“Exploring Felon Firearm Rights: Air Rifle Ownership in Michigan”
Can a felon own an air rifle in michigan?
In Michigan, the ownership of firearms by felons is heavily regulated. While state law allows for the possession of certain types of firearms by individuals with felony convictions, it remains unclear whether this extends to air rifles. Although an air rifle may not be classified as a firearm under federal law, Michigan statutes do not specifically address whether felons can possess or own such weapons. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with felony convictions in Michigan to seek legal advice or clarification from local authorities regarding the ownership and possession of air rifles.
One potential avenue for felons to legally own an air rifle in Michigan is through obtaining a restoration of their firearm rights. This process involves applying to the court and demonstrating that they have been rehabilitated and are no longer a risk to society. If successful, felons may regain their firearm rights and potentially be allowed to possess an air rifle. However, it is important to note that this process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring the assistance of an attorney familiar with firearm laws in Michigan.
In Michigan, felons are prohibited from owning firearms, including air rifles. State law treats air rifles as firearms, subject to the same restrictions. Therefore, a felon cannot legally own an air rifle in Michigan.
Yes, Glocks are among the best and most popular handguns on the market.
Still, as Glock is so prone to upgrades, there is always room for improvement. For example, the factory Glock triggers are not so famous. They have large pull weights.
If you’re one of the competitive shooters, then you probably need a trigger with less pull weight than the factory trigger provides.
Now, before we make a list of the best Glock triggers you can have, let’s explore all factors to consider before making a purchase.
Glock Trigger Types
There are different types of Glock designs that you can choose from for your next upgrade. For example, the most popular design among aftermarket triggers is the drop-in design.
What’s drop-in design?
It refers to an aftermarket trigger assembly that’s designed to be easily installed into a Glock pistol without having the need for advanced gunsmithing or modification. It got its name as it suggest the trigger can just be dropped into the handgun.
A drop-in trigger typically comes as a complete trigger assembly, including the trigger shoe, trigger bar, connector, and other components necessary for proper functioning.
The main advantage of the drop-in trigger is that it makes the upgrade process simple. It’s made to allow you to upgrade your trigger without having too much knowledge about firearms or specialized gunsmithing skills.
However, before shooting your handgun after installing the drop-in trigger, test a few times if everything works as it should before using live ammo.
Read more:
(Top 5) Best Aftermarket Glock Slides
The Top 10 Glock Barrels for Enhanced Accuracy
Review: Glock M.A.R.S. – Magazine Advanced Release System
How to Choose the Right Trigger
Among various different types of factory and aftermarket Glock triggers, choosing the right trigger may not be as easy as it sounds.
However we turn it, everything starts with your needs and preferences.
Would you like to stick with stock triggers or aftermarket triggers? Aftermarket triggers can offer different pull weights, improve reset, or offer other customization options (including different styles).
Next, where are you going to use the Glock pistol? Different environments like competitive shooting, self-defense, and recreational shooting have different requirements and different triggers may suit each of them separately.
And finally, one of the widely known factors is the trigger pull weight. The stock Glock trigger usually has a pull weight of around 5.5 pounds (or 2.5 kilograms). However, if you prefer lighter pull weight, then consider choosing aftermarket triggers with less pull weight.
How Glock Trigger Works
The Glock trigger works on a striker-fired system called the Safe Action Trigger system.
Let’s break it down in a few steps to clarify how does Glock trigger work:
Trigger safety: The Glock trigger has a trigger safety feature. It’s a small lever placed in the middle of the trigger. You have to press it fully to move the trigger backward and fire the gun. This safety prevents accidental firing if the gun is dropped or if pressure is applied to the sides of the trigger.
Trigger pull: When you press the trigger, it moves backward. As it moves, it cocks the firing pin, which makes the bullet fire. The trigger has a short distance to travel, making it easier and faster to pull.
Firing pin safety: When the trigger is fully pressed, it releases a firing pin safety. This lever was blocking the firing pin from moving forward and firing a bullet. Now that it’s out of the way, the firing pin can move forward and hit the bullet’s primer, causing a bullet to fire.
