by Scott Smith | Contributing Editor
Once again the calendar tells us fall is here, hunting licenses have been purchased and in many areas folks have taken to the fields in search of whatever game is in season. We also start seeing more and more “holiday” catalogs in the mail. Not being of the politically correct vent, I prefer to call it Christmas, as do many of my Jewish friends and with them I celebrate Hanukkah, as they will celebrate Christmas with me. In both cases it means we have to consider gifts for our friends and family who hunt, shoot, are outdoorsmen (and women), or serve in uniform.
Rapid Wraps from US Night Vision allow you to customize your AR magazines in a variety of patterns and colors, including those from Kryptek.
This year I decided to stray from the total gun part of being an outdoorsman and hunter. I shoot and compete with numerous firearms throughout the year, but when it comes to hunting season I only hunt with a bow. While this is my choice, in many parts of the country our fellow hunters are limited to hunting with certain rifles, shotguns, in-line muzzleloaders or bows; so I thought it would be good to give those of us who take to the woods with archery equipment some ideas.
Long ago I used a Fred Bear Kodiak recurve to hunt with and it still hangs in my storage room today, but it has limitations that modern compound bows have overcome. Modern compound bows are shorter, faster and generally give much more consistent downrange velocity and accuracy, thanks to newer technology in rests, sights and releases.
My latest compound is from Sims Vibration Labs or Limbsaver (50 W Rose Nye Way, Dept. TGM, Shelton, WA 98584; phone: 360-427-6031; online: Limbsaver.com) as most of us know them in the retail world.
Limbsaver has several parallel limb bows with the Proton being one of their newest and one of the industry’s most advanced bows. This is a 32” axle-toaxle bow tipping the scales at 3.8 pounds with an I.B.O. speed of 330-335 fps and available in 50, 60 or 70-pound draw weights with draw lengths of 25 to 30 inches; MSRP $799.99.
What sets Limbsaver bows apart from others is the posi-lock weight adjustment. Unlike other bows, when you adjust the posi-lock you do not affect the tuning of the bow and it is easily adjusted with the provided wrench by simply turning the weight adjustment nuts. Even at the lowest weight range you will not stress the limb anchors and you can safely shoot the bow at its lowest weight. In this bow’s case we set it at 63 pounds. I prefer to run the weight heavier but the short axle-to-axle length reduces your leverage on the string and cams on initial draw.
Limbsaver’s other innovation is the H.E.A.T. cam. This is a modular cam that balances the tension of the buss and control cables by using a yoke. This keeps the bottom cam from leaning which will give you more consistent shots, makes the bow easier to tune and will increase the life of the bottom cam.
Limbsaver uses the latest in Sims’ vibration-dampening technology in the split limbs, on all the cable slides, string leeches, and even in the weight adjustments. It is one of the quietest bows I have shot in the last decade and I have been lucky to shoot many of the popular bows on the market today.
To run a compound bow you need to equip it with a rest, sights, wrist loop/ sling, quiver and stabilizer. For this I turned to Truglo (525 International Pkwy, Dept. TGM, Richardson, TX 75081; phone: 972-774-0300; online: Truglo.com). Truglo is known for sights and choke tubes, but they also offer top flight, affordably priced archery equipment. Truglo sights have been installed on all of my compound bows and have yet to let me down.
The accessories installed on the Proton were Truglo’s TSX Pro Series 5 Pin Sight, Carbon XS Arrow Rest, Tru Tec Quiver and Deadenator Stabilizer.
These parts were chosen for their quality, ease of installation, adjustability and durability.
The TSX Sight ($86) is ambidextrous and adjustable in the vertical and horizontal planes. These adjustments can be gross by moving the fiber optic pins and fine adjustments via the lockable adjustment screws. The hood of the sight has luminescent tape so you can see the ring in low light and is fitted with a bubble level to ensure shot-to-shot consistency. For use in dark underbrush and to reduce sight glare, there is a factory-installed rheostat light.
To ensure consistent arrow release, the Carbon XS ($49) rest was installed.
