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The Firearm Blog

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This review started when I said mean things about Turkish shotguns online. My comments were generally targeting the gas-operated bullpup magazine-fed guns, but I have had a generally negative view of most Turkish shotguns. That opinion is based on a parade of Turk shotguns that have come through the shop where I work. As a category, they have more issues than shotguns of other origins. But they also have price points that tend to be much lower. I was soon contacted by a VP at Four Peaks Imports who threw down the gauntlet. He offered to send out a shotgun from their lineup because he thought shooting one would change my mind. I respect his approach of choosing a public hater as a potential reviewer, and letting the product speak for itself. I selected the Aksa S4, and in short order, it showed up at my FFL.

Semi-Auto Shotguns @ TFB:

  • Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Shotgun in Mossy Oak Greenleaf
  • Weatherby Expands Element Lineup with New Element Turkey Shotgun
  • New Enhanced Girsan MC312 Tactical Shotgun from EAA
  • Mossberg Unveils The New 940 Pro Tactical Semi-Auto Shotgun

TFB Review: Aksa S4 "Turkinelli" Clone

Attack of the Clones?

The Benelli M4 is a legend. There can be no debate on that point. It has been used by militaries, police forces, competition shooters, and people who just like nice shotguns. It has graced the silver screen and been used in Triple-A video games.

Whenever a gun reaches icon status, there will be clones. Some clones are more of an homage to a design, others are quite literal “clones” of the original. The Aksa S4 is the latter. Parts are generally interchangeable, including common upgrades like magazine tubes or stocks. It is not a Benelli but is impressively similar to the original.

TFB Review: Aksa S4 "Turkinelli" Clone

My negative view of Turkish shotguns generally stemmed from the obscene gas-operated bullpup magazine-fed guns that clutter the shelves of too many retailers, but the actual range of Turk scatterguns is very broad. There are pump guns with prices so low they look like misprints, and there are CZ-branded guns competing in the higher tiers. As a whole, this category of shotgun tends to cost less than comparable models made in the USA or places like Italy and Japan.

The S4 In Action

Gun reviews are intrinsically limited by (usually) having a sample size of one, and by not having unlimited time or ammunition. Multi-year, 10,000-round reviews across 20 sample guns would be an incredible source of data, but it is simply not feasible unless you are running some type of government procurement program. I was footing the bill for ammo and I most certainly do not have a Department of Defense budget. With those caveats in mind, it was time to start shooting.

TFB Review: Aksa S4 "Turkinelli" Clone

I did not lubricate anything, clean the gun during the review, or put thread locker on any screws before the initial break-in. Some reviews of similar models insist that these steps are necessary before shooting a Turkinelli. Instead, I stuffed shells in the magazine tube and started shooting. Gas-operated shotguns usually need some rounds through them before they operate reliably. That was true for the Aksa S4. In the first 50 rounds or so, there were a few failures to feed and failures to extract. After the first few boxes of shells, it smoothed out and operated normally.

I wanted to put a wide range of shells through the Aksa S4 because semi-auto shotguns can be picky with ammunition. I fired 550 rounds of birdshot, primarily 1 1/8oz and 1oz Winchester and Federal as found in your local Walmart. Outside of the initial break-in and one hang-up in the burndown (discussed below), it ran this ammo 100%. Some semi-automatic scatterguns struggle with this cheap ammo, but the Aksa S4 ran it like a champ.

TFB Review: Aksa S4 "Turkinelli" Clone

I also fired 110 mixed rounds of buckshot, slug, and turkey shells. The loads fired included Federal Law Enforcement buckshot and slugs, Fiocchi buckshot and slugs, cheapo no-name buckshot from a baggie in my basement, Winchester military 00 buck, and the least-expensive turkey shells from my local Sportsman’s Warehouse. Everything cycled fine, with the exception of Fiocchi low recoil buckshot. It did not like that load at all. Thankfully, that was the outlier.

TFB Review: Aksa S4 "Turkinelli" Clone

The manipulations are exactly the same on the Aksa S4 and the Benelli M4. I have shot Benelli shotguns in the past and there were no differences in the manual of arms. Both the M4 and S4 benefit from larger aftermarket bolt release buttons and extended bolt handles. Extended magazine tubes can also be added, though that can trigger 922(r) compliance issues. I chose to stick with basic upgrades for this review, which would not change any functional parts of the Aksa S4. I added a piece of industrial Velcro to the left side of the receiver for use with Esstac Shotgun Cards, and a Vortex Crossfire red dot on the factory optics rail. Some reviews of similar guns reported that the optics rail came loose after firing. This gun did not have that issue.

TFB Review: Aksa S4 "Turkinelli" Clone

The BurnDown

James has a history of blasting shells through shotguns as fast as he can to see what survives. Some guns handled it well, some did not. I wanted to do something similar, but with 200 rounds due to scarce ammunition and high prices. I did the burndown toward the end of the review, with about 325 rounds through the gun already. If something was going to fail, it would be more likely to fail with preexisting wear and tear before the real pain commenced.

The burndown was pretty simple. Load up 5+1, fire as fast as I could, load up 5+1 more, and do it again. There also were some top-off single loads mixed in too when I dropped a shell or missed the count on a reload. This was a truly unreasonable sustained rate of fire. The Aksa S4 got so hot that it scorched the leather glove on my lead hand through the handguards. My wife asked if I had eaten barbeque for lunch that day because the burning smell was so pronounced.

TFB Review: Aksa S4 "Turkinelli" Clone

How did the Aksa S4 fare? Excellent. It has one hiccup, a failure to feed at round 178 of 200. I pressed the bolt release button and the round fired and cycled normally. Once the gun cooled off a little, I fired the remainder of the buckshot, slugs, and turkey shells. All fired normally with no drama, including some 3″ magnum Ultra Turkey 1 3/4 ounce loads that damaged me, but not the gun. I was able to land a head shot on a 2/3 IPSC steel target at about 60 yards with a 3″ Federal slug as well.

TFB Review: Aksa S4 "Turkinelli" Clone

General Thoughts

A few sources had suggested that these guns were prone to parts breakage around the 500-round mark. I did not find that to be the case, but this is only one sample gun. What I can say from my totally non-scientific-definitely-not-an-engineer perspective is things look pretty good inside, and nothing looks like it is on the way to breaking.

The Aksa S4 includes 3 chokes (1 in the gun, two in a case), as well as a choke tube wrench. The wrench is pretty flimsy but it was able to remove the choke for the last few shells of the review. I did not see any marking on the chokes, so I used the age-old method of putting my finger in the front end to see how constrictive they were. I installed the most-constrictive one, and the patterns did shrink. Detailed patterning of shotguns is time intensive and beyond the scope of this review. What I can say is the chokes are there and if you feel like changing it up and looking at patterns, that option is available to you out of the box.

Conclusion

“Is it just as good?” is the wrong question. A clone that costs 70% less than the original Italian masterpiece will never be just as good. This is true with Italian guns, motorcycles, and food.

The real question should be “is it good when judged on its own merits?” and my answer is yes. It is a lot of gun for the money. Unlike many budget-oriented guns in its class, there is an aftermarket thanks to the M4 parts interchangeability. And it just might make you pick up a Benelli to round out the set some day.

10 Best Orange Hunting Vests for Deer, Upland (& Dogs!)

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A hunter dressed in camo and a blaze orange hunting vest walks across a field
Best Orange Hunting Vests for Deer, Upland (& Dogs!) of 2024

Just because you might be legally required to wear an orange hunting vest for the 2024 deer, elk, big game, or upland hunting season doesn’t mean that vest shouldn’t also be useful.

With that in mind, we’ve taken a close look at all different types of safety vests from around the internet to help you find the best for your needs. We found a wide array of camo, reversible, fleece, insulated, and even orange vests for dogs that all fit specific needs and hunting styles.

Some of the more straightforward options have just a few pockets, while others have blood-proof game pouches on the back for you to stash your small game haul. No matter your specific type of hunting, you’ll find a blaze orange vest on this list to keep you moving quietly, highly visible, and ultra-organized.

Because the best hunting brands make the best orange hunting vests, you can expect all the big names here, including Under Armour, Sitka, and Primos. But you’ll also find some high-quality gear from brands that might not immediately ring a bell, too.

Now let’s get ready to rumble.

Best Overall Orange Hunting Vest Sitka Ballistic

Our pick for the best orange hunting vest on the 2024 market is the Sitka Ballistic. It isn’t the most full-featured, nor is it the cheapest, but we certainly think this could be the last vest you ever need.

What you get with the Ballistic blaze vest is a durable, snug-fitting, and quiet vest that won’t encumber your movements.

There’s nothing worse than trying to get a shot lined up only to have your safety orange vest get in the way, or worse yet, make noise as you move and scare off that deer or elk. Some vests can fit loosely and get in the way, but you’ll barely even notice you’re wearing this bad boy.

Aside from its fit, you get a few zippered pockets, an adjustable waist, a magnetic closure for quick removal, and a durable water repellent DWR finish that won’t wet out. You don’t get shotgun shell holders, a game pouch, or a license tag holder, but its fit and functionality crowned it the best orange vest of 2024 in our eyes.

If you want a few more bells and whistles than Sitka offers here, check out the Primos Gunhunter’s vest immediately below.

  • Pros: Great fit, zippered and handwarmer pockets, quiet, warm, durable
  • Cons: Expensive, not a ton of storage

Feature-Rich Runner Up Primos Gunhunter’s

Primos Gunhunter

If you’re looking for the most full-featured orange hunting vest on the market today, the Gunhunter’s from Primos might rank above all others.

Designed for rifle and muzzleloader hunters, you’ll find yourself equally prepared for both big game hunting and small game hunts alike. That’s because Primos included just about every imaginable loop or pocket you need for organizing your gear. With shotgun shell loops, large pockets to store binoculars, a PVC waterproof lining, and many more helpful features, the Primos Gunhunter’s vest will ensure you’re always ready for action.

This vest doesn’t feature a blood-proof game pouch, but if you want something designed specifically for small game like birds and rabbits, the Gamehide Switchgrass below fits the bill. Some hunters also think this vest fits a bit wide, so make sure you’re ordering the correct size, or consider the Ballistic from Sitka above for a more snug fit.