Firing the gun: Once the firing pin is released, it strikes the bullet’s primer, ignited the gunpowder, and fires the bullet.
Reset: After firing the shot, you release the trigger, as you let go, the trigger moves forward, and the firing pin partially resets itself. This prepares the gun for the next shot by making it ready to fire again. The trigger reset distance is short, allowing for quick follow-up shots if needed.
If you’re looking for something on a budget but still reliable, then Syndicate Trigger by Agency Arms is a great choice for you.
The trigger is made of polymer making it strong, durable, and at the same time lightweight.
This is a drop-in model of a trigger meaning you can easily install it at home without needing different and specialized tools.
However, if you have older generations of Glock handguns, you probably won’t be able to use this trigger as it’s compatible with Gen 5 Glocks only including G19X and G45.
Price: $60Get yours here!
2. Zev Technologies PRO Trigger Bar Kit
This drop-in trigger comes from the Zev Technologies brand, known for winning multiple world championships. It got some pretty good features that make it stand out.
The Pro trigger bar kit supports multiple generations of Glock including Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3, and Gen 4. It’s compatible with G26, G19, G17, G34, G17L, G27, G23, G22, G35, G31, G32, G33 Glocks too.
The trigger bar kit is made of hard-anodized aluminum construction. Because of this, the trigger kit is strong, durable, and wear-resistant.
Zev Technologies PRO Trigger bar kit delivers a very crisp and clean trigger pull, making it very comfortable, especially for situations where you’ll need to acquire targets very quickly and deliver follow-up shots.
It’s also easy to install without having any special tools, however, it comes at a little higher price point so if you’re ready to spend a little bit more money, this one is a great option for you.
Price: $132.30Get yours here!
3. Overwatch Precision TAC Trigger
If we have to describe the TAC trigger made by Overwatch Precision as shortly as possible, then we would just say it’s reliable and aesthetic.
It’s made of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, well-known for its strength and durability which is crucial if you’re going to use your handgun frequently. In this scenario, when you need something resistant to wear, the TAC trigger will get you covered.
The overall feel of the TAC triggers is this: it has a very similar feeling to standard OEM triggers, but it’s crisper and also has better responsitivity compared to them. When pressed, it feels smooth on fingers with a very short reset.
Price: $122.85Get yours here!
4. CMC Trigger Drop-in Trigger
Easy-to-install drop-in trigger made by CMC. Compared to the original Glock trigger, there are definitely improvements.
Let’s start with reset which is great while the trigger itself is light and crisp – something every experienced shooter is looking for when upgrading their Glock.
The trigger pull is about 2.5-3 lbs and is good for situations where you’re required to put several rounds into a target fast. With this trigger, you can easily deliver follow-up shots without affecting the accuracy of your Glock too much.
As for compatibility, you can use this trigger from Gen 1 Glocks up to Gen 4 Glocks. Gen 5 Glocks are not supported this time. Also, CMC offers two different models: one for 9mm Glocks and one for .40cal caliber Glocks. Double-check compatibility before making a purchase.
Comfort and performance – are two words that describe this model the best. It comes from Apex that’s already known for producing quality parts for Glocks.
The drop-in design of this trigger allows you to easily switch the factory trigger with this one.
The Apex Tactical Action Enhancement trigger’s main features are smooth trigger pull, reduced travel and reset distances, and a crisp trigger break compared to the standard Glock trigger.
However, this pistol works only with G43, G43X, and G48 Glock handguns.
Price: $99.75Get yours here!
6. Killer Innovations Trigger Shoe
Aesthetically pleasing yet great performance trigger shoe for Gen 5 Glocks (other not supported). This trigger shoe can go on Glock 17 and Glock 19.
Despite being available in multiple colors, which can also help you make a unique Glock build, the trigger has a crisp break with a short reset. If you’re a competitive shooter who has to put a few bullets in a row in a target, the Killer Innovations trigger shoe provides a very smooth pull and helps you have better follow-up shots.
