Outdoor Life - Gear RSS

New Spotting Scopes: OL Reviews and Ranks the 7 Best New Scopes of 2013

Alex Robinson — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:15:59 -0400

Conventional thinking in the optics industry used to be that most hunters will own only one or two spotting scopes in their lifetime. That’s the reason you see spotters configured for the middle of the utility spectrum—20X to 60X eyepieces, and objective lenses ranging from 60 to 80mm. Those sizes suit most hunting purposes, and they double as sighters at the rifle range or for observing birds in the backyard.

But just as the growth of specialized disciplines has created a market for riflescopes configured for specific shooting situations and binoculars for niche hunting scenarios, so, too, have spotting scopes adapted to some fairly narrow uses.

That evolution was expressed this year with Bushnell’s tough Elite Tactical LMSS ($1,700), featuring a first-plane Horus ranging reticle designed to be used as a spotter for long-distance shooters.

And we saw it with Vortex’s pint-size Razor HD ($699), a 50mm backpack spotter that occupies the space between a binocular and a full-size spotting scope. Swarovski’s $6,500 ATX/STX system (right) is the fullest expression of this niche marketing.

But there’s still plenty of room in the spotting scope market for mass appeal. Cabela’s Euro HD (below) is probably the best example of an all-around hunting spotter. Vanguard’s new Endeavor HD ($689) is a handsome 82mm scope with two-speed focus. Both Nikon and Redfield submitted price-point spotters. Nikon’s lightweight ProStaff 3 ($330) produced a dark, fatiguing image at 30X and above. The Redfield Rampage ($324) was optically unimpressive.

The number of spotting scopes you need depends on your purpose and your budget, but it’s hard to go wrong with a hard-wearing, higher-end scope that can perform a number of tasks equally well.

Swarovski ATX/STX

Swarovski has raised the bar on nature observation with this modular spotting scope system that features three interchangeable bodies and two eyepieces.

At $6,500 for the complete set (components can be purchased separately), this certainly is not an optical system for everyone. But neither should it be considered an unattainable luxury item, especially when you consider the price of a stand-alone Swarovski spotter.

The eyepieces mate with bodies that range in size from a 65mm to a stunning 95mm.

The broad utility and the shockingly clear, bright image it delivers make the case that this is a serious optic for the right combination of conditions and household income.

Configuration: 25-60/30-70X65/85/95
Price: $6,504
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: A+
Perceived Image: A+
Performance: A+
Design/Durability: A
Price/Value: B+
Verdict: Crazy-good, crazy-expensive modular scope system lets you swap eyepieces and barrels.

Cabela's Euro

When is a $2,200 optic a great buy? When it’s a big, durable, stunning spotting scope that competes with other European optics costing nearly twice as much.

We struggled with bestowing our value award on an optic priced out of reach of many hunters, but the test team kept returning to the Cabela’s performance—it won our resolution test and placed second to the 95mm Swarovski in our low-light test. It wowed the team with its tight, precise controls, its hard-wearing magnesium chassis, and its comfortable, look-all-day eyebox.

Cabela’s was smart to partner with Czech optics maker Meopta on this unit, as well as Meopta’s entire line of Euro optics. The Euro HD is available with either a straight or angled eyepiece, and it ships with Meopta’s Meopix adapter for iPhones, allowing you to take telescopic pictures with your phone’s camera.

Configuration: 20-70X80
Price: $2,199
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: A+
Perceived Image: A
Performance: A
Design/Durability: A
Price/Value: A-
Verdict: A first-rate scope. Wonderful glass in a durable housing. Generous eyebox lets you spot all day.

Bushnell Elite Tactical LMSS

Configuration: 8-40X60
Price: $1,700
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ 1/2
Optical Quality: B
Perceived Image: B-
Performance: B+
Design/Durability: A-
Price/Value: C+
Verdict: Like a riflescope without adjustments, this tough spotter features a tactical reticle.

Vortex Razor HD

Configuration: 11-33X50
Price: $699
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: B-
Perceived Image: B
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B+
Price/Value: B+
Verdict: This packable, sized-down spotter is light and bright, but we questioned its durability.

Vanguard Endeavor HD

Configuration: 20-60X82
Price: $689
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: B-
Perceived Image: B
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B+
Price/Value: B+
Verdict: A great price for a full-size, hard-wearing spotter. Its precision is great, its optics adequate.

Redfield Rampage

Configuration: 20-60X80
Price: $324
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: B
Perceived Image: B-
Performance: B-
Design/Durability: B
Price/Value: B+
Verdict: optically disappointing, this is a decent price for a full-size spotter

Nikon Prostaff 3

Configuration: 16-48X60
Price: $330
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: C
Perceived Image: B-
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B
Price/Value: B
Verdict: Light and nimble, this 1.4-pound spotter seems fragile and is optically underwhelming.

UTV: Review: 2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i

Alex Robinson — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:48:06 -0400

2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i
MSRP: $12,999 - RSX850i; $14,999 - RSX850i Trail; $15,499 - RSX850i Sport
Final Thoughts + Key Specs at a Glance

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” This infamous quote from the 1980 film “The Shining” used to seem like a great metaphor to describe the John Deere Gator UTV lineup. In years past, Gators were notoriously hard workers around the farm, but they certainly never gained respect as a class-leading trail machine. All of that changed in 2013 with the introduction of John Deere’s Gator RSX850i.

Powering the new RSX850i is an 837cc four-stroke V-twin mated to a closed loop Electronic Fuel Injection system. Outsourced from Italian engine maker Piaggio, the motorcycle-based power plant pumps out a claimed 62 hp (59.5 ft-lb torque), with a top speed of 53 mph. The engine has plenty of power and felt at home ripping down tight, wooded trails.

The RSX850i’s CVT transmission utilizes a gearbox with High, Low, Neutral, and Reverse. Unfortunately, the transmission on my demo wasn’t as smooth as it should have been. The Gator often lurched and jumped at very low speeds as the clutch struggled to smoothly grasp the CVT belt. As speeds picked up above a few miles an hour, the transmission was much smoother, which leads me to believe the belt may have had a “flat spot” on it. The gear shifter is tucked low between the seats and the gear selector is not marked well. Additionally, the Gator doesn’t electronically display the selected gear on the dash. So, when it was dark or the machine was muddy, the only way to effectively determine the selected gear was through trial and error.

My demo unit was the Trail version with four wheel independent suspension linked to Fox Racing shocks, which dampen nine inches of travel at all four wheels. The ride was sporty, if not a tad firm at lower speeds. As velocity increased, the shocks delivered a more compliant and comfortable ride, meaning they were tuned with aggressive driving in mind. Absent this year is Electric Power Steering (EPS), which I feel would greatly benefit the Gator. At high speeds, steering effort was acceptable, but in the tight wooded areas where I test, the lack of EPS on a machine costing 15 grand left me pondering its absence.

Four wheel disc brakes did an awesome job of bringing the RSX850i to a screeching halt. I was particularly enamored with the foot operated parking brake. Once I got used to the parking brake, engaging and disengaging it was quick and effortless. The Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, which come standard on the Trail and Sport models, were an excellent choice and provide fantastic grip and puncture resistance for challenging terrain.

Ergonomically, my 6-foot-2-inch, 200-pound frame felt really comfortable in the Gator RSX. I certainly could have used a little more leg room, but that's how I feel in every modern day SxS. The automotive style doors did a wonderful job of keeping tree limbs out of the cabin while keeping my own limbs inside. Under-hood storage was plentiful, and the rear dumping bed had more than enough room to carry my adventure gear. Another nice feature on the Trail model is the standard Warn winch with a wired remote. I used that winch on numerous occasions to pluck the Gator from a gnarly trail that was a little too washed out to negotiate.

Final Thoughts:
The 2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i is absolutely my favorite John Deere SxS I’ve ever tested. It’s faster, more powerful, more fun, and certainly capable of doing the work synonymous with the John Deere name. As a first year model, John Deere got most things correct. In the future, I’m hoping to see improvements like EPS, some transmission re-calibrations to deliver a smoother ride, and possibly even more power. With the introduction of the RSX850i, there is no doubt John Deere has proven they want a piece of the sport/utility SxS market. With Deere’s enormous resources and engineering prowess, I anticipate the RSX will become an even bigger force to reckon with in the future.

2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i at a Glance
HITS
- Muscular, sporty look
- Underhood storage area is sealed and spacious
- Large dashboard dial makes 2wd, 4wd, and 4wd with differential lock easy to select
- Integrated hinged, plastic doors help keep body parts in and trail obstacles out
- Trail and Sport models come with Maxxis Bighorns and Fox Shocks
- Finally, a John Deere that can compete with other sport/utility SxS’s

MISSES
- No electronic gear indicator on dash
- Gear selection markings on the shifter are difficult to see
- Shifter doesn’t have deep enough detents, which makes it too easy to shift into the incorrect gear.
- Steering is difficult, due to the lack of EPS
- The transmission on my demo had difficulty at crawling speeds with a jumpy engagement of the CVT belt

UTV Review: 2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i

Alex Robinson — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:48:06 -0400

2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i
MSRP: $12,999 - RSX850i; $14,999 - RSX850i Trail; $15,499 - RSX850i Sport
Final Thoughts + Key Specs at a Glance

Objective Lens Size: Finding The Perfect Riflescope for Deer Hunting

Alex Robinson — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:15:45 -0400

American hunters have been brainwashed into thinking they want the brightest riflescope they can buy.

