So you’ve just lassoed yourself into the wild, wild world of cowboys.

You’ve got the hat, the boots, and even the sassy bandana. But what’s missin’?

Well, hoss, you ain’t no real cowboy till you’ve got yourself a nickname that’s as rugged and rough ‘n tumble as you are.

Look, it ain’t just a name we’re talkin’ about here—it’s an identity.

As a seasoned pro in the naming game, I’ve rustled up some of the rootinest, tootinest cowboy nicknames this side of the Mississippi.

We’re talkin’ names that’d make even John Wayne tip his hat to ya.

So grab yourself a swig of bourbon or sarsaparilla, kick up your spurs, and let’s giddy-up into this list of the best cowboy nicknames ever.

Funny Cowboy Nicknames

When it comes to humor, even cowboys appreciate a good laugh.

Here are 50 funny cowboy nicknames meant to put a grin on any cowpoke’s face.

1. Saddle Sore
2. Whiskey Lips
3. Two-Tooth Tim
4. Lasso Larry
5. Spur Snagger
6. Tumbleweed Tom
7. Grumpy Gus
8. Yeehaw Yohan
9. Boots McFunny
10. Slowpoke Sam
11. Rodeo Clown
12. Hat-Tipper Harry
13. Brokeback Bob
14. Jiggle Spurs
15. Cactus Cuddler
16. Yeller Belly
17. Prickly Pete
18. Galloping Goof
19. Nappy Ned
20. Dust Bunny
21. Cantina Comedian
22. Coyote Chuckles
23. Sassy Slinger
24. Snoring Snipe
25. Pecos Pudding
26. Ranch Rascal
27. Rowdy Rib-tickler
28. Saloon Joker
29. Chapped Chet
30. Windy Willy
31. Burping Buck
32. Tipsy Tex
33. Lame Lane
34. Lazy Luke
35. Itchy Izzy
36. Oily Oliver
37. Tantrum Todd
38. Grizzly Grinner
39. Silly Saddle
40. Wagging Wade
41. Squinting Squid
42. Muttering Matt
43. Moseying Mirth
44. Rattling Ralph
45. Twitchy Trigger
46. Wimpy Wyatt
47. Crying Clint
48. Wandering Wally
49. Rusty Razor
50. Jumpy Jack

Cool And Cute Cowboy Nicknames

Cool and cute aren’t terms reserved for city folk.

Here are 50 nicknames that are as adorable as they are rugged.

1. Cowboy Casanova
2. Rustic Romeo
3. Silver Spur
4. Lone Star Lover
5. Dashing Duke
6. Sweet Saddle
7. Wild Bill
8. Bronco Beau
9. Trailblazer Ted
10. Golden Gun Gus
11. Velvet Victor
12. Gallant Gary
13. Sunset Sam
14. Romantic Rider
15. Love Lasso
16. Melodic Marshal
17. Pastel Pete
18. Heartfelt Hank
19. Cute Clint
20. Serenade Steve
21. Dreamy Dan
22. Hunk Hunter
23. Peachy Paul
24. Cozy Carl
25. Blushing Bill
26. Serene Sean
27. Lovable Lance
28. Cuddly Cooper
29. Whispering Walt
30. Fluffy Fred
31. Charmer Charlie
32. Darling Dave
33. Coquette Cody
34. Soft Spur
35. Elegant Eli
36. Fondness Frank
37. Gentle Gene
38. Sensitive Sid
39. Amorous Al
40. Hugging Henry
41. Starry-eyed Stan
42. Warm Wally
43. Swoon-worthy Simon
44. Ticklish Tom
45. Caring Calvin
46. Breezy Barry
47. Affectionate Andy
48. Sweet-tooth Steve
49. Lovey-dovey Lewis
50. Adorable Archie

Unique & Uncommon Nicknames For Cowboys

Being a cowboy doesn’t mean you’re like every other cattle-herder out there.

Here are 50 unique and uncommon cowboy nicknames to stand out in the Wild West.

1. Quantum Quirt
2. Zenith Zorro
3. Frontier Philosopher
4. Vortex Vince
5. Peculiar Pete
6. Galactic Garth
7. Enigmatic Eli
8. Quasar Quaid
9. Cosmic Clyde
10. Starry Steve
11. Nebular Ned
12. Interstellar Ian
13. Lunar Luke
14. Astro Alf
15. Maverick Max
16. Quirky Quinn
17. Unusual Ulysses
18. Singular Saul
19. Weirdo Walt
20. Strange Stan
21. Curious Clint
22. Daring Drake
23. Exceptional Earl
24. Independent Ike
25. Atypical Adam
26. Nonconformist Nate
27. Outlandish Oscar
28. Offbeat Otis
29. Eccentric Ethan
30. Uncommon Uriah
31. Puzzling Paul
32. Ironic Irving
33. Paradoxical Pat
34. Conundrum Cole
35. Inscrutable Ivan
36. Ambiguous Arnold
37. Enigma Evan
38. Arcane Alan
39. Mystical Morty
40. Esoteric Eric
41. Puzzle Pete
42. Cipher Cody
43. Bizarre Bob
44. Freaky Fred
45. Odd Oliver
46. Unusual Upton
47. Wayward Wayne
48. Perplexing Percy
49. Deviating Doug
50. Outlier Ollie

Cowboy Nicknames For Cowboy Guys

Just like a well-worn pair of boots, these cowboy nicknames fit just right.

Here are 50 nicknames perfect for cowboy guys.

1. Rugged Rick
2. Big Sky Bob
3. Prairie Paul
4. Dusty Dan
5. Shotgun Sean
6. Gravel Gary
7. Lariat Larry
8. Mustang Mike
9. Canyon Carl
10. Trail Tim
11. Granite Greg
12. Cliffhanger Cliff
13. Stone-faced Steve
14. Rodeo Roy
15. Desert Dave
16. Scorching Sam
17. Ironclad Ian
18. Rebel Rob
19. Bandit Bill
20. Wrangler Wade
21. Marshal Matt
22. Badass Barry
23. Vigilante Vic
24. Lawless Luke
25. Sharpshooter Shane
26. Ranger Roger
27. Wanderer Walt
28. Rogue Ron
29. Tough Ted
30. Relentless Ray
31. Stalwart Stan
32. Gritty Gordon
33. Outlaw Owen
34. Brave Ben
35. Tenacious Tom
36. Spur Stan
37. Leather-clad Lou
38. Bullwhip Blake
39. Stampede Steve
40. Ferocious Frank
41. Gallant Gunner
42. Resilient Ralph
43. Ten-gallon Tony
44. Colt Carl
45. Homestead Harry
46. Tornado Terry
47. Strapping Stuart
48. Vigorous Vern
49. Drifter Doug
50. Bronco Buster

Nicknames For Cowboy Boyfriends

If you’re smitten with a cowboy, these nicknames are as romantic as a sunset over the prairie.

Here are 50 cowboy nicknames for the cowboy love of your life.

