The woods and wild places are drawing people to them. A weekend in the woods can wash away the stain of florescent lighting and it can reset your circadian rhythm. It seems that most of us understand the damage that our hyper convenient, over digitized, and sedentary lifestyle is doing to us.

More people are seeking the “tonic of the wilderness” as Thoreau called it.

Making wilderness shelter is something that calls to people on these wild adventures. So, let’s talk about how you can make the most fundamental and one of the most effective wilderness shelters of them all. I am talking about the lean-to shelter.

The Importance of Wilderness Shelter

What is the main reason for learning to build these wilderness shelters? Aside from just the fun of building your own fort out in the woods, there is a very important reason for studying and learning to make wilderness shelter.

This is your answer to needing shelter in a wilderness survival situation. When you need to get out of the elements and you need to affect your core body temperature a good shelter can capture your body heat and combined with fire could even save your life!

The lean-to can be a quick answer to that wilderness shelter to help you survive a wilderness emergency.

What is a Lean To Shelter?

It is called a lean-to shelter because the main wall of the shelter leans on a ridge pole. The leaning wall does double duty to protect you from the weather that could be falling above you and also the wind coming from behind. This leaning wall also traps some of your heat and holds it in your shelter.

Be sure you choose a nice flat area to build your shelter and it would help if you set up near some water sources to assure you can stay hydrated.

These shelters are easy to build and require minimal materials. This is why they are so popular when it comes to building a shelter for wilderness survival.

Gear Needed to Build a Lean To Shelter

The gear you need to build your lean-to shelter is minimal but if you have the right tools it will make an easy job even simpler.

• Folding Saw
• Cordage
• Tarp
• Survival Knife

Lean To Between Trees

The most common build for the lean-to shelter is between two trees. The hardest part about this build is finding the two trees to place the shelter between.

You are looking for 2 sturdy trees that are about 7 feet apart from one another. Pay attention to the land between those two trees. The more level the ground the better.

Now you are going to find yourself a nice sturdy ridge pole that is about 8 feet long. I find that cutting down some greenwood is best for this. I usually seek out some young American Holly. It’s strong wood and will be nice and sturdy as a ridge pole. Cut yourself an 8-foot ridge pole.

Set the ridgepole up no more than 4 feet tall. Lash the ridge pole three times with paracord. If you have 2 people this process is a lot easier. If not you can still pull it off.

With the same cord lash three times to the tree. Then three more to one side of the ridge pole and again three lashes around the tree. I run the remaining cordage between the tree and the pole warping to create tension. Tie your cordage off and move to the next side of the ridge pole.

Repeat the process on the opposite side of the pole and the second tree.

With your ridge pole in place, you can start looking for green branches to start leaning on the shelter. Green pine branches are great for this and will become the ribs of your shelter. Lean them on the ridge pole at about a 45-degree angle.

Once you achieve a collection of these branches all lined up then you can place pine boughs or just use a tarp to finish off the shelter.

Attach the tarp first at the ridge pole. You can tie it down to the trees or the ridge pole on either side. Then pull it tight and stake it to the ground.

If you have a nice big tarp then you might even want to create a simple A-frame shelter for yourself.

Detached Lean To

The detached lean-to shelter is built on the very same principle but your ridge pole is not lashed to trees. This is a good shelter to know how to build if you are in sparse forests. It can be a challenge to find trees that are set apart in just the right manner with the right ground underneath them.

In this case, you can create a couple strong tripods. You might think that building a tripod is only for smoking meats or cooking over a fire but the tripod can become the basis for your entire shelter. Look for some nice thick pine branches. You are going to need 6 of these in total.

To create your simple tripod you are going to lash the first branch three times with paracord, grab the next branch and continue with the paracord by lashing this next one. Then finally lash three times on the last branch and this will connect them all. The cordage will also keep the tripod nice and snug.

If you want you can create your tripod and then wrap more cordage around where all the sticks meet.

When you have created two similar-sized tripods you are going to place your ridge pole on top of both tripods and build your lean-to shelter normally.

Inside the Lean To

No matter what lean-to you have constructed you can also consider the inside of the shelter and how you would like to sit and sleep and store your gear.

You can make smaller lean-tos but I like to have room to store gear and get things out of the rain if need be. You can scoop up pine needles and put your sleeping pad and bag on top of them. This will add some cushion beneath you and also keep you from losing lots of heat to the hard ground through convection.

Some people will cut logs and create a wood floor in the bottom of their lean-to shelter. It is also nice to shove those pine needles to the back of the shelter to trap more of your heat inside the shelter. Pine boughs can make a nice bed, too.

You can customize this quick emergency shelter how you see fit.

Warm and Dry Through the Night

The lean-to wilderness survival shelter is a simple design that every woodsman should try to assemble. If you have the right gear and a little knowledge you can set yourself up with a comfortable shelter that will keep you warm and dry through the night.

Wilderness survival shelters could be the difference between a cold night or hypothermia if you find yourself in a wilderness survival emergency.

A few years ago, I was listening to the Range podcast made by two of my friends—Julia Ritchey and Amy Westervelt. It’s a great show about life in the West, and this particular episode was about the controversies surrounding coyote hunting, but about halfway through the podcast, I noticed that people were pronouncing “coyote” two different ways: the three syllable “coyote” and the two-syllable “coyote.” Here are two clips:

Julia Ritchie (podcast host): After their first petition to get a coyote hunting ban failed, they tried again in November of last year, and about 40 people spoke. I tallied it up. (3:51-3:57)

Fred Knowlton (a retired professor who studied coyotes for 40 years): Personally, I don’t believe any of the coyote hunting expeditions by the general public are effective in reducing coyote numbers. (6:42-6:52)

I did some research and didn’t find anything definitive, and then I put the question out to the Grammar Girl Facebook page, and got more than 1,800 responses, which is why it’s nearly three years later that I’ve gone through all the comments, made a map, and am now telling you about it. Wow. Thanks for all that! I didn’t word the question in a way that makes this a scientific study, but 1,800 responses certainly rivals things I’ve seen published in journals.

Since then I’ve also done more research, so here’s what I found.

Many Ways to Pronounce ‘Coyote’

There are actually more than two different ways to pronounce it. You have “kai-oat-ee” and “kai-oat,” which you heard in the clips, but then some people pronounce it with a little bit of a different ending—“kai-oat-eh”—and people honoring the Spanish origin or who live near the Mexican border in the United States might pronounce it the Spanish way: “coy-yoh-tay.” And the Cambridge Dictionary says the British pronunciation is “coy-oh-tee.” So we can safely say there are at least five—five—different pronunciations that people are regularly using to describe this animal, and I bet there are some I haven’t even found. And that’s just in current times.