They don’t.

Light-gathering ability is mainly a function of objective-lens size, which means the brightest riflescopes would be too large and unwieldy to be much help in the places most of us hunt. Picture a 65mm or an 80mm spotting scope strapped to your rifle. Bright as hell, but hugely impractical.

So, what’s the best magnification and configuration for big-game hunters? Like most things, it depends. But for all-around utility, it’s hard to go wrong with the classic configurations: a 2-10x42 or a 3-9x40. Here’s why:

LOW AND HIGH MAG
Assuming we’re talking here about second-image-plan reticles and what can be considered classic hunting scopes, as opposed to tactical scopes mainly used for target shooting, you want an optic with the best combination of light-gathering, magnification, and resolution.

One of the laws of optics is that as you change one of these legs of the stool, the other legs will also change. The wide range of magnification gives you the ability to dial down the power to gather more light and gain situational awareness. The higher mag decreases the amount of light arriving at your eye, but it makes your aiming point larger and clearer.

And the modest-sized objective lens allows you to mount the optic on a variety of actions using standard-height rings. These scopes are generally portable enough to let you carry your scope-mounted with ease in a wide range of terrain.

OBJECTIVE LENS
I used to be in love with big, high-riding 50mm riflescopes. I figured that the super-sized objective would let me gather more light at the time I saw most critters, at the day’s first and last light.

But then I missed a big mule deer at inside 25 yards. I wasn’t expecting to see him so close, but I was stalking another buck when I blew the big boy out of his bed. I didn’t have much time to shoot, but even though my scope was set at 6x, I shot right over him. The reason? I hadn’t practiced shooting at that close distance, but the high-mounted scope was way above my bore at that distance.

A scope that rides closer to your bore has all the ability to reach out at distance, good-quality glass will be adequately bright, and the lower-slung optic will allow you to make those snap shots at close range as easily as those distant shots at higher magnification.

ATV Gear: Winch Wiring Tips

Alex Robinson — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:41:18 -0400

As we head deeper into spring there will invariably be rain in the forecast. This means the chance of getting stuck in muddy situations are high. Having a quality winch on your machine is important, but more importantly, you need to make sure it is installed correctly or it may not work when you need it. Or worse, it could destroy the wiring system on your ATV. If you are installing a brand-new winch, be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions and warnings carefully before you start. Here are a few tips to keep your winch’s electrical components in safe working order.

1. Winch Solenoid: The winch solenoid is the single most important safety component in the power delivery from the battery to the winch. It’s the only power disconnect between your winch and the power source. Most winch solenoids should be mounted as close to the battery as possible and in a location that will remain somewhat dry. Also, the solenoid needs to be mounted away from any metal parts that could bounce around and grind against the electrical contacts.

2. Wire Routing: Connecting the wires from your winch solenoid to the winch, as well as running wires to the winch from the battery, requires some finesse. Keeping the wires off of rusted metal or sharp edges is a must. What many may not realize is that wire insulation can be worn down on smooth metal once dirt and mud are introduced. Be sure you don’t tighten winch wiring against any part that could eventually rub or cut into the wire.

3. Connections: Making the correct connections is also important when wiring a winch. Most winches will have color-coded lugs to help limit the possibility of a mistake. Lugs on a typical winch solenoid do not require a lot of torque to keep them fastened tightly, since most use a lock washer to help hold the nut on. Overtighening these lugs will result in a broken circuit in the solenoid and a useless winch. Adding a small amount of silicone to the lug after installing the wire and retaining nut will, in most cases, prevent the nut from backing off.

One last tip for winch owners: Remember that short pulls with the winch are better than trying to drag a machine out all at once. Holding the winch on for extended periods will heat up the winch and eventually burn it out.

ATV Gear: Winch Wiring Tips

Alex Robinson — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:41:18 -0400

New Binoculars 2013: OL Reviews the Best Full-Size and Mid-Size Binoculars of the Year

Alex Robinson — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:13:33 -0400

From the flimsy to the fortified, this year’s field of 14 full-size binos and 4 mid-size binos have something for everyone. The most interesting trend is the continuing integration of electronics into hunting optics. Three binoculars feature rangefinders. See our review of the best new hunting binoculars on the market.

Full-Size Binos

Units with ranging features include the plasticky Pulsar Expert ($800), Bushnell’s Fusion 1-Mile ARC ($1,200), and the new Geovid HD-B from Leica ($2,945), which represents the pinnacle of this alliance of electronic and optical technology.

The Pulsar’s rangefinder is a simple laser unit with no angle-calculating inclinometer or ballistics information.

Bushnell has come a long way with its ranging bino since the first Fusion was launched a couple of years ago. The objective lens coatings are much clearer and the dot-matrix display is much easier to read. The Bushnell includes a sophisticated inclinometer, a bullet-drop calculator that displays holdover references for eight families of rifle calibers, separate bow and rifle settings, and a laser that ranged targets out to 1,800 yards. Bowhunters will like the Fusion’s close-in ranging ability.

The more traditional full-size binos ranged from Carson’s handy $250 3D to Steiner’s Tactical ($799), which sports bat-wing eyecups and a blacked-out finish.

Weaver’s Kaspa makes the case that a headache-inducing binocular is no bargain even at $125. Other disappointing optics included the Redfield Rebel ($175), the Sightmark Solitude XD ($399), and Leupold’s McKinley HD ($775), which had such boxy eyecups that most testers couldn’t get the binocular to comfortably fit their face.

Three super-size binoculars completed the field: Alpen’s well-priced and appealing 10x50 Teton ($445); a tight and bright Vortex Razor HD in 10x50 ($1,289); and the behemoth 15x56mm Minox BL ($899), which ships with a tripod adapter to minimize hand shake and fatigue.

Zeiss Victory HT 10x42

This stunning German optic may be the brightest binocular in the world.

Most well-made sports optics transmit around 90 percent of visible light to the user’s eye. Zeiss claims the Victory HT has “more than 95 percent light transmission,” and our testing seems to confirm its optical superiority. The binocular won our resolution test hands down, and was one of the top-scoring 42mm optics in our low-light test.

A new class of Schott glass is responsible for the bright, crisp image. But Zeiss has engineered plenty of hunter-friendly features around the glass. The durable short-single-hinge design and grabby armor lock your hands around the contoured barrels, and the oversize focus wheel makes adjustments easy and precise, even with gloved hands.

Whether you can afford that level of performance is another question.

Configuration: 10x42
Price: $2,499
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: A
Perceived Image: A
Performance: A
Design/Durability: A Price/Value: B
Final Verdict: An heirloom optic, with gem-bright glass and hand-gripping barrels

Nikon Monarch 7 10x42

With this light, bright, durable hunting optic, Nikon has delivered affordable excellence that bridges the gap between its flagship EDG and entry-level ProStaff lines.

The Monarch 7 was a unanimous selection for our Great Buy award, which is no small feat, as each panelist’s assessment of value depends on his experience and budget. The team felt that the Monarch 7 delivered “silly-nice” glass for $500. Testers praised its tacky armor and solid hand feel and balance, as well as its 23-ounce weight, which seems even lighter when supported by a binocular harness. Optically, the team noted clarity all the way to the edge of the image—we pay special attention to peripheral distortion, which can be a sign of inferior glass and grinding.

The Nikon finished near the head of the class in both low-light and resolution testing, and one panelist deemed it the “purest hunting optic” in our test. High praise, indeed, considering the field.

Configuration: 10x42
Price: $500
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: A-
Perceived Image: B+
Performance: B+
Design/Durability: A-
Price/Value: A
Final Verdict: A screaming value in a tight, bright, light, and grippy hunting optic

Minox BL

Configuration: 15x56
Price: $899
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: A
Perceived Image: B+
Performance: B+
Design Durability: B+
Price/Value: B+
Verdict: Very nice image in this gargantuan configuration. A good value.

Vortex Razor HD

Configuration: 10x50
Price: $1,289
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: A
Perceived Image: A-
Performance: A-
Design/Durability: A-
Price/Value: A
Final Verdict: A sweet optic, this well-made binocular is very fairly priced and very bright

Leica Geovid HD-B (Innovation Award)

Configuration: 10x42
Price: $2,945
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: B+
Perceived Image: A-
Performance: A+
Design/Durability: A+
Price/Value: B
Final Verdict: Best rangefinder in the industry, monster field of view. A game-changer.

Steiner Tactical

Configuration: 10x42
Price: $799
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical Quality: A-
Perceived Image: B+
Performance: B+
Design/Durability: B+
Price/Value: B
Final Verdict: Love or hate the bat-wing eyecups, the tactical-leaning Steiner has fine glass.

Alpen Teton EDHD

Configuration: 10x50
Price: $445
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical Quality: B+
Perceived Image: B+
Performance: B+
Design/Durability: B+
Price/Value: A-
Final Verdict: Great balance and hand feel, and adequately bright optics, in a value bino.