In all, we think this is one of the best blaze hunting vests money can buy, and if you require lots of storage, it’ll probably be the best option for you.

  • Pros: Tons of storage, well designed, warm, lining pulls down to create a waterproof seat
  • Cons: A bit wide for some, button closures not ideal for everyone, not proper small-game pouch

Our Favorite Full-Zip Safety Vest Under Armour Hunt Blaze

Not everyone wants a thousand pockets to store their stuff like you’ll find in the Primos Gunhunter’s vest. Some of you want a quiet, lightweight option that’ll fulfill your legal requirement and won’t get in the way. Check out the Under Armour Hunt Blaze vest if you’re in that camp.

We love the full-length zipper that keeps it snug, secure, and easy to remove. Its snap dump pockets are also helpful and will keep all your high-use gear close at hand. And, with pass-through hand pockets, you’ll be able to reach through the vest into your jacket pockets to grab whatever you need.

In short, the UA Hunt Blaze vest is a well-designed piece of clothing that’ll keep you safe and legal during big game rifle season. To complete the UA blaze orange combination, pair it with this hat.

  • Pros: Durable, lightweight, quiet, pass-through pockets are a great addition, relatively inexpensive
  • Cons: Not a lot of storage

VIEW ON AMAZON

Best Orange Vest for Upland Hunting Gamehide Switchgrass

Gamehide Switchgrass upland vest

The absolute best orange upland hunting vest you’ll find in 2024 is the Gamehide Switchgrass. This thing is made for shooting, and it’ll help you bag all the peasants, grouses, turkeys, and whatever other type of small game you’re after.

With padded shoulders, shotgun shell holders, and a blood-proof game bag in the back, you’ll always be prepared to shoot and stash whatever small game you take down. Plus, with its front orange accents and back panel, all of your fellow hunters should have no problems spotting you in the field.

Gamehide constructed the Switchgrass out of a warm canvas material that can stand up to all the rigors of the outdoors, all while keeping your warm and toasty as temperatures drop.

Since this vest is meant to fit over a jacket, it’ll run a bit large, so keep that in mind when ordering.

  • Pros: Durable, warm, functional, inexpensive, looks good
  • Cons: Not much

VIEW ON AMAZON

Orange Camo for Big Game Mountain Pass Extreme Big Game

Depending on where you live, you may be able to wear orange camo to fulfill your legal requirement. While it won’t be legal in some areas, this Mountain Pass garment makes for an excellent deer, elk, and moose vest for those states which allow orange camo.

Because it’s made specifically for big game, you get all the pockets and loops you need to carry your gear with you for long days in the field. That includes rifle shell loops, a large kangaroo pouch to hold bigger items, handwarmer pockets, and zippered vertical pockets to hold valuables that you can’t afford to lose. It even has a hunter license holder.

Plus, because big game hunting can get downright cold, it’s windproof and will help keep cold gusts from penetrating your jacket below. It does fit true to size, so make sure you order a size up if you want it to fit over a thick jacket.

Some hunters say this vest appears to reflect UV light, which could alert deer to your presence. Aside from that, we haven’t noticed any other downsides. If you want to avoid any chance of a deer seeing the reflected UV light from this jacket, consider the Gunhunter’s from Primos above.

  • Pros: Tons of pockets, hand warmer pouch is great, front zipper makes it easy to take on and off, ammo pockets
  • Cons: Back pouch not blood proof, reflects UV light

VIEW ON AMAZON

Warmest Fleece for Late Seasons Sitka Stratus Windstopper

Sitka Stratus Windstopper fleece hunting top

The other vests on this list are primarily designed to keep your stuff organized and help you fulfill legal requirements, but none are meant to keep you super warm. Enter the Sitka Stratus Windstopper vest.

With a GORE-TEX membrane sandwiched between layers of fleece, this insulated and windproof orange vest shuts down gusts of wind before they’ll ever have a chance to chill your bones. And with a durable water repellent DWR finish, light rain should bead off before it wets out.

Its zippered hand and chest pockets will help keep your gear close at hand, so you don’t have to fumble around for your gear during big game hunts in the freezing cold. If you want the warmest cold-weather orange hunting vest out there, the Sitka Stratus Windstopper might be just what you’re looking for.

In short, hunters love the fit, warmth, and how quiet this vest is, but they wish it were cheaper.

  • Pros: Very warm, windproof, water repellent, good looking, great orange color
  • Cons: Expensive, not as feature rich as some other vests

Inexpensive Mesh to Make You Legal Orange Aglow Lightweight Mesh

Let’s say that you don’t want an expensive vest with a bunch of pockets. Instead, you want a cheap, lightweight, and packable blaze orange vest that makes you legal and fits well. The Orange Aglow brand has you covered.

This minimalist 3-ounce vest is a no-frills piece of safety clothing that’ll make you easy to see in the field. No more, no less. And, with about 600 square inches of hunter orange, you’ll be well on your way towards legality for the 2024 season.

Though it doesn’t have many features, this vest fits well, secures over larger jackets, and can be used in for the warm weather of the early seasons over a t-shirt.

Looking for an inexpensive, lightweight orange hunting vest? You just found it.

  • Pros: Affordable, lightweight, packs down small, 600 square inches of hunter orange
  • Cons: No pockets, insulation, or valuable features

VIEW ON AMAZON

Our Choice for Reversible Orange TrailCrest

TrailCrest reversible hunting safety top

Are you averse to orange hunting clothes that are only useful in rifle season? If so, give TrailCrest’s reversible camo and blaze orange vest a close look.

With a full-zip front, you can easily remove this vest and reverse between camo and blaze orange as the seasons and legal requirements change. We also love this vest’s heavy-duty fleece lining, which will help you hunt into the late seasons without freezing your butt off.

That fleece material, while extremely warm, is also very quiet and won’t spook animals as you trudge through the forest looking for your next freezer filler. And, for you out there that want their gear to serve multiple purposes, the camo print is very effective, and the orange on the other side is bright and durable.

Though we love this vest, we wish it had zippered hand pockets. Other than that, we can’t find anything else to nitpick.

  • Pros: Reversible and functional, very warm, fits well, reasonably priced
  • Cons: No zippered hand pockets

VIEW ON AMAZON

Youth Hunter Safety Orange Vest TrailCrest Front Loader

Don’t think we forgot about the young whippersnappers out there! Kids also need to wear safe orange clothing when they hunt, just like their parents and grandpappys.

This safe, warm vest has all the features you’d expect from a high-end adult orange hunting vest — but for kids. It features quilted shoulders, shell loops, holes for a hunting license, and even a blood-proof rear game back that can act as a waterproof seat when conditions get soggy.

With the right fit, you can expect your little ones to put this vest to use from the early to late seasons. If you want your young hunter to feel like they’re geared up just like mom and dad are, grab one of these excellent youth vests from TrailCrest.

  • Pros: Comfortable, full-featured, blood-proof game pocket, affordable
  • Cons: None to report

VIEW ON AMAZON

Best Orange Dog Hunting Vest Carhartt Pet Harness

Under Armour blaze orange dog hunting vest

If you’ve got a bad-to-the-bone dog that you take on your waterfowl, duck, upland, or any other type of hunt, you might wonder if there are blaze orange vests out there for them. There are, and the best option of 2024 is from Carhartt.

This water-repellent safety jacket will help keep ol’ Fido warm and dry even when he’s out working hard. That’s because it’s made with Carhartt’s Quick Duck canvas and a water-repellent coating to insulate and trap heat while shielding your dog from the harsh elements. Plus, it comes with a pocket, so Fido can stash some cash and pay for his own dinner for a change.

In terms of comfort, it comes in sizes from small to XL, and its hook and lined straps at the chest and waist will ensure that your pup is ready to tackle whatever comes next. This vest comes in all types of colors, too, so if safety orange isn’t your thing, you still have plenty of options.

  • Pros: Reflective tape is great for nighttime, repels water well, pocket is handy, durable
  • Cons: There are more full-featured dog harnesses out there

VIEW ON AMAZON

What We Considered When Analyzing Orange Hunting Vests

There’s a lot to consider when picking our your next orange hunting vest

Like all other products in the world of hunting gear, not all vests are created equal. So, we kept our eyes on a few specific factors to ensure that we indeed have found the best of the best.

Here’s are five of the most important considerations we analyzed when making our choices.

Fit

Maybe the most important factor we considered is how the vest will fit a hunter. Floppy, ill-fitting vests are uncomfortable and will get in your way, so the product you’re after should fit snugly over your clothing and make you easy to see. Simple as that.

Materials

A vest’s materials can make or break its effectiveness in the harsh conditions of late-season hunting. For this reason, we require that all vests on this list utilize durable materials that stay quiet as you move about the field. They should also avoid snags, help protect you from the elements, and have a bright orange finish.

Warmth

Some, but not all of the vests on this list, are made with insulating materials, like fleece to help keep you warm in the late season. Some also utilize GORE-TEX to help repel water and block harsh winds, too.

If you want your vest to help keep you warm, we recommend the Sitka Stratus Windstopper above all others.

Hunting Styles

Each of the best orange hunting vests we’ve recommended has features that fulfill specific needs. For example, the Mountain Pass Extreme Big Game vest has rifle shell holders and an elastic shooting stick holder. If you’re upland or waterfowl hunting, the Gamehide Switchgrass vest has shotgun shell holders that make for a great addition to the garment.

All styles are welcome here, and it was our goal to include something for everybody, even the kids and dogs among us.

Organization

We wanted to ensure that all our fellow gear heads out there had various features to choose from when it came to organizing their gear inside their orange vest. If you use your vest to carry a rangefinder, binos, shooting sticks, or more, we wanted to include an array of products that can help you organize it all.

Which Orange Hunting Vest Will Keep You Safe (& Legal) in 2024?

A hunter wearing a camo jacket and an orange safety vest facing away from the camera
Orange vests are a legal requirement in many states during rifle season

Whether you’re hunting big game like deer and elk or upland hunting for small game, you need one of 2024’s best orange hunting vests to fit well, remain quiet, stay legal, and not give your position away.

Aside from these basic requirements, we made sure to include products with features that’ll elevate your hunting experience, no matter what you’re after. Whether your future vest has the warmth and insulation of fleece, sports tons of practical pockets, or is reversible with camo, we hope we have helped you find the perfect fit.

