just a few years ago.

Fully submersible bags are expensive, but there’s an awesome side bene t to buying bags that can take a swim: They’re built tough enough to last until the cows come home.

1

WATERSHED WETLAND SHOTGUN CASE

Shotguns get carried into the most inhospitable places — backcountry beaver swamps, snow goose elds with muck 2 feet deep — and they often get there in the bottom of a boat. Watershed builds drybags for some of the military’s toughest special-ops units, and brings that never-fail ethic to this waterproof, oating gun vault.

The Wetland shotgun case features Watershed’s signature doublechannel seal that functions like a zippered freezer bag. It shuts so tightly it will withstand underwater pressure down to 300 feet. All seams are double- or triple-layered and welded together, and will last for as long as you’ve got the knees to get into rough country.

You’ll need a light gun sleeve to help provide some extra padding, but otherwise this tote will probably be the last you’ll ever have to buy. $119, nextadventure.net

2

YETI PANGA 100 DUFFEL

Bring that. And that. And three of those. With 100 liters of capacity and a shell tough enough for a dustup with a rhino, this duffel is the last word in adventure luggage.

A laminated, high-density nylon skin rebuffs every insult, from a drag across gravel landing strips to a brush with cactus thorns. An EVA-molded bottom keeps it sitting upright, while a removable shoulder harness makes it easy to tote backpack-style.

The Panga line is made to overstuff. Fill it with eece tops and rockclimbing hardware and strap it to a roof rack, raft frame or pack mule. $399.99, yeti.com

4

SIMMS DRY CREEK Z FISHING BACKPACK

Lightweight, submersible backpacks have kicked old-school shing vests to the curb, and this one is jammed with shing-friendly features. An exterior pocket allows for quick access to tippet, small yboxes and other onthe-go accessories, and it’s built to double as a handy net holster for an instant grab when the moment of glory is at hand.

The 35-liter capacity swallows a rain jacket, insulating layer, lunch and enough gear for an all-day backcountry trek. What makes it stand out is its solid harness for comfortable carry and an innovative, self-healing waterproof zipper that is easy to manipulate, lowpro le and arcs deep along the backpack’s sides so it opens the pack wide for easy access to the interior. $299.95, simmsfishing.com

3

FILSON SPORTSMAN DRY BAG

This is one of the most versatile submersibles on the market. It can serve as an over-theshoulder kit bag that works well as a blind bag for duck hunting, a rugged camera bag, a boat bag that will swallow GPS units and radios and a get-to-it-quick tote for a raft or canoe.

The exterior shell is 840D nylon tarpaulin TPU — material used to make in atable boats — with a fully waterproof main-compartment TIZIP zipper. Inside are customizable dividers so you can switch up the layout depending on the adventure, and an under-the-hood clear pocket for easy access to maps, documents and smartphones. The shoulder strap is removable for a more streamlined packing pro le. $350, filson.com

Keep It Fresh

Top coolers to take on your outdoor adventures

BY JONATHAN CHAN AND KYLE HAMILTON

hen you’re

Wunwinding outdoors, the right cooler makes all the difference. Imagine going on a deep-sea shing trip for a few days, only to nd your entire catch has spoiled. Or reaching for a cold one on a camping trip only to nd your drinks are warm. You have a limited amount of leisure time; don’t let a bad cooler ruin it.

A good cooler is more than just an insulated plastic box that can keep your ice frozen. What you need depends on the activity. For example, a sherman would want a ruler on the lid of his cooler to make sure his catch is legal, but a bowhunter would want a model that’s bear-resistant to keep her basecamp safe. And everyone bene ts from a cooler with a built-in bottle opener.

After extensive testing of 15 top coolers, Reviewed’s favorite was the OtterBox Venture 45. Offering great insulation, durability and customization, we think the Venture 45 will best serve the needs of the average tailgater, sher and camper. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, we’d suggest getting the Ozark Trail. Walmart’s house brand may not keep food cool as long as the OtterBox, but it has more cupholders.

BEST OVERALL

OTTERBOX VENTURE 45 Cold hard facts: 45-quart capacity; includes dry storage tray and bottle opener; bear-resistant; limited lifetime warranty Pros: Great temperature retention; versatile mounting system; doesn’t leak Cons: Expensive

The Otterbox Venture 45 was able to keep temperatures under 40 degrees, the point at which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says meat will spoil, for almost five days, 20 percent above average. It also has great versatility and usability. We found the latching lock system easy to use, and once engaged nothing leaked out no matter how much we shook the unit. In addition, we appreciated the added mounting system on the front and back for any attachments that you would like to place (eight in total). The way the handles are built into the body of the cooler made us feel confident when moving the Venture. When you decide to set up camp, you can use the side handles to tie down the cooler for extra security, though we also found the rubber feet to be well designed and sturdy on their own. When loaded with ice and drinks, Venture didn’t budge an inch after a swift kick from our boot, where some other coolers tipped over. After the fun was done, we popped the drain and watched the melted ice drain through the sloped interior. If we had one complaint, it would be that the price is a bit high for anyone who doesn’t go on multiday fishing or camping trips. $299.99, otterbox.com