Sightmark Solitude XD

Configuration: 10x42
Price: $399
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical Quality: A-
Perceived Image: B
Performance: B-
Design/Durability: C+
Price/Value: B
Final Verdict: Optically sharp, this priced-right open-bridge bino features textured armor.

Leupold BX-4 Mckinley HD

Configuration: 10x42
Price: $775
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical Quality: B+
Perceived Image: B-
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B
Price/Value: C+
Final Verdict: This tight, heavy bino features disappointing glass and a boxy frame.

Carson 3D

Configuration: 8x42
Price: $250
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical Quality: B
Perceived Image: B
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B-
Price/Value: B+
Final Verdict: Optically average, this is a solid price-point binocular.

Bushnell Fusion 1-Mile

Configuration: 10x42
Price: $1,200
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: B-
Perceived Image: B
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B
Price/Value: B
Final Verdict: Optics and coatings are much improved in this fast, accurate ranging bin.

Redfield Rebel

Configuration: 8x42
Price: $175
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: C+
Perceived Image: B-
Performance: B-
Design/Durability: B-
Price/Value: B+
Final Verdict: An optically underwhelming but otherwise tight, value-priced binocular.

Pulsar Expert LRF

Configuration: 8x40
Price: $800
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: B-
Perceived Image: C+
Performance: C
Design/Durability: C+
Price/Value: C+
Final Verdict: The rangefinder in this plasticky binocular is adequate, but optics are not.

Weaver Kaspa

Configuration: 10x42
Price: $125
Overall Score: ★ ★
Optical Quality: C-
Perceived Image: C-
Performance: C
Design/Durability: C
Price/Value: C
Final Verdict: This bino is cheap in every way, from its price to its questionable durability.

Mid-Size Binos

This year saw a stark division between entry-level and more sophisticated optics in the mid-size class. At the lower end of the spectrum was Bushnell’s porro-prism NatureView ($100), detailed above, and the 8x32 Sightmark Solitude ($175), which failed to impress both optically and mechanically.

At the other end of the price and quality spectrums were the Zeiss Conquest HD ($900), left, and another European bino, the bright 8x32 Kahles ($921) that testers thought was overpriced.

Zeiss Conquest HD 8X32

As one of the handful of elite European optics dynasties, Zeiss is making some unconventional decisions. The German company continues to craft some of the world’s brightest, clearest optics. But this year Zeiss launched its Terra line—entry-level optics sourced in China and marketed to American hunters who want the Zeiss brand without the European price tag.

To make room at the bottom, Zeiss has elevated its mid-level Conquest line, which offers reasonably priced optics with a Euro pedigree. The Zeiss Conquest HD binocular is a fine example of this class.

For $900, hunters get a very good German-made binocular, featuring a durable, ergonomic design and bright glass. The do-everything Conquest HD performed better than several full-size binos on the resolution range. As such, some testers expected it to cost more than $900.

Configuration: 8x32
Price: $900
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: A+
Perceived Image: A
Performance: A
Design/Durability: A Price/Value: A-
Final Verdict: Bright glass in a durable, marvelously balanced optic. our only knock: the focus feels too slick.

Bushnell NatureView 6x30

An old-school, low-magnification binocular, this Bushnell belongs around the neck of every beginning hunter in America. And it’s just as much at home on the dashboard of your pickup as on the sill of a picture window. The 6-power porro-prism NatureView is light and bright, with a generous field of view. It’s not as compact as a roof prism, but the design allows Bushnell to manufacture an accessibly priced binocular that features decent optics.

The NatureView had the lowest resolution score in the admittedly small mid-size binocular field, and it struggled in low light. But the glass is not the reason to buy this bino. Instead, look to it for its durability, its no-nonsense design, and above all, for its price. “This Bushnell is, for me, the surprise of the test,” said gear editor John Taranto. “Its close focus isn’t great, but it has a lovely in-hand feel and is an incredible value.”

Configuration: 6x30
Price: $100
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical Quality: C
Perceived Image: B
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B
Price/Value: A Final Verdict: A basic porro prism with decent glass, this is a good deal for an entry-level optic.

Kahles

Configuration: 8x32
Price: $921
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical Quality B+
Perceived Image: A-
Performance: A-
Design/Durability: A-
Price/Value: C+
Final Verdict: This tight, compact binocular is a good choice for a hunter who wants a bright, light optic.

Sightmark Solitude

Configuration: 8x32
Price: $179
Overall Score: ★ ★ ½
Optical Quality: C
Perceived Image: C+
Performance: B-
Design/Durability: B-
Price/Value: B
Final Verdict: This nicely sized and balanced binocular failed to focus well and caused eyestrain.

See how we test and evaluate optics.
See the riflescope review.

New Riflescopes 2013: OL Reviews and Ranks the Best Scopes of the Year

Alex Robinson — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:22:26 -0400

If submissions to this year’s riflescope test are any indication, the confluence of the tactical and the sporting may finally be slowing. For the first time in several years, the number of scopes in the field designed mainly for hunting exceeded those configured specifically for shooting.

Of course, any capable optic can bridge the two disciplines. But some riflescopes—such as Nikon’s new M-308, with a holdover reticle tuned to .308-class ballistics—are designed to fill a specific, albeit robust, niche occupied by target shooters. Other scopes with attributes that lean toward tactical shooting include Konus’ disappointing Konuspro; the 1/8-inch-click Targetmaster from newcomer NikkoStirling; the 34mm, 2-pound Triple Duty behemoth from Sightmark; and Vortex’s tight, bright 1–6x Razor HD, a 30mm gem that would pair well with any AR. The most remarkable of what I’ll call these entry-level tactical scopes is Redfield’s $250 Battlezone. Although it’s optically hideous, this 1-inch scope won our favor because it ships with not one but two ballistic turrets: one tuned to the drop profile of the 55-grain .223, and the other configured for the 168-grain .308 match load.

The only bona fide tactical riflescope in the test this year was Bushnell’s Elite Tactical XRS (shorthand for “extreme-range shooting”), a massive 34mm scope with a remarkable 6.6X power range and a first-plane milling reticle that has all the durability and heft you’d expect from a 2.3-pound battle optic. The more purely hunting scopes run the gamut from the accessible—Weaver’s low-profile, redesigned Grand Slam ($415) and the lovely illuminated Meopta Meopro RD ($799), built on a sexy 1-inch tube—to the investment-grade. This latter category includes the stylish Minox ZE5i, a big 50mm illuminated hunting scope ($1,599); and the 56mm Nighthunter Xtreme from Steiner, which retails for a shocking $2,300 and features a complicated illumination system.

In between these extremes are some remarkable hunting scopes. They include the Austrian Kahles KXi, an illuminated 1-inch scope that retails for $1,500; the award-winning Leupold and Burris riflescopes; and Zeiss’ new mid-level scope. This optic, the Conquest HD5, retails for $1,000 and has some noteworthy features, including a big 5X magnification range contained in a sleek 1-inch tube, zero-stoppable turrets, and a precise side focus.

The optics are so good in this latter class of “hunting” scopes that they would be at home on any long-distance precision-shooting range, more proof that the gap between “shooting” and “hunting” scopes is slimmer than some marketers would have us believe.

Leupold VX-6 3–18x50 (Editor’s Choice)

The riflescope industry’s race to ever-broader magnification ranges has benefitted hunters and shooters who want a single optic capable of delivering wide fields of view and bright images at low powers, but also precise aiming points on distant targets at the upper end of the power range. The casualty of this race has always been style and proportion.

Many of the variable-power scopes with wide magnification ranges are, in a word, ugly. They feature oversize eyepiece units and ever-larger tubes to accommodate the complicated power-changing mechanism. Leupold’s remarkable new 6X magnification riflescope defies that trend. The VX-6 is a well-balanced, lovely scope that would dress up any rifle.

But the Leupold’s substance exceeds even its noteworthy style. Its mag range delivers an image that’s crisp and bright from 3X all the way up to 18, and its finger adjustments are precise and positive. Both the standard elevation control and the custom turret we requested for our .308 Win. control rifle performed well, and we appreciated the large, easy-to-turn controls.

The scope’s low-profile turrets and compact focus knob are in proportion to its 30mm tube. Leupold has incorporated one of the industry’s most user-friendly illumination systems in the left-side focus turret. Called FireDot, it lights up a center aiming point with the push of a button, and shooters can easily adjust its intensity by continuing to push the control. A motion sensor shuts off the unit after a period of inactivity but restores the illumination when the rifle is again leveled at a target. Optically, the VX-6’s lenses are bright, crisp, and well coated. The scope turned in the field’s top resolution score—the best indication of glass quality—but finished in the middle of the pack in our low-light test.

With a retail price of more than $1,600, this is not an entry-level scope. But given all its features, one can make the case that the VX-6 is a relative bargain for a big, serious, lovely, American-made optic.