And, though many of the vests we feature are made for big game hunters, we also made sure to include 2024’s best upland orange hunting vest with a blood-proof game pouch in the back. So, whether you’re after deer, elk, duck, quail, or whatever else, there’s likely a rough-and-tumble piece of gear for you on this list.

Regardless of what you’re hunting or which brand you prefer, we hope you get your hands on one of 2024’s best orange hunting vests to help keep you legal, highly visible, and well-organized in the field.

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Last Updated on August 16, 2024

The 4 Best 177 Pellets for Hunting [All Budgets]

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Not sure what pellets for hunting to get?

Look no further.

I’ve exhaustively tested all the best 177 pellets for hunting on the market. In fact, I tested everything, including: accuracy, reliability, speed and so much more.

By the end of this guide, you’ll find the perfect pellets.

Are you ready?

The 4 Best 177 Pellets For Hunting

If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best 177 pellets for hunting:

  1. Crosman DS177 Destroyer: Best Overall 177 Pellets
  2. H&N Terminator Hollow Points: Most Accurate 177 Pellets
  3. Crosman Premier Super Points: Best for the Budget
  4. GAMO Red Fire: Best for Hunting Rabbits

1. Crosman DS177 Destroyer: Best Overall 177 Pellets

With many options and styles of pellets on the market to choose from, I can easily say that the Crosman DS177 Destroyer pellets are the best on the market today.

A weekend of testing these pellets was a fun project.

You won’t believe some of the results that I had with an air rifle pellet.

So great. So surprising!

Accuracy

The accuracy of Crosman’s dish pellet was spot-on.

  • Crosman DS177 Destroyer

Most of the use that I get from my break barrel air rifle is with small game and pest removal.

Testing for that scenario was a hodge-podge course of 15-35+ yards of paper targets, water bottles, and jugs, as well as the trusty ole soda cans.

Man, I set up a treasure-trove of targets to shoot at all over the dang place for this. I was on target for all of them the entire time.

The dish style pointed-pellet/hollow-point combo was true in its travel without fail.

It was great.

Reliability

The reliability of the Destroyers was pretty remarkable given the circumstances.

  • Crosman DS177 Destroyer

With all of those tempting targets dangling from trees and sitting atop every flat surface within 40 yards, there was A LOT of shooting done on day one.

Like a kid in a candy store, I was reloading over and over for hours. I went through almost two tins of pellets in one weekend.

Yes. That’s almost 500 pellets all by my lonesome.

There were less than a handful that I would call total duds. That’s crazy good for such an affordable little pellet.

Aside from the ridiculously difficult to open tins, my indulgently excessive shooting was almost entirely smooth and failure-free.

Just goes to show, the best tools for the job don’t always have to cost an arm and a leg.

Pretty sweet when that’s the case, right?

Effective

The impeccable 7.4-grain lead Destroyer .177 pellets are tailor-made for effective performance.

  • Crosman DS177 Destroyer

This hunting pellet is designed for complete expansion and energy transfer. Not just impact triggered expansion….impact followed by expansion.

On the paper targets fixed to my trees, the expansion after impact was easy to see.

With some digging in the tree bark, I uncovered pellets that were penetrating several inches with the full bloom of the expansion.

On the bigger water jugs, the same results were visible over and over.

This advantage for my pest removal is a pretty big deal. Other expanding pellets tend to expand at the impact.

  • Crosman DS177 Destroyer

For critters like raccoons, woodchucks, or opossum, if my shot is not spot-on the pellet may strike bone and flatten without penetrating and killing the pest.

The good penetration through my target will get me past the bone and then expand in the soft tissue for humane extermination. Getting it done with one shot isn’t just about skill in shooting.

Is the Crosman Destroyer Worth it?

The Crosman DS177 Destroyer Pellet is perfect for a one-shot kill of rodents and small game that are causing trouble around my home.

  • Crosman DS177 Destroyer

It’s also such a great pellet for paper range target shooting, and plinking.

The reliable performance with even and effective expansion is ideal.

So go out and get yourself some of these little fellas. Meanwhile, I’ve got a lot of cleaning up on the test range to do! Enjoy!

2. H&N Terminator Hollow Points: Most Accurate 177 Pellets

H&N Terminator Hollow Points: with an imposing name and a vicious look, these pellets are out for blood, garden pest blood that is.

  • H&N Terminator Hollow Points

The Terminator Hollow Points are designed for pest management and “extreme accuracy.”

  • H&N Terminator Hollow Points

Will these pellets have your yard in tip-top shape or your garden in shambles?

Let’s take a look.

Construction

H&N’s claim to fame was the quality of their construction, so it’s a slam dunk here.

  • H&N Terminator Hollow Points

The material used is unpolished lead which is soft and malleable meaning it’s excellent for the “massive expansion” that is advertised for the Terminator Hollow Points.

The design is very similar to most other hollow point pellets on the market with one exception:

From the center of the head, a spike protrudes.

  • H&N Terminator Hollow Points

This assists in the initial penetration of the intended target. Additionally, there are notches around the rim of the hollow point that make it easier for the projectile to expand once it hits and enters something.

  • H&N Terminator Hollow Points

My only issue was that the pellets look a little bit rougher than what is shown in the advertisements online.

  • H&N Terminator Hollow Points

Mine came a little bit scratched up and the point was either dented or rounded enough to where I would not be able to poke myself enough to draw blood. This is extremely minor though because the performance is not affected by this slight discrepancy in looks.

I’m not sure if the point being rounded made much of a difference in effectiveness because I was still able to drop squirrels in one hit. It still gets the job done.

Now, remember this is still unpolished lead. Despite the high-quality construction, you’ll still need to clean your weapon of choice frequently to ensure good and consistent shooting

With that being said, the quality is exactly what you’d expect from H&N: Precise, solid, and dependable.

Accuracy and Practicality

High-quality construction is useless if you can’t hit where you’re aiming; luckily you’ll have no problems with the Terminator pellets.

  • H&N Terminator Hollow Points

I used these pellets for two things: garden protection and regular ol’ plinking. I had a good time with both.

H&N has the Terminator pellets being extremely accurate at 25 yards or medium range.

I can personally attest to this. For about two days, I just sat on my back patio and shot at a paper target (with a backstop of course) to see how accurate the pellets actually are.

During my testing, I found that I was able to hit roughly one-inch groups at 25 yards and half-inch groups at 12 and a half. I took this accuracy as a go-ahead to start going after pests in my garden.

I must have gotten at least 6 squirrels in three days. Five out of six squirrels were clean one hits.

There was one instance where the pellet failed to expand and went clean through. The force was sufficient to shock and knock it over long enough for a follow-up.

This brings me to another important personal point:

I do not like squirrels, they have killed many of my plants over the years, but I think an animal suffering is unnecessary. I was very satisfied that I was able to have humane kills due to the design of the pellet.

While large exit wounds are not pretty, you can rest assured that you’re no putting anything in an undue amount of pain. The exit holes are quite large. The Terminators live up to their name and have a massive expansion, like H&N claims.

Another thing I was worried about was over-penetration.

I have kind of close neighbors and initially, I was concerned about hitting windows or houses, even though I was mostly shooting into the ground when I was on the hunt.

It was a relief to find out that these pellets are superb for semi-suburban pest control. I had no over-penetration. The hollow point design and large expansion radius lend itself well to controlled velocity loss.

This means that the pellets lost speed very quickly, usually landing on top of the group behind the animal or bouncing off a tree after passing through my target. This is a great pellet if you’re worried about hitting something unintentionally.

In terms of accuracy, the Terminator Hollow Points are a very solid choice, more so if you’re space is limited.

  • H&N Terminator Hollow Points

Price

A tin of 400 unpolished lead pellets isn’t gonna break the bank at $15.39 on Amazon, slightly more expensive elsewhere.

This is definitely worth the cost, especially among similarly priced pellets and brands.

Are the H&N Terminator Hollow Points worth it?

There’s no question about it. These pellets are a must buy if you plan on taking care of a pest problem via airguns and pellet guns.

The construction, accuracy, and practicality all come together beautifully in the H&N Terminator Hollow Point pellets.

3. Crosman Premier Super Points: Best for the Budget

The Crosman Premier Super Points are the best .177 pellets for hunters on a budget.

Crosman Premier is known for their dependable pellets, and the Super Points give you consistent, precise shots without breaking the bank.

  • Crosman Premier Super Points

But, how do they measure up against more expensive pellets?

Let’s find out!

Accuracy

The Crosman Super Points are made to precise specifications with a far-reaching tip to ensure good, dependable, shot-to-shot accuracy.

Hitting targets within a 50-yard range is no problem. From 40 yards, my average grouping was about 1.5” using the standard iron sights on my Remington Vantage 1200.

It’s not the best accuracy I’ve ever seen, but it’s good enough to get the job done, and a great value for the lower price point.

I’ve shot these through both the Vantage 1200 and a GAMO airgun, and these pellets gave me good, dependable accuracy in both.

Shape and Fit

The Super Points have a pointed, aerodynamic design to ensure the longest range possible.

Although these pellets worked great for me in my two airguns, the fit is very dependent on the bore.

The front drive band is wider than on most pellets, so trying to squeeze them into tighter-bore firearms may damage the pellet, or cause your gun to jam!

  • Crosman Premier Super Points

However, they fit looser-bore guns tightly, which can give you better velocity. From what I’ve seen and read, they seem to like rotary magazines the best.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the pellets are made from premium lead – which means they can be easily deformed. Make sure you use the flat part of your finger to load them into your airgun.

Reliability

The Super Points feed very well into loosely-bore guns. Crosman Premier usually crafts high-quality lead pellets, and these are no exception.

They’re wear-resistant and give a consistently good performance.

A couple of things to note:

Lead pellets get the job done well, but as mentioned, can be very soft and easy to deform. Make sure you’re very careful, and never drop them onto any hard surfaces!

Manufacturing consistency is also not fantastic.

Although head diameter is usually very consistent, this isn’t the case here.

The weight, on the other hand, is very consistent. We’ll discuss this more in-depth later.

Despite these couple of factors that have the potential to cause issues, these pellets give you clean shots and work well in most loosely-bore airguns.