1. Cowboy Crush
2. Rodeo Romeo
3. Saddle Sweetie
4. Prairie Prince
5. Lasso Lover
6. Bronco Beau
7. Wagon Wheel Wally
8. Romantic Rider
9. Heartland Harry
10. Wrangler Romeo
11. Outlaw of My Heart
12. Love-struck Luke
13. Partner Paul
14. Charmer Charlie
15. Gallant Gary
16. Sweetheart Steve
17. Dashing Duke
18. Moonlight Marshal
19. Western Whisperer
20. Southern Seducer
21. Plains Poet
22. Heartfelt Hank
23. Devoted Dave
24. Affectionate Adam
25. Darling Dan
26. Hunk Hunter
27. Caring Carl
28. Intimate Ian
29. Infatuated Isaac
30. Kissable Kyle
31. Starry-eyed Stan
32. Sun-kissed Sam
33. Smitten Sean
34. Wooing Walt
35. Loveable Lewis
36. Sincere Sid
37. Passionate Pete
38. Flirtatious Fred
39. Wooing Will
40. Beloved Bob
41. Fondness Frank
42. Cozy Clyde
43. Tenderness Tom
44. True-hearted Ted
45. Infatuated Ivan
46. Adored Andy
47. Smooching Steve
48. Sweet Smiles
49. Love-tied Larry
50. Heart-warming Harvey

Western Cowboy Nicknames

To capture the authentic spirit of the Old West, these nicknames come straight from the pages of a Western novel.

Here are 50 Western cowboy nicknames fit for any gunslinger or cattle rustler.

1. Frontier Fred
2. Wyatt Worthy
3. Sundance Sam
4. Nevada Ned
5. Tombstone Terry
6. Badlands Billy
7. Cattle King
8. Rough Rider Roy
9. Cheyenne Charlie
10. Texas Tornado
11. Sagebrush Steve
12. Frontier Frank
13. Outlaw Owen
14. Horseshoe Hank
15. Western Walt
16. Golden Gulch Gary
17. Sheriff Simon
18. Panhandle Pete
19. Pecos Paul
20. Lonesome Luke
21. Butch Buck
22. Dodge City Dan
23. Calamity Carl
24. Prospector Phil
25. Silver City Sid
26. Maverick Max
27. Vigilante Vic
28. Homestead Harry
29. Justice Jack
30. Stagecoach Steve
31. Rattlesnake Ralph
32. Buffalo Bill
33. Wildcat Will
34. Stampede Stan
35. Red River Ron
36. Desperado Dave
37. Lone Wolf Larry
38. Prospector Pete
39. Tumbleweed Tim
40. Gold Rush Greg
41. Wagon Train Walt
42. Shotgun Sam
43. Deadwood Doug
44. Coyote Carl
45. Sarsaparilla Sid
46. Whiskey Walt
47. Boot Hill Bob
48. Lariat Larry
49. Cattle Baron Ben
50. Gritty Gordon

Mexican Cowboy Nicknames

Cowboys are not limited to the American West; they have a rich history south of the border too.

Celebrate the Vaqueros with these 50 Mexican cowboy nicknames.

1. Vaquero Val
2. Desierto Diego
3. Tequila Tom
4. Cactus Carlos
5. Sombrero Simon
6. Ranchero Rafael
7. Loco Luis
8. Pueblo Pedro
9. Macho Miguel
10. Charro Charlie
11. Jalapeño Jack
12. Salsa Sam
13. Fajita Fred
14. Bandido Ben
15. Taco Tim
16. Agave Andy
17. Mariachi Mark
18. Zorro Zack
19. Pancho Pete
20. Rancho Ralph
21. Guero Gary
22. Fiesta Frank
23. Serape Steve
24. Churro Chuck
25. Cantina Carl
26. Mojado Max
27. Enchilada Eli
28. Burrito Bob
29. Tamales Tony
30. Queso Quinn
31. Caballero Clyde
32. Espuelas Eric
33. Maracas Mike
34. Cerveza Carlos
35. Desperado Dan
36. Tejano Ted
37. Mezcal Matt
38. Sombrero Sid
39. Vaquero Vic
40. Hacienda Harry
41. Sol Steve
42. Amigo Andy
43. Chaparral Charlie
44. Cinco Clint
45. Laredo Luke
46. Durango Doug
47. Tortilla Tom
48. Guacamole Gary
49. Pinata Pete
50. Sopapilla Simon

Pop Culture-Inspired Cowboy Nicknames

For those who like to blend the Wild West with a bit of modern flair, here are 50 cowboy nicknames inspired by pop culture.

These names are a fun mix of traditional cowboy culture and the movies, music, or TV shows we all know and love.

1. Woody Wannabe – Inspired by Woody from “Toy Story”
2. Django Drifter – A nod to “Django Unchained”
3. Star-Lord Spur – From the Marvel Universe’s Star-Lord
4. Skywalker Slinger – For fans of “Star Wars”
5. Stark Sheriff – Tony Stark from “Iron Man”
6. Westworld Wade – Inspired by the TV series “Westworld”
7. Red Dead Ralph – A nod to the “Red Dead Redemption” video game series
8. Yeehaw Yoda – “Star Wars” meets cowboy culture
9. Thrones Trotter – For “Game of Thrones” enthusiasts
10. Breaking Bridle – “Breaking Bad” with a cowboy twist
11. Gunslinger Gump – Inspired by “Forrest Gump”
12. Black Panther Buckaroo – Marvel’s Black Panther gets a western makeover
13. Cowboy Cap – Captain America goes western
14. El Mariachi Max – From the “El Mariachi” film series
15. Eastwood Earl – An ode to Clint Eastwood
16. Ringo Ranger – Inspired by the Beatles’ Ringo Starr
17. Walking West – A nod to “The Walking Dead”
18. Spur-tacus – Inspired by the TV series “Spartacus”
19. Mandalorian Marshal – For “The Mandalorian” fans
20. Potter on a Pony – Harry Potter joins the cowboy crew
21. Stranger Spur – Inspired by “Stranger Things”
22. Archer Outlaw – A nod to the TV show “Archer”
23. Indiana Jonesin’ – “Indiana Jones” gets cowboy-fied
24. Cowboy Kirk – Captain Kirk tries the cowboy lifestyle
25. Gambit Galloper – From the X-Men character Gambit
26. Cartman Cowboy – “South Park” meets the Wild West
27. Trekking Tim – “Star Trek” in the frontier
28. Hulk Hoedown – The Hulk joins the square dance
29. West Side Wrangler – Inspired by “West Side Story”
30. Grey’s Gallop – A nod to “Grey’s Anatomy”
31. Targaryen Trailblazer – “Game of Thrones” inspired
32. Peaky Blinders Buckaroo – From the British TV series
33. Rick and Morty Rider – Cartoon characters go cowboy
34. Deadpool Dude – Deadpool’s cowboy alter-ego
35. Matrix Marshal – Inspired by “The Matrix” series
36. Cowboy Cobain – Kurt Cobain as a cowboy
37. Galloping Gollum – From “The Lord of the Rings”
38. Iron Man in Boots – Tony Stark gets a cowboy update
39. Bridgerton Bronco – Inspired by the TV show “Bridgerton”
40. Marvel Mustang – A nod to the Marvel Universe
41. Time-Traveling Ted – Inspired by “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure”
42. Gangnam Galloper – A cowboy version of Psy
43. Sopranos Sheriff – A nod to the TV series “The Sopranos”
44. Hamilton Hoedown – Inspired by the musical “Hamilton”
45. Cowboy Khal Drogo – “Game of Thrones” meets the Wild West
46. Wrangler Who – Inspired by “Doctor Who”
47. Ozark Outlaw – A nod to the TV show “Ozark”
48. Breaking Badlands – “Breaking Bad” with a cowboy flair
49. Tarantino Trailblazer – Inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s films
50. Hobbiton Hoedown – For “The Lord of the Rings” fans

Final Word

I hope these expanded lists offer you a full range of cowboy nicknames for any situation.

Whether you’re looking for something funny, cute, unique, or region-specific, there’s a nickname for every cowboy in your life.

Super Accuracy at a Great Price

The cold gripped my face, the only part of my body that was not insulated on this bitter December day in Western Kentucky. Hunting with Ironman Outdoors, a Christian men’s ministry, eight of us were scattered on different farms in hopes of getting a late-season muzzleloader buck in our sights.

