Steve Comus is a former Guns and Hunting Editor at WON. Before joining the staff at Western Outdoors more than a quarter-century ago he had a complete career as a frontline journalist with the L.A. afternoon daily Herald-Examiner, including quite a bit of foreign correspondence and years of investigative assignments.
Since he took a break from WON, he has written articles for most of the major publications in the shooting sports industry, authored a couple of books and published a couple of others, spent a while as editor of Gun World magazine and is currently director of publications for Safari Club International.
His writings focus on guns and shooting and all of the things that affect them, as well.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Winchester, Bushnell Winners
News comes from both Winchester and Bushnell in the form of a handy shotgun and tactical riflescope.
There is just something about a pump shotgun. But when the gun in question sports a barrel short enough to fit about anywhere, is basically impervious to hostile environments and features enhanced cycling characteristics, there is something to talk about.
Sometimes it is really handy to have a shotgun in the truck, in the boat or just around the house. Winchester Repeating Arms offers a great choice for those seeking such a firearm. It is called the Super X Pump Marine Defender.
SUPER-X PUMP DEFENDER from Winchester is a handy gun that is pretty much impervious to hostile environments.
The new Super X Pump Marine Defender from Winchester Repeating Arms is ready for any weather while on the water, for home protection and competition shooting.
“The SXP Marine Defender features an inertia-assisted action for faster cycling of shells. Matte Hard Chrome Plating on the barrel and magazine tube offers excellent protection against the elements,” Winchester reported. “A drop out trigger group allows for easy cleaning.”
The Super X Pump has an 18-inch barrel and uses the Invector-Plus choke system. A cylinder choke is installed, allowing the SXP to shoot anything from slugs to buck shot. The magazine holds a total of five shells and a removable TruGlo® fiber-optic front sight is included.
The Super X Pump is drilled and tapped for scope bases to accommodate a variety of sighting systems.
For better handling in all weather conditions, a tactical ribbed forearm gives more control. The Synthetic stock also features textured gripping surfaces and has an Inflex Technology Recoil Pad. Suggested Retail Price is $399.99.
NEW BUSHNELL SCOPE
Bushnell Outdoor Products has introduced a new 1-8.5x 24mm short to mid-range riflescope (SMRS). The Elite Tactical 1-8.5x 24mm riflescope is available with the BTR-2 illuminated, mil-hash reticle in a first focal plane design.
This is not an inexpensive model, but it offers a lot of bang for the buck.
“The new tactical SMRS 1-8.5x 24mm scope combines close quarters precision with outstanding mid-range capability,” Bushnell reported. “With true one power magnification, this scope delivers instant target acquisition at close range combined with the ability to acquire targets at extended ranges.”
The scope is built with a 34 mm tube, and features T-Lok locking target turrets with .1 mil click values and 10 mils per revolution.
The riflescope features the IgnitionTM illuminated BTR-2 reticle with 11 brightness settings (an off position between each setting) for quick adjustments in any light condition. The Ignition reticle increases overall brightness at any setting, with improved concentration of light on the illuminated portion of the reticle. The mil-hash BTR-2 reticle allows marksmen to quickly make range, holdover and windage adjustments. The reticle has a chromium backing on the muzzle side to eliminate light emitting from the front of the scope.
In addition to being a credible tactical scope, this model also can work great for big game hunters. In fact, it may prove to be a superb wild hog/deer hunting scope. MSRP is $2,149.
* * *
Steve Comus is a nationally recognized hunting editor with Safari Club International and a former WON Guns and Hunting Editor. His column appears every other week in WON and he can be reached at scomus@cox.net.
Remembering Mike
There is a profound sadness in the wake of Mike Raahauge’s passing. He wasn’t simply a big figure in the shooting sports of Southern California – he was personally responsible for the advancement of the shooting sports in the entire area. Absent Mike Raahauge, the shooting sports in Southern California would not be as big nor as vibrant as they are today.