A publication from the late 1800sopens TEXT file by the American Dialect Society notes that at that time the word was often mispronounced as “cayote.” Although I’m guessing at the pronunciation. The “cay” part at the beginning is clear, but your guess is as good as mine as to how they meant people pronounced the last part. It could be “cay-oat.” It’s just spelled C-A-Y-O-T-E.

Most of what I’ll talk about next is just about the first two pronunciations because that’s what I asked people about, and I made a map of the responses. What will jump out at you first is that the “kai-oat” pronunciation is much more prominent in the middle of the United States than anywhere else—it spans a somewhat expanded Great Plains region.

All along the coasts and in the South and through the whole Minnesota-Wisconsin-Ohio region, people primarily seem to say “kai-oat-ee,” but in Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa, “kai-oat” seems dominant. Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas seem like a mixed bag.

People from the University of South Dakota told me their mascot is the “kai-oat,” but that his name is Charlie, and sometimes they also call him Charlie “Kai-oat-ee.”

But when I started reading the comments themselves, two patterns emerged beyond big-picture geography.

Coyote: The Urban-Rural Divide

First, there seemed to be a clear rural-urban divide. People in cities are more likely to say “kai-oat-ee” and people who live in rural areas are more likely to say “kai-oat.” There were quite a few comments from people who said something like this:

I am from Los Angeles, and we say “kai-oat-ee,” but we would say “kai-oat” when we’re trying to sound like cowboys.

The Wile E. Coyote Influence

Second, there seems to be an age-related divide, with older people saying “kai-oat” and younger people saying “kai-oat-ee,” which, of course, leads us to Wile E. Coyote, the Loony Toons character who’s always getting an anvil dropped on his head by the Road Runner. That cartoon first appeared in 1949.

Many people speculate that younger, urban people say “kai-oat-ee” because the only experience they’ve had with coyotes is from the cartoons, and that may play a role, but I believe the three-syllable version is actually the older version since the word comes to English from the Mexican Spanish word “coy-yoh-tay,” which ultimately goes back to the Nahuatl word “coyotl.” (“koy-OH-tehl”)

I found one radio interview that said “kai-oat” was the original pronunciation in English, but it didn’t provide references, and I’m not convinced. The earliest citations in the Oxford English Dictionary seem to be a mix of the two-syllable and three-syllable version. It’s a mess. The first eight citations spell it seven different ways.

Noah Webster’s original dictionary, published in 1828, doesn’t appear to include the word. The Imperial Dictionary by John Ogilvie published in 1885 (an extension of Webster’s original dictionary), shows two pronunciations with the “kai-oat” pronunciation first, but Webster’s 1913 Unabridged Dictionaryopens TEXT file flips that around and shows the three-syllable pronunciation first, likely pronounced “coy-oh-te,” and then also appears to include an alternative two-syllable pronunciation. It seems that at least in the United States, people have pronounced it both ways for a long time.

For what it’s worth, the “kai-oat” pronunciation seems to be mostly limited to the United States and Canada. Nobody outside those two countries reported saying “kai-oat,” and the Oxford English Dictionary doesn’t include a two-syllable pronunciation. (But the Collins Dictionary does. Argg.)

‘Coyote’: Singular and Plural

And then there were a few comments that don’t fit any of the patterns, but seemed interesting enough to pass along. Two people, for example, said that they use “kai-oat-ee” as the singular, but “kai-oats” as the plural. And another person reported doing the exact opposite. I’m not sure what to make of that except that people are adapting the pronunciations to have different meanings.

‘Coyote’: Smugglers

Along the same lines, at least one person from southern California said he uses “kai-oat” for the animal and “kai-oat-ee” for a person who smuggles immigrants across the border.

‘Coyote’: A Mix of Pronunciations

Finally, there were multiple people who realized they say it both ways, and said they always feel like they aren’t even sure how it should be pronounced, and after going through all the comments and possibilities, I can say that I’m not surprised people are confused!

Quite a few people seem to use two different pronunciations depending on the context, whether they are talking about one or more animals, or even just randomly. Merriam-Webster calls the “kai-oat” pronunciation “chiefly Western,” but that’s not exactly what I found. Among my responses, almost nobody in California or Arizona reported saying “kai-oat,” for example. It could just be that the people in those states who say “kai-oat” aren’t active on my Facebook page, but that seems unlikely.

How to Pronounce ‘Coyote’

So after all this research, what do I think you should do?

If you’re in the U.S., both the two syllable and three syllable versions are fine. Use whatever you prefer or what’s dominant in your region.

But if you’re outside the U.S., it’s probably better to stick with a three-syllable version like “coy-oh-tee” or “kai-oat-ee.” But my research outside the U.S. isn’t as extensive, so if it’s important, you might want to look into it more.

Mignon Fogarty is Grammar Girl and the founder of Quick and Dirty Tips. Check out her New York Times best-seller, “ opens in a new windowGrammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing.”

One thing that will help you shoot more accurately is if you know your ammunition’s velocity and other related data. Luckily, there’s a tool for that — a shooting chronograph!

Not only can it measure the velocity of your shots but its data can also help you assess your reloading skills. No longer are chronographs only to be found in ballistics labs, but are now priced so as to be a regular part of a shooter’s kit.

Shooting chronographs are easy to use and show you valuable data.

In turn, these data can help you improve your reloading skills and the quality of your shots. Get that bullet to land where you want to with this shortlist of the best shooting chronographs. We’ll take a look at seven great options.

Shooting chronographs offer help when firing long-range shots in target shooting and before hunting trips.

Some of you may already know that I have been in the gun industry for more than 40 years now.