Configuration: 3–18x50
Price: $1,625
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ★
Optical/Mechanical Quality: B+
Perceived Image: A
Performance: A
Design/Durability: A
Price/Value: B+
Final Verdict: Light, bright, stylish. One of the great optics of our time

Burris C4 4.5–14x42 (Great Buy)

Optically, this scope is essentially the same as Burris’ utilitarian Fullfield E1. But the company has added a shooter-friendly feature—a custom elevation dial calibrated to a specific caliber and bullet type—that allows the user adequate long-distance precision at a fraction of the price of a true tactical riflescope.

The scope’s name references this new feature (C4 stands for “Cartridge Calibrated Custom Clicker”), and one reason the Burris wins our coveted Great Buy award this year is that the custom turret is free (buyers submit their ballistic information and Burris returns a turret). Normally this feature is about a $100 upsell. For our test model, we ordered a turret tuned to Federal’s 168-grain match load in .308 Win., and found the calibration spot-on at 300 yards and only slightly off at 500 yards.

The 42mm Burris scored near the top of the class in both our low-light and resolution tests, and testers liked the ample mounting dimensions on the 30mm tube. They also praised the reticle, which features hold-off references for windage. Panelists didn’t like the focus control, located on the scope’s objective bell, and had gripes with the elevation turret’s lack of a zero-stop or other indication to let you know when you’ve made a full rotation. With the addition of a reference mark for zero, this $400 riflescope will be an even better bargain.

Configuration: 4.5–14x42
Price: $399
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical/Mech. Quality: B
Perceived Image: A-
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B
Price/Value: A
Final Verdict: A zero-stop on the elevation turret would improve this scope.

Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS

Configuration: 4.5–30x50
Price: $2,150
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical/Mech. Quality: B+
Perceived Image: A
Performance: A-
Design/Durability: A-
Price/Value: B-
Final Verdict: Tactical scope features a first-plane reticle and 6.6x magnification

Meopta Meopro RD

Configuration: 3.5–10x44
Price: $799
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical/Mech. Quality: B-
Perceived Image: A
Performance: B+
Design/Durability: A-
Price/Value: A
Final Verdict: This is a stylish, affordable hunting optic. Wonderful illumination.

Zeiss Conquest HD5

Configuration: 3–15x42
Price: $999
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★ ½
Optical/Mech. Quality: B-
Perceived Image: A-
Performance: A
Design/Durability: A
Price/Value: A-
Final Verdict: A lovely scope that packs 5x magnification in a trim 1-inch tube

Weaver Grand Slam

Configuration: 2–8x36
Price: $415
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical/Mech. Quality: B
Perceived Image: B
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B+
Price/Value: B+
Final Verdict: Sleek and versatile, a modern facelift to a classic hunting scope

Nikon M-308

Configuration: 4–16x42
Price: $549
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical/Mech. Quality: B-
Perceived Image: B+
Performance: B+
Design/Durability: B+
Price/Value: B+
Final Verdict: A bright, capable optic with a bdc reticle tuned to .308 ballistics

Kahles KX I

Configuration: 3.5–10x50
Price: $1,488
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical/Mech. Quality: C+
Perceived Image: A-
Performance: A-
Design/Durability: A-
Price/Value: B
Final Verdict: An attractive, field-friendly austrian scope with subtle illumination

Steiner Nighthunter Xtreme

Configuration: 3–15x56
Price: $2,300
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical/Mech. Quality: B-
Perceived Image: A-
Performance: B+
Design/Durability: B
Price/Value: C+
Final Verdict: Configured for low-light hunting, optically bright but expensive

Minox ZE 5i

Configuration: 2–10x50
Price: $1,599
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical/Mech. Quality: C+
Perceived Image: A-
Performance: B+
Design/Durability: B+
Price/Value: B-
Final Verdict: This lustrous 30mm german scope exhibited some tracking imprecision

Redfield Battlezone

Configuration: 3–9x42
Price: $249
Overall Score: ★ ★ ★
Optical/Mech. Quality: C+
Perceived Image: B-
Performance: B+
Design/Durability: B
Price/Value: A-
Final Verdict: Optically unimpressive, the value is in its two ballistic turrets

Nikko Stirling Targetmaster

Configuration: 4–16x44
Price: $349
Overall Score: ★ ★ ½
Optical/Mech. Quality: B-
Perceived Image: C
Performance: C+
Design/Durability: C+
Price/Value: C+
Final Verdict: Disappointing glass and imprecise, the scope didn’t live up to its name

Sightmark Triple Duty

Configuration: 6–25x56
Price: $349
Overall Score: ★ ★ ½
Optical/Mech. Quality: C
Perceived Image: C
Performance: B-
Design/Durability: C+
Price/Value: B
Final Verdict: Pros: appealing price for an entry-level tactical scope. Cons: optics

Vortex Razor HD Gen II

Configuration: 1–6x24
Price: $1,399
Overall Score: ★ ★ ½
Optical/Mech. Quality: C-
Perceived Image: B+
Performance: B
Design/Durability: B+
Price/Value: B-
Final Verdict: Tight 6x magnifying scope is durable, but controls are too sharp

Konus Konuspro T30

Configuration: 3–12x44
Price: $299
Overall Score: ★ ★ ½
Optical/Mech. Quality: C-
Perceived Image: C+
Performance: C+
Design/Durability: C+
Price/Value: B-
Final Verdict: Decent optics, but unreasonable mounting dimensions

Firefield AO

Configuration: 3–12x40
Price: $99
Overall Score: ★ ★
Optical/Mech. Quality: C-
Perceived Image: C
Performance: C
Design/Durability: C
Price/Value: B-
Final Verdict: A forgettable optic, with harsh illumination and poorly coated glass

See how we test and evaluate optics here.

How to Evaluate Optics With a Flashlight

Alex Robinson — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:25:55 -0400

If you want to know whether your hunting optics are worth a spit, then look at them through the business end of a flashlight. A simple penlight – the smaller and brighter the better – will reveal flaws in coatings, indicate whether your optic was made in a competent facility, and whether you are getting your money for the glass.

This visual inspection is a skill that sharpens with repetition, but here’s how to get started.

EVIDENCE OF COATINGS
Flash your light over the objective lens (those are the bigger lenses) of a binocular, riflescope, or spotting scope. You are looking for the presence of optical coatings, the colored film that helps reduce reflection and corrects the colors coming through the optic. Ensure that this lens looks purple, or green, or magenta—the specific colors depend on the type of coatings that the manufacturer uses. I’d be shocked if objective lenses are not coated. If they are not—and you get only white light reflecting off the objective lens—then put the binocular down and walk away. It’s junk.

Next, shine your light down the objective lenses, into the barrel of the binocular. Now you are looking for the presence of coatings on internal lenses. This is probably the best indication of poor-quality optics. If you see white light reflect back at you, then there are probably one or more lens surfaces that were not coated, and the manufacturer’s claim of “fully multi-coated lenses” is bogus.

Ideally, you want to see a variety of colors reflecting back at you, evidence that each of the many lens surfaces in the guts of the optics are coated, and effectively canceling reflection and internal glare.

PROPER BLACKING
As you shine your light down the barrel, look for shiny reflection off internal screws, shims or bare metal. A good optic will be completely blackened internally, meaning that all surfaces are painted with a light-absorbing black finish. If you see reflection through the objective lens, then your eyes will see flaring and glare through the eyepieces.

DIRTY SURFACES
Now look at the internal lens elements. You’ll be amazed at how much glass is inside even cheap binoculars and riflescopes. Each of those surfaces should be squeaky clean. If you see dust, debris or fingerprints (on several occasions I’ve seen greasy fingerprints left by the optic assembler) then you’re probably looking at an optic that was made at a facility with low quality-control standards, and the presence of debris is a good indication that you’ll be disappointed with the image the optic delivers to your eye.

OPTICAL STOPS
Lastly, shine your light down the eyepiece of the optic. While you hold the optic a couple inches above a white sheet of paper, look at the size of the bright circle that comes from the objective lens. That light circle should be approximately the same size as the objective lens.

If it’s not—if the light circle is significantly smaller than the objective—then there’s a good chance the optic is “stopped down,” meaning that there’s a physical washer that’s keeping the objective lens from revealing all the light that shines through the instrument. This stoppage is a classic ploy used by optics companies that use cheap glass and poor lens-grinding techniques. They are keeping your eye from seeing the imperfect edge of the glass.

But they’re also cheating you. In some of the worse offenses, companies charge you for a 50mm objective, but deliver only 44mm of light.

That’s an offense you’d be hard-pressed to reveal without the aid of your handy penlight.

ATV Maintenance: Tips for Tweaking Your Exhaust

Alex Robinson — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:25:17 -0400

Many do-it-yourself ATV and UTV owners change the exhaust on their vehicles, and for good reason: a better exhaust system will create much more power. But changing the exhaust on a carbureted machine brings on some secondary issues that need to be addressed in order to keep the engine running properly.

The exhaust pipe on your quad is tuned specifically for the machine. Not to mention, it is also custom shaped in the pattern needed to fit your machine without interfering with any other components. If this pipe or its silencer is altered in any way, (whether it is bent in an accident or manipulated by you) it can impact the engine's performance.

Here are some tips for tweaking your ATV or UTV exhaust:

1) Proper installation: This is key to the life of and engine as well as the life of the exhaust. Poorly installed exhausts could leak and create lean conditions concerning the air fuel mixture. This creates heat and heat destroys engine components.