This is a semi-capture rest with piston rocker arms which will clear most vanes on the market today. Like the TSX, this is ambidextrous and fully adjustable. The luck of the Irish must have been with me when it was installed, because the bow was paper tuned with the factory-installed knock point and eye-balled placement of the XS.
To round out the bow package the Deadenator Stabilizer ($27) and Tru Tec Quiver ($80) were installed as well as the Glo-Brite Peep (discontinued) and Centra Sling Pro. With compound bows the stabilizer offsets the bow’s tendency to “roll” over and the sling allows you to shoot with a relaxed grip without fear of losing the bow. The four-ounce Deadenator perfectly balanced the Proton allowing it to set in my hand without moving.
The last piece of gear on the bow was the Tru Tec Quiver. What sets this quiver apart from others is the locking easy on/off catch that attaches to the rear of the sight. The lock is secure, silent and operates flawlessly, securing five arrows to the Proton.
Like any other implement that shoots, the most important feature of it is performance on the range. Once the sights were zeroed and I had a chance to spend some time with the Proton/ Truglo rig, I found it to be a quiet tack driver. There was no twang or whipping sound from the limbs; the draw and release were smooth and quiet. At ranges from 10 to 30 yards, the Proton/ Truglo consistently shot six-eight arrow groups that were more often than not touching. The rig showed no preference for arrows. I shot a variety of arrows rated for 60-70 pound draw weight with 100-grain field tips and broadheads. I cannot show you any trophy photos, because this article will be at the publisher before hunting season starts.
I can tell you, if the Proton and/or the Truglo accessories were under my Christmas tree, I would be a happy camper.
To get to the woods most of us drive.
To keep prying eyes out of the cab of your truck or SUV, I suggest GetHerCovered.com (Phone: 319-310- 0989; Online: gethercovered.com) windshield covers. Unlike other windshield covers, GetHerCovered literally covers the front cab from the front to the side windows. This will reduce glare if you are going in stealth mode, reduce interior cabin temperature and keep prying eyes from seeing what is in the front of your vehicle.
Not only will GetHerCovered keep the sun out, but when used in the winter, snow and ice removal will take seconds; just remove the cover. This windshield cover secures to your vehicle when you close the front doors, at which time it is next to impossible to remove. I have been using one on my Kia since midsummer and I like GetHerCovered, even if it had to be tailored to fit. At $99.95, for what it does and how well the GetHerCovered protects your vehicle this is a good deal.
Fear not! I did not leave “gun stuff” out of my list of ideas. First we will look at Leatherman’s (PO Box 20595, Dept. TGM, Portland, OR 97294; phone: 503-253-7826; online: leatherman.com) Cam ($45) and Pump ($40) tools. These are two belt sheath tools; the Cam is designed for general use and the Pump for shotgun shooters.
Leatherman’s Pump (left) and Cam (right) tools, showing how the tools fit and are stored.
Both tools have gut hooks, while the handles have various size box wrenches built in with additional hex, flat tip or Philip’s head bits. You will find a broadhead wrench and sharpening tool with the Cam, so you do not lacerate your fingers installing or removing them.
For those of us who have well over-30 eyes, Birchwood Casey (7887 Fuller Rd Ste 100, Dept. TGM, Eden Prairie, MN 55344; phone: 800-746-6862; online: birchwoodcasey.com) offers Super Bright Sight Pens ($24.40). This is a set of three paint pens: flat white, fluorescent red and neon green. Clean your front sight, then I would use a flat primer on it, let dry, apply the white and, when that is dry, the red or green.
This will give you a front sight you can see in most lighting conditions without spending a fortune. The good news it’s easy and works.