Over the last few years, I have tried and tested over 15 different chronographs. So, if you are unsure about getting one, then this article might serve as your ultimate buyer’s guide. Here’s the summary of the chronographs that I will discuss in this review:

GGD Shooting Chronograph Bullet Speed Tester

• Unbeatable price
• Wide velocity range
• Solid design
• Not as durable as some of the others

$64 Shop NowClick to read my review Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph

• Can adjust accuracy up to 99.75%
• Ideal for beginners due to its ease of use
• Compatible with archery, airguns, firearms, and rifles
• Oversized sunscreens made of plastic
• Thin metal rods are bendable

$114 Shop NowClick to read my review Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2

• Has Bluetooth, SMS (text), and email features for data transfer
• Accuracy of +/-.25%
• Can measure 5 to 9,999 FPS (frames per second)
• Connect to a mobile device to view advanced statistical data
• Tripod has an average design

$207 Shop NowClick to read my review Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph

• Records up to 99 string shot data in its internal memory
• Compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles, and arrows
• Has a velocity range of 21 feet up to 7,000 FPS
• Slower speed recording time when used in outdoor shooting
• Need to buy other accessories (e.g., Indoor Lighting System) for better performance

$110 Shop NowClick to read my review LabRadar Ballistic Velocity Doppler Radar Chronograph

• Powers up either by using AA batteries or an external USB power source
• Can track and record different types of statistical data
• Good for both outdoor and indoor use
• Pricier than many other chronographs
• Not suitable to use for long periods of time

$559 Shop NowClick to read my review MagnetoSpeed V3 Ballistic Chronograph

• Can record data up to 1,100 rounds per minute
• Compatible with many firearms, including airguns
• Great for pro shooters
• The Bayonet’s weight affects shooting
• Data is hard-to-read

$380 Shop NowClick to read my review Shooting Chrony 7000129 Beta Master Chronograph

• Has an accuracy of up to .5%
• Long battery life up to 48 hours of continuous use
• Complex design
• Read the full manual to achieve best results

$159 Shop NowClick to read my review

Why Is a Chronograph Essential?

I have heard many people ask: “Why should we even bother buying a chronograph anyway?” Chronographs are useful, especially for long-range shooters attempting to test their loads’ consistency.

Here are the three big pieces of data that a good chrono will give you:

For beginners, you may find yourself confused by all this (trust me, I was too). Trying to calculate the data of how your load does at the range is a lot of work.

Chronographs help find the right load for you by doing all the painful calculations.

How a Chronograph Operates

Let’s break this down easy. Chronographs are useful pieces of scientific equipment, but using one for our goals is actually pretty easy.

By default, a chronograph’s main goal is to measure time. This is also true for shooting chronographs.

How a shooting chronograph actually works depends on the exact type you get. Right now, there are three general styles.

Skybox Chronographs

Skybox chronographs use a “skybox” to measure when the shadow of the projectile passes two points. It does some math and provides velocity information. This is the most common and cheapest type of chronograph since they are easy to make and the tech is pretty simple. Chronos like the Caldwell down below use Skyboxes.

The downside of these is that they can be inconsistent depending on the weather. If you’re under 100% sun when you test one batch of ammo but 70% sun when you test a second batch, your results might not entirely match.

Radar Chronographs

Radar chronographs normally use Doppler radar to bounce a single off of the projectile and get information back from it. This is very handy since it can measure velocity at multiple distances between you and the target.

These are also rather expensive and harder to set up than the other kinds. The good news is they are very accurate and work in all weather conditions.

Electromagnetic Chronographs

Electromagnetic chronographs attach to the barrel or the rifle frame in some way and use a bayonet to extend past the muzzle of the barrel. In the bayonet is small electromagnetics that creates a small electromagnetic field above them. Measuring how that field is disturbed by the projectile enables the computer to math out how fast it is moving.

These are decently priced, very easy to use, and work in all weather, but make shooting for groups while taking velocity data at the same time much harder since the weight of the bayonet hanging off of the barrel shifts POI and affects harmonics. This can be solved by getting an aftermarket mount and attaching the bayonet to that.

Where to Use and Store Chronographs

You can use shooting chronographs almost anywhere you wish. Displays are usually easier to read indoors, but I have never had a problem using them outdoors.

My best recommendation is to use your chronograph on a cloudy day. Â

Like guns, you also need to take extra care of your chronograph. You can use a carry bag or kit to store all your chronograph accessories in one place.

7 Best Shooting Chronographs

I have chosen seven of the best shooting chronographs to buy this year. Before we talk about them in greater detail, I have summarized a neat table for you to look at. The table includes the dimensions, weight, and price of each featured chronograph:

NameDimensionsWeightPrice Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph21.5 x 10 x 4 inches3.2 lbs$114.99 Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G260 x 36 x 36 inches8 lbs$207.00 Gun Gear Depot Precision Chronograph5.1 x 3.1 x 2.0 inches0.4 lbs$64.99 Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph16 x 4 x 32 inches2 lbs$110.49 LaBradar Ballistic Velocity Doppler Radar Chronograph11 x 10 x 2 inches2.1 lbs$559.99 MagnetoSpeed V3 Ballistic Chronograph12 x 4 x 2 inches2 lbs$380.00 Shooting Chrony 700129 Beta Master Chronograph20 x 20 x 3 inches7 lbs$159.99

Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph

Let’s start with the Caldwell Ballistic. Its decent price offers strong reliability. In addition, this is one of my first chronograph and its high performance is not reflected in its relatively modest price. The Ballistic also includes ¼-20 threads for tripod mounting and a 15-ft audio jack cable for data transfer. Plus, it also has a carry bag suited for portable travel.

The Caldwell Ballistic’s highlight feature is its pinpoint velocity. It has the ability to record readings of 5 to 9,999 fps (frames per second).

It is also factory calibrated and is easy to operate for newbies. Due to its calibrated design, it has a dependable accuracy of +/-.25%. Furthermore, this chronograph also caters to different types of shooters’ needs.

Airguns, arrows, firearms, paintball rifles – you name it! As an archery enthusiast, this chronograph is the one for me.

The Ballistic has a decently sized LCD screen that makes it easy to read. It measures its velocity by MPS (meters per second) or FPS (feet per second).

It records the velocity, SD, and ES of every projectile you fire from your gun. Since it is factory calibrated, its accuracy could reach up to 99.75%.

Like other Caldwells, the Ballistic’s effective accuracy lies at its 48 MHz processor. I saw how it generates quick data when I took my AK-47 rifle out at my local range. Its 15ft jack audio cable allows you to transfer data to all smartphone types.

When I paired it with my iPhone, I read my stats through an Excel sheet format.

Personally, I’ve never had an issue with durability on the Caldwell. Even when I accidentally shot mine with a .22 LR at 5ft, it kept working for almost a year before it finally died on me. Since I did shoot it, I’ll give it a pass for its early retirement.

Caldwell Ballistic Chronograph G2

Compared to the Ballistic, the G2 has a more expensive price in the market ($200+). But this chronograph’s high price equates to its high performance on the range. It has a +/-.25% accuracy like the other Caldwells.