The trigger shoe is made of aircraft-grade aluminum with an anodized finish. However, this trigger shoe is a little pricey, so be ready to spend more money if you want to own this one.
Price: $115.89Get yours here!
7. Tyrant Designs I.T.T.S. Trigger
If you’re looking for something that’s cheaper but still not lacking quality, and by the way you own Gen 3 or Gen 4 Glock, then you should check the I.T.T.S. trigger.
The trigger comes with stainless steel set screws, safety blades, and power springs ensuring the trigger’s durability.
However, this time you’ll need tools and disassembled Glock in order to change the trigger as ITTS is not a drop-in type of trigger. But if you already have gunsmithing experience, this won’t be a problem for you.
The trigger offers a 30% power spring for fast and fierce trigger reset which is a great feature when it comes to competitive shooting.
Price: $67.45Get yours here!
Final Words
When considering a Glock trigger upgrade, it’s important to assess your intended use and personal preferences.
While the stock trigger may suffice for some, many find aftermarket triggers greatly enhance their shooting experience. Transitioning to a new trigger may require an adjustment period, and practicing with a few hundred rounds is recommended.
Some may prefer to have their stock trigger polished by a gunsmith, while others opt for a complete replacement.
Factors such as trigger shape, intended use (concealed carry or competition), and individual preference play a role.
Ultimately, upgrading to one of the best Glock triggers can improve shooting enjoyment and accuracy, transforming your Glock into a more refined and personalized firearm.
An air pistol is a type of BB gun that uses compressed air to shoot pellets. Air pistols typically have a shorter range and less power than other types of air guns, making them suitable for close-range target shooting. Most air pistols are semi-automatic, meaning they can quickly fire multiple shots.
Air pistols are often used for plinking, a type of target shooting involving shooting at small targets such as cans or bottles. Air pistols can also be used for pest control, as they are powerful enough to kill small animals such as rats and snakes.
While air pistols are not as powerful as other types of firearms, they can still be dangerous if used improperly. Always treat an air pistol with the same respect you would treat a real gun.
So, you’re in the market for an air pistol. Whether you’re looking for a new piece to add to your collection or your first gun, you should know a few things before you make your purchase. The five most crucial considerations for air pistol shopping are covered in this blog post.
1 . Types Of Air Pistols
There are many different styles and dimensions of air pistols, each with specific benefits. For example, break-barrel air pistols are air pistols with barrels that break open in order to load the pellet. This type of air pistol is typically very inexpensive and easy to use.
Another type of air pistol is the semi-automatic air pistol. This type of air pistol has a magazine that holds the pellets, and the gun is automatically cocked when the trigger is pulled. Semi-automatic air pistols are typically more expensive than break-barrel air pistols, but they are also more accurate and have a higher rate of fire.
Finally, there are CO2-powered air pistols. These pistols use CO2 cartridges to propel the pellets and are generally considered the most powerful and accurate type of air pistol. They are, however, also the priciest variety of air pistols.
Once you’ve decided on the type of air pistol you want, it’s time to start shopping around. Establishing a budget before you begin looking to prevent unintentional overspending is crucial.
Air pistols can range in price from $30 to $200 or more, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.
3. Shipping Restrictions
Anyone seeking to purchase an air pistol should be aware of the shipping restrictions in place. For instance, air guns can only be transported by ground in the United States.
Furthermore, a lot of retailers won’t deliver air guns to locations beyond the contiguous 48 states. Due to the possibility of abuse and mishaps, some regulations are in place. It is crucial to be aware of them before making a purchase.
By understanding the shipping restrictions, you can ensure that you select a retailer that can meet your needs and help you stay safe while enjoying your new air pistol.
4. Power Of The Air Pistol
Several different air pistols are available, each with special features and advantages. But before you purchase an air pistol, it’s important to consider how powerful of a weapon you need.
A lower-powered model will likely suffice if you’re only using the gun for target practice or plinking. However, if you plan on using the gun for hunting or self-defense, then you’ll need a more powerful option.