BEST VALUE

OZARK TRAIL Cold hard facts: 52-quart capacity; bear-resistant; limited five-year warranty Pros: Affordable; feature packed; includes a removable wire basket Cons: No mounting system

The Ozark Trail has a built-in fish ruler, four cup holders, a bottle opener, a threaded plug and T-handles. It also comes with a removable wire basket. During our tests, it stayed cool a little more than four days before it hit 40 degrees. With extra features, this cooler is perfect for anyone taking a leisurely trip — think of all those cupholders! One drawback: It lacks any built-in method for mounting it to a truck or boat. Because it didn’t ace the temperature retention tests, it did not get the top spot. However, given its price, we think the Ozark Trail is a solid value. $137, walmart.com

NEXT BEST

Other top coolers in Reviewed’s tests:

PELICAN ELITE Cold hard facts: 50-quart capacity; built-in fish ruler, bottle opener and cup holders; lifetime warranty Pros: Good temperature retention; feature filled Cons: Expensive, bulky YETI V SERIES Cold hard facts: 55-quart capacity; weighs 35 pounds empty; three-year warranty Pros: Stainless steel exterior; superior temperature retention Cons: Very expensive

Our testing showed that the Pelican Elite could keep meat and drinks cold for up to five days. Combine the high insulation with the huge interior, and you can easily carry enough food for two people for a long weekend. During testing, we found it a bit cumbersome and bulky to carry around. We’d suggest this for road trips rather than backcountry camping. Overall, we found the Elite easy to maintain. It has a threaded stopper at the bottom to drain ice melt, and it has stainless steel parts for durability. $299.95, pelican.com

The Yeti V series is in a league of its own. During eight days of testing, the internal temperature never went above 37 degrees. It performed so well, we actually had to redo the scaling of testing. The stainless steel latch loop and vacuum insulated panels did their job to a degree we did not expect. Why didn’t it take best overall honors? Because the V series is also in its own price bracket — nearly triple the price of its nearest competitor. We also thought the exterior was way too shiny, almost obnoxiously so in bright sunshine. $800, yeti.com

Reviewed is a USA TODAY content partner offering product testing and recommendations at reviewed.com.

Snack Pack

Keep yourself nourished in the field or on the water

BY HARRY LISTER

o one likes being — or being around

Nsomeone who is — hangry. And that’s especially true on a hunting or shing trip.

Whether it’s a burst of protein or a boost of energy, a quick, compact snack can be just what you need. Here are some options you can pack for a day (or more) that are as sure to satisfy as they are to sustain:

JERKY

Field Trip Original All Natural Beef Jerky

With a modest 1.5 grams of fat and 390 milligrams (mg) of sodium per serving, this 100 percent grass-fed jerky provides 10 grams of protein. $19.99 for four 2.2-ounce bags, amazon.com

Epic Original Hunter’s Recipe Venison with Beef Bites

Made from 100 percent grass-fed venison and beef, these bites have 4.5 grams of fat and 520 mg of sodium and pack 11 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving. $55 for eight 2.5-ounce packs, amazon.com

Country Archer Provisions Grass-Fed Beef Jerky

Handcrafted in small batches using 100 percent grass-fed beef, this jerky contains no fillers, nitrates/nitrites or MSG, and has 9 grams of protein, 400 mg of sodium and 0.5 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving. $5.49, target.com

TRAIL MIX

Enjoy Life Seed & Fruit Mix

If you have a sweet tooth or a nut allergy, this Mountain Mambo blend of pumpkin and sunflower seeds, cranberries and semisweet chocolate chips might be just what you’re looking for. $27.04 for a 6-ounce bag, walmart.com

Back To Nature Nantucket Blend

This tasty mix of almonds, pistachios, cherries, cranberries and raisins provides 4 grams of protein and 18 grams of carbs with zero added sodium or cholesterol. $7.99 for 10 ounces, vitacost.com

Planters Nut-rition Omega-3 Mix

This blend derives its 4 grams of protein and 12 grams of carbs from a mix of cashews, walnuts, raisins and dried apples. $14.29 for a 5.5-ounce bag, amazon.com ENERGY BARS

Power Crunch protein energy bar

The proto whey protein blend in these triple chocolate bars provide 13 grams of protein with only 11 grams of carbs and 100 mg of sodium. $16.99 for 12 bars, amazon.com

KIND Dark Chocolate, Nuts & Sea Salt energy bar

These gluten-free bars provide 6 grams of protein and have 16 grams of carbs in their 180 calories. They are also low in sodium (140 mg) and total sugars (5 grams). $12.68 for 12 bars, walmart.com

Quest Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough protein bars

With 21 grams of protein and carbs in each 200-calorie serving, these bars only taste like a guilty pleasure. $7.49 for four bars, target.com