The G2’s upside-down design allows shooters to place it either on a tabletop or with a tripod. Whenever I like to do my shooting test sitting down, I use my G2 instead. It is also compatible with a wide variety of weapons.

Examples are airguns, firearms, arrows, and paintball rifles. If you’re looking for versatile chronographs, the G2 is your best choice!

The G2 can also calculate more different types of data. This includes the average velocity, extreme spread, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation. It can also measure 5 to 9,999 feet per second (FPS) like the rest of its Caldwell counterparts. Unlike the Ballistic, G2 has its Bluetooth and SMS (text) features.

You can transfer your data using Bluetooth without using a cable jack. Also, you can share your data via SMS (text) or email. I can borrow my friend’s laptop, computer, or tablet to view my emailed data at any time. The G2 also includes a carry bag and a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Click on the video below to see how the G2 works at the range:

The only downside to the G2 is its need for mobile devices. You need a phone, tablet, or laptop to view your advanced data analysis. Its tripod design is also average like other tripods in the market. Due to its collapsible feature, you can also use the G2 for indoor and outdoor shooting.

GGD Shooting Chronograph Bullet Speed Tester

If you want a feature-rich shooting chronograph but you’re on a budget, you really can’t go wrong with this one from Gun Gear Depot.

With a velocity range of 999m/s (~3200 fps) it offers an excellent range for an enthusiast. It also records groups of up to forty rounds and will calculate kinetic energy (a feature of the much more expensive LabRadar chronograph).

It is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery (USB cable provided) and is portable and versatile. Its LED display is bright and the chronograph works confidently in most weather conditions – the design incorporates its own ‘sky screen’ over the chronograph. Â

If you want to improve your shooting this chronograph is a great entry-point – it’s affordable, simple to operate, and has a solid design. Decent data with no-nonsense. At the current sale price of $64.99 we highly recommend it.

Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph

If you prefer a simple yet reliable chronograph, then ProChrono is your best bet. This unit is one of the top-rated models in today’s market due to its wide array of features. It also comes with a decent price of $115.99.

Its accessible interface is also fitting for amateur and expert shooters. The ProChrono is also compatible with arrows, pistols, shotguns, and rifles.Â

One of the ProChrono’s best attributes is its shot string data. Its power-down memory can store up to 99 string shots.

The data shows a bullet’s average velocity, standard deviation, and extreme spread. You can also delete an individual or an entire string by touching a button on its easy-to-use keypad.

The ProChrono’s clear 4-digit LCD screen records both meters per second (MPS) and frames per second (FPS). I use this chrony most of the time because I can view my shot string data in greater detail. The ProChrono’s ability to track 21 feet to 7,000 FPS makes it suitable for large shooting areas. You can check out the model’s review below:

This little guy’s shot timing resolution runs up to 750 nanoseconds. As such, it could display shot string data right away. The ProChrono’s only downfall is its speed recording time on sunny days. Outdoor shooting with this chrony slows down the generation of your projectile data.

LabRadar Ballistic Velocity Doppler Radar Chronograph

The LabRadar is the most expensive chronograph ($559.95)Â included in this review (but with good purpose!).

Unlike other chronographs, this uses radar instead of sunscreens to measure a bullet’s flight. The LabRadar comes with a set of accessories. This includes a USB cable, warranty card, instructions manual, and carrying cases.

This unit can run either using an external USB power source or 6 AA batteries. When using batteries, it only wastes ¾ of their power after 4 hours of use at the shooting range.

My friend who owns one of the chronys also commented on how easy the LabRadar’s setup is. It only took him less than 5 minutes to set it ready and 2 minutes to adjust between various loads. You can watch an unboxing and review of this chrony here:

The LabRadar also has the ability to track and gain velocities 100 yards and beyond. To test it, I went over to my friend’s place (the same person before) and used my .308 with it. I got my projectile’s maximum range result of 7.62mm per 100 yards! In addition, it also calculates a bullet’s SD, ES, maximum, minimum, and average velocities. Talk about an all-rounder in stats!

I have noticed a few setbacks with the LabRadar. We start off by talking about its price. The LabRadar costs at least $500 or up on average.

The price combined with the extra accessories you often need to get make this a very pricey option with arguably little benefits over something like a MagnetoSpeed V3.

MagnetoSpeed V3 Ballistic Chronograph

MagnetoSpeed produces reliable chronographs and the V3 is one of them. The V3 comes at a reasonable price ($380) with great inclusions like its data logging feature.

It can collect data up to 1,100 rounds per minute, earning its top speed and accuracy ratings. This unit is suitable for muzzles and suppressors from ½ to 2 inches in diameter. True to its name, the V3 uses electromagnetic sensors to measure velocities by FPS.

Like many chronographs, you can use the V3 on various kinds of weapons, including airguns. The unit comes with a Bayonet that you attach to the muzzle of your gun to track its load data.

This is one of V3’s straightforward qualities as you can fire your shots away and it generates the data you need. Also, you can adjust the unit to rapid mode if you want to take quick shots. I had a lot of fun using it on my Spring Piston at my local range.

The V3 has a kit that includes a lot of accessories. It has a display unit, a Bayonet sensor, an alignment rod, and an instructions manual. It also has downloadable firmware updates and a troubleshooting guide.

If you ever run into problems, you can do the troubleshooting on your own. Scroll down to watch an overview and unboxing video of the V3:

I love my V3 and use it for nearly every range trip. If you mount the unit to your bayonet you’ll have to accept the shift in POI and adjustable for the new weight.

Personally, I use a mount from MK Machining so I can mount my V3 to the chassis of the rifle. For me, this makes the perfect setup.

Shooting Chrony 7000129 Beta Master Chronograph

Long-range shooter enthusiasts, you might want to read this one out. The Beta Master is one of the best long-range shooting chronographs in the market right now.

Along with its top performance, this chrony costs less than two hundred bucks ($149.99). Regardless of what gun you use, the Beta Master has an outstanding accuracy of .5%.

The Beta Master tracks a bullet’s speed from 30 to 7,000 feet per second which makes it ideal for long-range shooting. It also uses one 9 volt alkaline battery as its power source that could last up to 48 hours when used for long periods.

From my personal experience, I don’t charge the Beta Master often because of its long battery life.

This unit can perform a lot of actions, one of which includes its string shot memory. The Beta Master can store up to 60 shots in its internal memory. Like the ProChrono, you can delete an individual or a whole set of string shot data.

Also, this chronograph only weighs less than 3 pounds which makes it convenient to carry around. If you’re curious about how it does on the field, you can click on the video below:

The only major downside that the Beta Master has is its design. This might overwhelm the first-time users but its manual could help you get past that.