This was my second hunt with the CVA Accura MR-X in .45 caliber, and I was anxious to test its merits on a quality buck.

The review will continue below but if you’re interested in purchasing the CVA Accura we are placing links for 3 options at a great price at the top for convenience.

Where to buy:

Bass Pro – CVA Accura MR-X Cerakote Sniper, no Sight – 209 Primer Ignition for $799

Sportsmans Warehouse – CVA Accura MR-X 50 Caliber Stainless/Black In-line Muzzleloader – 26in-TB for $599.99

Scheel’s – CVA Accura MR-X 50 Caliber Muzzleloader With Sights for $579

As the morning progressed, the cold night faded into a colder day. When the sun rose, it pushed the colder air down, and that settled in my bones, making the day feel more like 2˚F weather. Sitting there, considering my sanity for hunting in such conditions, I noticed a slight movement to my right angling across the ridge. I was sitting on top, overlooking a steep drainage that had seen several does meander through earlier that morning. It was just past 9 a.m. The glint from the sun reflected off the long main beams of a buck moving a mere 18 yards to my right. Slowly moving my head to spot the big eight- pointer, I immediately knew that I wanted to try to take this buck.

My .45 Caliber CVA Accura MR-X was loaded with 77 grains by weight of Blackhorn .209 black powder substitute and a 285-grain Powerbelt ELR bullet. The buck stopped and looked in the direction of a doe feeding in front of me at 20 yards. He didn’t like what he saw and spooked, running away from me across the ridge. As he ran through the woods, I quickly shifted in the stand and got ready. He stopped behind a blown-down tree, quartering away, thus providing me a great view of his vitals. Cocking the hammer on the Accura, I settled the Vortex optics crosshairs on his shoulder and eased on the 1.8 lb. trigger. At the sound, the buck fell. As the smoke faded, I could see his antlers sticking up above the forest floor and I knew I had my buck.

In the world of muzzle loading rifles, one name stands above the rest when it comes to innovation, accuracy, and performance. With several models to choose from, I believe CVA is leading the pack in break-action inline muzzleloaders. In the CVA lineup, no other rifle is as accurate as the CVA Accura, in my view.

The new Accura LRX and MRX are available in the traditional .50 caliber and also in the super performing .45 caliber. Tailored towards those who like to push the limits of long-range shooting, the LRX comes with a longer Nitride covered stainless steel fluted 30-inch barrel to help shooters achieve optimum performance at extreme long range. The MRX is standard with its 26-inch fluted stainless steel Bergara barrel. The LRX and MRX are identical except for barrel length. Both the LRX and the MRX come standard with a full synthetic stock that is noticeably absent of the traditional ramrod seen on most break-action muzzleloaders.

Tony Smotherman, CVA influencer relations manager and muzzle loading expert, says, “Removing the ramrod enabled us to get a full, free-floating barrel which allows us to get more accuracy out of this rifle.” To accommodate the missing ramrod on the barrel, CVA has a rifle and caliber-specific carbon fiber collapsible ramrod that arrives with each rifle. The collapsible ramrod is stored in a pouch that most hunters carry on their backpacks for quick follow-up shots when needed. But honestly, with the accurate performance of the CVA Accura MR-X, follow-up shots are seldom necessary.

Scaling Averages

After I unpacked my Accura when it arrived at my home, I did what I normally do—break out my Wheeler Engineering trigger scale and test the trigger right out of the box. The Wheeler Engineering trigger scale allows me to take averages. Placing the scale on the trigger, I pulled it 10 consecutive times and took an average. To my amazement, the factory trigger averaged

1.8 lbs. of force to fire. A second 10-shot average showed

1.7 lbs. and a third test averaged 1.8 lbs. To say I was impressed is an understatement. As a gun writer and avid shooter, the first thing I normally do on a new rifle is adjust the trigger to get the pull at a shade under 2 lbs. There was no need for this with the CVA Accura.

The next noticeable difference between this rifle and the Accura of old is the adjustable comb, or cheekpiece. A one-screw adjustment on the comb allows for the stock to be adjusted to fit the shooter and bigger optics.

Today’s shooters want bigger and bigger optics on their rifles. The standard 44 mm objective is not dimin- utive compared to many who have 50 and even 56 mm objective lenses on their rifles. To accommodate this, scopes are being mounted on taller bases and rings, which in turn cause shooters to lift their heads off the stock to see the target. The CVA Accura fixed this issue with the adjustable comb on its LRX and MRX Accura rifles.

Game-Changer Projectiles

“Making an accurate rifle is one thing, but if you don’t have good projectiles to send down the pipe, you will never achieve optimum performance,” CVA’s Smotherman says. To fix this, CVA’s sister company, Powerbelt, developed the ELR line of projectiles for their muzzleloading rifles. Available in .50, .45 and even .40 caliber, the ELR is changing the game for long-range shooting and performance in the muzzleloading world.

The Accura in .45 caliber has a 1/12 twist. These Bergara barrels send the .285 grain bullets down the tube at an astonishing 2069 per second with an astonishing 2661 ft. lbs. of energy at 100 yards.

While testing the .45 caliber CVA Accura MR-X at the Talladega Marksman course, I was able to consistently hit steel targets out to 600 yards with a .45 caliber muzzleloader! From my perspective, and coming in at under $700, no other muzzleloader in its price point on the market is as accurate as the CVA Accura.

To learn more about all the guns CVA offers, go to Accura Rifles – CVA

Chief II Plus .22 PCP Air Rifle

A 12-Shot Magazine Makes For Quick Shooting

FPS: 830Caliber: .22Power Source: On Board High-Pressure Tank

The Chief II is a bargain for the build quality and shooting experience you get. I was a little surprised for how nice a gun you get for around the $200 mark. In the PCP world, you really need to spend north of $300 to really get some amazement, but the Chief II is a mighty fine airgun to shoot targets or small game. It doesn’t have a ton of five-star reviews on Amazon, but I think that is more a user error than a fault of the gun.

The .22 caliber of this PCP air rifle has often been a topic of admiration, striking a fine balance between power and grace, attributes that have frequently translated into humane and respectful hunts. During my expeditions, it has morphed into an extension of myself, helping me blend effortlessly with the serene surroundings, creating a harmonious symphony of man and nature engaged in a respectful duel.

One thing that really grabbed my attention while using the Chief II Plus was its straightforward knack for packing a punch in every shot, without causing a ruckus in the quiet surroundings. It gives me the elbow room to tweak my shooting preferences, especially when I’m having a go at target shooting with mates.

The adjustable trigger system comes in handy here, letting me switch from a light pull for quick shots to a heavier pull for those moments when I’m taking a careful aim. It’s like having a casual chat with an old friend, where the conversation just flows naturally, unfolding in the relaxed backdrop of the great outdoors.

Furthermore, its integrated scope mounting system has been a reliable ally, offering a stable platform that has often been the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful hunt. Its ergonomic design, coupled with a grip that seems to understand the contours of my hand, transforms long hours in the field into an experience of connection and enjoyment.

Why I Picked It:

The Chief II Plus .22 PCP found its way into my heart and my list for the sheer experience it promises. Its high-velocity shots, coupled with the adjustable trigger system, have often heightened my connection with the surroundings, allowing for a hunt that is as respectful as it is successful.

Its seamless integration into the natural setting, promising a harmonious and quiet operation, has often heightened the sense of connection I feel during my hunting expeditions. It stands as a testament to a hunting experience that is not just about the hunt, but the journey and the deep connection forged with nature.