As shooters and hunters, we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mike as we look back; and to his memory, looking forward.
Mike Raahauge is a personal friend in every way possible. He helped me immeasurably a couple of decades ago when mounting medical bills for my wife became overwhelming. But that’s the way he was – when he was needed, he came through. Whether it was helping to fight the antis and save guns and hunting, or raising funds for wildlife, Mike was right there, ready to do what he could – and that usually was a lot.
A year or so ago, Mike and I were sitting in the shade, a couple of geezers reminiscing and recognizing the reality of our own mortality.
“Hey, old guy, you and I are in the fourth quarter of the game,” he quipped, following those words with his reverberating laugh. “We just don’t know if it’s the two-minute warning yet.”
That game of life to which he referred now is over for Mike. He was a real winner. I’m proud to have known him. Sad to see him go and offer my most sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.
— Steve Comus
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Limbsaver® SW Tactical Sling
Every piece of gear taken to the range or into the field needs to justify its bulk and weight. Certainly it must enhance performance and not impede it.
Slings represent serious gear for long guns, whether the activity at hand is a hunt or a shoot. Sometimes a basic strap will do the job, other times the sling itself needs to be high performance and designed to enhance gun handling.
The world has come a long way from the days when a plain leather or canvas web strap attached to firearms were all that anyone wanted or needed. The extent of the job of the sling in those days was to hold the long gun on the shoulder, freeing-up both hands to do other things.
TACTICAL SLING BY Limbsaver makes handling long guns easier, more effective.
But things have changed significantly in recent years, and folks have developed firearm-handling techniques that require significantly more from a sling than merely a carrying device.
Much of the development of high tech gear is a direct result of the focus on “tactical” shooting over the past couple of decades. There has been more evolution in many areas of the gun world during that time than in all of history before.
Tactical techniques call for high performance of all gear, and the sling is no exception. Literally, the shooter’s ability to use the right kind of sling properly can make the difference between winning and losing – or in the case of real operators, life or death.
Sims Vibration Laboratory has a reputation for making high-performance products for the hunting/shooting world. Their new sling is no exception.
This company offers an extensive line of products for bowhunting, gun hunting and general shooting. High tech and high quality are hallmarks.
“When Sims Vibration Laboratory set out to develop their first tactical sling, they collaborated with those that know best the rigors of tactical weapons – law enforcement and military specialists,” the company reported. “The collaboration required several prototypes, and hundreds of hours of field-testing by various military and law enforcement agencies.”
When designing the SW Tactical Sling, Sims Vibration Laboratory had two critical goals: ease of use and comfort. The military-grade single and dual point connection makes it a quick and easy universal installation for all tactical firearms. The sling also features a quick-release harness system allowing for a quick disconnect from either the shoulder or the firearm. The lightweight contour design ensures that it is not bulky or cumbersome and can be shouldered quickly when getting into firing position.
For comfort, Limbsaver uses their proprietary NAVCOM material (Noise and Vibration Control Material), which absorbs the transmission of vibration. The unique contour design reduces shoulder fatigue, does not slip, and is comfortable for both left- or right-hand shooters. The nylon webbing is tested at 2,000+-lb. strength, yet, still is lightweight.
The SW Tactical Sling is offered in either black or black/tan and either one- or two-point connection. MSRP is $44.99. For more information on the complete line of Limbsaver products, visit www.limbsaver.com.
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Steve Comus is a nationally recognized hunting editor with Safari Club International and a former WON Guns and Hunting Editor. His column appears every other week in WON and he can be reached at scomus@cox.net.
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Thursday, April 04, 2013
Tale of two Savage rifles
Here in the pages of WON, we coined the term “Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR)” to describe a genre of rifle that results from computerized manufacturing coupled with synthetic materials in ways that makes it possible to have a high-performance hunting rifle at the most affordable price.