Speaking of the design’s downside, I had two of them and found that I had to be careful when closing the unit (it folds in half, like a clam shell) not to get the power cable from the battery caught between the halves. I practically cut the cable on one my units before I’d determined what was happening.

Turns out it didn’t matter much, as I shot the thing a short time later. go figure! But, give it a little bit of practice and you can see how powerful this bad boy can get.

Conclusion

If you wish to buy a cheap yet reliable chronograph, the GGD Shooting Chronograph Bullet Speed Tester has the capacity to record accurate readings with a sale price of $64.99.

For newbies, I recommend the Caldwell Chronograph for its ease-of-use operation and all-in-one package.

MagnetoSpeed V3 goes well with experienced shooters for its complex data calculation.

Which chronograph do you prefer? Share your thoughts below in the comments section!

You might also enjoy:

• How To Reload Ammo [Ultimate Guide]
• [Review] Caldwell Shooting Supplies
• 4 Best Shot Timers

As I mentioned in my previous articles on patterning my shotgun, the basics of turkey hunting, and camouflaging my shotgun, I’m in the process of preparing for an upcoming turkey hunt during Memorial Day weekend. For my next article in my series on turkey hunting, I’m writing about the differences between some of the various types of turkey calls commonly used by turkey hunters. Since spring turkey season overlaps with mating season for turkeys in most of the United States, imitating turkey vocalizations is the most popular and most effective technique used by turkey hunters to call in a big gobbler. There are a wide variety of turkey calls available on the market today, and I hope to provide some useful information on the advantages and disadvantages of each in this article.

Before we begin, please note that I’m not necessarily endorsing any particular type or brand of turkey call in this article. Indeed, I haven’t actually used any of them on a turkey hunt yet, so I’m not really in a position to say which type or brand works “best.” Instead, I’m merely presenting some of the pros and cons of each type of call as well as some things to consider when getting ready to purchase one.

The push button call is probably the easiest turkey call to use. Made from wood (primarily walnut) and/or plastic, push button calls can produce realistic sounds imitating turkey hen clucks, purrs, and yelps. Since they are so easy to use, push button calls are very popular among new turkey hunters. Another advantage of the push button call is that a hunter can also easily operate one with only one hand, or even mount it on the stock of a shotgun for quick and easy access.

Unfortunately, push button turkey calls are very sensitive to moisture. While turkeys will still move during a spring rain shower, a little rain can silence a push button call and ruin a hunt for a hunter who relies solely upon push button calls. Additionally, push button calls can present problems for a hunter going after turkeys subject to heavy hunting pressure. Since they are so popular, and since push button calls do not produce quite as wide of a variety of sounds as other turkey calls (particularly diaphragm or pot and striker calls), mature gobblers may quickly wise up and become less responsive to a hunter using a push button call midway through the season.

Like the push button call, the box call is also extremely popular and very easy to use. Box calls are most often made of wood such as walnut, cedar, or mahogany, among others. However, some box calls are now made out of metal. In the hands of a skilled caller, a box call can produce a very wide variety of turkey vocalizations. Additionally, box calls are great for calling over long distances, as they can mimic turkey vocalizations at loud, as well as soft volumes.

Like push button calls, box calls are also sensitive to moisture and don’t work nearly as well when wet. However, this is not as big of a problem as it used to be because some companies now manufacture waterproof box calls (like the call pictured above). Another problem with box calls is that most of them require two hands to operate. This makes it more difficult for a hunter to transition from operating the call to aiming his or her shotgun without being spotted by a sharp eyed gobbler.

Finally, box calls have the same disadvantage as box calls when hunting heavily pressured turkeys. Since they are so popular, turkeys sometimes learn what a box call sounds like and become less responsive to them. Since the goal of a hunter is to sound like a turkey, not a turkey hunter, this can be a problem.

Pot and striker calls consist of a round disc, usually made from glass, slate, or ceramic materials, and a striker usually made of wood, aluminum, or carbon. To use, apply pressure to the pot with the striker at varying pressures, angles, and patterns to create different sounds. Using these calls, a skilled caller can produce a dizzying array of turkey calls. Additionally, most pot and striker calls are much more tolerant of wet conditions than box or push button calls are.

While pot and striker calls are great options for a turkey hunter, they are not without disadvantages. Like a box call, pot and striker calls have the disadvantage that they require two hands to operate. Additionally, they are more difficult to learn to use effectively when compared to push button calls or box calls.

Also known as mouth calls, diaphragm calls are small, horseshoe shaped calls with rubber or latex reeds that vibrate when air is forced across them. Many different manufacturers produce diaphragm calls in a wide variety of variations that can imitate virtually any turkey vocalization. Diaphragm calls are inexpensive, small, lightweight, and weatherproof. They also do not require the hunter to use his or her hands for operation. This significantly cuts down on movement and allows the hunter to use the call right up until the point that they take the shot without spooking the bird.

The biggest disadvantage to the diaphragm call is that they are the most difficult turkey calls for a hunter to learn how to use properly. Indeed, many experienced and successful turkey hunters do not know how to use a diaphragm call to its fullest potential. The other disadvantage to a diaphragm call is that they are not as loud as other turkey calls, especially box calls.

As you can see, each of the different types of turkey calls I described here fits into a particular niche. None is perfect, but they can complement each other very well if used appropriately. As a result, instead of looking for the “best” call, it’s probably a better idea for a turkey hunter to purchase and master the use of 2-3 different turkey calls. This will give the hunter several options if he or she out in turkey hunting and gets caught in a rain shower or the turkeys stop responding to a particular call. By having a different, but complementary, call on hand that he or she can use well, that hunter may be able to change things up and end the hunt with a big gobbler on the ground.

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NEXT: BEST 6.5 CREEDMOOR AMMO FOR HUNTING ELK, DEER, AND OTHER BIG GAME

Magnification: 3-9XPower Variability: VariableObjective Diameter: 40 mmLength/Weight/Tube Diameter: 12.3 inches/13.3 ounces/1 inchField of View: 34.10 – 14.10 feet/100 yardsEye Relief/Exit Pupil: 4.20 – 3.60 inches/13.3 – 4.4 mmReticle: Duplex, Wide Duplex, LR DuplexAdjustment Info: 1/4 MOA/ClickOptics Coatings: Fully Multi-CoatedFinish: Black MatteWaterproof/Shockproof: Yes/YesParallax Setting: 150 yardsAirgun rated: NoIlluminated Reticle: NoMounting Rings Included: No

Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting

Update: Leupold has discontinued their VX-1 range of rifle scopes but have released the VX-Freedom line with the aim to provide affordable, US made optics to hunters and shooters. The VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is a great, affordable alternative to the discontinued VX-1 3-9×40. Check it out at Optics Planet and Amazon.