It’s also important to pick an air pistol that fits naturally in your hand and is simple to use. Finding the ideal firearm for your needs is crucial, given the variety of models available.
We also recommend you check out the most powerful air pistol to help you make your purchase decision.
5. Accuracy Of The Air Pistol
Some air pistols are designed for competition shooting and can be quite accurate, while others may be less precise but still suitable for casual use.
Factors that affect accuracy include the quality of the barrel, the type of pellet used, and the power of the air pistol. If you are serious about competition shooting or need to hunt small game, you will want to choose an air pistol with high accuracy.
However, a less accurate air pistol may be more suitable if you are simply looking for a fun way to spend some time at the range.
Conclusion
Buying an air pistol is a big decision. Before making a purchase, there are numerous things to think about.
We hope this post has given you some insight into some of the issues you should be aware of when purchasing an air pistol. Please feel free to use the comment section below if you have any additional queries.
“Missouri’s Air Rifle Ownership Laws: Unveiling Rights for Felons? Understand the legal landscape surrounding felons and air rifle ownership in Missouri. Delve into the regulations, restrictions, and potential rights of felons to possess these firearms within the state.”
Can a felon own an air rifle in missouri?
In Missouri, the ownership of firearms by felons is heavily regulated. However, when it comes to air rifles, the laws are less strict. While felons are generally prohibited from owning firearms, they are allowed to possess and use air rifles in Missouri. This is because air rifles are not considered firearms under state law as they do not use gunpowder or explosive force to propel projectiles.
It is important to note that although felons can legally own and use air rifles in Missouri, there may still be certain restrictions and limitations imposed. For example, felons may be prohibited from possessing an air rifle if it has been modified to exceed certain power limits or if it is used for illegal purposes. Additionally, felons must still comply with other applicable laws such as those regarding hunting regulations and trespassing.
While the ownership of firearms by felons is generally restricted in Missouri, the possession of air rifles offers a potential avenue for them to engage in shooting sports or recreational activities. However, individuals with felony convictions should always consult with legal professionals or law enforcement agencies to ensure they fully understand their rights and any possible restrictions before purchasing or using an air rifle.
In conclusion, while felons in Missouri are restricted from owning firearms, they are legally permitted to possess and use air rifles. However, it is crucial for individuals to understand and abide by any additional regulations or restrictions set forth by local jurisdictions.
The term “Ribeye in the Sky” is thrown around loosely in regard to the Sandhill Crane. Supposedly this giant bird has the best tasting meat of all wild game and fortunately for us, we have secured a couple of breasts to try for ourselves. In this edition of Grillmaster Tips we teamed up with our good friend Kirk also known as Instagram’s @the_grill_revealer to find out once and for all if the Sandhill Crane can live up to its “Ribeye in the Sky” status.
Setting up your Big Green Egg or Kamado grill
Fire up your charcoal quickly with a JJGeorge Grill Torch and level it off at around 300 degrees. Throw a couple of soaked hickory chunks into the charcoal to give the meat a light smokey flavor.
We are going to cook the breasts indirectly on cedar planks, so install your plate setter or other method of indirect heat if your are not using a Kamado grill. Also, now is a good time to soak your cedar planks in water if you haven’t done so already.
Prep
Make sure to soak the breasts for 24-48 hours in a half vinegar and half water mixture to draw the blood out of the meat. Once this is done, rinse it off and dry with a paper towel. We have two one pound Crane breasts and we will be using the same cooking method for both. However, we are going to season and present them differently to see what pairs best with the Sandhill Crane meat.
Chimichurri Sandhill Crane Breast:
For our first breast we are going to cover it in extra virgin olive oil and generously dry rub it all over with Spiceology’s Moss rub created by Sasquatch BBQ. This all purpose herb rub has a delicious chimichurri flavor. While the crane is cooking we are making a homemade chimichurri sauce as a topper for the meat (sauce recipe below).