Pros:

1. High-Velocity Performance: Delivers powerful shots, ensuring a successful and ethical hunt.
2. Adjustable Trigger System: Allows for a personalized shooting experience, enhancing the connection between the hunter and the rifle.
3. Integrated Scope Mounting System: Provides a stable platform for optics, promising precise shots that elevate the hunting experience.

Cons:

1. Weight: Its substantial build might be a bit taxing during extended hunting sessions, requiring periodic breaks to prevent fatigue.
2. Learning Curve: The nuances of the adjustable trigger system might require a bit of getting used to, especially for novices.

If you’re thinking about live trapping a raccoon, choosing the right raccoon bait is important.

For starters, trapping a raccoon in a live trap is not very difficult, and it’s one of the best ways to get rid of a raccoon that’s getting into your garbage or pet food.

Raccoons are curious animals that will venture into a trap without much hesitation.

However, the real problem arrises when you want to catch just a raccoon and not a lot of other non targeted animals like your neighbors cat, opossums or worse, a skunk.

Raccoons are not picky eaters.

Cat food, sardines, canned dog food and various table scraps will all work to lure just about any raccoon into a trap.

The problem is other animals like them too!

So, to trap a raccoon and only a raccoon, it’s important to choose a bait that’s not as appealing to other animals.

This doesn’t guarantee you won’t catch an opossum since you never know what a wild animal will do, but choosing the correct bait will make a big difference.

Choosing A Raccoon Bait

When live trapping a raccoon, trap placement and setup is important, but it’s the bait that actually lures the animal into the trap.

I’ve trapped a lot of raccoons in a live trap over the years and I’ve found a couple of baits that work really well for raccoons, but limit the amount of non targeted animals caught in the trap.

Here are some of the best raccoon bait choices for a live trap:

Marshmallows

Raccoons love marshmallows and they’re one of the best baits you can use in a live trap because they don’t attract a lot of unwanted species.

You can use large or small marshmallows, but I like to use the large ones because it’s harder for the raccoon to pull them through the side of the trap.

Clean Tin Foil

Hang a crumbled piece of clean tin foil in the back of the trap behind the trigger pan.

Suspend the piece of tin foil by tying it with a string to the top of the trap.

Since raccoons are curious animals, the shinny dangling tin foil alone is enough to lure them into the trap.

By using clean tin foil it eliminates the rotten smell that could attract unwanted animals.

I know, it sounds unbelievable but it actually works!

The tin foil attractant is the best way to trap a raccoon if you don’t want to catch your neighbors cat or any other unwanted animal.

A Single Whole Egg

A whole, un-cracked fresh egg is also a good bait for a raccoon but decreases the chances of catching an unwanted animal.

Place the egg in the back of the trap behind the trigger pan and you’re done.

Since raccoons commonly raid nests and steal eggs from animals in the wild, a whole chicken egg is a great raccoon bait to use.

Overall

There’s a lot of different baits you can use to trap a raccoon.

So, if you want to trap a raccoon and drastically reduce the chance of catching anything else, try using one of the baits we described above.

There’s always a chance of catching a different animal especially if they’re really hungry, but that’s the great thing about using a live trap instead of a snare or foothold trap to catch a raccoon.

The non-targeted animal won’t be injured if it gets caught inside the trap, and you can easily release them unharmed back into the wild.

If you’re seeking information on top-performing handguns, you’ve come to the right location. The renowned Austrian gun manufacturer, Glock, has achieved record sales for three consecutive years. It is predicted that their revenue will surpass one billion euros soon. Here is a list of the 10 best-selling pistols in the USA for 2022.

1. Glock 43X

The Glock 43X is lightweight, weighing just 650 grams when fully loaded. It is known for its low trigger force of 2.5 kg, making it easy to use. The G43X is part of Glock’s Slimline series, which offers the same level of dependability and performance as traditional Glock models, but with a more streamlined stock and grip for enhanced maneuverability.

The advantages of the Glock 43X include its compact size, ease of use, and exceptional trigger compared to other Glock models. Additionally, it was one of the best-selling handguns in 2021 and 2022. One potential disadvantage of the Glock 43X is that it is not designed to attach optics.

2. Taurus G3C

The Taurus G3C is a new model set to replace the well-liked G2C. If you’re searching for an introductory gun or a modern 9mm handgun with dependable accuracy and ample capacity, the G3C is a noteworthy option.

Benefits of the Taurus G3C include its three safety mechanisms: a loaded barrel indicator, locking firing pin, and trigger safety. Additionally, it has an affordable price point of around 250 Euros, making it great for every day and concealed carry. It also boasts a large capacity for a compact pistol and a light trigger pull of only 600 grams. Some potential drawbacks of the Taurus G3C include its longer trigger distance and less sleek design compared to other handguns on the market.

3. Glock 19 Gen 5

The Glock 19 Gen 5 is optimal for gun enthusiasts who find the Glock 17 too large but do not desire the smaller Glock 43X or Glock 26 (Baby Glock). Some benefits of the Glock 19 Gen 5 include its ample frame capacity, light trigger pull, and ideal sight length for targets up to 50 meters. It is also perfect for concealed carry, with a weight comparable to that of compact Glocks. One potential disadvantage of the Glock 19 Gen 5 is that it is unsuitable for optics attachment.

4. Taurus G2C

Taurus G2C, a mainstay in the top 10 list, is widely popular due to its cost-effectiveness. A brand new Taurus G2C in 9mm caliber can be acquired for around 230 euros. Benefits of the Taurus G2C include its affordability as the most budget-friendly gun on the list, the compact size that makes it suitable for versatile use, ease of use, its ergonomic handle with thumb and palm rests that enable comfortable grip and control, a light trigger pull, and 12+1 rounds, which is ample for its size. A potential drawback of the Taurus G2C is its incredibly long trigger travel.

5. Glock 44

The Glock 44 is an excellent option for those who appreciate the Glock 19 and are searching for a .22 LR pistol. It offers a comfortable and familiar feel similar to the Glock 19 but with reduced recoil. Some benefits of the Glock 44 include its affordability and handling experience that closely mimics the Glock 19. One potential downside of the Glock 44 is that the barrel does not have a thread.

6. Glock 43X MOS

The Glock 43X MOS is similar to the Glock 43X, with the added feature of the Modular Optic System (MOS), which allows for the replacement of the factory sights with aftermarket RDS or tritium night sights.

7. Glock 19X

The Glock 19X is an excellent pistol for those with larger hands and who desire the full-size grip of the Glock 17 but with the thinner and shorter frame of the Glock 19 for concealed carry. Benefits of the Glock 19X include its suitability for shooters with larger hands, its a thinner casing that makes it ideal for law enforcement, its high capacity, ease of use, and smooth trigger pull. One potential downside of the Glock 19X is that it may experience issues with ammunition from certain manufacturers and a collection of debris.

8. Smith and Wesson M&P 45 2.0

The Smith and Wesson M&P45 2.0 is a .45 caliber pistol with an altered grip angle of 18 degrees to bridge the gap between this model and the Glock.

Some advantages of the Smith and Wesson M&P45 2.0 include its tactile and audible trigger reset, very light trigger pull, especially for a .45 ACP weapon, the optimum angle of the handle for a comfortable and natural shooting position, 4 included grip inserts for adaptability to any hand size, aggressive grip for full control during shooting, 380mm groove pitch which is ideal for a .45 ACP barrel, affordability, sleek design, suitable for open carry, and equipped with adjusted optics.

Potential disadvantages of the Smith and Wesson M&P45 2.0 include its limited capacity of 10 rounds, its length of 200mm, which makes it less suitable for concealed carry, its long trigger stroke, standard white dot sights that may be inadequate for a gun in this price range, and the similar price; you may be able to purchase a Glock 19 or Glock 43X.