Leupold VX-1 Scope Review

The Leupold VX-1 3-9X40 rifle scope is the all-purpose big game hunting scope that’ll perform exceptionally well for a variety of hunters. It doesn’t matter that this scope is on the lower price end for Leupold, you’re getting excellent value for your buck. It is waterproof, fog-proof and recoil-proof and features Leupold’s Quantum Optical System. ‘What is that?’ I hear you ask, you will have to keep reading to get the answer.

Reviewers are chirping the same high praises I have for this scope, with a stunning rating from loads of feedback to date. In fact, many reviewers gave this VX-1 a perfect score. This scope is far from being a bottom-barrel scope considering it is one of Leupold’s most affordable optics.

Out of the four models in the VX-1 series, I had to go with the most versatile and practical 3-9X40 scope for this review. It’s no debate that these dimensions are the most commonly used among hunters, that and the fact that the price is well-suited for most hunters budgets, is what made this scope an obvious pick.

Although this Leupold is the first of the VX series and is at the bottom end for their line, it’s still better quality and a better buy than other brands high end scopes. Take a peek at the Q&A to get a full rundown of what this great value scope has to offer.

Pros:

• Price
• Aesthetic appeal
• Eco-friendly glass
• Excellent quality coatings
• Made in USA

Cons:

• No complex ballistic reticle

VX-1 3-9X40 Rifle Scope Q&A:

What is the Quantum Optical System on the VX-1 rifle scope?

This rifle scope, and all of the the VX (Variable Power) series scopes, have Leupold’s Quantum Optical System that combines sophisticated mechanisms, engineering and science expertise, and industry-leading optical designs to create a whole new experience with a variable power rifle scope.

They’re made with lead-free, environmentally-friendly glass compositions that’s undergone a thorough and scrutinous refining process to ensure the glass produces as much of a razor-sharp image quality as possible.

The short answer? It’s a souped-up and pimped-out system that gets you the best glass for the best image and best light transmission possible. You see better, you shoot better, you hunt better.

Is this a low budget rifle scope?

While the VX-1 has a low budget price, it’s actually a mid-range rifle scope that looks more like a premium one. I say low budget because you can get it for less than $200 when you buy online, in fact, we named it one of our top picks for a rifle scope under $200. Otherwise, you’re going to find it in the price range of anywhere between $200 to $450.

The sleek feature that also makes it look like a premium scope is the lack of slapping on intrusive brand labels and the like with contrasting white lettering. Leupold keeps it classy and simple with bare minimum gold accents on the black matte finish.

Where is the Leupold rifle scope made?

All of Leupold rifle scopes are designed, manufactured, assembled, and packaged in their factory in Oregon, USA. They haven’t been outsourced overseas to Japan, China, Germany, or the Philippines – not that outsourced rifle scopes aren’t good, but it’s satisfying to own American-made products that are unmatched.

What style reticles are available with the VX-1?

This Leupold VX-1 rifle scope has the popular, clean, and non-distracting reticle there is – the classic Duplex cross-hair.

The only other available reticle with this rifle scope is the LR Duplex that features two dots on the elevation cross hair below the center to serve as a basic bullet drop compensator.

Noteworthy Features:

• Quantum Optical System for the most advanced variable power ranging scope
• Leupold’s Multicoat 4 for 92% light transmission and pristine, crystal clear images
• 1/4 MOA clicks that are finger-adjustable for easy rotations
• Fully waterproof, recoil-proof, and fog-proof
• Available with the LR Duplex reticle for long distance shots
• American classic style eyepiece with low profile lockable ring
• Light-weight and compact for field hunting and scouting
• Easy to mount, super fast and simple to sight in
• Made in the USA

Our Verdict on the VX1 3-9X40

According to the bull’s-eye, the Leupold VX-1 3-9X40 rifle scope has more reach than you think – it’s all in the glass. The glass is world-class, the coatings are top-notch, and the quality is unbeatable. The only thing that it’s missing is a more advanced ballistic reticle option. It is available with a simple LR Duplex reticle, but it would be nice to see something that can match its quality and potential.

However, doubling your budget can land you the VX-3i 3.5-10X40 where you have the option of buying the Boone & Crockett reticle. Or, you could just sneak your way online into Leupold’s Custom Shop and upgrade your VX-1 with any of the 18 available reticles like the super-cool TMOA reticle. Ouch, we can already feel the penny pinching going on!

Moving on and staying on budget, the Redfield Revolution 3-9X40 scope would be the VX-1’s closest alternative. Maybe it has something to do with its relationship to Leupold? If you pay close attention to the full Revolution review, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about!

The VX-1 has earned it’s place in the hunting world, and it’s on the Top 100 Best Seller’s List as a very popular and in-demand scope. To sum it up, we’ve already said it perfectly. With the VX-1, “You see better, you shoot better, you hunt better.” ‘Nuff said.

Update: Leupold has discontinued their VX-1 range of rifle scopes but have released the VX-Freedom line with the aim to provide affordable, US made optics to hunters and shooters. The VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is a great, affordable alternative to the discontinued VX-1 3-9×40. Check it out at Optics Planet and Amazon.

Further Reading

• 27 Tips to Help You Understand Rifle Scope Parallax Adjustments Today
• Atibal XP8 1-8×24 Riflescope Review (Second Focal Plane)
• ATN THOR LT 320 3-6X Thermal Rifle Scope Review
• ATN X-Sight 4K Buckhunter 5-20x Riflescope Review
• ATN X-Sight II 5-20X Night Vision Scope Review – HD Resolution (Day/Night Compatible)

When you think of airsoft guns, the first thing that may come to mind is the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation” where Chevy Chase and his family are terrorized by a group of thugs armed with airsoft guns. Airsoft guns have certainly come a long way since then and are now used for recreational activities by many people. But what exactly is the difference between an airsoft gun and an airgun? Let’s take a closer look.

Overview of Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns are types of simulated firearms that are powered by batteries or compressed air. They fire spherical plastic BBs using a spring-fed mechanism called the “blowback” system.

Unlike actual guns, they have been designed specifically for use as target practice and simulation training tools, especially for law enforcement officers and military personnel.

