My year and gear

[Kotaman]

Great thread Stid! We have similar tastes in gear...

 

[badkneesbro]

Jeez! I don't think Ill ever have another question about gear!

 

[Retterath]

Great pics and write up. U sure do enjoy the retired life. Good for u.

 

[Manosteel]

Wow beauty pics!

 

[Browtinemt]

Great pics and content as usual stid2677, thanks for sharing. What kind of camp/ground chair setup is that next to your "fat lady" in post #19? Looks way comfy.

 

[84toyota]

How do you like the Bergers? Have you shot many animals with them? I just started using those exact bullets in my 7mm WSM and so far, so good. One elk and one blacktail - bang flops!

 

[idig4au]

Stid,

Can you tell me more about the Swaro 10x42 Range? In terms of the angle compensation, does it give you the effective distance, or is it calibrated to your ballistics? How do you like the glass? I've been looking these for quite some time.

I use Swaro 12x50EL's and a Leica 1600 range finder. I use a chart with range distances at various angles with corresponding number of clicks for my scope. Would be nice to simplify this with just the shoot to distances and number of clicks or a matched turret.

 

[chippewawarrior]

Mr. Stid, what cut resistant gloves are you using?

 

[Stid2677]

Great pics and content as usual stid2677, thanks for sharing. What kind of camp/ground chair setup is that next to your "fat lady" in post #19? Looks way comfy.

That is a Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit, it uses a Therm-a-rest pad. It is Luke's I was keeping it warm for him while he and Becca were stalking his Billy. Very light and comfy for sure. Keeps your butt warm and dry and provides some back support.

 

[Stid2677]

How do you like the Bergers? Have you shot many animals with them? I just started using those exact bullets in my 7mm WSM and so far, so good. One elk and one blacktail - bang flops!

I never got a chance to work the Bergers in 168 grain, spent too much time trying to get those 150 LRAB to work and never did get them to shoot in Miss Kimber. I gave up after the second box and worked up the 140 AB load. Will try them again next spring, I did try the Barnes LRX in 168 and those keyholed, I suspect that my Kimber twist rate is not enough to stabilize them.

 

[Stid2677]

Stid,

Can you tell me more about the Swaro 10x42 Range? In terms of the angle compensation, does it give you the effective distance, or is it calibrated to your ballistics? How do you like the glass? I've been looking these for quite some time.

I use Swaro 12x50EL's and a Leica 1600 range finder. I use a chart with range distances at various angles with corresponding number of clicks for my scope. Would be nice to simplify this with just the shoot to distances and number of clicks or a matched turret.

Very pleased with these, they only do effective range corrected for angle distance. When combined with the Z3 BT scope, it is a deadly combo that allowed me to engage both my sheep and goat when it became a run and gun affair. When the shooting starts I like to keep it simple and this combo makes that very easy, range, adjust dial to corrected range and fire for effect. The glass is sharp and draws in light. I upgraded to these from my Zeiss 8x30s and a Leica CRF 1200, the weight was almost the same.

 

[Stid2677]

Mr. Stid, what cut resistant gloves are you using?

I use these, I'm a strong believer in gloves while butchering. They have saved me so many cuts and pokes, especially when working with others and using Havlons. Before I started using these I was using latex covered nylon gloves and those work well, but not as good for pokes. When you feel that slight resistance from the blade it is most often enough to save a cut. Bears can spread a disease called "bear finger" that is horrible, so I always wear gloves now.

http://store.aihalaska.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_1503_150379&products_id=36109

 

[colonel00]

In checking out those Swaro binos briefly I see a video where it shows them ranging but it just shows the range. Is there no reticle or other "onscreen" indication of the actual point it is ranging? If not, do you just go with the middle as best as you can?

 

[orionsbrother]

Thanks for the link on the gloves. They're reasonably priced too. Do they wash out relatively easily, or do you find that the knit tends to hold fat and blood?

 

[realunlucky]

Stid sold me on these gloves last year I've had no problems getting them clean.I just throw them in the washing machine with a little bleach. I bought my hunting partner some too nice when we are working on the same animal in close quarters with each others knife blade

 

[Kotaman]

My Kryptek gloves still smell like sheep from my August hunt....

 

[akrdkill]

great thread Steve, always good to hear your unbiased gear reviews

 

[orionsbrother]

Stid sold me on these gloves last year I've had no problems getting them clean.I just throw them in the washing machine with a little bleach. I bought my hunting partner some too nice when we are working on the same animal in close quarters with each others knife blade

Thanks. Thinking those might make great stocking stuffers for a couple of buddies.

 

[Stid2677]

In checking out those Swaro binos briefly I see a video where it shows them ranging but it just shows the range. Is there no reticle or other "onscreen" indication of the actual point it is ranging? If not, do you just go with the middle as best as you can?

They have a small PIP in the center of the screen you point center mass of the target you want to range. The range is displayed to the side with actual range and angle compensated range. As angle is increased the 2 ranges will be different.

Another advantage of having binos and range finder in one unit is being able to both range and watch an animal while ranging for your partner and also watch for hits or misses. I'm able to inform my shooter of continuous range to target and help correct for misses and look for reaction to indicate a hit.


As already mentions the cut glove, are easy to clean. I try to rinse them off in cold water while hunting and toss them with my game bags in the wash with a little bleach once at home. They last a long time, still using the same pair for several years.


I did try the new Sawyer Mini and found that it just did not have enough flow for me. I ended up treating my water with Aqua Mira and went back to the full size Sawyer.

 

[robby denning]

Best thread on Rokslide right now. Lovin it Stid!