9. Glock 20

The Glock 20 is an excellent hunting companion due to its ample (15+1) capacity and 10mm caliber, which ensures adequate stopping power, even during an encounter with a bear. Some benefits of the Glock 20 include its large frame capacity, extended line of the 17 cm sight that allows for faster and easier targeting, superior stopping power, comfortable width of 3.4 cm, and ability to handle recoil better than any other 10mm pistol. Some potential drawbacks of the Glock 20 include its inability to be carried concealed, the tendency to collect debris, and the highest trigger pull weight of any Glock.

10. Glock 26 Gen 5 (Baby Glock)

The Glock 26 Gen 5, also known as the “Baby Glock,” is the second most popular subcompact pistol after the Glock 43X. Some advantages of the Glock 26 Gen 5 include its suitability for concealed carry, its impressive frame capacity within its class, its lightweight of 730 grams when loaded, affordability, and the inclusion of the Glock Marksman Barrel, which uses a barrel rifling technique based on polygonal grooves for improved accuracy. One potential downside of the Glock 26 Gen 5 is that it is not equipped for optics attachment and may be too small for individuals with larger hands.

Know your limits and what species you are shooting!

Make sure you know how many and of what species you can legally harvest. It’s tempting to just blast away at first light at the first bird you see but take the time to harvest the right birds, it’s the law, too. There are plenty of identification guides online like this one from Ducks Unlimited.

Also, learn what the ducks sound like as a secondary identification source. It can get wild and crazy when a lot are flying so taking the time to learn can save a lot of heartache.

Brrrrrr, layer up!

Its gets cold, so layer up! You can always shed clothing if needed. It’s a fact…it’s colder by the water and that wind stings a bit more with every guest. Layering up will make sure you are plenty warm. Most importantly, cover your head as you lose most of your heat through your head.

Don’t let ‘em see you

Camo is a must! Moreover, if you have a new outer layer (jacket, bibs, etc) rub it around in some dirt to remove the new sheen. Make sure you attempt to match your camo to your hunting grounds as best as possible. Them ducks see real well, so a camo that doesn’t blend is almost as bad as not wearing camo at all.

Don’t Look Up!

Ducks can see incredibly well. Looking up at circling ducks is like shining a spotlight at them! Its sounds funny but go outside and practice looking up with your eyes and not your head. Also, wearing a facemask will help if you have to look up!

Quack, quack calling

Learn how to call but don’t overdo it. The less the better, normally. Don’t try to master every duck noise at once…ease into it. The basic mallard quack, feeding call, hale call and a basic whistle to mimic a teal drake will help them get in range.

Late Season Birds are Spooky

Cut down on your decoys and calling the later in the season. Birds tend to get smarter the more they are shot at. How would you feel if at every restaurant and hotel you stopped at on a thousand mile trip you were shot at? Yeah, you’d be a bit edgy and beyond careful. I typically will only use 2-4 decoys late in the season and no motion type decoys. They seem to avoid those late in the year.

Movement in the Decoys

Ducks don’t normally just sit there. So if you don’t have any wind to move them around purchase a jerk string to add some movement. The spinning wing decoys work well early in the season too but don’t over do it! Sometimes too much movement is a unrealistic.

Match your shot size to your target

No point in firing #2 steel shot at teal ducks. You’ll blow them to pieces. With bigger ducks such as mallards and gadwalls #2 is suitable. There are many guides online that offer recommendations for matching the bird shot size to your prey such as this one from Outdoor Life.

Early Teal Season

There is nothing better than coming back from the morning hunt with a stringer full of teal! Teal are the first birds down in September in Texas where I hunt! Early season teal sometimes act as though they left their brains up north, so take advantage!

They are very fast flyers and are suckers for decoys. No reason to get a teal motion duck decoy. We throw a MOJO dove decoy into our mix and it works great! They are mighty tasty so try eating them Texas style! Cut a slit between the meat and the breastbone on either side and placing a slice of a Texas 1015 onion on one side of the dove breast and a jalapeno on the other side.

Last Updated on April 25, 2024

When I speak of my experience with squirrel hunting, I frequently receive strange looks from hunters who aren’t used to this particular type of small game.

However, squirrel hunting is pretty popular across the southeastern USA and other regions.

Good squirrel hunting dogs are essential for squirrel hunting, and while any dog can act as a squirrel dog, some dog breeds are born for this job.

History: What kind of dog is a Squirrel dog?

This is a dog breed trained to hunt squirrels scenting, tracking, and treeing them. While many household pets instinctively chase squirrels, they’re not trained to hunt them.

Even untrained canines chase after small animals with passion, which makes many people think that dogs hate squirrels. They’re just merely acting on their instincts to hunt.

Some breeds don’t have a strong prey drive, especially if they grew up with cats or other pets. Dogs and squirrels can even be friends! Just take a look at this video:

This is rare because most dogs chase squirrels without hesitation. This trait is handy in places where wild game and big game are hunted for food like venison and rabbit.

Did you know that squirrels have been a part of our diet for a long time? They say squirrel meat isn’t only sustainable, but it’s also tasty and healthy.

What is the best breed of dog for Squirrel hunting?

I am a subscriber of the theory that any dog can be trained to hunt, but some have better hunting instincts, so they’re easier to train.

The supreme squirrel dog breeds are Terriers, including those breeds with a bit of Terrier in their bloodlines, such as curs and feists.

Some people consider them mutts but these dogs are usually standardized and are bred for hunting bushytails for generations.

Good squirrel dogs are intelligent and have a strong prey drive, but they also need a great nose to be able to “wind” squirrels, meaning to detect squirrels by scent, through air currents.

Once the dog catches the squirrel, visually or by scent, it has to be able to follow it by sound.

They also need stamina and agility to keep up with their prey, the ability to tree the squirrel, and the willingness to stay treed until the hunter arrives.

1. Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier, also known as Waterside Terrier and Bingley Terrier, is a dog breed from England with distinguished hunting instincts, and it’s one the largest terriers.

The colossal size, along with intelligence and treeing ability, makes this dog the “King of Terriers” and an excellent squirrel dog.

2. American Blue Gascon Hound

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne or Big Blu is a loyal, protective breed known as a passionate hunter for raccoons and squirrels. Its loud baying and treeing ability separate him from other squirrel dogs.

3. Black and Tan Coonhound

Derived from a foxhound and a bloodhound, this breed is well-known for its long ears and black and tan coat.

The Black and Tan Coonhounds are talented for many things, including tracking and treeing small and big game species.

4. Finnish Spitz

Known by many names, such as Finsk Spets, Lulou Finnoi, and Suomenpystykorva, this dog breed looks similar to foxes with its long and fluffy reddish coat.

The Finish Spitz is famous for its vocal ability and hunting prowess, including big and small animals alike.

5. Fox Terrier

Fox Terriers come in two variations, with the only difference being the type of coat – these are Wire Fox Terrier and Smooth Fox Terrier.

These smart dogs are mostly known for hunting foxes even though they excel at squirrel hunting too.

6. Mountain Cur

Also referred to as Original Mountain Cur, this breed arrived in America from Europe, and it is one of the most adaptable hunting breeds.

They were bred explicitly for treeing and hunting small game, but they are often used for baying big animals and as water dogs.

7. Norwegian Elkhound

The Norweigan Elkhound, which is the National Dog of Norway and rarely found in the USA, is also called Norsk Elghund Gra and Norsk Elghund Sort.

It is a Spitz type of breed known for hunting, herding, and protecting people and property.

8. Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is an American small dog breed used predominantly for hunting rodents like rats and squirrels.

They are infamous farm dogs, which is why they are considered a rare breed today with the diminishment of family farms.

9. Treeing Cur

These medium-sized size dogs have no restrictions regarding colors and markings, making it easier for breeders to focus on their hunting prowess.

Treeing Curs are fast, intelligent, and agile, and their treeing ability makes them quintessential for squirrel hunting.

10. West Siberian Laika

The West Siberian Laika is also known as Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika and WSL, and it is a dog that looks a lot like a Husky and has a bit of wolf in the bloodline.

They are bark pointers, which is precisely the trait that squirrel dogs need to possess. These dogs are great hunters, but they can also be aggressive towards other pets and strangers.

11. Beagle

Beagles are remarkable companions and family pets that also possess exceptional scenting ability since they were bred as scenthounds for tracking small game, like rabbits, hare, and squirrels.

12. Jack Russell Terrier

Originally developed to hunt foxes, this small English breed is also known as the Parson Russell Terrier. They have considerable energy, so it can be challenging to keep up with them.

A well-trained Jack Russell Terrier is a great hunting dog with unparalleled agility and hunting instincts.

13. Border Collie

Although Border Collies are famous as sheep-herding dogs, they can also become great at squirrel hunting since they are highly trainable and clever.

With their unlimited amounts of energy, exceptional stamina and agility, and highly developed sense of smell, Collies can be used for hunting any wild game.

14. Kemmer Cur

Kemmer Cur is also known as the Kemmer Stock Hybrid Dog or Cajun Squirrel Dog.

This hybrid dog is almost indistinguishable from the Mountain Cur since they come from the same bloodline and they are equally adept at squirrel hunting.

15. Black Mouth Cur

Easily recognizable due to its black muzzle and golden brown coat, the Black Mouth Cur is a loyal, affectionate pet and a fearless hunter.

These dogs are strong, adaptable, and highly intelligent, with a great ability for treeing.

16. Bluetick Coonhound

The beautiful Bluetick Coonhound is a large dog breed named for its mottled or ticked coat pattern of black and blue.

These dogs are muscled but also sleek and athletic, incredibly vocal, and with a high prey drive that needs to be adequately channeled.

17. Denmark Feist

This is a medium-sized breed that is a hybrid of Mountain Feists, along with Thornburg Feist, Kemmer Feist, and a few others.

Also called Denmark Treeing Feist or DenMark Treeing Feist, this dog is a champion when it comes to hunting small critters like squirrels and raccoons.

18. Leopard Cur

Perhaps better known as the American Leopard Hound, this breed is one of the most versatile hunters out there. It is a medium to large dog that is highly energetic and outstandingly adaptable to weather conditions.

19. Treeing Tennessee Brindle

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a type of cur dog that has a proficient nose and a powerful voice. These dogs are sturdy, intelligent, and dependable, with short and smooth brindle coats.

When should you start training a squirrel dog?

Squirrel dog training should start while they’re young, preferably three to six months of age.

It’s best to develop a bond with your fido as early as possible, and you can teach him basic commands that will be useful while hunting.

Take this time to introduce your pup to squirrels by tying a squirrel tail at the end of a stick or pole.

This will help him get familiar with the scent, then tie it to a tree to encourage him to bark whenever he’s treeing squirrels. Some owners use live bait.

Hunters have a saying: “A dog can’t learn to hunt in the kennel.” That means you have to take your dog for a live pursuit.

Start in an area with plenty of squirrels so that it’s easy for your dog and it will raise his confidence. Then try different locations later on.

Keep the sessions short and positive to produce the best results as a dog trainer.

How to Successfully Squirrel Hunt with Dogs?

Squirrel hunting may sound simple – follow your dog while he locates the tree where a squirrel is hiding, or chase one up a tree – but in reality, it’s more complicated.

Before anything else, you should know that some squirrels are harder to spot, like gray squirrels.

You should also have a canine companion with a great nose to determine where the squirrel exactly is before you shoot it.

It’s also best that you learn these hunting terms before you and your squirrel dog hang out with fellow hunters:

• Bark Treed – The sound that a dog makes when he locates the squirrel in a tree
• Timbering – A term for a squirrel running through the trees, trying to escape
• Toenailed – When a dog pins the squirrel by positioning himself on the bark of a tree
• Has the Meat – When a squirrel is confirmed on the tree
• Range – The distance between the hunter and the dog while searching for a squirrel

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Dogs

What Time of Day Are Squirrels Most Active?

Squirrels are usually active all day, particularly in the fall and spring when they look for food. However, they are most active during dusk and dawn.

What Happens When a Dog Catches a Squirrel?

Well-trained squirrel dogs will kill the squirrel when they catch it, but they will not eat it. Untrained dogs might eat the squirrel after they catch it.

Will My Dog Get Sick from Eating a Squirrel?

If the squirrel is freshly killed, and your dog is healthy and on parasite control, he will most likely be fine. However, squirrels are hosts to many parasites, so the risk of transmission always exists.

What Diseases Can Squirrels Transmit to Dogs?

Some of the more common diseases transmitted from squirrels to dogs include plague, rabies, and Lyme disease. In some parts of the United States, squirrels can also carry a deadly disease called Leptospirosis.

Can a Squirrel Kill a Dog?

Squirrels can harm your canine with their sharp teeth and claws, but a dog getting killed by a squirrel is highly unlikely and borders on impossible.

Should I Let My Dog Chase Squirrels?

Unless you are training your dog for squirrel hunting, you should discourage such dangerous behavior in public places.

How Do I Stop My Dog from Chasing Squirrels?

Starting obedience training when the dog is young can be very helpful when you try to control his hunting instincts. Get your dog to concentrate on you during walks.

How Much Does a Good Squirrel Dog Cost?

Squirrel dogs from a good stock cost $100 to $200, but you can buy experienced treeing dogs with a price range of $500 to $5,000.

These amounts depend on the dog’s age, gender, whether it was trained, and if it’s squirrel season.

Verdict: Should you get a Squirrel Dog?

If you plan to go squirrel hunting, it is critical to have a good squirrel dog and know how to utilize him.

Otherwise, it might be preferable to choose another breed – squirrel dogs are tremendously energetic and require a job to be healthy and satisfied.

Are you an avid squirrel hunter? Do you have something to add or contribute to more training tips? Let us know in the comments.

Reference

• https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/pets/infection/index.html

Being adopted by a major military is the dream for every firearm manufacture.

But government procurement is a messy business and raises the question…Did the US Army make the right decision by choosing the Sig Sauer P320 as its new sidearm?

And just because they chose it…does the P320 make sense for you?

We’ll cover everything about the P320 in our review…from features to accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, upgrades, and pricing. By the end, you’ll know if the P320 is right for you or if the Army is stuck with a dud.

And now complete with a hands-on video review:

If that helped, please subscribe to our YouTube channel since we’re adding new videos every week!

Striker vs Hammer

Times are changing and the striker fired polymer king Glock, is being given a run for its money by Sig Sauer.

Normally known for its double action, single action hammer fired pistols, Sig Sauer is the gold standard for semi-auto handguns.

Their entry into the striker fired market is the p320, a welcomed sight in a stagnating market and a very real replacement for Glock pistols for CCW and general shooting.

Not sure about gun actions? Check out our Single/Double Action vs Striker Fired article.

Why would Sig want to make a striker fired gun?

Well, striker fired guns have a lot of advantages that people love…a consistent trigger pull and increased internal safeties are the main reasons armed citizens, police agencies, and elite military units are switching to striker fired guns. The SEALS did it with the Glock 19.