Airsoft guns come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors to suit the needs of different users. Many models also feature tactical upgrades such as scopes, lasers, lights, grenade launchers, adjustable stocks, rails for mounting accessories like flashlights or bipods, etc.

Overview of Airguns:

Airguns are a type of shooting equipment that uses compressed air or spring pistons to propel projectiles. Unlike conventional firearms, which typically rely on combustible propellants such as gunpowder for their power source, airguns use pressurized air or springs instead.

There are several different types of airguns, ranging from small handguns and rifles to powerful pellet guns and BB guns. Some models feature single-shot mechanisms while others have magazines capable of holding multiple rounds. Most airgun designs also feature mechanisms such as break barrels or underlever cocking systems that make them easier to reload and shoot.

Airsoft Guns Vs Air Guns – Differences Between These Two Guns

Materials and Barrels:

– Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns are made of tough, lightweight plastic materials that can withstand high impact and provide good resistance to scratches and dings. They also feature precision barrels made from metal alloys such as steel or aluminum for enhanced accuracy and range.

– Air Guns:

Air guns are typically made of wood, metal, or other durable materials that can withstand repeated use. The stock can be made of wood or synthetic materials. The barrels may be constructed from steel, aluminum, or other robust materials to ensure precision performance at a range of distances.

Power Sources:

– Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns typically rely on gas pressure or spring-powered mechanisms to propel the projectiles they fire, although some models may incorporate electric motors instead. These power sources allow airsoft guns to deliver consistent muzzle velocities across different shooting conditions.

– Air Guns:

Air guns are typically powered by compressed air or springs, although some models may also incorporate gas piston systems or precharged pneumatics (PCPs) instead. This allows users to precisely adjust the firing velocity of their airgun based on shooting conditions, target type, and range.

Power and Range

– Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns are commonly designed to deliver muzzle velocities of between 300 and 600 feet per second, which is sufficient for short-range target practice and simulation training. Some models can reach much higher velocities, up to 800 or even 1000 FPS.

– Air Guns:

Air guns typically have a muzzle velocity ranging from 500 to 900 FPS, which is enough for both hunting and recreational shooting at targets or small game animals. Some .177 pellet guns can reach velocities of over 1200 FPS, the Gamo Magnum. Air guns have multiple calibers to choose from: .177, .22, .25, .30, .357, all the way up to .50. The bigger the caliber, the more powerful an air gun is, some can take down large games like deers or elks.

Accuracy:

– Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns are typically designed to provide good accuracy at close to medium ranges, with some models also capable of hitting targets at longer distances. Their barrels and sights are often precisely calibrated to ensure accurate shooting results.

– Air Guns:

Air guns can also deliver excellent accuracy over both short and long ranges, due to the precision construction of their barrels and sighting systems. These guns may be equipped with scopes or other types of optical sights that enhance the shooter’s ability to zero in on targets from a distance.

Ammunition:

– Airsoft Guns: use BBs as their primary ammunition type, although some models may also use metal or plastic pellets. These projectiles are typically small in size and lightweight, allowing airsoft guns to deliver large volumes of fire for short periods of time.

– Air Guns:

Air guns rely on a variety of different types of ammunition that can range from wooden pellets to lead airgun bullets or arrows. Most air gun cartridges are sized to fit into the chamber of the gun without modification, while others require specific chambering adapters. The choice of the projectile will determine how powerful an air gun is, with heavier ammo delivering more recoil and greater impact force on targets.

Purpose:

– Airsoft Guns: for sport and target practice, airsoft guns are used by recreational shooters and enthusiasts to practice shooting skills. They can also be used in military and law enforcement training simulations as well.

– Air Guns:

Air guns are commonly used for hunting small/medium/large game animals, pest control, target practice, or competitive shooting. Many air gun enthusiasts also enjoy participating in air gun competitions such as field target shooting, bullseye target shooting, or plinking.

(For more on the best air rifle for hunting medium games, see this post)

Roy Weatherby was a visionary in the firearms industry. From his early experiments with ultra-velocity rounds to the development of his supremely safe action and his early adoption of polymer stocks, Weatherby was always at the leading edge of hunting rifle innovation. He was also a brilliant marketer. I still recall the images of a tree blown into so many matchsticks by a single .300 Wby. round and Roy palling around with famous actors like John Wayne and Roy Rogers.

Dressed in fancy Monte Carlo stocks and chambered for hard-hitting magnums, the Weatherby Mark V became the “it” hunting rifle of the mid-20th century. But all that fancy walnut came at a price, one many hunters simply couldn’t afford.

Roy Weatherby understood the need for a workingman’s Mark V, and in 1970 the company announced the Vanguard. Vanguard rifles were—and are—built on Japanese Howa push-feed actions. At the time of their inception, they rivaled popular rifles like the Remington 700 and Winchester Model 70, and Vanguard guns remain a popular option for big game hunters.

Recently, the bolt-action rifle market has been flooded with inexpensive, sometimes coarsely built, budget rifles that provide good accuracy but lackluster aesthetics. But Vanguard rifles have always been a step above those basic entry-level guns, combining solid construction with modern good looks at a price that the working hunter can afford.

As of this writing, there are 19 different Vanguard models currently available, ranging from .22-250 to .375 H&H Mag. There are Vanguards for smaller-statured shooters on up to rifles meant for dangerous game. There are Vanguards with wood stocks and synthetic stocks and package deals that include a Leupold 3-9x40mm scope. Suggested retail prices range from the mid-$500 mark up to $1,149.

“While originally launched in only a few configurations, the Weatherby Vanguard now boasts value-added features such as Cerakoting, barrel fluting, custom stock painting, barrel threading and custom floorplates,” said Adam Weatherby, Roy’s grandson and Weatherby’s current CEO. “Although the barreled action is still manufactured in Japan, these new features are all applied at our new facility in Sheridan, Wyoming.”

Over the years I’ve tested or hunted with seven different Vanguard models and have been impressed with every one of them. Vanguard rifles feature sub-m.o.a. accuracy and are backed with an accuracy guarantee—one of the first rifles at this price point to offer such a guarantee. A Vanguard Backcountry in .257 Wby. Mag. I once tested produced average groups around a half-inch with two different Weatherby loads, and I regret not buying that gun when I had the chance.

The newest member of the Vanguard family is the High Country model. As the name suggests, the High Country is designed to be light enough to carry on big game hunts at high elevations where the oxygen is thin and every ounce of rifle weight is a burden. The High Country I tested in 6.5 Creedmoor weighed just 7.15 pounds with its 24-inch fluted barrel.

