S2H winter class 2026 observations and lessons learned

[5MilesBack]

The last couple of days there were 5-6 of @pods8 (Rugged Stitching) mags used in 223 and 6XC. They worked very well, with no issues that I saw at all.

That's good to hear. I picked up a few a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to trying them out.

 

[Okie_Poke]

Here’s a dumb question: do y’all send out a recommended packing list to folks who sign up for this class? Or, if someone from not the mountains signs up, are they just destined to learn what doesn’t work the hard way? I’ve hunted real cold weather (i.e. 0 or lower) and snow exactly three times. Two of those were in the mountains. But in none of them did I have to be out in that cold all day. I don’t think I would know what to keep and what to replace. Just curious. Really interesting thread.

 

[Formidilosus]

That's good to hear. I picked up a few a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to trying them out.

I dig them. The flush fit ones are as flush as functionally they can be.


223, 3 and 4 rounders-



223 3 round.




4 round-

 

[Formidilosus]

Here’s a dumb question: do y’all send out a recommended packing list to folks who sign up for this class?

Haha. Well, yes. However this class they got screwed and they didn’t get it. But, they had a video meeting and asked what they needed.

But yes- there is a suggested packing list.

Or, if someone from not the mountains signs up, are they just destined to learn what doesn’t work the hard way?

There is real value in that. grin.

I’ve hunted real cold weather (i.e. 0 or lower) and snow exactly three times. Two of those were in the mountains. But in none of them did I have to be out in that cold all day. I don’t think I would know what to keep and what to replace. Just curious. Really interesting thread.

Wouldn’t be a problem at all.

 

[colby12]

@Formidilosus for simpletons like me. Do you have it listed anywhere in a previous thread of what an ideal entire winter clothing set up would be?

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I dig them. The flush fit ones are as flush as functionally they can be.

Yeah the 223 one I couldn’t fit 3rds truly flush but it didn’t take much protrusion of the mag from the bottom metal to make it fit 3. The larger calibers flush variant have no protrusion but only fit 2rds. 2rds capacity isn’t gonna appeal to everyone by any means but some folks were interested so I made it. The 3rd 223 seems like a sweet spot for those than can hunt with 223.

 

[RockAndSage]

Yeah the 223 one I couldn’t fit 3rds truly flush but it didn’t take much protrusion of the mag from the bottom metal to make it fit 3. The larger calibers flush variant have no protrusion but only fit 2rds. 2rds capacity isn’t gonna appeal to everyone by any means but some folks were interested so I made it. The 3rd 223 seems like a sweet spot for those than can hunt with 223.

Awesome product development there. What would it take to get higher cap ones, for range days, etc?

 

[Dobermann]

I have been trying to get a purpose built puffy jacket made for years. @Ryan Avery and I have been working with a company for over a year now, and we had 5 proto jackets to be used for the class- 1x gen 1, and 4x gen 2’s.

The jackets designed as they should be- cut long in front and back with a long tail, made specifically to go over a bino harness and allow access to it, kangaroo pocket on front for hands, real hood that stays in place, etc.

Is that a double zipper to allow access to bino pouch? If so ... genius.

 

[9487329]

Is that a double zipper to allow access to bino pouch? If so ... genius.

No, it's to get access to your pmr30 for polar bear defense

 

[Lionheart]

I dig them. The flush fit ones are as flush as functionally they can be.


223, 3 and 4 rounders-
View attachment 1026933


223 3 round.
View attachment 1026931



4 round-
View attachment 1026932

Scope rings/mounts used? UM? Any issues with clearance on bolt? And that scope looks really, really low…like bell almost touching?
I have a few of the S2H scopes ordered and was wondering about ring heights needed for different barrel profiles…ie. std TIKKA vs RT vs SENDERO.

 

[Castle Rock]

Looks like T084s
Really like the profile of that scope.
Mounted low and tucked in really helps with protection.

 

[Castle Rock]

Is that a double zipper to allow access to bino pouch? If so ... genius.

Doesn’t apply to me because it doesn’t get cold here, but I thought RF binoculars needed to be in ambient temperature to work properly.