Here, I’ll look at the Savage Axis (MSRP $375), comparing it to that company’s mainline Model 11. Both are chambered for the .308 Winchester. However, the Model 11 happens to be the shorter stock youth model with a 3-9x Nikon scope with bullet drop reticle system as part of a factory-offered package gun (MSRP $674 with scope, rings mounted). (News flash: This is a superb rig, right out the box.)
SAVAGE OFFERS THE Axis, an MHR, top, and their main line Model 11, bottom. They may look similar, but actually are quite different. Both perform well.
I’ll focus here on things similar/different between these two affordable rifles in the Savage lineup.
Most noticeable is the action itself. The Axis features a chunkier action with abbreviated ejection port compared to the Model 11’s open top (easier to single-load the Model 11).
The barrel nut profiles are different – grooves on the Axis, smooth on the Model 11.
Functionally, the most noticeable difference is the trigger system. The Axis has a standard trigger, while the Model 11 has the Accutrigger.
Stocks are different, although both are basic black synthetic. The stock on the Model 11 is harder to the touch.
The basic bolt design is the same on both, although the bolt handles are different. Magazines are identical. They interchange easily and quickly.
Accuracy is similar for both – with a variety of loads, it was not difficult to achieve one-inch or better groups at 100 yards from the bench. Both shot a variety of bullet weights and designs very well.
The Axis often is referred to as an “entry level” centerfire rifle, and that is certainly true. When the conditions are rough and the hunt hard where taking a fancy rifle afield may not be desired, this is the kind of rifle that makes sense.
By design and execution, the Axis, as well as the Model 11, carry very well. They are not heavy rifles. Overall balance is good, which means they point and swing dynamically.
In the end, whether a company’s main line models or one of its MHR offerings makes sense is up to the individual hunter. I suggest that hunters take a few extra minutes in the gun shop and check the Axis and other MHR models. Compare them to the main line models from the various manufacturers.
They may make total sense. Perhaps not. But there is no way to know for certain short of checking them out in terms of personal tastes and hunt requirements.
In my opinion, both models are well worth the prices they command. The question is: are the added features of the mainline Model 11 worth the difference to you? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. For others, it is no, so why should they pay for more than they want/need? That’s why both are offered.
* * *
Steve Comus is a nationally recognized hunting editor with Safari Club International and a former WON Guns and Hunting Editor. His column appears every other week in WON and he can be reached at scomus@cox.net.
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Aimpoint
When it comes to red dot sights, Aimpoint comes to mind. Not surprising since that company originated the technology 38 years ago.
I guess I really know that I am a genuine mossback, because I remember when they were introduced. But what got me thinking about such sights was when I was working on some articles for the upcoming special section that focuses on wild turkey hunting.
Certainly Aimpoint sights are valid for such hunts. And a whole lot more. In fact, I find myself using red dot sights more and more all the time – on tactical rigs, shotguns, rifles and handguns.
I was amazed to see that all of the French hunters on a hunt I attended in Poland a year or two ago had red dot sights for their deer/boar rifles – and most of them were Aimpoints. They carried regular scopes and red dot sights, and interchanged them when needed, because the hunt involved driven game, which is shot on the run.
AIMPOINT MICRO H-1 is a “sight for all seasons.”
Although it is nice to have a sight dedicated to a specific arm, such a practice is beyond the means of many shooters. Good sights are not cheap – can cost as much or more than the gun itself.
Yet good sights can and do make the difference between success and failure at the moment of truth. It’s the old “better to have a cheap gun with good sight than a good gun with cheap sight” routine.
With all of that in mind, it is not difficult to switch out the Aimpoint sights, moving them from one firearm or bow to another. For such applications, the Micro H-1 is awesome.
“The Micro H-1 is truly the ‘sight for all seasons,’” Aimpoint notes. “This full-featured compact sight is equally at home on top of your centerfire rifle, shotgun, blackpowder rifle, handgun or bow. A variety of mounts are available to adapt the Micro H-1 to nearly anything you hunt with.”