The cold-hammer-forged barrel is finished in flat dark earth Cerakote for corrosion resistance, and it’s threaded 1/2×28. It comes with Weatherby’s Accubrake ST muzzle brake, which adds two inches to the barrel, as well as a seamless thread protector. The barreled action is free-floated and incorporates an integral recoil lug.

The synthetic stock features Weatherby’s trademark Monte Carlo comb. It’s black with green and tan sponge-paint accents, and the stock is equipped with textured grip panels and a right-hand palm swell. I’m a fan of the grip angle, which puts my shooting hand in the correct position.

High Country rifles are available in nine chamberings—five standard rounds and four magnums. Standard cartridges, including the 6.5 PRC, have 24-inch barrels while magnum chamberings sport 26-inch barrels and weigh a couple ounces more. The Vanguard High Country rifle carries a suggested retail price of $949, which places it in competition with Browning’s X-Bolt Composite Stalker ($910) and Bergara’s B-14 Wilderness Ridge ($975).

All Vanguard guns share the same push-feed bolt action with a small claw extractor and plunger ejector. Like the Mark V, the Vanguard rifles come with three gas ports in the one-piece machined bolt, as well as a fully enclosed bolt shroud, to help prevent injury in the event of a case failure. The bolt body is fluted to shave weight.

The Vanguard High Country is easy to top-load through the generous ejection port. Unlike some bolt-action hunting rifles that are finicky about loading and feeding, the Vanguard isn’t. A floorplate release is recessed into the front of the trigger guard. The release on my gun was a bit tight, but that’s not a bad thing, as the odds of an inadvertent mag dump are exceedingly low.

All current Vanguard rifles are equipped with a two-stage trigger. That has resulted in some shooters mistakenly calling Vanguard triggers “creepy,” but the take-up is intentional and acts as a safety mechanism without employing a blade. Initial take-up is smooth and light, and after that it it requires minimal finger pressure to drop the sear.

Weatherby Vanguard triggers average between two and four pounds, and they are user adjustable. The one on my sample averaged 3.4 pounds for 10 pulls on a Wheeler gauge.

The three-position safety is the rocker-type design and is easy to manipulate. In the rearward position the trigger is deactivated and the bolt is locked. In the middle position the bolt can be manipulated with the safety engaged. Pressing the safety rocker forward allows the gun to be fired.

I like three-position safeties because the bolt can be locked when walking so that brush and limbs don’t inadvertently open the action and the rifle can be loaded and unloaded with the safety engaged. Weatherby safeties can also be manipulated silently so if you suddenly find yourself close to game, the metallic “snick” of the rifle’s safety won’t catch the animal’s attention.

The bolt stop is located on the left rear side of the receiver, and it’s easy to operate. A small cocking indicator tab that extends under the rear bolt shroud lets you know the gun’s condition.

The High Country is drilled and tapped to accept Weatherby Vanguard/Remington 700 bases, which simplifies scope mounting. I topped the High Country with a Crimson Trace 4-16×42 Brushline Pro riflescope with BDC reticle. The Monte Carlo stock placed my eye in correct position behind the optic.

4-16×42 Brushline Pro: Check Price & Buy Now

I tested the High Country at the range with three different 6.5 Creedmoor loads. All three produced at least one three-shot group under an inch at 100 yards, and the best group of the day measured just 0.44 inch. A tack-driver, in other words, and well in line with the rifle’s guarantee for sub-m.o.a. accuracy.

The 6.5 Creedmoor produces mild recoil, which is one of its benefits, but having the removable Accubrake ST is a nice touch—and will be very much appreciated on the .300 Wby. Mag. version of the gun. This relatively new brake from Weatherby promises recoil reduction of up to 53 percent. All Vanguard rifles handle recoil well, and the dense black Vanguard recoil pad does a good job of absorbing kick.

In addition to range testing, I also got to use the Vanguard while hunting hogs and deer at a field-to-table event in Texas, and the High Country had no issues gathering meat. My first shot came when an old, heavy whitetail buck followed a group of does out of the oaks during late afternoon. A doe at the edge of the oaks caught the old buck’s attention, and he trotted away from the harem into the cover of the trees.

At any moment the buck might disappear from view, and since it’s difficult to have a field-to-table event without meat, I decided to try to make a shot on the deer before he vanished into the deep woods. There was a narrow window between two oak trunks through which I would have to weave the bullet, but I had confidence in the High Country rifle and took the shot. The buck was quartering away, and after the rifle cracked, I heard the thwop of the 129-grain Hornady bullet. The buck dropped.

The next shot came the following morning when I spooked a group of hogs at a feeder. My guide Ray and I had crept into a position on a hill overlooking the feeders and the hogs scattered. Because we wanted a pig for the table, I chose a small sow, and as she ran through the broken brush I led her by a half-body length and touched off the Weatherby. The same distinct bullet slap echoed up the canyon, and we found the hog 30 yards from where she had been when the bullet struck her shoulder.

The modern crop of affordable sub-m.o.a. hunting rifles means more challengers for Weatherby’s Vanguard guns. But the Vanguard has something that few of its competitors can boast about: five decades of experience redefining the affordable bolt-action hunting rifle segment.

“My grandfather first introduced the Vanguard as a lower-cost alternative to the Mark V rifle,” Adam Weatherby said. “From its hammer-forged barrel to consistent tight tolerances and an accuracy guarantee, it grew to become a wildly successful project that is now its 50th year of existence.”

There are guns less expensive than the Vanguard, and a few of them carry an accuracy guarantee that matches Weatherby’s. But very, very few guns offer the combination of high build quality, consistent accuracy and bang-for-your-buck value that Vanguard rifles promise. That was the case five decades ago when this model made its debut, and it remains so today.

Weatherby Vanguard High Country Rifle Specifications

• Type: bolt-action centerfire
• Caliber: .257 Wby. Mag., 6.5 Creedmoor (tested), 6.5 PRC, 6.5-300 Wby. Mag., .270 Win, .308 Win., .30-06, .300 Win. Mag., .300 Wby. Mag.
• Capacity: 4+1
• Barrel: 24 in.; threaded 1/2×28; Accubrake ST muzzle brake
• Overall Length: 46 in.
• Weight: 7 lb., 3 oz.
• Stock: black synthetic with tan/green sponge paint
• Finish: flat dark earth Cerakote
• Trigger: 3.4 lb. pull (measured)
• Sights: none; drilled and tapped
• Price: $949
• Manufacturer: Weatherby, weatherby.com