Speed

Super Points will give you close to the maximum distance you can get with airguns.

They hold their velocity well, which helps with accuracy. Based on my measurements, their average velocity is around 900 FPS!

Before I used them for hunting, I tested the pellets by shooting some through cotton targets. While most other pellets barely broke through 2 layers, these easily went through 4 layers of 100% cotton.

Size

Each Super Point weighs 7.9 grains. They’re a bit heavy to amount to Crosman’s claims of “maximum power” in an air rifle, but they still have impressive velocity and get the job done well.

The average head diameter on the Super Points is 4.52mm, and the average length is 5.37mm.

  • Crosman Premier Super Points

Although head diameter is usually a very tightly controlled parameter, the Super Points vary slightly from bullet to bullet.

It’s not a huge difference between each pellet, but it’s still something to take note of.

The weight, on the other hand, seems to be at a consistent 7.9 grains throughout each individual pellet.

Price

A box of 500 Super Points retails online for anywhere between $7-$15.

It’s a very good value for what you get, and these are among the cheapest .177 pellets currently on the market.

Recommendations

The Crosman Premier Super Points are great for close-range small game hunting and pest control.

They expand when they get in contact with the target, making them a great choice for hunting squirrels, groundhogs, or birds.

Serious airgunners can expect consistent, precise shots with these pellets.

If you’re a small game hunter on a budget, Super Points are a great choice.

4. GAMO Red Fire: Best for Hunting Rabbits

GAMO Red Fire pellets are the best for hunting rabbits!

Bunnies can raze my entire garden in a single night if not controlled. This means I needed to find the best option for taking care of these furry pests fast!

  • GAMO Red Fire

I’ve always done a decent job with round pellets, so why did I change things up?

What I found out after giving Red Fires a try will probably impress you as much as it did me.

Check this out.

Accuracy

The GAMO Red Fire pellets are very accurate.

  • GAMO Red Fire

Thanks in part to the cone-tipped shape of the pellet itself, GAMO’s design has maximized trajectory consistency.

I was initially testing on targets that I’d set up at 30 yards. From the first shot, I was very impressed with the performance.

No adjustments are needed. No learning curve to adapt to.

Immediately on target, I was ready to get down to business in a blink.

I value quality products, and accuracy is one of the most important features for these pellets. It’s not the only top-notch feature though.

Speed

The excellent performance of these pellets can also largely be attributed to speed.

The actual size of these pellets is a hair larger than the round pellets I’ve used in the past. I was a bit concerned by the appearance that they would be too big for my air rifle, but I was wrong.

  • GAMO Red Fire

The design of the pellet creates such a tight seal in the barrel, that the pellet comes screaming out at incredible speed.

The excellent trajectory also comes hand in hand with more effective stopping power.

Those little furballs are fast and twitchy, giving me only one shot when I catch them in my garden.

If I miss they’re long gone and I’m back to waiting. The high speed of the Red Fire pellet increases my odds of success every time.

Reliability

The GAMO Red Fire pellets are clearly reliable and well made.

Consistency in the way these are made is plain as day. Every tip is centered and in place. The tumbled appearance, without seams or visible defects, is a clear indication of the quality.

  • GAMO Red Fire

I have no worries about failures with the Red Fires.

Many round or poorly made pellets tend to veer way off target on occasion, due to irregular shapes.

I never had any trouble with that problem using the Red Fires. Both on the initial target tests and in my use afterward on the devil-bunnies, I never had a single wayward pellet.

Effective

The Red Fire pellets are so much more effective for rabbits than the round pellets I used to use.

Designed to mushroom on impact, these lethal pellets make a big difference in quickly downing my targets.

  • GAMO Red Fire

When I started, with the paper-over-wood targets, the pellets at everything less than 20 yards would shape into flat discs on impact.

On impact, on the 30+ yard targets, and in my real targets, the expansion was more of the peeled-back shape that I’d expected.

  • GAMO Red Fire

Typical pellets require relatively good precision to get an effective kill-shot that will eliminate the vermin quickly. The Red Fire’s expanding design increased immediate stopping power.

I want to eliminate a pest as humanly as possible. Being able to put the rabbits down quickly is so much simpler thanks to GAMO’s smart design.

  • GAMO Red Fire

Are the GAMO Red Fire pellets worth it?

Yes! For taking care of the rabbits in my garden, I will never use anything other than these pellets again.

  • GAMO Red Fire

The higher speed, consistency in pellets, and effective stopping power are all perfect for Operation Defend-The-Veggies at my house.

I’m so incredibly impressed with these pellets. I’ll be bunny-free in no time thanks to the GAMO Red Fire Pellets. Yes!!

Now It’s Your Turn

I hope you enjoyed my best 177 pellets for huntingguide.

So as a recap:

If you’re looking for the best overall 177 pellets, I highly recommend the Crosman DS177 Destroyer.

Or if you are looking for accuracy, get the H&N Terminator Hollow Points.

If you’re on a budget, then the Crosman Premier Super Points is for you. It is affordable, consistent and precise.

Lastly, if you are into hunting rabbits, then the GAMO Red Fire is what you are looking for.

Now I want to turn it over to you:

Which hunting pellets will you pick?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.

The Most Expensive Air Rifle

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“Unveiling the Epitome of Precision: The World’s Most Expensive Air Rifle. Experience unparalleled craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and unrivaled performance with this masterpiece of engineering. Elevate your shooting experience to new heights with this luxurious and exclusive weapon, meticulously designed for the discerning marksman. Prepare to be captivated by its exquisite design and extraordinary accuracy – a true testament to the pursuit of perfection in the world of air rifles.”

most expensive air rifle

most expensive air rifle

The world of air rifles is a diverse one, catering to both recreational shooters and professional marksmen. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of air rifle performance and craftsmanship, there are a few models that stand out as the most expensive options available. These high-end air rifles combine cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and exquisite materials to deliver an unrivaled shooting experience.

One such example is the FX Impact MKII, hailed as one of the most advanced air rifles ever created. With a price tag reaching several thousand dollars, this Swedish-made rifle features a range of innovative features including adjustable power settings, multiple calibers to choose from, and unparalleled accuracy. The FX Impact MKII is highly sought after by serious shooters who demand nothing but the best in terms of performance and versatility.

Another contender for the title of most expensive air rifle is the Daystate Pulsar HP (High Power). Known for its exceptional build quality and attention to detail, this British masterpiece offers incredible power and precision. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as electronic firing systems and advanced regulators, the Daystate Pulsar HP delivers consistent shot-to-shot performance that rivals even some firearms. This level of sophistication comes at a premium price point that reflects its top-tier status in the world of air rifles.

In conclusion, the most expensive air rifles are highly sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. While they may come with a hefty price tag, these rifles offer unparalleled precision and performance, making them a worthy investment for serious shooters and enthusiasts who prioritize quality and accuracy in their shooting experience.

Jack Rabbits Arizona

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Introduction

Jack rabbits are a common sight in Arizona and the Southwest. These quick, agile creatures are known for their long ears, strong hind legs, and fast running speeds.

Despite their name, jack rabbits are actually hares, not rabbits. They are an important part of the local ecosystem, and can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the area.

In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting and important facts about jack rabbits in Chandler, Arizona. We’ll discuss where they live, what they eat, how big they get, and much more.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about these fascinating animals, this article is sure to provide you with some valuable insights.

Are jackrabbits dangerous?

No, jackrabbits are not considered dangerous to humans. They are generally shy and elusive animals that prefer to avoid human interactions whenever possible.

Jackrabbits are known for their incredible speed and agility, which they use as a defense mechanism to escape from potential threats. When they feel threatened, they rely on their ability to run quickly and change direction abruptly to evade predators.

While jackrabbits are not aggressive towards humans, they may exhibit defensive behaviors if they feel cornered or trapped. They may thump their hind legs or make sharp turns to confuse predators or individuals approaching them.

It’s important to remember that wildlife, including jackrabbits, should be observed from a distance and respected in their natural habitats. Avoid approaching or disturbing them, as they play an important role in their ecosystems and deserve to be appreciated from afar.

Can jackrabbits have antlers?

No, jackrabbits do not have antlers. Although some may argue that the famous jackalopes do! Antlers are typically found in members of the deer family, such as deer, elk, and moose. These bony structures are grown and shed annually by male deer species as a part of their reproductive behavior and dominance display.

Jackrabbits, on the other hand, are not deer species and do not possess antlers. They belong to the family Leporidae, which includes hares and rabbits. Jackrabbits have distinctive long ears and powerful hind legs that enable them to run swiftly to escape from predators.

It’s important to note that there may be certain anatomical variations or genetic abnormalities that can result in rare instances of antler-like growths in other species. However, such occurrences are extremely uncommon and not characteristic of jackrabbits in general.

When observing jackrabbits, you will typically see them without antlers, displaying their unique adaptations as lagomorphs, which include their remarkable speed and agility in evading threats.

Where Do Jack Rabbits Live?

Jack rabbits are found throughout the southwestern United States, including in the city of Chandler, Arizona. They typically prefer dry, arid habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. In Chandler, they can be found in a variety of locations, including parks, nature preserves, and open spaces.

One of the best places to see jack rabbits in Chandler is at Veterans Oasis Park. This 113-acre park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including jack rabbits, coyotes, and many species of birds. The park features several miles of hiking trails, as well as a lake, a butterfly garden, and a cactus garden.

What Do Wild Rabbits Eat?

Jack rabbits are herbivores, which means they eat only plant matter. In the wild, their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, and the bark of trees and shrubs. They are also known to eat flowers, fruits, and seeds when they are available.

In urban areas, jack rabbits may eat ornamental plants and gardens if their natural food sources are scarce. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals is generally not a good idea. Not only can it be harmful to the animals, but it can also lead to conflicts with humans and other wildlife.

How Big Do Jack Rabbits Get?

Jack rabbits are one of the largest species of hares in North America. They can grow up to two feet in length and weigh as much as six pounds. Their long, powerful hind legs allow them to run at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest animals in the desert.

What Eats Jackrabbits?

Despite their speed and agility, jack rabbits are preyed upon by a variety of predators. Coyotes, bobcats, and foxes are some of the most common predators of jack rabbits in the wild. Birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, may also hunt them from the air.