 

[Steve O]

@Formidilosus

Just checking on why the Blaser R8 was only used for “a little bit”. Wondering if there is anything I need to be paying extra attention to in adverse conditions.

 

[Frozenlead]

Were any of the tikka or raven rigs running a trigger tech?

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Need to add that. Most 223’s were either Mamba, Waters or NDR. The last couple of days there were 5-6 of @pods8 (Rugged Stitching) mags used in 223 and 6XC. They worked very well, with no issues that I saw at all. Need to see how they do in the summer and sand/dust.

Good to know, for the info.
As you guys are putting these guns to work in hunting situations and finding the weak links im surprised you don’t use the smaller mags mostly and run thru mag changing scenarios.Or are you all hunting with the larger mags for the most part.

 

[atmat]

Doesn’t apply to me because it doesn’t get cold here, but I thought RF binoculars needed to be in ambient temperature to work properly.

They do if you’re using it to provide your ballistic solution.

I think the purpose of this jacket is that you can let them come to temp outside the jacket without taking the jacket off.

 

[nm.otter]

What would it take to get higher cap ones, for range days, etc?

I'm guessing another custom spring order.

 

[nephewjephew]

Any other ventile used besides red kettle and @Tommyhaak's hilltrek?

I have the older version of the Varusteleka Windproof anorak, not sure off hand what the difference between the two are but like everything there are pluses and minuses. It is windproof, I like the hand pocket behind the drop pocket, the hood is nice, the collar some will like and others will prefer a traditional straight zip, and you can layer under it very well, and the double zippered side zips that run from the bottom of the hem to the armpit are great for getting it off and on as well as venting. I wish it had a draw cord in the hem, or just below the pocket. It could be waxed for better rain protection.
Overall for the price of the new one ( I got mine a couple years ago on a huge discount) I would spend the extra money and get the hilltrek. The ventile is worth it over the cotton poly blend.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Awesome product development there. What would it take to get higher cap ones, for range days, etc?

Nothing on the radar. As @nm.otter noted this project required I get a custom spring made with a tooling fee and volume order. In addition making a larger magazine is extra material and print times which would change the cost dynamic. There are already quality aluminum higher round count magazines out there which as long as they are functioning for folks are going to be superior from a material strength aspect. Off hand I don't think I would really be bringing benefit to the table in that realm.

 

[Formidilosus]

@Formidilosus for simpletons like me. Do you have it listed anywhere in a previous thread of what an ideal entire winter clothing set up would be?

I don’t think so. In the gear subforum I have a post titled “my backpack gear” or something that lists most things. The follow on conversations have a lot of info.

Is that a double zipper to allow access to bino pouch? If so ... genius.

Yes. But it’s designed so that when you pull the puffy on, the bino pouch is exposed to the elements, and easy to access.

Scope rings/mounts used? UM? Any issues with clearance on bolt? And that scope looks really, really low…like bell almost touching?
I have a few of the S2H scopes ordered and was wondering about ring heights needed for different barrel profiles…ie. std TIKKA vs RT vs SENDERO.

Sportsmatch TO84. On the ROKStok light I want lower rings than UM. It is low, and that’s how it should be. No problems with clearance.

@Formidilosus

Just checking on why the Blaser R8 was only used for “a little bit”. Wondering if there is anything I need to be paying extra attention to in adverse conditions.

Because a new barrel was sent, I loaded a bunch of ammo, and like an idiot didn’t check that they fit. Everything was FL resized and seated to correct OAL, but bullets were in the lands. I’ll seat the bullets deeper and get to shooting.
It did get approx 100 rounds on it, and covered in snow-

Were any of the tikka or raven rigs running a trigger tech?

Yes. One had a TT. No issues in the couple of days that it was shot, but it needs a lot more use to say anything.

Good to know, for the info.
As you guys are putting these guns to work in hunting situations and finding the weak links im surprised you don’t use the smaller mags mostly and run thru mag changing scenarios.Or are you all hunting with the larger mags for the most part.

? There are lots of mag changes in the class.