2) Proper Jetting: When installing a free flowing exhaust, you need to add more fuel to the mix in order to keep a good air-fuel mixture. Most exhausts will have details giving you to the suggested jet numbers for the machine the exhaust is built for. This is a baseline and not set in stone, but it‚Äôs a great place to start.

3) Silencer Packing: The packing in the silencer plays a crucial part in not only silencing the exhaust noise but keeping the exhaust performing properly. Repacking an exhaust each year is important on a machine that gets a lot of trail time and every few years on a machine that is used seasonally.

4) Nuts and Bolts: Lastly, be sure the exhaust nuts and bolts are always tight and that the system is sealed properly where gaskets meet hard surfaces.

Tips for Tweaking Your Exhaust

Alex Robinson — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:25:17 -0400

Here are some tips for tweaking your ATV or UTV exhaust:

4) Nuts and Bolts: Lastly, be sure the exhaust nuts and bolts are always tight and that the system is sealed properly where gaskets meet hard surfaces.

Mil-Dot Reticles: Use Mils to Estimate Range

Alex Robinson — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:34:30 -0400

The “mils” in a mil-dot scope refer to milliradians, which is a measurement of angle. If you picture a mil as an ice cream cone, with the tip originating at the shooter’s eye and an open end that gets ever wider the farther out it goes, you get the idea. So if the mouth of our imaginary cone is 1 mil in diameter, making it 3.6 inches across at 100 yards, it would grow to 36 inches at 1,000 yards.

Learning the principle behind mils (see illustrations), coupled with some homework on your part, can yield remarkable benefits to your shooting.

For instance, mils allow you to hold over (or hold off) a target without the need to adjust your scope turrets for elevation and windage. With a come-up at 375 yards of 15 clicks, for example, you can hold the crosshairs 1.5 mils high on the target for a direct hit.

It takes time, but once you master it, the mil-dot system is lethal and fast.

#1 - Measure in Mils
The first step is to learn how to measure objects, like the depth of a deer’s body, down to a tenth of a mil. The figures in the chart show how to bracket an object to get a precise measurement. If we know the size of the object, we can quickly calculate its range using a relatively simple math equation: Size of the target in yards multiplied by 1,000 and divided by its size in mils equals the range in yards.

#2 - Range Your Buck
Likewise, if we know that the large-bodied bucks where we hunt are typically 18 inches deep in the chest, we can pre-determine the mil values for different ranges. In this case, at 350 yards those 18 inches would measure 1.4 mils; at 400 yards, 1.25 mils; at 500 yards, 1 mil; and at 600 yards, 0.8 mil. With this knowledge at hand, you can quickly find out if a buck is in range.

Lessons from Sniper School: Three Optics Tips for Long-Range Shooting

Alex Robinson — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:31:18 -0400

Top-flight shooting instruction has never been easier to come by, particularly with the proliferation of long-range precision rifle schools, most of which have been strongly influenced by modern sniper techniques. One of the keys to being more effective at long ranges is to get the most out of your riflescope, binoculars, and spotting scope.

Here's three tips from the pros.

1) Glassing Effectively
The trick to glassing is to do it in a deliberate, unrushed manner. When you settle on a spot, keep your binocular still and look all around the area in view. Once your scan is complete, shift the bino up (or over) to glass the adjoining ground. Make your circles slightly overlap, as the extreme edges in a binocular are often out of focus. This way you’ll be less likely to overlook that bedded buck.

Also make a habit of looking for bits of an animal—the symmetrical spread of ears or the head, the white patch from a mule deer’s rump, the glint off an antler—rather than the whole body. You’ll spot more game this way.

2) Push/Pull Dialing
When the time comes to adjust the crosshairs on your rifle, seconds count, so it pays to learn to dial in windage or elevation corrections quickly, without lifting your head from the stock and losing view of the target. For a right-handed shooter, pushing forward with the thumb on the knobs, rotating them clockwise, will move the point of impact down or to the left, while pulling on the turrets moves them up or to the right. Memorize this “push/pull” method to dial in faster.

3) Picking a Scope
If you’re going to get serious about shooting at long ranges with targets at unknown distances, your scope needs to be up to the task. That means target-style elevation and windage turrets that are easy to operate under shooting conditions, and a focus knob that allows adjustments for parallax. (How often should you adjust for parallax? With every shot.)

For range estimation and accurate holdover, I’ve come to prefer a mil-dot reticle. Once mastered, it is amazingly effective. Likewise, get a scope that adjusts in 0.1 mil increments. Lastly, a reticle in the front focal plane lets you use the reticle’s holdover marks at any magnification you choose.

Best ATV Riding Pants: Arborwear's Original Tree Climber

Alex Robinson — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:44:10 -0400

The best riding pants I’ve found were designed by arborists as a hybrid between standard canvas pants and rock climbing pants.   Meet Arborwear’s Original Tree Climber, made from 12.5 ounces of prewashed canvas that’s soft to the touch, and tougher than hell.

What makes these pants so ideal for riding is the unique Arborwear cut in the crotch and contour of the pants. The fit keeps them in place and allows you to lift your leg higher with much less pulling. The cuffs are tapered so they won’t hang on obstructions and you can actually get them inside a pair of rubber boots— something I can’t do comfortably with most Carhartt’s.

The knees are double layered and the pants are truly industrial stitched. My five-year-old, first pair of tree climber pants is still in service and are just now showing signs of knee wear. I still use them riding, bird hunting, and working in my firewood lot.

There are other designs in the line that shed water, weigh less, and can be worn for casual dress applications. However, when it comes to comfort and protection from errant limb slaps while riding hard, the Original climber pants are my go-to.

Best ATV Riding Pants: Arborwear's Original Tree Climber

Alex Robinson — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:44:10 -0400

Illuminated Reticles Are Useless on Big-Game Riflescopes

Alex Robinson — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:49:54 -0400

The fastest growing segment of the sporting-optics market is electronic illumination of a scope’s crosshairs. And it may be the most useless hunting-gear gimmick since the DeerView Mirror, a backward-looking reflector for your treestand. Check out the lineup of new scopes at your sporting-goods store. I’ll bet more than half have a bulbous illumination knob above the eyebox or opposite the windage and elevation knobs, distorting the otherwise lovely lines of the optic. But illumination modules also add weight, as well as a mechanism to fail and a battery to die.

Red is the most common illumination color, but a number of scopes also feature green and blue. And instead of illuminating a subtle aiming point, most of these battery-powered units light up the entire reticle like a Christmas tree on fire.

Illumination is a great asset on some scopes, like the low-magnification optics used on ARs for short-range work, such as clearing dark, dangerous houses. But here’s why they’re worse than useless on higher-magnifying big-game hunting optics:

- Legal light for most big-game hunting is a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Outdoor Life’s annual optics test has revealed that all but the cheapest, darkest glass is bright enough to resolve antlers, vital areas, and aiming points even several minutes after legal light fades. Not only will most glass let you “see” into the dark, but most non-illuminated reticles are visible long after legal light has ended.

- Any illumination brighter than a barely perceptible point will ruin your night vision. Yet many of these reticles are calibrated for high intensity, not subtlety, forcing shooters to concentrate on the blazing crosshair instead of the dim target. And when a reticle is awash in light, the optic glows with so much internal reflection that precise shooting becomes increasingly difficult as ambiant light fades.

- Artificially illuminated aiming devices are illegal for big-game hunting in some states. Even if you never turn on the illumination, its presence on your rifle could be setting you up for an avoidable wildlife violation.

- Building a bright, clear optic is difficult and expensive. Instead of investing in optical technology, scope manufacturers that turn to high-intensity illumination are grabbing market share with the luminescent equivalent of bells and whistles. Savvy hunters would do well to spend their money on good glass, not electronic gimmickry.

Made in the USA

Alex Robinson — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:31:22 -0400

A look at how—and why—six different companies are providing the world's outdoorsmen with American-made sporting equipment.

What it Takes to Manufacture Hunting and Fishing Gear in the US

Alex Robinson — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:31:22 -0400

Over the last century, as the United States has shifted away from being a nation of producers and has become a nation of consumers, the manufacturing of goods sold by American companies has, in large part, gone offshore and taken countless jobs with it. Nearly everything we buy today is made overseas, including a lot of our sporting goods.

However, there are still a number of hunting and fishing equipment manufacturers who are bucking the trend and keeping their operations here in America. We look at how—and why—six different companies are providing the world’s outdoorsmen with American-made sporting equipment. We also take a road trip through the Northeast—which, despite its prohibitive gun regulations, is still the epicenter of firearms manufacturing in America—and take a look at the modern state of the country’s gun industry.

Boom Time

For America’s gunmakers, business has never been better. So why are so many of them unsure about what the future holds?

The voice from my GPS declared I’d arrived at Beretta’s Maryland factory, but instead I was sitting in the parking lot of a single-chair barbershop. To my left was a small dirt road paralleling a six-lane thoroughfare that leads commuters to Washington, D.C. As I dug around for a map, the barber stepped out and asked, “You lookin’ for Beretta?” I nodded and he pointed with his scissors down the dirt road.