The mechanisms that make up striker fired guns are also very easy to produce, assemble and easy for armorers to fix. All this makes striker guns cheaper than traditional guns.

This is where the Sig Sauer P320 comes in.

The major difference between the p320 and every other double stack pistol Sig Sauer has ever made is that others use hammers and the P320 uses a striker.

It offers the quality and reliability of Sig Sauer, with a tried and true striker system and ingenious features that make it a novel gun.

In a world of “innovative” guns, this truly is an innovated design and a step in the right direction for the future of pistols.

General Opinion and Background

The model tested for review was my personal Nitron carry in 9mm.

There has been a total of about 1,700 rounds of FMJ plinking and training ammo through it and about 250 defensive rounds through the bore. I would feel comfortable saying it has 2000 rounds total.

The best 9mm ammo for self-defense and plinking.

The only stoppages have been ammo related, all with steel cased ammo, including a squib load.

My overall impression is that this is a good pistol when compared to a Glock, XD, or M&P but subpar compared to a legacy P-series Sig Sauer gun.

The construction of the gun is better than others in its class but isn’t as good as an H&K, legacy Sig Sauer, or any of the high end 1911’s.

This is very much a carry or light duty gun.

If you shoot competition and can’t afford better, this is a good gun, otherwise look elsewhere.

If you plan on actually shooting a gun a lot, get a better gun. Better in the sense it has better ergonomics, and is more specialized for what you need.

*Update January 2019* Sig has released their civilian version of the Army’s M17…the P320-M17. Check out our full review if that suits your fancy.

Features

Safety

The Sig Sauer p320 has the usual suspect of safety features including firing pin, trigger bar, and others that make the gun just as safe as other pistols in the Sig line.

What this pistol does have that no other striker fired gun does…is a single piece trigger.

The trigger pack inside the gun is designed to have a one-piece trigger instead of the widespread two-piece hinged trigger of Glock and M&P design that houses a safety feature to control the striker. The safeties of this gun are all truly passive and operate without input from the shooter.

This makes the trigger very smooth, consistent and can be had in either a standard, short reach or small bladed design.

Fire Control Unit & Caliber X-Change

One of the coolest features of this gun is what part constitutes the “gun.”

As far as the ATF is concerned the “gun” is the part that has the serial number on it. That means everything else is just a part.

Here’s what the serialized P320 looks like…

The steel fire control unit inside the P320…

The slide, and more importantly, the grip frame, are not serialized. You can shoot all the common calibers out of this weapon by just changing slides and mags. You can also re-size the gun to your hand by having the entire grip changed, not just a few panels.

Sig calls them Caliber X-Change kits.

Sig offers kits to change sizes, Full Size, Compact, and Subcompact and caliber change kits for .380acp, 9mm, .40s&w, and .357 Sig. The kits include the new slide, grip module, and proper magazine for the caliber and grip size.

It should be noted that while Sig has said that .45 ACP kits are “coming soon” they have been “coming soon” for about 2 years, so maybe not as soon as it sounds. Currently, if your P320 is in .45 ACP you cannot change it to ANY other caliber. Likewise, if your P320 isn’t in .45 ACP, you cannot change it to .45 ACP.

This system works well but is a dumb way to go about it. To convert a Glock, for example, you choose from the calibers that your gun can fit and need a new barrel and a magazine. You can save several hundred dollars over buying a new weapon with this system.

The only annoying thing is the price…Caliber X-Change kits are around $400.

You only save $150 or so when you buy a Caliber X-Change kit. You might as well buy a new gun if you want a different size or different caliber.

Especially if you factor in the cost of extra magazines. The guns come with two, the x-change kits only have one.

Buy the new gun, thank us later.

Grip Frames

Sharing both grip frames and magazines with the P250 the P320 has the ability to tailor the size of the gun and the circumference of the grip width, with just the change of the plastic grip frame.

The serialized part of the gun the steel fire control unit mentioned above. This means you can buy grip frames online and have them shipped to your house, no FFL required.

This is perfect for people who want different grip sizes or want a pro to stipple their grip since now you can just send the hunk of plastic through the regular mail. And if they/you mess up…you’re only out $45.

Integrated Red Dot

Sig Sauer joins others with a cutout for a red dot sight available from the factory.

The twist is that theirs comes with a red dot sight installed as well. The “RX’ model comes with Sig’s own Romeo 1 red dot.

While not as proven as other red dot sights, having shot with one I’d have no problem carrying one or stacking it up next to a Leupold or Trijicon.

Take Down

The takedown of this pistol is easy and can be done without pulling the trigger. All you do is lock the slide back, rotate the takedown lever clockwise and then slide off the upper half the gun.

I have noticed that it is easier to put the slide back on with an empty magazine inserted because it lifts the slide lock and makes it easier to move the slide rearward and rotate the takedown pin counterclockwise.

Accuracy & Reliability

The gun is accurate enough to be used in a competition and will easily outshoot most shooters.

The gun functions and fires all hollow point and plinking ammo you can feed through it into one ragged hole if you do your part.

However, there are a few things to note about the accuracy of this gun.

The trigger blade is large and deeply curved. Until you get used to it the trigger can be a serious hindrance to accuracy.

The trigger pull is consistent with no stacking and seems to be within the 6-7 lbs that a striker fired gun needs.

Stacking is where the trigger gets heavier as you pull it until it breaks, common on older pistol designs, especially double action triggers.

Finally, the grip panels are good and the overall width of the grip can be tailored by ordering one of several different available plastic frames.

Ergonomics

This gun feels very much like a Sig.

The high bore axis makes it feel a little like holding a ray gun but it is very comfortable in the hand.

The plastic frame feels warm even in cold weather and the grip panels feel almost like skateboard tape, but without the sand. It’s a subdued stippling that works better than it looks. I hate saying this but…the gun almost needs to be felt in hand and fired to appreciate it.

The slide serrations should be larger, I had trouble racking the slide with sweaty hands. Deep slide serrations like those found on the S&W M&P would be great here.

Truth be told, I have huge hands so this might be a slight bias but the P320 feels good in the hand…but I don’t like the mag release or the baseplate.

I had trouble in both bare and gloved hand with the mag dropping free for a reload. This is definitely a problem and if you carry the compact or subcompact models you might have the same problem.

This is because the magazine floorplate is a piece of the grip and if you have a meaty palm then you’ll prevent the magazine from dropping free. I never had any problems with the magazine jamming and not coming out, just an ergonomic problem with the gun in general.

The feeling of the pistol is hand feels wonky with a loaded magazine, once you put rounds in the gun it handles like a dream, despite the high bore axis.

I don’t use the slide lock to run the gun but it is easy to use if you’re inclined.

The magazines when I first got them were very, very stiff and had to be downloaded by 2. The fix was for the magazines needed to be left loaded for two weeks, then you can load them to capacity.

The trigger is nothing special…it’s a decent striker fired trigger without stacking and decent weight.

I have large fingers but many report the trigger blade being too wide and uncomfortable to shoot. I didn’t find any problems while shooting, but the ladies who shot my gun had to use almost their entire finger.

Quality & Durability

The Sig P320 is an entry-level Sig gun. That doesn’t mean that it is low quality.

Sig Sauer makes by far the best polymer framed guns in the world and by far some of the most accurate and dependable pistols. You must accept the fact though…the grip frame is made to be almost disposable.

This is important because the plastic of the 320 isn’t as resilient as Glocks or M&Ps.

All the models offer Picatinny rails that are squared away under the barrel, in front of the trigger guard for mounting a light or laser. The whole gun, finish included just seems more susceptible to dings, and scratches…more so than any other gun I’ve ever used.