Chimichurri Sauce Recipe:
1/2 cup – finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 cup – olive oil
2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
* Combine all ingredients, stir well and set to side
Tennessee Smoke Sandhill Crane Breast with Truff Sauce:
For our second breast we are going to coat in olive oil and dry rub generously with Spiceology’s Tennessee Smoke inspired by Over the Fire Cooking’s Derek Wolf. No further prep is required as we will be topping this crane breast with Truff – Truffle infused hot sauce to give it a spicy and smoky flavor.
Cooking the Meat
Now that your Big Green Egg is at a stable temperature close to 300 degrees it is time to cook the meat. Place the seasoned crane breasts on your soaked cedar planks and place them on the grill. Cook indirectly for 30-45 minutes until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 120-125 degrees. Remove crane from grill and let the meat rest for 10 to 15 minutes to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat making it moist, tender, and delicious!
Slice and Serve
Now that your Sandhill Crane is perfectly cooked, it is time to slice it up, apply our sauce, and see how it tastes. We sliced our crane breast against grain and applied the chimichurri sauce to the breast with the herb based rub. We did the same for the Tennessee Smoke rubbed breast and topped it off with a drizzle of Truff sauce.
The Verdict
So on to the most important question… does Sandhill Crane live up to its nickname “The Ribeye in the Sky”? I must admit that we were very skeptical going into this thinking that the crane meat would taste like a large duck or goose breast… but boy were we wrong! It is tender, juicy and absolutely delicious! It is definitely more lean than a ribeye steak and the texture resembles that of a well cooked filet mignon. Although both versions of our dish were great, the consensus voted in favor of the Chimichurri breast as the Chimi sauce paired better with the flavor of the meat that the Truff did. We give Sandhill Crane a 10 out of 10 as far as wild game goes, as this is as good as it gets when cooking waterfowl.
Thanks so much for reading and as always leave us a note below to let us know how we are doing, or what you would like us to do next. Happy Grilling!
“Discover the Art of Air Rifle Break-In: Unlocking Optimal Performance with Expert Tips and Techniques. Master the essential steps to properly break in your air rifle, ensuring longevity, precision, and enhanced shooting experience. Unleash its true potential and achieve unparalleled accuracy with our comprehensive guide.”
air rifle break in
When purchasing a new air rifle, it is important to understand the concept of break-in. Just like any mechanical device, an air rifle needs to go through an initial period of use to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This process, known as break-in, involves shooting a certain number of pellets through the gun to allow the components to settle and work smoothly together.
During the break-in period, it is recommended to shoot a variety of pellets and avoid using high-powered or heavy pellets that could potentially damage the gun. The goal is to gradually increase the power and accuracy of the rifle while allowing its internal parts such as the piston seal and spring to settle into their proper positions. It is advised to clean and lubricate the air rifle regularly during this phase to maintain its performance.
By properly breaking in your air rifle, you can expect improved accuracy, reduced vibration, and increased longevity. It allows all the moving parts within the gun to mesh properly, ensuring smooth operation. Neglecting this crucial step may result in subpar performance and potential issues down the line. Taking the time for a thorough air rifle break-in will pay off in terms of consistent accuracy and overall satisfaction with your new firearm.
In conclusion, it is essential to properly break in an air rifle to optimize its performance and longevity. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines and using high-quality pellets during the break-in period will ensure smooth operation and accuracy. By investing time in this process, shooters can enjoy a reliable and efficient air rifle experience.
What boat cover material you use depends on what type of boat cover you are building, where you are living, and how you plan to use that cover. Remember that your boat cover material is the only thing between your boat and the weather!
Below you will find . . .
The fabrics we offer in our store.
A list of the most common boat cover fabrics and their attributes to help you decide what is important to you.
Some of our favorite fabrics listed at the bottom of this page.
Add vents to your boat cover to help the boat stay dryer inside!
The faster that air can be released from your boat cover, the dryer the boat cover fabric will stay on the inside. The dryer the boat stays, the less likelihood of mildew growth beneath the cover.
All boat cover materials are considered mildew and UV resistant.
Some materials listed below are available as boat covers sold in stores and online. There are many more that are not listed. We mention these because they are the more popular boat cover materials available.