A short while later I was in the gunmaker’s bustling factory, straining to hear Richard Grimes, Beretta’s director of manufacturing operations, shout over the hum of CNC machines. “We have shifts working around the clock. The machines never stop making guns. We can’t keep up with orders.”

The day before I visited Beretta, I was a few miles away on Capitol Hill, where politicians were debating whether to ban modern sporting rifles (what some erroneously call “assault rifles”). While there, I sat down with Chris Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action. When I asked Cox about the political challenges facing American gun manufacturers today, he said, “Anti-gun politicians have been trying for decades to put America’s firearms manufacturers out of business. They want to hold honest entrepreneurs, along with law-abiding gun owners, responsible for the acts of criminals.

“The passage of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act in 2005 was a vital first step toward ending the anti-gun lobby’s attempts to bankrupt the industry through reckless lawsuits.”

But challenges remain. Cox explained that instead of trying to create good policy that would help stop murderers, some lawmakers are intent on using this emotionally charged time to legislate their anti–Second Amendment ideology.

With this in mind, I headed over to Beretta. If you’re wondering why I would begin a road trip to America’s gunmakers at an Italian-owned factory, my answer is simply that, unlike some major American gun companies who import firearms from overseas, Beretta is making guns in America. And not just Px4 Storms and other handguns; they’re now making the A300 Outlander semi-automatic shotgun in Maryland. Why? “We wanted an American-made shotgun,” said Matteo Recanatini, Beretta’s web and social media manager. When I asked if labor costs or politics might prompt Beretta to move to a more gun-friendly state, Recanatini replied, “Beretta invests in people. We have a skilled workforce here in this very ‘blue’ state, so we’re staying and investing in the future.”

An executive of a major firearms company in Connecticut, who wished not to be identified, told me, “We get calls all the time from officials in other states trying to woo us to the West or the South. They offer lower taxes and cheaper labor costs, but we’ve been here for generations and are committed to staying.” When I asked if new gun control regulations that Connecticut was debating at press time could force him to reconsider the offers, he allowed, “We could be forced to move.” (Some gun companies are already moving. Creedmoor Sports, Inc., announced in February that it is shifting all of its operations from the regulatory stranglehold of Oceanside, Calif., to Anniston, Ala.)

Trying to Keep Up

Modern technology has made manufacturing easier and more streamlined, and this has allowed gun companies to remain in less-than-friendly business climates. “It takes a lot less training for workers to run the CNC machines, and the quality is consistently top notch,” said Beretta’s Grimes. Workers make parts by following photo guidelines fixed to the machines.

When I asked if the sophistication of the automation has resulted in a shrinking workforce, Grimes said, “Not necessarily. Our sales are way up. But we can’t find enough qualified engineers. All the new products and tweaks to the process take a lot of know-how from skilled engineers.”

This theme was repeated at O.F. Mossberg & Sons, in North Haven, Conn., America’s leading shotgun maker (in 2010 it produced 393,284 of them).

Mossberg still has a busy plant in North Haven, though 90 percent of its guns are made in a plant it opened in Texas in the 1980s. Gunmakers in general still do a lot of business in Connecticut. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), firearms manufacturers there generate $1.75 billion in economic activity annually and employ more than 7,300 people.

“We’re busy and we’re hiring. We can’t find enough engineers,” said Joseph Bartozzi, a senior vice president at Mossberg, as we toured the facility. He cited several factors that are saving and even revitalizing American manufacturing. Engineers often do a better job of innovating and improving products when they can also get hands-on experience on the shop floor. Skyrocketing oil prices have driven up shipping costs for overseas products. Low natural-gas prices in the U.S. are helping to decrease some manufacturing costs. CNC machines and other advancements are making it more affordable per employee to manufacture in the U.S. Meanwhile, labor costs in many countries, including China, have been rising.

Another benefit of making guns here is that companies can staff themselves with hunters and gun enthusiasts who are in touch with the robust U.S. marketplace. According to the ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reports and the U.S. International Trade Commission data, of the more than 8.4 million firearms available for consumer sale in the U.S. in 2011, more than 5.5 million were produced in the U.S.

Numbers Don't Lie

After leaving Mossberg, I spoke to Larry Keane, senior vice president of the NSSF, which is based in Connecticut. Keane pointed out that the common narrative used to explain today’s robust gun sales is only partly true. You’ve probably heard that the political firestorm involving AR-style rifles is causing gun sales to surge, and guns have certainly been selling.

But the surge didn’t begin when Barack Obama first ran for and won the presidency in 2008. From 2002 to 2011, there was a 54.1 percent rise in background checks called in to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). In 2005, there were almost 9 million NICS checks. In 2007, the number pushed past 11 million. It surpassed 14 million in 2009, and then shot past 16 million in 2011. (It should be noted that not every check results in a sale. Some people are denied—keeping criminals from buying firearms is why we have this system—and others simply decide not to purchase a gun.)

The trend can also be seen in the number of guns made in the U.S. In 2001, 946,979 were made here. In 2011, that number jumped to 3,060,584, according to ATF data. In 1991 there were 1,711,908 rifles and shotguns manufactured in the U.S., according to the NSSF. In 2011, that number nearly doubled, to 3,155,540.

So why have gun sales been increasing for more than a decade? The answer lies, at least partially, in the growing national tolerance of guns. In 1959, some 60 percent of the American public favored handgun bans, according to a Gallup poll, whereas in late 2012, 73 percent said they oppose such bans. The percentage of women gun owners in America has risen from 13 percent in 2005 to 23 percent today.

Challenges Ahead
Farther up the road, Smith & Wesson, founded in 1852, is still making its iconic handguns and other firearms in its Springfield, Mass., plant. Not far away is Savage Arms, a company that went bankrupt in 1988. Its turnaround began in the mid-1990s, after Ron Coburn, previously of Smith & Wesson, took over and the company began to develop innovative technologies like the AccuTrigger.

Remington Arms still makes Model 870 shotguns and other firearms in its factory in Ilion, N.Y., where it was established in 1816. Big Green has found itself on particularly shaky ground of late, thanks to gun-control politics. After the shootings in Sandy Hook, Conn., last December, Cerberus Capital—a private-equity firm that owns Remington’s parent company, Freedom Group—announced a fire sale. At press time, they were trying to sell Remington, Bushmaster, Marlin, and their many other gun and ammo companies.

The vulnerability of the brands being sold under duress by Cerberus prompted an op-ed on CNN.com that called for New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, billionaire business magnate George Soros, and others to pay “whatever it takes to acquire control of the Freedom Group” and then, if a “moral turnaround” of the gun companies doesn’t work, to commit “corporate euthanasia” of Remington, Marlin, and other Cerberus brands.

That’s a toxic climate for gun companies that serve America’s hunters and shooters, sell firearms to the police and military, and employ thousands of Americans. There are now more than 100 million American gun owners, according to the NRA. Gun ownership has been rising for decades; violent-crime rates have been declining over that time.

It’s clear that right now, the only dark cloud over America’s gunmakers is of a political nature.

Click the links below to read company profiles:

Bear & Son Cutlery; W.R. Case & Son

Lamiglas Rod Company

Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Eppinger Lure Co.

Crooked Horn Outfitters

From the May 2013 issue of Outdoor Life magazine.

ATV Review: 2013 Suzuki King Quad 400 ASi

Alex Robinson — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:24:27 -0400

2013 Suzuki King Quad 400ASi
MSRP: $6,499-Flame Red & Terra Green; $6,899-True Timber XD3 Camo
Final Thoughts + Key Specs at a Glance

I had the opportunity to spend two epic days aboard the 2013 Suzuki King Quad 400 ASi in a place nearly too beautiful to describe. My journey took me across California’s Mojave Desert, where the sand and rock miraculously transform into the gorgeous marble peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. At 10,000 feet, the high elevation was the perfect place to test out many of the 400 ASi’s key features.

The 400 ASi’s power arrives via a fuel-injected 376cc single cylinder air/oil cooled four-valve power plant. The fuel injection was outstanding. The 400 ASi started effortlessly, even at 10,000 feet with temperatures hovering in the high 30s. Although peak power inevitably suffers at such altitudes, the fuel injection managed the air/fuel calibration, compensating for altitude and temperature changes automatically. The engine power is certainly sufficient for trail riding or handling a hard day of work, but falls shy of some other 400-class machines.

Equipped with Suzuki’s butter-smooth Quadmatic CVT transmission, the 400 ASi features a perfectly notched shift gate that prevents accidently shifting into the wrong gear. An integrated electronic engine brake helps slow the 400 ASi down on descents, which helps keep the machine from freewheeling and uncontrollably accelerating.

The handling is sporty. The solid rear axle allows the 400 ASi to carve corners on tight trails, but the ride is not that comfortable due to the lack of Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). The strong dual hydraulic front disc brakes brought the 400 ASi to a halt, even on my steepest descents. A cable actuated rear drum brake handles the rear braking duties. It gets the job done, but it lacks the feel that a hydraulic disc brake would deliver.