In addition to natural predators, jack rabbits may also be threatened by human activities such as habitat destruction, hunting, and vehicle collisions. It’s important to remember that jack rabbits, like all wildlife, play an important role in the ecosystem and should be treated with respect and care.

Where Are Jack Rabbits Found?

Jack rabbits can be found throughout the southwestern United States, including in Chandler, Arizona. They are most commonly found in dry, arid habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. In Chandler, they can be found in a variety of locations, including parks, nature preserves, and open spaces.

Will Wild Rabbits Eat Carrots?

Carrots are not a natural food source for wild rabbits, but they may eat them if they are offered. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals can be harmful to their health and can lead to problems for both the animals and humans.

Carrots are high in sugar, which can lead to digestive problems in rabbits if they are consumed in large amounts. Additionally, feeding wild animals can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, which can lead to conflicts and even aggressive behavior.

How Long Do Jackrabbits Live?

Jack rabbits have a relatively short lifespan, with most individuals living only two to three years in the wild. However, in captivity they may live up to seven years or more. Predation, disease, and other factors can all contribute to the relatively short lifespan of wild jack rabbits.

How Fast Do Jack Rabbits Run?

Jack rabbits are one of the fastest animals in the desert, with top speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Their long, powerful hind legs allow them to cover great distances quickly, which helps them to avoid predators and locate food and water in the arid desert environment.

How Many Wild Rabbits Are in a Litter?

The number of young in a jack rabbit litter can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the age and health of the mother, the availability of food and water, and the local environmental conditions. In general, a jack rabbit litter may contain anywhere from one to six young, with an average of three to four.

Why Do Jackrabbits Have Big Ears?

One of the most distinctive features of the jack rabbit is its long, upright ears. These ears serve a variety of purposes, including helping the animal to regulate its body temperature, locate predators and prey, and communicate with other rabbits. The large surface area of the ears helps to dissipate heat, which is important in the hot, arid desert environment where jack rabbits live.

How Often Do Wild Rabbits Breed?

The breeding habits of wild jack rabbits can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the local environmental conditions and the availability of food and water. In general, however, jack rabbits breed throughout the year, with peak breeding occurring in the spring and summer months.

Will Wild Rabbits Eat Lettuce?

Lettuce is not a natural food source for wild rabbits, but they may eat it if it is available. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals can be harmful to their health and can lead to problems for both the animals and humans. Lettuce is low in nutrients and high in water content, which can lead to digestive problems if it is consumed in large amounts.

How Much Do Wild Rabbits Eat?

The amount of food that a wild jack rabbit eats can vary depending on a variety of factors, including its age, size, and activity level. In general, however, jack rabbits consume about 1/4 to 1/2 pound of food per day. This may include a variety of plant matter, including grasses, leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, and seeds.

Will Wild Rabbits Eat Apples?

Apples are not a natural food source for wild rabbits, but they may eat them if they are offered. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals can be harmful to their health and can lead to problems for both the animals and humans. Apples are high in sugar, which can lead to digestive problems if they are consumed in large amounts.

Are Jack Rabbits Endangered?

Jack rabbits are not currently considered to be endangered. However, like all wildlife, they face a variety of threats, including habitat destruction, hunting, and vehicle collisions. It’s important to remember that jack rabbits, like all wildlife, play an important role in the ecosystem and should be protected and conserved for future generations.

Will Wild Rabbits Drink Water from a Bowl?

Wild rabbits are typically able to obtain all the water they need from their food, and do not need to drink water from a bowl. However, in urban areas where natural water sources may be scarce, wild rabbits may be attracted to water sources such as bird baths, swimming pools, or pet water bowls. If you want to provide water for wild animals, it’s important to use a shallow dish that is cleaned and refilled regularly.

Where Do Jack Rabbits Live?

As we’ve mentioned earlier, jack rabbits are found throughout the southwestern United States, including in Chandler, Arizona. They prefer dry, arid habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. In Chandler, they can be found in a variety of locations, including parks, nature preserves, and open spaces.

Are Jack Rabbits Hares?

Yes, jack rabbits are actually hares, not rabbits. While both hares and rabbits belong to the family Leporidae, there are some key differences between the two. Hares are generally larger than rabbits, with longer ears and legs. They also have different reproductive strategies, with hares typically giving birth to fewer, larger young.

Will Wild Rabbits Eat Celery?

Celery is not a natural food source for wild rabbits, but they may eat it if it is available. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals can be harmful to their health and can lead to problems for both the animals and humans. Celery is low in nutrients and high in water content, which can lead to digestive problems if it is consumed in large amounts.

Are Jack Rabbits Fast?

Yes, jack rabbits are one of the fastest animals in the desert, with top speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Their long, powerful hind legs allow them to cover great distances quickly, which helps them to avoid predators and locate food and water in the arid desert environment.

How Much Do Jack Rabbits Weigh?

Jack rabbits can weigh up to six pounds, making them one of the largest species of hares in North America. However, the exact weight of an individual jack rabbit can vary depending on a variety of factors, including its age, sex, and overall health.

Conclusion

Jack rabbits are a fascinating and important part of the local ecosystem in Chandler, Arizona. These quick, agile creatures are known for their long ears, strong hind legs, and fast running speeds. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about these fascinating animals, we hope that this article has provided you with some valuable insights.

We’ve discussed where jack rabbits live, what they eat, how big they get, and much more. We’ve also provided some important information about the risks of feeding wild animals, and the importance of protecting and conserving these amazing creatures for future generations.

If you’re interested in seeing jack rabbits in the wild, be sure to visit Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. This beautiful park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including jack rabbits, coyotes, and many species of birds.

Whether you’re taking a leisurely hike or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the park, there’s no better place to experience the wonders of nature in Chandler, Arizona.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes Explained: Which is Best?

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First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes Explained: Which is Best?

Whether a first or second focal plane scope is best depends on your intended purposes.

Tactical and competitive shooting sports are crossing over into the hunting world more than ever, sparking frequent debates about whether first or second focal plane scopes—or more accurately, the reticles inside the scopes—are better.

Also known as front and rear focal plane, this refers to the position of the lens etched with the reticle, in relation to the zoom mechanism.

If the reticle-etched lens is in front of the zoom mechanism, it’s called a first, or front, focal plane scope. The reticle is superimposed over the image in the scope on the same plane, so as you zoom in or out, the reticle larger or smaller, maintaining the same size in relation to your target.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes
This graphic shows the placement of a reticle on the front focal plane, and on the rear focal plane. The magnification assembly (zoom mechanism) lies between them.

If the lens etched with the reticle is behind the zoom mechanism, it’s called a second, or rear, focal plane scope. In this design, the reticle stays the same apparent size inside the scope all the time. As you zoom in or out, the image seen inside the optic gets larger or smaller but the reticle does not.

There are significant advantages and disadvantages of each type. Proponents of first focal plane designs are vociferous in proclaiming the virtues of their favorite. Users of second focal plane scopes tend, quite candidly, to be less educated in optic technicana, and unfortunately often just listen without debating.

Here’s the short answer as to which is actually best: It depends entirely on the intended purpose of the scope. If you’re a military sniper, or a “tactard” plinker, or a PRS competitive shooter, front focal plane scopes are best. If you’re a hunter, second focal plan scopes are usually best.

Here’s why.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes
Tactical and competitive shooters are generally best served with first focal plane scopes, because they can accurately use reticle hash marks to hold for wind or a bit of bullet drop/point of impact error no matter what magnification the scope is on.

Front Focal Plane Scopes

Military and tactical-type shooters often rely on hash reticle hash marks to compensate for wind drift, and for on-the-fly minor variances in bullet impact above or below expected point of impact. In a first focal plane scope, the hash marks on the reticle crosswire are the same predictable value no matter what magnification the scope is set on. Whether you are zoomed way in on a very small target, or zoomed way out so as to maximize our field of view when engaging multiple or moving targets, .2-MIL hash marks are always .2 MILs. If you need to hold for 6 MILs of wind drift, just use the appropriate hash mark and squeeze the trigger.

That’s it for the advantage of first focal plane reticles, folks. It’s a very simple, yet critical characteristic. The disadvantages are more nuanced, and as a result are harder for many shooters to grasp—until experienced for themselves.

Here’s the down side to front focal plane reticles: When the scope is zoomed way in, the reticle grows to the point where it becomes outlandishly thick. It can easily become so thick it obscures your target, making precise aiming difficult.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes
Modern snipers generally use front focal plane reticles.

To compensate, most optic companies make front focal plane reticle crosswires really thin near the center. Unfortunately, that makes it so when you zoom way out, the reticle becomes super thin and can nearly vanish.

Most tactical and competitive shooters prefer to shoot with their scope on 10x or more, so it’s not really a problem for them. However, if you use a first focal plane reticle while hunting, that vanishing reticle on low power can be debilitating.

This is particularly true in low light conditions, and when the game animal is against a brushy background. To gather enough light to see the animal, you’ve got to zoom the scope all the way out. (Scopes gather and transfer light most effectively on low power.) Trouble is, with the reticle now spiderweb-thin, it vanishes in the twilight, especially if there’s brush around the animal.

Where legal, illuminated reticles can help overcome the vanishing-reticle syndrome. However, many states do not allow illuminated reticles for hunting. Plus, most illuminated reticles are too illuminated, meaning the entire thing or at least the major percentage of the reticle glows. A tiny pinpoint of light in the center of the reticle is wonderful; a Christmas tree worth of vibrant glowing reticle is distracting and can make it difficult to see through and find your quarry in the fading light.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes
Hunters are generally best served with second focal plane scopes. Most game is shot with the scope on low magnification, where a front focal plane reticle shrinks until it has nearly vanished. Busy backgrounds and low light exacerbate the issue.

Second Focal Plane Reticles

Second focal plane scopes are the world standard for hunters, and for good reason; the reticle stays the same size whether zoomed in or out. You can crank up to top magnification and see the wings on a fly at 100 yards; the reticle doesn’t become grossly fat. You can zoom all the way out for low-light hunting, and the reticle stays perfectly visible rather than thinning to obscurity.