Here at our shop, we are firm believers in using materials with a minimum of a 5 year warranty.
We think saving a few bucks on boat cover fabric isn’t a deal at all if the boat cover ultimately fails early. However, we do understand budget plays a part in your decision.
Most Common Boat Cover Fabrics and their Attributes
Acrylic boat fabrics
This group of boat cover fabrics is considered a top line choice for boat covers.
The are top line because of their ability to last for years and still look good!
Sunbrella – 10 year limited warranty – The most popular acrylic in America.
Tempotest – 10 year limited warranty – This acrylic is from Italy and uses Teflon Extreme finishing giving double protection from water and oil stains. Also treated with Hi-Clean giving it an impenetrable barrier.
Recacril– 10 year limited warranty – Gaining popularity as a fine acrylic boat fabric.
Outdura – 5 year limited warranty – Also gaining popularity as a fine acrylic.
Dickson– 10 year limited warranty – A fine acrylic, and very popular in Europe.
Sundowner – 10 year limited warranty- Made in Spain, not readily available in the US yet.
Best Uses: Storage covers, tops
Strengths: Breathable, beautiful, UV resistant, solution dyed, colorfast, clean-ability and mildew resistant. Available in a huge variety of colors.
Weaknesses: Higher price, abrasion resistance is a little weak and lighter colors soil easily. Acrylic boat fabrics need to be carefully reinforced. Not waterproof and will eventually need to be waterproofed again.
Specialty Sunbrella Fabric Product
Sunbrella Seamark – An acrylic that is bonded to vinyl. Has a 5 year limited warranty and is 100% waterproof.
Seamark fabric starts its life as Sunbrella, is purchased by the Haartz Company, and is coated with a vinyl backing.
Seamark is popular with Sea Ray for their bimini and camper tops.
Seamark is an expensive fabric, but desirable for two main reasons. It is 100% waterproof and a perfect match for Sunbrella.
This means you can use it as a waterproof fabric for your bimini and camper tops, and switch back to matching Sunbrella for the enclosures and canvas on the rest of your boat.
Polyester Boat Fabrics
There are some substantial differences among polyester boat cover material. So for that reason we group the polyesters into three groups . . .
Group 1 – Coated polyesters
This first group has appearance similarities.
Polyester boat cover material is often used for store bought and online boat covers.
Retail manufacturers may have their own brands of coated polyester fabrics and they are generally not available in the aftermarket.
So when buying an online boat cover, look at the warranty to see how they stand behind their fabrics. This will be very important in judging the quality of the boat fabric.
Aqualon – 5 year limited warranty
Aqualon Edge – 7 year limited warranty – New in 2016, has superior heat reflection and heat reduction beneath the cover. It’s Perfecta Marine technology makes it 30% cooler than other fabrics. We are very excited about this fabric and the heat reduction characteristics.
Aqualon Edge SOFT – 7 year limited warranty – This new fabric is really making waves with its Perfecta Marine technology that makes it 30% cooler than other fabrics AND it has a soft, non-woven, fuzzy backing to boot! This backing makes it a great light-weight fabric to use against things such as boat and car covers and other things you want to protect.
Harbor Time– 5 year limited warranty
Harbor Time Edge – 7 year limited warranty – This fabric is similar to Aqualon Edge, but has a tougher polyester fabric on top. It’s Perfecta Marine technology makes it 30% cooler than other fabrics and it works best for those tougher jobs and industrial applications.
Top Gun – 5 year limited warranty
Best Uses – Storage Covers, Tops and Shade fly’s
Strengths: Strong, abrasion resistant, good UV resistance, available with soft liners for delicate surfaces in a mid price range. Easy to work with, looks good, easy to clean, mildew resistant, tough, highly water resistant.
Weaknesses: Possible de-lamination, possible color transfer, stiff in cold climate, low breath ability in coated products , some fading over time. Some crazing over time. (Crazing shows up as thin white lines on the fabric caused by folding or creasing the fabric.)