The finish on the gun is said to be the same as on other guns, but my Sig P250, the predecessor of the P320, seems infinitely more durable with regards to finish. This, of course, doesn’t hurt the reliability of the gun, just affects the quality and long-term appearance.

I live in South Florida, and in December the average temperature is still around 80 degrees with 70% or so humidity.

Guns rust literally on store shelves here, but the Sig P320 doesn’t. The first week I got this pistol I took it kayaking and I accidentally dropped the whole pistol into a pool of salt water.

I did nothing more than field strip it and reassemble it wet. Never had a problem with rust or reliability.

Applications

Guns obviously have more than one use but a .50 BMG rifle is bad for plinking just like a .22 LR pistol is bad for self-defense.

The Sig Sauer P320 is good for many things but there are a few models that are better suited than others.

The RX Carry is probably the most capable of the bunch. It comes with a red dot sight mounted on the slide. The carry model, in general, is a great size, it’s plenty big enough to use for serious work but small enough to conceal.

The Tacops models are a good model for duty use if you are an officer or security guard that can choose their own weapon. The factory included 21 rounds magazines are only useful for open carry or for competition/range use.

Aftermarket Support

Currently there the Sig P320 lags behind the classic Sig guns in regards for professional quality gear but it is being embraced by and large by consumer gear manufacturers.

If more agencies and large Security firms adopt the Sig P320 we might see a rise in the duty gear selection but only time will tell.

Holsters

Nearly every custom Kydex maker has holsters for this gun so for concealed carry or for range use you should be fine. Including holsters for weapon lights, red dot sights, and suppressor height sights.

If you’re an officer or security guard that can choose their own weapon this is a great pistol but it can be difficult to find retention holsters.

There are the typical level 2 and level 3 drop leg and duty holsters available from the usual suspects. However, if you need a holster for plainclothes police or detective work you’re better off with a shoulder holster than looking for a concealable holster with retention.

Magazines

The biggest downside of the Sig Sauer p320 is the premium price of magazines.

That goes for the full capacity and the state compliant models with limited round counts.

Sig Sauer does offer extended 21 round magazines to the tune of $58. Sig Sauer has also been plagued with high shipping costs and long wait times due to extreme order volume. Order from a retailer if you can find a deal or need the mags quick.

The magazines currently used are the same design from the p250 and they haven’t come down in price so I don’t believe they’ll come down in price anytime soon. Aftermarket magazines aren’t available but they could come depending on the long-term success, and honestly the competition use, of this pistol.

Weapon Light

No defensive gun is complete without a good light mounted on it, for the P320 (and most other guns) the Streamlight TLR-7 is an outstanding choice.

Delivering high lumens, great durability, and coming in at a decent price – it’s a must-have.

Parts & Upgrades

Sights aside, there aren’t many parts available for the P320 yet.

Sig Sauer offers replacement spring kits and grip modules as well as the previously mentioned caliber X-change kits. The offer a thin-bladed trigger that is available for purchase, it’s not an upgraded trigger, just a different blade.

The only “big” upgrade currently offered is the Apex Trigger kit available. I haven’t used the trigger myself so I can’t comment on its use but it is a completely flat faced trigger that looks like a competition upgrade and is getting good reports thus far.

Sig Sauer is also offering a grip module that has a built-in laser. It looks like an overgrown S&W Bodyguard .380 and is very expensive. You also lose the ability to mount a light and need a custom holster.

I’d steer clear, at least until the part has been proven in the field

Airguns, including big-bore airguns, have been around for a long time. Big bore air rifles are in a category totally of their own—some of which can take down deer-sized game. In the past six months or so I have worked with a few, as the idea of using an air rifle on deer, foxes, coyotes or even hogs intrigues me. The most recent example I’ve reviewed is the Winchester Model 70/35. If you have never shot a big bore air rifle, you really need to try one … and you can’t go wrong starting with the Winchester Model 70/35.

Out of the box

Right out of the box this air rifle impressed me. Although it was a bit heavier than some of the air rifles I have shot, the extra weight was worth it for the gorgeous beechwood stock and well-fitted parts. This rifle looks like a professional grade crafted tool. The pressure gauge is conveniently located under the stock, but out of sight so as not to detract from the classic look of this rifle. I put a CV LIFE 3-9×40 scope on the rifle. The scope is not expensive at all, but given the number of rounds it helped me put downrange with accurate movement of point of impact I decided to get another one.

Once the scope was mounted I charged the air rifle with the included adapter and loaded the magazines with Winchester .35 caliber 95-grain hollowpoints and went to my range. I began with a target at 25 yards and took the first few shots. This rifle was blissful to shoot right out of the box! The trigger is incredibly smooth and crisp—hands-down the best air rifle trigger I have ever pulled.

As for report, the rifle cracks less than a .22, but it is loud enough that if you live near someone they are going to wonder what you are doing, no doubt. (As always, eye and ear protection are required!) Cocking the rifle is easy. Fully chambering the pellet takes a firm push on the side lever, but nothing over the top by any means.

Accuracy Testing

Shots were consistent magazine after magazine with only one or two thrown outside of 1.5 inches … and I am quite sure that was my doing. I shot this rifle nearly 100 times in one sitting because it was so enjoyable. Charging it did not take that long, just five minutes or so on my powered compressor. I shot three magazines before I went to recharge the rifle each time, and I think I could have squeezed out a few more shots had I wanted to do so. Shots at 25 yards were in the same hole or touching.

I moved the target out to 50 yards and had approximately 1-inch groups time and again. Moving the target out a tad further the groups were still very impressive at less than 2 inches.

I would feel very comfortable shooting predators, groundhogs or nuisance animals with this at ranges up to 100 yards. I had hoped to get a shot at a deer with my special deer permit, but I wanted to keep my shots on deer at 50 yards or less. I did not get that opportunity yet. (Hopefully I will get a chance later this season.) This rifle groups very well!

While shooting at longer ranges with the sun behind me filtering through the trees, I could get glimpses of the pellet in flight from time to time much like you can sometimes see a crossbow bolt. Still, the pellets impacted my target well within the vital zone for hunting all the time.

The nice thing about a .35 caliber is that there are a slew of pellet choices out there. Honestly, the 95-grain hollowpoint Winchesters shot so well I did not try a bunch of other brands or weights. I would caution readers to make sure any pellets you purchase will fit in the magazine. Some pellets I had are too long to fit and be loaded into the rifle. Again, you cannot go wrong with the Winchester 95 gain hollow points based on my experience.

I was pleasantly surprised how these pellets ripped through the wooden slats of my target frame, so the thin skin of a predator shouldn’t be a problem. Take careful shots to hit vitals and you should be able to remove pests, no issues. However, remember that these pellets are going approximately 800 feet per second or less, so it is conceivable that the animal may hear the shot just before impact and duck if shot at longer ranges. So, keep that in mind if deer hunting with it.

In summary, this is the best rifle I have shot all year that is air powered. It is a joy to shoot and accurate too. The instructions are basic, but adequate. If you are looking for a classy, big bore, accurate air rifle, look no further. The Winchester 70/35 will more than leave you satisfied. MSRP $840; WinchesterAirRifles.com

Specs:

Caliber: .35 caliber

Action: Precharged Pneumatic side lever cock with 2 six shot rotary magazines included

Capacity: Internal cylinder holds up to 230 bar of pressure

Features: Manual safety, rubber recoil pad, beautiful beechwood stock with raised comb on left side for right handed shooters

Sights: but has an 11mm dovetail groove for mounting a scope.

Power: Delivers up to 132 ft.-lbs. energy with an 81-gr. pellet.

Comes with a 1-year warranty.