I’m gonna take a cheap-shot at pseudo-tactical shooters that proclaim second focal plane reticles are outdated and near useless: Most shooters making such claims have little real-world experience on live targets, in wild environments; on stealthy game that moves only when the shadows grow long. Be a little more open-minded, and listen to the guys that consistently stalk and kill the wariest wild game, from torrid deserts to frigid timberline, in all kinds of weather and light conditions. You’ll learn something about what works best for hunting.

So, if second focal plane scopes are so good, what’s the down side? It applies to technical extended-range shooters that calculate wind holds, or hold over a distant target using reticle hash marks to compensate for bullet drop rather than dialing up.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes
Here’s a prime example of how a front focal plane reticle shrinks until it nearly vanishes in most front focal plane reticles. It’s not usually an issue with target, tactical, and competitive shooting, but plays havoc when hunting. March Scopes image.

If a second-focal-plane reticle incorporates hash marks, it has a significant Achilles Heel: They are only good at one magnification setting. For example, my favorite hunting reticle is Leupold’s WindPlex. It’s got one-MOA hash marks on the horizontal crosswire to help shooters accurately compensate for calculated wind drift. However, those hash marks span exactly one MOA only on max power. For example, a 3-18x 44mm Leupold VX-6HD must be zoomed all the way to 18x for the hashes to have exactly a one-MOA span.

I don’t like to shoot at game animals on max power. It’s hard to find your quarry when you’re zoomed all the way in. You almost never spot your own impacts, because the field of view is small and recoil causes your rifle to jump. It’s hard to find the animal for a fast follow-up shot. In Mexico, I once failed to get a critical second shot into an animal because my scope was on 18x. The big coues buck trotted off when the bullet hit, and I couldn’t get back on him.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes
Shown is Leupold’s WindPlex second focal plane reticle. It’s hash marks span one MOA when the scope’s magnification is zoomed all the way in. At all other power settings the hash marks are useless—except for the half-power setting, at which the marks span two MOA. That’s useful enough for most hunters.

Thankfully, there’s a shooter’s hack that helps: Set your scope on half power, and double the value of the hash marks. Set on 9x (halfway down from 18x), my Leupold reticle’s hash marks span two MOA.

As a result, unless inside 300 yards, I rarely use anything but half-magnification when hunting with second focal plane reticles equipped with hash marks.

There you have it: the primary pros and cons of first versus second focal plane scopes. Maybe, like me, you own and use both, and pick up whichever is appropriate for the task at hand. Perhaps you use just one rifle for everything from backcountry hunting to long-range cross-country NRL Hunter matches. In the end, only you can decide which is best for your purposes.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes
Popular graphs such as this are massively misleading and do shooters and hunters a disservice: They show the first focal plane reticle in a theoretical (but senseless) best light. It’s a foolish hunter indeed that zooms his scope out at long range, as depicted, and zooms in to 20x for those close shots. It’s ridiculous. Invasion the first focal plane scope zoomed to 15x, aiming at the tiny, faraway deer on the left. The thick reticle would nearly obscure the deer.

Glock 17 Vs. 19 – Which One Should You Get?

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Glock 17 Vs. 19 - Which One Should You Get?

Glock makes some of the best pistols in the world that are used by militaries, law enforcement, and civilians all over the world. Though all their pistols are very popular, the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 probably take the top spots.

Both of these pistols are very capable and effective. They are both chambered in 9mm and use similar designs, materials, and testing standards. However, they also have distinct differences, which set them apart.

So, today we will put the two of the best and most popular pistols, the Glock 17 and 19, against each other and try to answer which one you should get.

*G17 and G19 have many generation models. In this article, we will be comparing the factory GEN5 models.

Glock 17 Vs. 19: Barrel Length and Size:

Glock 17 Vs. 19 - Which One Should You Get?

In many ways, the Glock 17 and 19 are the same. However, the Glock 17 is a full-sized pistol, and the Glock 19 is more of a compact or midsize pistol. They fire the same caliber, have identical triggers, and have the same barrel rifling; however, the Glock 19, being a more compact pistol, has a shorter barrel, grip, and slide.

The Glock 17 has a 4.48-inch barrel (114 mm), whereas a Glock 19 has a 4-inch barrel (102 mm). With the shorter barrel, the overall length of the Glock 19 is also shorter. It is 7.28 inches (185 mm) compared to the 8.03 inches (204 mm) on the Glock 17.

When it comes to concealment, which is what most compact pistols are designed for, the height of the grip is a more critical factor than the length of the slide. This is why the difference between the size of the grips is more significant than the difference in the barrel length. The Glock 19 has a 5.04 inches (128 mm) tall grip, with the magazine included, whereas the Glock 17 has a grip height of 6.50 inches (165 mm). In terms of slide width and overall width, the Glock 17 and 19 have the same size.

Glock 17 Vs. 19: Recoil and Accuracy

Both felt recoil and accuracy usually depend upon the shooter. However, as far as the capability of the pistols is concerned, both the Glock 17 and 19 are very accurate in the hands of even an average shooter. Technically, since the barrel on the Glock 17 is longer, it should theoretically give the bullet more stabilization at longer distances and hence be more accurate. Still, realistically, it is tough to tell any difference between the accuracy of these pistols. They are both very accurate pistols, which is owed to many factors. However, the unique Polygonal rifling used in Glock pistols is one of the main reasons for their exceptional accuracy. Glock has modified the rifling and the crown on the Gen5 models to increase its precision further.

In terms of recoil, both pistols are again quite similar. Despite the slightly shorter grip, the Glock 19 is very easy to grip, even for people with large hands. Weight also impacts the recoil impulse of a firearm, and though the Glock 19 is lighter, there is no noticeable difference in recoil. The shorter pistol should kick harder, but the difference is so insignificant that it would take a real expert to notice it.

Glock 19 vs. 17: Magazine Capacity

In terms of magazine capacity, the Glock 17 can hold 17 rounds of 9mm in the magazine, with one in the chamber. Keep in mind that this is not why it is called the Glock 17. The “17” refers to the patent number rather than the magazine’s capacity. The Glock 19 has a capacity of 15 rounds, plus one in the chamber. The shorter slide means that it carries a shorter magazine. However, if you want, you can use Glock 17 magazines in a Glock 19 or even opt for higher capacity magazines, but that would obviously decrease the concealability of the Glock 19, and it won’t technically be a “compact” pistol anymore. So, in terms of magazine capacity, both models can achieve the same capacity since G19 can also use G17 magazines.

Which One Should You Get?

Both the Glock 17 and 19 are excellent and versatile pistols that can fit almost any use case. However, with their different sizes, they do perform better in some applications than others. For instance, if you are looking for a full-sized pistol, perhaps for competition shooting, or you want a home defense pistol that has a higher capacity from the box, then the Glock 17 is the better option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a concealed carry pistol, the Glock 19 is the better option. Both pistols are great for defense and are widely used by law enforcement and militaries worldwide.

Glock 17 Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Larger frame for easier control
  • Higher magazine capacity (factory)
  • The longer barrel can increase accuracy slightly
  • The heavier weight can reduce recoil slightly

Cons:

  • Not very concealable

Glock 19 Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • More concealable
  • Faster cycling rate

Cons:

  • Lower capacity (factory)

Conclusion:

So, where both the Glock 17 and 19 are among some of the best semi-automatic 9mm pistols in the world and can be used in almost any application, their slight differences do set them apart. The Glock 19 is the better option for concealed carry, with its smaller frame and overall profile. On the other hand, the Glock 17 is better for home defense, or completion shooting, since it has a higher capacity and bigger size. Still, many people use the 17 as their everyday carry pistol, and many use the 19 come home defense and competition shooting, both of these pistols are just so versatile that they could be used for any application.

Glock makes some of the best pistols in the world that are used by militaries, law enforcement, and civilians all over the world. Though all their pistols are very popular, the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 probably take the top spots.

Both of these pistols are very capable and effective. They are both chambered in 9mm and use similar designs, materials, and testing standards. However, they also have distinct differences, which set them apart.

So, today we will put the two of the best and most popular pistols, the Glock 17 and 19, against each other and try to answer which one you should get.

*G17 and G19 have many generation models. In this article, we will be comparing the factory GEN5 models.

Additional Glock Resources

  • How to Best Clean Your Glock
  • Why Is the Glock So Popular?
  • Best Aftermarket Glock Barrels
  • 4 Common Glock Upgrades
  • Glock Compensators – What to Know

5 Best Laser Bore Sights [Hands-On Tested]

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Sighting in a new gun — or re-zeroing an older rifle — can be a very frustrating chore…

It can be such a hassle in fact, that we sometimes end up neglecting that first day at the range for fear of pulling our hair out as we chase shots all over the paper — if we even hit paper from the start.

Traditional bore sighting involves some guesswork.

But now, instead of engaging in a procedure equivalent to tossing darts at a dartboard while looking through a rolled-up newspaper, a laser bore sighting system can simplify the whole process for you.

Super Easy gif

We tested five laser bore sight products — three for general firearm applications, and two specifically for a firearm chambered in .223.

Let’s see how these products performed in the field.

By the end, you’ll have a better idea which ones performed best, under what circumstances, and the ones that might work for you.

THE QUICK LIST

Testing Procedures

While we performed multiple tests on each product to determine visibility and functionality, we settled on a simple test for comparison’s sake.

The goal was to zero a Savage Axis .270 to 100 yards with as few shots as possible.

We started at 25 yards, aligning our first shot using the bore sighters. From there, we would realign and shoot as necessary until we were zeroed at 100 yards.

However, we did something slightly different for the .223 bore sighting products. We wanted to see how the bore sighters would work to set the iron sights at 25 yards.

Safety Note

Remove your bore sight, either in the chamber or on the muzzle of your weapon, BEFORE test firing the firearm. Failing to do so will cause massive damage to your firearm and/or you and/or the people around you.

You would think this didn’t need to be said, but coffee is hot also. Stay safe out there, people!

And just in case, don’t forget to bring your IFAK to the range with you.

Mountain Man Medical Ankle IFAK
Might want some of these essentials just in case.

Best General Firearm Bore Sights

These bore sighting tools are not chamber or caliber specific and you can use them on a range of guns though limitations do apply.

1. Bushnell 740100C Laser Boresighter

This is a competent unit, but it lacks power for greater distances and has to be used in a specific way for maximum effectiveness.