Group 2 – Vinyl Coated Polyesters and PVCBest Uses – Storage Covers, Tops, Trim for enclosures
This group provides some popular boat cover material choices for the high end group of boaters.
Herculite Riviera – 5 year limited warranty
Stamoid – 5 year limited warranty. Tough, beautiful, and more expensive.
Strengths: Very easy to clean, cool to the touch in very hot weather, tough. Very long lasting, waterproof, excellent clean-ability, high UV resistance, and dimensional stability. Done right it makes a beautiful boat cover.
Weaknesses: Not Breathable, stiff in cold weather, and higher cost.
A little more difficult to fabricate with due to the lack of stretch (can show more wrinkles depending on the skill of the fabricator).
Group – 3 Solution dyed Polyesters
This boat cover material belongs to a new generation of polyesters.
Top Notch – Heavier than Sunbrella, but looks nearly the same. Extremely tough and abrasion resistant. Makes a great travel cover. Not for home sewing machines. 8 year warranty.
Surlast – 3 year limited warranty – Popular 3 year polyester for manufactured boat covers.
Strengths : All group 3 fabrics are strong, UV stable, dimensionally stable, attractive, breathable, highly water resistant, and make beautiful long lasting covers.
Weaknesses: Even with the improvements in longevity, they still don’t outlast the acrylics.
Nylon as a boat cover Material?
Nylon doesn’t hold up well in the sun, so the answer is no, unless you get it for free and make it for free. Don’t waste your money!
Do we have a favorite Boat Cover Fabric?
Yes we do….and of course this is just our opinion!
We like any type of Acrylic such as: Tempotest and Sunbrella. Nothing beat an acrylic for longevity. Blacks, blues and greens outlast other colors in the acrylics.
We also like:
Aqualon Edge- 7 year polyester, because it stays 30% cooler than all the rest, even in dark colors.
Harbor Time Edge 7 year polyester- when you need a heavy weight polyester that stays 30% cooler.
These are also awesome fabrics:
Riviera – 5 year
Stamoid – 5 year
These are exceptionally long lasting boat cover materials and so easy to clean. If you use these fabrics, you should have a fabricator whose skill level is fairly high; this type of fabric requires a little more expertise to obtain that high end look we all love.
Be Sure to Check Out All of Our EZ-Xtend Boat Zipper Products!!
The woods and wild places are drawing people to them. A weekend in the woods can wash away the stain of florescent lighting and it can reset your circadian rhythm. It seems that most of us understand the damage that our hyper convenient, over digitized, and sedentary lifestyle is doing to us.
More people are seeking the “tonic of the wilderness” as Thoreau called it.
Making wilderness shelter is something that calls to people on these wild adventures. So, let’s talk about how you can make the most fundamental and one of the most effective wilderness shelters of them all. I am talking about the lean-to shelter.
What is the main reason for learning to build these wilderness shelters? Aside from just the fun of building your own fort out in the woods, there is a very important reason for studying and learning to make wilderness shelter.
This is your answer to needing shelter in a wilderness survival situation. When you need to get out of the elements and you need to affect your core body temperature a good shelter can capture your body heat and combined with fire could even save your life!
The lean-to can be a quick answer to that wilderness shelter to help you survive a wilderness emergency.
What is a Lean To Shelter?
It is called a lean-to shelter because the main wall of the shelter leans on a ridge pole. The leaning wall does double duty to protect you from the weather that could be falling above you and also the wind coming from behind. This leaning wall also traps some of your heat and holds it in your shelter.
Be sure you choose a nice flat area to build your shelter and it would help if you set up near some water sources to assure you can stay hydrated.
These shelters are easy to build and require minimal materials. This is why they are so popular when it comes to building a shelter for wilderness survival.
Gear Needed to Build a Lean To Shelter
The gear you need to build your lean-to shelter is minimal but if you have the right tools it will make an easy job even simpler.
Folding Saw
Cordage
Tarp
Survival Knife
Lean To Between Trees
The most common build for the lean-to shelter is between two trees. The hardest part about this build is finding the two trees to place the shelter between.