The 400 ASi’s ergonomics are typical Suzuki. A comfortable T-shaped seat enabled me to move around freely in the saddle to shift my weight during spirited riding. Brake and throttle controls are conveniently mounted and easily within reach. One of my favorite features on the 400 ASi is the full-size steel racks. Constructed of round bar with a wrinkle black finish, the racks are stout enough to hold larger items and provide a solid attachment point for securing tie downs.

Final Thoughts:
Much of the attention elicited by the ATV community usually focuses around the newest high-horsepower, big-bore ATV offerings by brands A, B, or C. In the grand scheme of things, most users don’t need or can’t handle the power that many of the big-bore machines produce. Smaller ATVs like the 2013 Suzuki King Quad 400 ASi may not offer as much performance or machismo, but they can often accomplish the same tasks at a fraction of the cost.

If getting a reliable and capable machine that seems friendlier on the wallet seems more important than having the latest cutting edge technology or massive performance, the King Quad 400 ASi should certainly make a great, reliable steed for many years to come.

2013 Suzuki King Quad 400 ASi at a Glance
HITS
- Fuel injection makes cold weather and high altitude starting effortless
- Quadmatic CVT transmission shifts smoothly and performs exceptionally well
- Low-tech cable operated 4x4 switch functions well while keeping costs down
- Small size allows the 400ASi to fit in a 6.5-foot truck bed
- Winch-ready chassis cuts down on winch installation time and cost
- Steel racks make it simple to tie down cargo
- Engine brake feels very natural

MISSES
- Oil/air cooled engine is less expensive to produce but isn’t as high-tech as a liquid-cooled machine.
- Cable operated rear drum brakes are dated and lack the feel of hydraulics
- Solid rear axle doesn’t deliver the comfort level of the King Quad 500AXi or 750AXi’s IRS

ATV Review: 2013 Suzuki King Quad 400 ASi

Alex Robinson — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:24:27 -0400

2013 Suzuki King Quad 400ASi
MSRP: $6,499-Flame Red & Terra Green; $6,899-True Timber XD3 Camo
Final Thoughts + Key Specs at a Glance

Paracord Bracelets: 10 Practical Uses (Other Than Fashion)

Alex Robinson — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:56:00 -0400

Is it just my imagination or are an awful lot of folks on the trail, at the shooting range, and at hunting camps wearing some kind of parachute cord bracelet nowadays? What started a few years ago as a practical way for soldiers, firefighters, and outdoor adventurers to carry some extra 550 cord has mushroomed into a multi-million dollar business serving fashion-conscious urbanites and true wilderness aficionados alike.

Since bracelets and jewelry were invented, they have been worn mostly for looks. Decorative wear typically doesn’t usually do anything. But a few years ago, Survival Straps came into the market. Standing apart from most bracelets in human history, these bracelets actually do stuff, and the company has grown from a family business which began at a kitchen table in Florida to become an industry leader in survival bracelets and a staunch supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and American law enforcement, fire, EMS, and military personnel.

As with any good idea, imitators soon began to sprout like mushrooms, flooding the market with their own version of the survival bracelet. But unlike the cheap, foreign-made knock offs, Survival Straps stands behind their products. If you use the bracelet in an emergency, just send them your story and they will replace your Survival Strap for free.

Paracord bracelets serve many purposes, whether unravelled or kept intact, and the hardware can come in handy, too. Here are my favorite uses for a paracord bracelet.

Survival Bow and Arrows
If you’re stuck in a survival emergency without food, a bow and arrow is a great way to take small game animals. You can build your archery equipment with a sharp fixed blade knife, a paracord bracelet, a flexible sapling, a few tree shoots for arrows, and a few feathers. Select a dead, dry hardwood stave for your bow; and pick some shoots or sucker growth for the arrow shafts. Select an intact section of 550 cord for your bow string. You’ll also need to remove some of the 7-strand core from a cut piece of cord to fletch the arrows. Cut the arrow shafts to your preferred length, cut a nock in each, sharpen the arrow to a point and fletch with “same side of the body” feathers. String your bow, see how it bends, unstring it and do some tillering work, carving the belly of the bow to make the limb bending match.

Traps
Setting traps can be a useful backup strategy for nourishment in a survival situation, and it frees up your time to accomplish other tasks. The cord of a Survival Strap can be deployed for snare nooses and triggers. The inner strands of cord can be used for smaller trap parts, such as the string on a Paiute Deadfall. The shackle can be employed as a trigger mechanism in many ways, like as an “eye” for a tripwire style trigger as shown.

Make A Fire
The cord of a survival strap can make a suitable bow string for the bow-and-drill friction fire method. Because of the slipperiness of 550 cord, I like to use two strands of cord twisted around each other for my bow string. This gives more traction on the drill and helps with the operation of the kit. Select dead, dry softwoods, such as cedar, paw paw, or willow for your drill and board. You can use part of the shackle in your bow drill kit by imbedding the curved bar with the Survival Straps logo into a deep hole in a block of softwood. This becomes your bearing block for the top of the drill, and it offers a smooth surface in which the drill can spin.

Tourniquet
An intact paracord bracelet used on a wrist or lower leg, or a section of strap cord used on the larger part of a limb, can and has been used in a tourniquet to stop severe bleeding.

Splint
Unless you have a backpack full of duct tape, you’ll need some strong material to fabricate a splint for arms or legs that need support. From sticks and branches, to rigid bark strips, there’s rarely a shortage of stiff splinting material in the wild. But strong lashing material can be hard to come by. To do a proper splinting job, you’ll need to create padding around the area to be splinted, add the stiffening supports, and tie the cord securely. The cord of a Survival Strap can be unraveled to give you 15 to 20 feet of 550 cord, which should be enough to get the job done.

Boot Laces, Belts And Suspenders
An unravelled bracelet can serve as a quick field replacement for a broken boot lace—or a burned boot lace for that matter, as one San Diego fire fighter discovered while fighting a brush fire. And in a pinch, the cord can also make a belt or a set of suspenders to keep your britches up.

Fishing Line
While a thick, white fishing line will rarely hook a crafty fish in clear water, you may have a chance in murky water using one of the strands in the core of a strap cord. Stink bait, a sharp hook and a strand of 550 core line might just land you a catfish or some other “non-picky” eater.

Shackle Lock
Keep critters out of your backpack, cooler, or wherever you store your food by using the shackle of your strap as a lock. I’ve been backpacking in areas where the raccoons can unzip backpacks without leaving a scratch on the bag. Using the shackle to pin two zippers together on a pack, or locking the lid on a cooler, might just give you the upper hand in thwarting these pesky bandits.

Shelter
Another way to get use out of a paracord bracelet is to tie up a shelter with it. Whether you forget to pack your tent guy line, or you are improvising a tarp shelter from a scrap of parachute or sailcloth, 20 feet of strong cord—five feet on each corner of the shelter roof—should just about do it. If you pull the core out of the 550 cord, then you’ll have many strands with which to perform shelter tying jobs. In the event that you don’t want to dismantle your bracelet, you could bend down a sapling tree and use the intact bracelet to clip it to the base of another tree or bush. This hoop would serve as the backbone of a quick tarp shelter. Then you can reclaim the strap when you are ready to move on.

Mend Your Gear
Sternum strap buckle broke on your backpack? Steal the fastex buckle off your Survival Strap. Aggressive beast ripped a hole in your tent? Pull the core from some of your strap cord and stitch it up. Buckles, shackles, 550 cord sheath, and core material can provide you with the raw materials for a multitude of repairs in the field.

UTV Maintenance: Get Your Side-By-Side Ready for Planting Food Plots

Alex Robinson — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:50:15 -0400

Getting a good strong side-by-side for work around the hunting property is great, but making sure it will last is the key to a happy season. Using plowing and seeding implements behind your UTV will help you turn out spring food plots, but it will also put strain on your machine. Here are some things to keep in mind before you get planting.

1. CVT or Clutch Awareness: Many of today’s UTV’s have belt drives and it's important to have them properly maintained. Due to the strenuous activity of dragging a heavy plow or harrow behind your side-by-side, it's wise to ensure your machine engages at the correct RPM. You must also adjust the tension on some belts, so getting a factory service manual is a must. EPI (Erlandson Performance) is a great contact with years of expertise in setting up your CVT for hard work.

2. Tire Pressure: Overlooking this small detail will create a zero-traction situation. If you are loading the rear of the machine heavily, be sure to check the tire pressure to ensure the correct amount of the tire tread is making contact with the ground. (See my tire pressure post here).

3. Tire Choice: Traction is key when hauling heavy implements and a tire with a center-weighted tread can loose traction. A tire with a flatter profile (but not necessarily totally flat) will grip the ground better for forward motion. Having a tire with lugs that are spread apart will allow quick cleanout if you get into mud.

4. Radiator: Your machine will run hotter while working harder. Make sure the coolant is full and clean. It never hurts to drain and change the coolant in a hard working machine every two years.

5. Cooling Fan: Keep the wiring free of chafing and in proper working order. Check that the fan mounted on your radiator is working. The easiest way to do this is by simply letting the machine warm up while sitting still at idle.