The Bushnell can be set up to sight in anything from handguns and rifles to shotguns, and the kit includes arbors to fit from a .22 to a .50 caliber weapon, as well as 12- and 20-gauge shotguns.

Note, however, that this boresight will only work in pistols with barrels 4.5 inches or longer due to its length. Overall, though, the build quality is high, and the all-metal construction feels exceptionally sturdy.

However, the laser did diffuse somewhat quickly, and a special reflective surface was necessary to take full advantage of the Bushnell as we put it through its paces.

We began our testing in the early morning, with less direct sunlight, and we found this boresighter offered laser visibility to just over 50 yards on a white target. Beyond that range, it was a challenge to see the red spot on the white paper.

This is OK, though, as we began testing at 25 yards, and the Bushnell got us on paper easily.

After fitting the arbor, which took a little adjusting to get the screw seated and the fit correct, the boresighter sat snuggly in the .270’s barrel, and we could easily line up our crosshairs.

KelTec RDB target
Walking in your shot.

The first shot was around 4 minutes of angle off high-left at 25 yards, so we simply readjusted for a second shot at 25 yards without the boresight, and moved out to the 50-yard target distance, where we reinserted the boresighter.

This shot was off by about 5 MOA, but we were on paper, and after a readjustment and two more shots, we zeroed the .270 at 100 yards without using the boresight.

Now, it’s important to remember, the pointer isn’t 100% accurate. It won’t point exactly where your shot goes, but it doesn’t have to do that to get the job done. The idea is to save time and ammo by not having to guess while boresighting.

So, after only two shots lined up with the boresighter, we were set up, and the Bushnell was back in the bag.

Not bad, and the unit is capable overall, as long as you know how to use it. The unit doesn’t feature a super-powerful laser, and while it was visible earlier in the day, that visibility dropped significantly over the course of our testing.

4 Rules of Firearm Safety
The strength of a laser dictates it’s visible range in various lighting scenarios.

It did come with a handy carrying pouch, though, and the system’s versatility is nice.

I can absolutely recommend this product as striking a great balance between price, portability, ease-of-use, wide applicability, and usability.

But be aware, you absolutely need a special reflective surface, preferably designed for use with laser boresights, for the Bushnell to be most effective in a variety of conditions.

2. LaserLyte MBS-1 Mini Laser Boresight

This more compact boresighter performed similarly to the Bushnell product, except that it is smaller and can fit into pistols with barrels from 3 inches and above.

It lacks arbors that will fit shotgun barrels and is intended for use with rifles and pistols exclusively.

Where the LaserLyte shines — pun intended — is in a slightly more powerful, tighter laser. We could spot the laser more easily past 50 yards, and its beam appeared to be tighter in our testing.

That said, the effective range is close to 65 yards, and certainly no more than 70 yards without a special reflective surface to sight off of.

As an aside, a reflective target insert would be a huge help.

When you’re first setting up the LaserLyte — and the Bushnell, for that matter — be aware, the arbors use very small screws that take some finagling to set up properly.

Work over a box or other surface where you won’t have to be concerned about dropping your screws and losing them.

5 Best Laser Bore Sights [Hands-On Tested]
Because it never works out like this.

We set the scope on the .270 out of zero and sighted using the LaserLyte. After a single shot at 25 yards, we were only off the expected point of impact by about 2 MOA.

This felt a little tighter than the Bushnell Boresighter, but we were still on paper with both systems.

After we shot again at 25 yards and readjusted the scope, we went out to 50 yards and sighted using the boresight to check the expected point of impact. The next shot was only about 3 MOA off our aim point, and we were easily able to zero from there.

We went out to 100 yards and zeroed easily without using the LaserLyte.

The unit’s greater compactness and slightly more visible laser — especially in more direct sunlight — make the LaserLyte easy to recommend.

The applications between the Bushnell and the LaserLyte are slightly different, and if you’re seeking a boresighter with greater versatility when it comes to pistols, this is probably the unit for you.

5 Best Laser Bore Sights [Hands-On Tested]

Both products performed admirably, however, and both are usable for their intended applications within similar ranges.

3. Wheeler Engineering Professional Boresighter

This unit has a lot of unique, premium features that make it an exceptional product and probably my favorite pick of the bunch.

First, it uses a green laser — every other unit we tested uses a red laser — which was strikingly more visible in daylight, all the way out to 100 yards, without any special reflective materials.

This boresighter also features a strong magnet to attach to the end of a muzzle, and this worked admirably well.

However, note that we immediately found the unit did scuff up the rifle crown when we first attached it.

We solved the problem by placing a piece of cleaning cloth in between the crown and the boresight. Arbor-based systems, in theory, may damage the bore upon insertion, so both types of alignment have their pros and cons.

The Wheeler also comes with a lithium battery and a carrying case. Everything about the unit feels premium. And the best part is, it even included a special reflective target sticker that was extremely helpful sighting in every laser boresighter we tested.

I didn’t even have to use the reflective tape I brought because of this. Way to go, Wheeler!

In terms of our test, the Wheeler wasn’t exactly the most accurate out of the box, probably because of how it attaches to the muzzle. We could rotate the Wheeler on the muzzle, and it absolutely did jump around the paper a bit.

While it took some practice, once we were confident, we took a shot at 25 yards, and we were on target! Only off by about 3 MOA high and to the right of our aim point.

This was totally acceptable, and after we readjusted our point of aim for a second shot at 25 yards, we moved out to 50 yards and re-sighted using the Wheeler. Our next shot was off around 3 MOA, this time to the bottom-right of our target point.

5 Best Laser Bore Sights [Hands-On Tested]
Green lasers are easier to see but typically consume batteries at a faster rate.

We adjusted again and were able to zero out at 100 yards. This time, however, because of the powerful laser of the Wheeler, we did use it to check our adjustment, and we were about right on to our point of aim from here.

The Wheeler is an exceptional, premium unit, and it has some excellent features. It’s priced higher than any other unit we tested, however, and it really does have a more limited range of applications in a sense, in that it really isn’t practical for sighting in a pistol.

5 Best Laser Bore Sights [Hands-On Tested]
Wheeler Professional Boresight.

While you could sight in a shotgun or a pistol with it in theory, I see most users sighting in rifles with the Wheeler.

That said, I highly recommend the Wheeler, especially if want high ease-of-use or you’re sighting in multiple firearms under controlled conditions and want a unit that will save you a lot of time.

For a gunsmith, this might be the unit to have.

For everyone else, an Arbor-based system may be more practical.

What do you think of the Wheeler? Rate it below!

.223-Specific In-chamber Bore Sighters

While these two bore sighters are designed for .223 Remington chambers, boresighters that are made for other calibers are widely available.

They also all work the same way – just drop them into the chamber like you would a normal cartridge and use per the instructions given.

Be careful when using these and, as always, adhere to the Four Rules of Gun Safety.

5 Best Laser Bore Sights [Hands-On Tested]
4 Rules of Firearm Safety

If you poke around on the internet you can find accounts from people who mistook their live ammo for their bore sight and fired their rifles unexpectedly.

Don’t be that person.

4. Sightmark Laser Boresight

This bore sight is easy to use, and worked reasonably well, though both .223 bore sighters were less powerful than the other units we tested.

The Sightmark takes three AG3 batteries, and was visible only out to about 25 yards, though using the reflective target greatly improved this range.

This was fine for the open sights on the rifle we tested. It also comes with a handy carry pouch, which was a nice addition.

Because the Sightmark operates in the chamber and sights down the length of the bore, it proved to be very accurate and extremely easy to use. We simply turned on the laser and loaded the unit, adjusted the sights, and took a shot.

At 25 yards, the Sightmark got us on paper after the first shot, and it only took three more shots to get the open sights adjusted. The accuracy off the bench held true at 50 yards.

We really only had to load the Sightmark once to get on paper, and it performed flawlessly in this application.

At greater distances sighting in an optic, however, some reflective material would absolutely be necessary.

5. GoZier Tactical .223 Laser Boresight

The GoZier performed similarly to the Sightmark bore sight. However, the GoZier does take up to four AG3 batters and we found it did appear to be slightly brighter out past 25 yards.

I’d say it had an extended range of about 10 to 15 extra yards over the Sightmark.

Practically speaking, however, it didn’t perform substantially better in terms of visibility, and still worked best with a highly reflective surface to sight off of.

After we let our test rifle cool down for a while, the test results were similar.

We loaded the laser bore sight after intentionally misaligning the rifle’s sights and then sighted the rifle in. We took a single shot, which was on paper, though we were about 2 MOA further from the dead center of our aim point compared to the Sightmark.

This was most likely simply due to the variation in how we had the sights set for the first shot, however, and after we adjusted slightly, we took three more shots.

From there, we were able to fire accurately at 25 yards, and remain on paper and readjust at 50 yards without needing to rechamber the GoZier.

Both the GoZier and Sightmark performed well.

5 Best Laser Bore Sights [Hands-On Tested]

The GoZier definitely had a slight but noticeable edge when came to visibility. But both bore sighters needed reflective surfaces to be effective and required four shots to sight in the rifle.

Both products get my vote.

Conclusion

Do you absolutely need a bore sighting product?

Not necessarily

But these units make it so easy to get on paper right from the start and are cheap enough that it seems pointless not to keep at least one of these in your range bag.

Hitting paper the first time you shoot can be invaluable, especially for newbies or those working with multiple firearms. If you’ve ever tried to zero a rifle by sighting down the bore, you’ll know how extremely frustrating it can be if you can’t consistently get on paper right from the start.

A laser bore sight will keep you from chasing your shots all over the paper, saving you time and ammunition in the process.

My favorite for rifles and pistols is the LaserLyte.

If you want to go a little bit more pro (and green), I like the Wheeler.

And for something .223 chamber specific…the GoZier takes a slight edge.

How do you go about sighting in a new rifle? What type of boresight do you use? Tell us in the comments below. If you’re heading to the range, don’t forget your Essential Shooting Range Gear!

MOA Vs. MRAD: What’s Best for You?

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Same same…but different.

We’d love for a clear winner to emerge, but often, the reality is our subjective personal preferences are really the only sticks we have with which to measure competing options.

In many ways, this is the case with scope reticles and turrets measured in minutes-of-angle versus milliradians.