If you want to add a touch of color or camouflage to your AR style rifle, US Night Vision (1376 Lead Hill Blvd., Ste 190, Dept. TGM, Roseville, CA 95661; phone: 916-788-1110; online: usnightvision.com) brings us Rapid Wrap Mag Wraps. These wraps are a self-adhesive polymer wrap for 30- round magazines. From my work with them, they will fit any current production metal or polymer magazine. You can wrap your magazines in popular camo patterns: ATACs, ACU, MARPATD, and Kryptek. Mandrake, Typhoon, Hylander, Nomad and several patriotic images are also available. For $19.99 you get three sets of wraps that you can easily install at home. Just follow the directions. US Night Vision’s Rapid Wraps is a fast, inexpensive way for someone on your gift list to personalize their AR style rifle.
To help ensure your favorite shooter keeps their hearing, consider quality hearing protection like that from Sport Ear (2397 S 300 E, Ste 100, Dept. TGM, Draper, UT 84020; phone: 877-557-4238; online: sportear.com).
Sport Ear offers both active and passive hearing protection as well as custom fit in-the-ear protection. We used the XT4 ($99.99) electronic dual microphone head set and the XP Series in ear plugs. The XT4 uses electronic reduction to 25db for loud, dangerous sounds with 8X amplification for normal speech/sounds. Each ear is independently controlled to meet your needs.
Lisa getting ready to be on the road in Columbia’s Fast Trek II Fleece, Silver Ridge Convertible Pants and Coolest Cool LS Shirt.
Over the years I have started to double plug and I find the XP Series ($15.99) of plugs to be a good option.
With the built-in plug closure you can reduce the db rating to 19. These plugs are comfortable enough to be worn all day, and cheap hearing insurance.
If you wish to get someone a bag to carry gear to and from the range, you might checkout the bags from Duck Commander (900 Ehlen Dr., Dept. TGM, Anoka, MN 55303; phone 800- 322-2342; online: duckcommander.com). The Daylight Shoulder Double Bag ($49.99) is a shoulder bag with plenty of room for field, office, or range. There are two main pockets with the rear pocket having a mesh pocket for small items while the front is padded. The flap has a clear zipper pocket to keep small items secure and visible. If you take to the field, there are elastic shell holders on the front of the bag, covered by the quick clip flap. Of course there is a shoulder strap for easy carry.
Duck Commander’s Daylight Shoulder Double Bag, Sport Ear’s XP Series Ear Plugs and XT4 Electronic Muffs to reduce hearing loss plus Birchwood Casey’s Super Bright Pens to enhance your front sight.
If you want to go with a traditional gift of clothing, consider Columbia (phone: 800-622-6953; online: columbia.com) for the man or woman on your list. One of the coolest men’s shirts I have seen is the Tamiami Camo Long Sleeve in Sail, Delta Camo ($78). If blue is not your choice, it can be had in Realtree AP or Mossy Oak Infinity. This is a shirt from the PFG collection with UV protection, Omni-Wick and antimicrobial fibers to reduce odor, while keeping the wearer cool and protected from the sun. This shirt weighs next to nothing and the boxy cut camo pattern makes it good for concealed carry.
For women on the go, the Coolest Cool Long Sleeve Top, Silver Ridge Convertible Pants and Fast Trek II Fleece ($50) make an ideal travel outfit. The Fast Trek II is a microfleece jacket that fits well, is warm, comfortable and is available in a wide range of colors. It is an ideal layer jacket for year round use. The Coolest Cool LS ($50) is ideal for year round use with a base layer to break the chill in a jet or the summer sun on the range, thanks to Omni-Freeze Zero and the 50UPF protection. To complete the outfit, Silver Ridge Convertible Pants ($60) are a good choice, because you can go from long pants in the morning to shorts in the afternoon when the temps climb. If you have a long rise or are curvy, Lisa suggests going up one size for comfort.
It was pointed out to me by Lisa that Columbia’s clothing in a pinch can literally be washed in the shower and ready for wear the next day—a major bonus if your suitcase does not arrive with you.
Hopefully this piece has given you some ideas to cover a wide range of outdoors enthusiasts. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all, and may the New Year find you safe and healthy.
Author wearing Columbia’s Tamiami Shirt, leaning on his SUV with GetHerCovered…you can see how it extends around to the front door windows.