6. Oil Level and Life: Changing the oil in your machine is crucial, especially if you work the machine hard in warm weather. Some choose to run a thicker oil in the summer to provide better viscosity and a thinner oil in the winter months for a better lubricity in the cold.

Photo courtesy of Yamaha

UTV Maintenance: Get Your Side-By-Side Ready for Planting Food Plots

Alex Robinson — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:50:15 -0400

Photo courtesy of Yamaha

Sunglasses Review: Best New Fishing Glasses 2013

Alex Robinson — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:05:36 -0400

Once considered a luxury, polarized sunglasses are now within reach of most anglers, and the amount of science and technology that goes into building a pair of quality polarized fishing sunglasses is incredible. Modern high-end shades are a combination of components that have been refined through bioengineering, anthropometry (design based on human physical characteristics), and quantum electrodynamics.

Today’s fishing shades incorporate decades of research and development in optical innovation, and this technological evolution has led to ground-glass and thermoplastic polymer lenses that enable us to see farther and deeper with clearer resolution than ever before.

Polarized glasses have become de rigueur for anyone taking to the water. From weekend perch jerkers to deep-sea fishing guides, no fisherman should be without a pair. With this in mind, we gathered a representative field and put them through an exhaustive two-week test.

Smith Chief

These full-coverage glasses have a large lens area (1.7 by 2.4 inches), and the photochromic lenses adjust with the sun’s intensity—a fantastic feature for ever-changing light conditions. The glasses are excellent for nearly every fishing application. The fit-and-finish is the best in the field, as are the stainless hinges. The ground-glass lenses are far more scratch-resistant than a lot of the polycarbonates.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★

Price: $199

Contact: smithoptics.com

Durability: A+

Lenses: A, Glass

Comfort: A-

Hinges: A+

Fit and Finish: A+

Price/Value: A-

Weight: 1.54 oz

Final Word: Big, beefy shades with photochromic glass lenses will find favor with nearly all fishermen.

Wiley X Saint

The shatter-proof lenses provide peace of mind when flipping tungsten weights, and they had no color aberration. The side-plates and hinges proved rugged, and the straight earpieces allow for easy on-off. A half-frame design keeps the weight under an ounce. An array of extras (clear lenses, a leash cord, a carrying case) helped make this an easy pick for our Great Buy award.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★

Price: $80

Contact: wileyx.com

Durability: A+

Lenses: B+ (PC)

Comfort: A

Hinges: B+

Fit and Finish: B-

Price/Value: A+

Weight: 94oz

Final Word: Tactical style with lenses that are certified for a worksite. A screaming deal, considering all the extras.

Costa Cat Cay

Costa’s time-tested 580P polycarbonate lenses are the foundation of the Cat Cay, and we found them to be incredibly scratch-resistant. Front-frame cheek venting minimizes fogging, while the supple rubber nose pads and earpiece tips make them all-day comfortable. The lenses clarified the water extremely well, particularly in low-light conditions. This will be appreciated when the bite is on at dawn and dusk.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★

Price: $149

Contact: costadelmar.com

Durability: A-

Lenses: A+ (PC)

Comfort: A

Hinges: B-

Fit and Finish: A-

Price/Value: A-

Weight: 1.12oz

Final Word: A solid entry from one of the leaders in the fishing sunglass arena. Great in low light.

Maui Jim Waimea Canyon

This was the heaviest pair of glasses in the field (1.97 ounces), but the build is stout and well balanced. Wide side plates block stray peripheral light, making these a great choice for fishing in an unrelenting sun. Anti-corrosion spring hinges promise fuss-free operation and a subtly snug fit. The glass lenses are exceptionally clean and handled glare better than any in the field.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ½

Price: $229

Contact: mauijim.com

Durability: A-

Lenses: A+ Glass

Comfort: B+

Hinges: A

Fit and Finish: A-

Price/Value: B-

Weight: 1.97

Final Word: At nearly 2 ounces, they aren't light, but they're built like a tank and should last for many seasons.

Columbia Lobos

The Zeiss polycarbonate lenses are remarkably clean and crisp and had no color aberration or distortion. The wide frames cover the entire eye area neatly, and the hinges provide a snug fit. Rubber inserts on the inside of the earpieces and the tips keep the glasses in place. Outer inserts allow for a great grip when adjusting the glasses with wet hands.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ½

Price: $199

Contact: columbia.com

Durability: A

Lenses: A+

Comfort: A

Hinges: B-

Fit and Finish: A-

Price/Value: B-

Weight: 1.10oz

Final Word: With lenses from one of the world's best optics makers, visual acuity is not an issue.

Revo Guide Extreme

The Guide Extreme provides optimal face coverage and detachable side plates that allow the glasses to transition from boat-functional to street-fashionable. These will find favor with shallow-water fishermen, who need to control peripheral light. Blocked vents molded into the inner frame help reduce fogging. A leash with an integrated floatie is included.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ½

Price: $209

Contact: revo.com

Score Durability: A-

Lenses: B (PC)

Comfort: A-

Hinges: B

Fit and Finish: B

Price/Value: B-

Weight: 1.39oz

Final Word: Shallow-water lenses make these go-to glasses for inshore fishermen.

Suncloud Warrant

We found the Warrant’s lenses performed well, without any major limitations. The nylon frames are light and went virtually unnoticed while worn. The wrap-around style provides great eye coverage with no visible light leakage.The rounded non-reflective frames are finished nicely, and the earpieces have a sleek taper to the tips. However, the nylon-on-nylon hinges and self-tapping screws suggest limited durability.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ½

Price: $50

Contact: suncloudoptics.com

Durability: B

Lenses: B- (PC)

Comfort: A

Hinges: C+

Fit and Finish: B+

Price/Value: A-

Weight: 1.11oz

Final Word: Lots of value here, but the construction makes us wonder how long they'll last under heavy use.

Kaenon Hutch

Weighing less than an ounce, the Hutch should have been comfortable. Unfortunately, the earpiece tips are sharp and bite into the head, making an over-tip strap a must. Flyfishermen will appreciate the high-contrast lenses for monitoring dry flies, but the skinny temples offer little peripheral sun blockage. We were also disappointed with the hinges, given the price.

Overall: ★ ★ ★

Price: $179

Contact: kaenon.com

Durability: A-

Lenses: B-(PC)

Comfort: C

Hinges: C+

Fit and Finish: A-

Price/Value: C

Weight: .90oz

Final Word: Sleek and light-weight, but we wish we were getting more for the money - namely comfort.

Flying Fisherman Falcon

The Falcon’s dark amber lenses are well suited for bluebird days. The wrap-around frame was comfortable and stayed put at high boat speeds. We feel the molded nylon-on-nylon hinges will wear poorly under heavy use. For melon heads, the short earpieces (2.56 inches versus the field average of 3.7) may be uncomfortable. The rubber nose pads and padded temples kept the frames in place nicely.

Overall: ★ ★ ★

Price: $70

Contact: flyingfisherman.com

Durability: C+

Lenses: B- (PC)

Comfort: A

Hinges:C+

Fit and Finish: C+

Price/Value: C+

Weight: 1oz

Final Word: A good pair of polarized sunglasses for weekend warriors or those on a tight budget.

How We Test
Each pair of sunglasses was scored by a panel of three testers, including the author and two commercial fishermen who operate out of Gulfport, Miss., and spend the majority of their lives on and around the water. The glasses were graded for durability (how well they held up to abuse); lens quality (clarity, color aberration, distortion, resistance to scratching); comfort (when worn over extended periods of time); hinge quality (ruggedness and construction); and fit-and-finish (overall quality and attention to build detail). We also performed an impact test in which a 1-ounce tungsten bullet weight was swung on a pendulum from a distance of 6 inches into the lenses (pictured). We’re happy to report that all glasses passed the impact test.

Sunglasses Buyer's Guide
Buy glasses that are going to perform best in the conditions you typically fish in and are ideal for your home waters. For instance, amber lenses are good for sandy bottoms on partly cloudy days, while dark amber or copper is better when targeting fish in grass and weeds on bright, sunny days. Gray lenses simply reduce overall brightness. Don’t be afraid to talk to the clerk about the best choices. Also, keep in mind that polycarbonate lenses weigh less than glass but tend to scratch more easily.

When you shop, be sure to wear the hat you wear when you fish to ensure the frames sit well under the brim and the earpieces slide nicely under the band. If they aren’t comfortable, you won’t wear them.

Instagram Contest: Best Camp Photo Wins a Husqvarna Chainsaw

Alex Robinson — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:36:11 -0400

We want to see shots of your hunting or fishing camp. So join our Instagram contest and start tagging your camp photos for your chance to win a Husqvarna 440e chainsaw (MSRP: $289.95). Be sure to tag your Instagram photos with #olcampcontest and mention @outdoor_life in your caption.

The photos could be a fishing camp, a lake house, a deer camp, a backcountry elk tent camp, a duck camp...just as long as it's someplace you go to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors. The photo could be of the exterior or interior, or even of someone sitting in a chair on the front porch with a cold one.

The contest will run through April 30, at which point we'll pick our favorite photo, and we'll run a gallery of the best photos on our web site. Good luck!

And be sure to follow us at @outdoor_life to be the first to know about future Instagram contests.