In fact, the last grudge match I mentioned above — between metric and imperial units — is apropos here, because MOA versus mil or mrad boils down to just that: a difference in how we format degrees of angular measure.

I know this can be confusing, but we’re going to break everything down and try to demystify the topic for those of us who just want to know what we should choose.

We’ll look at the differences between MOA and mil measurements, figure out what’s relevant to you as a shooter, and see if we can find any strong or even weak reasons to prefer one over the other.

What’s an MOA?

Minute-of-angle is just an angular measurement. It’s based off the number of degrees in a circle — 360 — and the number of minutes in a degree — 60. This is an arbitrary arrangement going all the way back to the Egyptians and Mesopotamians that is used simply to provide a standard of measurement.

They divided a circle into 360 degrees, basically because they used a base-60 numerical system (we use a base-10 system). So we do too. Because history.

OK, some of you might be saying … What does that even mean though? Think of it this way. Let’s say you’re looking at a target that’s 100 yards away. Now, imagine there’s nothing around or under you, and a circle appears around you, where you are at the center of the circle, and the outside edge of the circle passes through the direct center of the target.

If you divide that imaginary circle into 360 degrees or 360 pie slices, and you walk out and measure the distance between those degrees or slices, that distance would be 62.83 inches. This means that at 100 yards, 1 degree of angle measures 62.83 inches. Does that make sense?

Good. Now, if we were to further divide that degree by minutes, we’d get the number 1.047 inches, because there are 60 minutes in a degree.

By the way, isn’t it interesting that our measure of one minute-of-angle is very close to 1 inch at 100 yards? That’s partially why, when we’re sighting in a rifle using an MOA-based scope, we often shoot at targets with 1-inch grids on them. At 100 yards, if all of our shots hit within a single square, we can be sure we’re shooting a sub-MOA grouping.

Though this is purely coincidental, for our purposes as shooters, it’s extremely convenient, because this relationship between distance and minute-of-angle holds mostly true as we move out by 100-yard intervals. At 200 yards, one MOA equal 2.094 inches. Out to 1,000 yards, 1 MOA equals 10.47 inches.

You can find your MOA measurement by multiplying the distance in yards by 1.047, then dividing by 100. And at each increase of 100 yards, you’ll find that you’ve added roughly 1 inch to your MOA measurement. You’re basically just adjusting your measurement to “shooter’s MOA,” which is just your MOA rounded down to the nearest inch measurement.

What’s a Milliradian?

So, like MOA, a mil or mrad is just an angular measurement. The difference is, while there are 21,600 minutes in a circle, there are 6.2832 radians in a circle, and each radian has 1,000 milliradians in it, so there are 6,283.2 milliradians per circle.

Incidentally, a milliradian is a measurement derived from the International Standard of Measurements, which is the same system that gave us the metric system. So if you hate the metric system, you might want to stick with MOA.

Jokes aside, the only practical difference between MOA and mil is that the unit of measure is different. There’s nothing magical or mysterious going on here. We’re just talking about the same difference between inches and centimeters.

At 100 yards, a mil subtends — or measures, for our purposes — 3.6 inches. Just like 1 MOA measures roughly 1 inch at 100 yards. At 200 yards, 1 mil is 7.2 inches. At 1,000 yards, 1 mil is 36 inches.

To find your mil, just multiple your distance in yards by 3.6, and divide again by 100. That’s it. It’s that simple.

But Wait … Is It That Simple?

Let’s get into what the differences amount to. You probably immediately noticed that 21,600 minutes is a lot more than 6,283.2 milliradians. But you also know that scope adjustments are almost never done in one-MOA increments.

Instead, MOA scopes are generally adjusted on the ratio of one-quarter MOA per click (some shorter range or CQB scopes are in 1/2 MOA, check your user manual to be sure). That means for any MOA scope, 1 click will equal 0.25 inches at 100 yards (assuming your scope is in 1/4 MOA clicks).

Milliradians are also divided on most mil scopes by tenths. That means that each click on a mil scope is 0.36 inches at 100 yards.

In both cases, these finer adjustment intervals give us more precise control of where our reticle is pointing. Also, MOA-based scopes are a little more precise — 0.25 inches versus 0.36 inches at 100 yards.

That said, the difference isn’t substantial. At 1,000 yards, for instance, one-quarter MOA subtends to roughly 2.6 inches. At that same distance, one-tenth of a mil subtends to 3.6 inches.

There are confounding factors, of course. It’s possible to have a mil-dot reticle and a turret that adjusts using MOA. Also, to further complicate the issue, we need to consider whether the scope you’re using places the reticle on the first or second focal plane.

But how to actually make an adjustment at range, or what the difference between a first- and second-focal plane reticle is, are topics for another article.

Practical issues aside, there are so many factors to long-range shooting that this relatively miniscule difference in precision isn’t going to make or break your ability to hit your target. So, we’re left with personal preference to make our decision.

Let’s go over why we might choose one style over the other for our shooting pleasure.

Your Application Matters

Neither system is inherently superior to the other. In almost all situations, both systems of measurement will serve adequately for your shooting needs.

If you grew up hunting using MOA, and you’re familiar with that system, my suggestion is to stick with it if that’s your intended application. This is especially true for me, because I don’t advocate taking shots at game beyond 400 yards, in almost all circumstances. But that ethical question is for you to decide.

For the average shooter, I do think the practical relationship between 1 MOA at 100 yards and 10 MOA at 1,000 yards is somewhat easier to understand and use effectively.

If, however, you’re getting into long-range shooting as a sport, you’ll have a few more issues to consider, and you’ll very likely want to go with a mil-based scope. It’s safe to say that in tactical situations — and, by extension, sport-based long-range shooting applications — mil scopes have superseded MOA scopes.

Basically, because the mil system is popular with the military and law enforcement, the civilian market has adopted it as well. But this isn’t purely an aesthetic decision, in my opinion.

There are several reasons mil systems are popular, but it essentially boils down to two facts. Using mil turret adjustments is much simpler when ranging with mil-dot reticles because you don’t have to make an MOA-to-mil conversion, and you will have to make fewer clicks with a mil-based turret to make a correction (because MOA turrets are more precise, and thus require more adjustment clicks for a correction).

If you’re used to making that MOA-to-mil conversion, however, you might not think making the adjustment is difficult at all. Ultimately, you can train and become proficient with either system.

Now, all of this takes practice. When you’re shooting at long-range, you’ll inevitably be doing various mathematical calculations. When it comes to the difference between hitting a target or not, the simplest method is probably best.

This is a big part of the reason why the mil system has essentially taken over tactical and long-range shooting applications. At greater distances, many shooters basically just find it easier to use.

If that isn’t enough for you to choose mil for sport long-range shooting, consider this: it’s the system most other long-range sport shooters are migrating to, if they haven’t already. It makes sense to be on the same page for the sake of simplicity, in my opinion.

And I prefer to use an MOA scope, so I’m not just a mil fanboy.

Try Something New

Take my opinion with a grain of salt, and tinker around with each system if you can. Give both a try, or if you’re new to one of them, focus on that for a while. Make your own investigation, and figure out what works best for you.

Neither system is cooler than the other. Don’t just pick one or the other because of what the military uses, or because your grandfather refuses to try something new. We’re literally just talking about a standard of measurement, after all, and you can learn to become an excellent shooter with either one.

Do you use MOA or MIL? Have you switched from one system to the other? Tell us all about it in the comments! Looking for a badass scope? Take a look at the 9 Best Long Range Scopes!

‘MeatEater’ Season 11 Available Now on Outdoor Channel Mondays at 8 p.m. ET

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MeatEater is Part of Outdoor Channel’s “Taste of the Wild” Block Monday Nights

DENVER (October 11, 2024) – MeatEater, featuring the charismatic Steven Rinella, has consistently captivated viewers of Outdoor Sportsman Group, and now season 11 of this perennial favorite is now available nationally on Outdoor Channel for the first time every Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

As Rinella continually shares, the show transcends beyond the mere search of an animal; it’s a testament to his own personal grit, determination and essence that fuels such pursuit. Season 11 sees Rinella and crew chase moose in Alaska, spearfish in Hawaii, hunt ducks in Louisiana and find themselves in many more nature-fueled adventures along the way.

“One of my favorite episodes from season 11 was a moose hunt in eastern Alaska. We were there for ten days and were getting our buns kicked. And then, finally, in the last hour of the last day of the season here comes a bull from about a mile off. Trying to call him up the mountain while simultaneously closing the distance by heading in his direction was one of the more exciting moments we ever filmed,” shared Steven Rinella.

Growing up in the Midwest’s great outdoors – hunting, fishing, and trapping from a young age – Rinella has always viewed the world through the eyes of an ancestral hunter/gatherer. Inspired by early man’s skill, ingenuity, and sheer determination to survive and thrive under challenging circumstances, Rinella has made his life’s work to cultivate those same qualities – and encourage others to do the same – while always being mindful of conservation principles and practices.

In MeatEater, Rinella explores various hunting techniques, tracks and pursue prey, and procures and cooks his own food. Whether tracking blacktail deer in the remote Alaskan wilderness, or rooting out javelina in Texas, Rinella leverages his back-country skills, challenging himself at every corner while providing nail-biting adventure along the way.

Steven Rinella is an avid outdoorsman, writer, and television personality best known for his ability to translate the hunting lifestyle to a wide variety of audiences. He is the host of the long-running television show MeatEater and top-ranked MeatEater podcast. He is the New York Times bestselling author of ten books dealing with wildlife, hunting, fishing, and wild game cooking, most recently Outdoor Kids in an Inside World: Getting Your Family Out of the House and Radically Engaged with Nature and the audio original, MeatEater’s Campfire Stories: Narrow Escapes and More Close Calls. He is the recipient of the Conservation Achievement Award from The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

About Outdoor Channel: Outdoor Channel has been taking viewers across America and around the world on unparalleled adventures since 1993. Dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle and conservation, the independent cable network is a division of Outdoor Sportsman Group and provides a complete spectrum of riveting hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure entertainment. Outdoor Channel is the largest outdoor TV footprint in the country and is available in more than 50 countries internationally. Outdoor Channel can be viewed in HD and is accessible by broadband and mobile platforms. For program times and other information, visit www.outdoorchannel.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | [email protected]

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