The first bird I killed this season had the light-colored spurs. However, after a week of the bone buried in borax, the spur is flushing to a rose pink/red color.
The off-color beard is from my 2nd tom this season. Its spurs are the normal coloration though.
Still would like to see support for the stagger feed, side bolt release model short action.
Also, I just ordered a 110 long lefty that I really would prefer the sporter barrel channel. Wish I had known it would be coming.
I've only loaded a few 5-round sets to test powder charge weights, but so far this is where I'm at with the 172 grain in my .308WIN with 22" barrel
Impact 172gr.
cfe-223 @ 47gr.
ADI brass, full-length resized/once-fired
CCI 200 primer
coal @ 2.810
avg. vel. 2750 (per magneto speed @ 1100'...
I would suggest some decoys. It'll give the Tom something to focus on visually. Simplicity says 1/4 strut jake and a lay down hen. Position the jake behind the hen a few steps so the Tom gets upset at the interloper.
For calling, figure out how to do a simple 3-note yelp, a little lower pitch...
The website mentions cartridge changes with barrel/bolt head swap. Also the photos look like AR-15 barrel extension set up, though details in written words are scant other than that.
Looks great.
I notice that your SOLO 300 appears to be a more traditional M4 upper with the required bolt handle slot. Interesting that the design has changed. I wonder what the weight is vs. the original billet-style weight.
My go-to rifle is set up with an AICS system. The 3-round MDT mag is darn near flush and carries very well. Despite the large release lever, I've not had an accidental drop scenario.
I've never tried an owl hoot call, but I was feeling my oats hunting with my son one beautiful morning, and figured the Hunting Public guys made it look so easy with just their mouths that I let loose a wail. To this day I still couldn't say what the heck kind of noise burst forth from my mouth...