The sight has an integral Weaver-style mount, so if you standardize bases on the various arms, then it is ultra-easy to switch it around.
Features include:
• ACET technology allows 50,000 hours of
constant-on operation using one battery.
• Available in 2 dot sizes (2 or 4 MOA).
• Fully waterproof.
• 1X (non-magnifying) parallax free optic.
• Mount is keyed to the sight body to absorb
recoil.
• Precision adjustments for windage and
elevation. Top of protective caps fits into
holes on adjustment screws - no other tool
required.
• 1 Off position and 12 settings for use in
daylight and lowlight conditions.
• 84 g without mount and 105 g with mount.
That’s a whole lot of performance in a small package.
Among other things, I’ll see how the mini works on moose later in the year on a trip to Canada. On that hunt, I’ll be using a combination that is quite common for moose hunting in Scandinavia: Blaser R93 rifle chambered for 9.3x62mm and Aimpoint sight.
Essentially, the 9.3x62 is a .30-06 necked up to .36 caliber and blown out slightly.
* * *
Steve Comus is a nationally recognized hunting editor with Safari Club International and a former WON Guns and Hunting Editor. His column appears every other week in WON and he can be reached at scomus@cox.net.
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Hog knife
Knives are integral parts of all hunts, and it is no different for wild boar expeditions. Now there is a hog-specific knife on the market for those who want to have just the right tool in-hand when the animal is down.
Wild hog hunting has been a way of life for a lot of Californians for decades — a long time before much of the rest of the country became involved in such pig-out hunts. Proliferation of porkers in other parts of the country has opened a whole new sub-set of activities within the hunting world.
California’s Central Coast was already going strong with pig hunts more than 40 years ago when I first tried the sport. Because shots can be close, far or in between, hog hunting offers a range of opportunities not experienced with many species.
BROWNING HOG HUNTER knife is big, bold and ready for the job.
For example, effective rifle cartridges for wild hogs range all the way from the .243 Winchester to as big as a hunter wants to go. Good handgun hogging rigs pretty much start with the .357/.41 Magnum rounds and go to as big and powerful as one wants. Although shotgun hogging wasn’t particularly common in the earlier days, a good shotgun with slugs can be fun in the brush-choked canyons for those hunters who go in to push the hogs from their resting places.
Now that the industry is playing catch-up ball, there is an increasing number of porker-specific products: guns, ammo, knives (I’m surprised someone hasn’t come up with some kind of pig scent – wouldn’t want to use scent blocker on critters with such highly developed noses, etc.).
Seriously, though, it does make sense to have a good knife for hogging, and Browning has introduced one this year. Called the Hog Hunter Knife, it is rather self-explanatory.
“This 7-inch fixed blade knife is ready for serious hunting, Browning reports. “The Hog Hunter Knife is made out of hollow ground 440 stainless steel. The molded synthetic rubber handle is checkered for an improved grip. The knife blade features the Hog Hunter Logo and includes a black nylon sheath.”
Suggested Retail Price is $72.
As is evident in the photo of the knife, it is not a subtle piece of gear. That’s fine, because there is nothing subtle about wild hog hunting.
In fact, come to think of it, hog hunting really helps to round out that hunting year. At times short and usually convoluted hunting seasons for many big game critters literally define a hunter’s focus during the times of the year when they are in play.
But what about the other times? Hogs, varmints and their like really do come to the fore. Although some hunters go for the gnarly, big old boars with intimidating tusks, truth is that sows in the 125 to 150-pound class make great barbecue.
For more information on Browning products, visit www.browning.com.
Meanwhile, maybe now is the time to start planning a hog hunt expedition. Grunt, grunt. It’s time to go hog hunting.
* * *
Steve Comus is a nationally recognized hunting editor with Safari Club International and a former WON Guns and Hunting Editor. His column appears every other week in WON and he can be reached at scomus@cox.net.
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