You are looking for 2 sturdy trees that are about 7 feet apart from one another. Pay attention to the land between those two trees. The more level the ground the better.
Now you are going to find yourself a nice sturdy ridge pole that is about 8 feet long. I find that cutting down some greenwood is best for this. I usually seek out some young American Holly. It’s strong wood and will be nice and sturdy as a ridge pole. Cut yourself an 8-foot ridge pole.
Set the ridgepole up no more than 4 feet tall. Lash the ridge pole three times with paracord. If you have 2 people this process is a lot easier. If not you can still pull it off.
With the same cord lash three times to the tree. Then three more to one side of the ridge pole and again three lashes around the tree. I run the remaining cordage between the tree and the pole warping to create tension. Tie your cordage off and move to the next side of the ridge pole.
Repeat the process on the opposite side of the pole and the second tree.
With your ridge pole in place, you can start looking for green branches to start leaning on the shelter. Green pine branches are great for this and will become the ribs of your shelter. Lean them on the ridge pole at about a 45-degree angle.
Once you achieve a collection of these branches all lined up then you can place pine boughs or just use a tarp to finish off the shelter.
Attach the tarp first at the ridge pole. You can tie it down to the trees or the ridge pole on either side. Then pull it tight and stake it to the ground.
If you have a nice big tarp then you might even want to create a simple A-frame shelter for yourself.
Detached Lean To
The detached lean-to shelter is built on the very same principle but your ridge pole is not lashed to trees. This is a good shelter to know how to build if you are in sparse forests. It can be a challenge to find trees that are set apart in just the right manner with the right ground underneath them.
In this case, you can create a couple strong tripods. You might think that building a tripod is only for smoking meats or cooking over a fire but the tripod can become the basis for your entire shelter. Look for some nice thick pine branches. You are going to need 6 of these in total.
To create your simple tripod you are going to lash the first branch three times with paracord, grab the next branch and continue with the paracord by lashing this next one. Then finally lash three times on the last branch and this will connect them all. The cordage will also keep the tripod nice and snug.
If you want you can create your tripod and then wrap more cordage around where all the sticks meet.
When you have created two similar-sized tripods you are going to place your ridge pole on top of both tripods and build your lean-to shelter normally.
Inside the Lean To
No matter what lean-to you have constructed you can also consider the inside of the shelter and how you would like to sit and sleep and store your gear.
You can make smaller lean-tos but I like to have room to store gear and get things out of the rain if need be. You can scoop up pine needles and put your sleeping pad and bag on top of them. This will add some cushion beneath you and also keep you from losing lots of heat to the hard ground through convection.
Some people will cut logs and create a wood floor in the bottom of their lean-to shelter. It is also nice to shove those pine needles to the back of the shelter to trap more of your heat inside the shelter. Pine boughs can make a nice bed, too.
You can customize this quick emergency shelter how you see fit.
Wilderness shelter with fire reflector wall
Warm and Dry Through the Night
The lean-to wilderness survival shelter is a simple design that every woodsman should try to assemble. If you have the right gear and a little knowledge you can set yourself up with a comfortable shelter that will keep you warm and dry through the night.
Wilderness survival shelters could be the difference between a cold night or hypothermia if you find yourself in a wilderness survival emergency.
I am a Marine veteran with plenty of time spent behind big guns. I also am an NRA-certified instructor and concealed carry trainer out of Florida. I spent hours at my home range testing, analyzing, and reviewing guns and gear — to include optics and scope mounts.
Testing some things out.
There are hundreds of different options that range from crap to holy crap, and by holy crap, I mean some cost as much as some guns I own.
It’d be easy to toss only expensive mounts on this list, but I wanted to make a list the majority of shooters could get. This doesn’t mean cheap, but I’m mostly aiming for affordable.
Best Scope Mounts
1. Vortex Viper Riflescope Rings
Vortex makes some excellent optics across all budgets, and their rings are no different.
These quality rings are affordable and come in low, medium, and high designs. They are designed for both Picatinny and Weaver bases as well.
Vortex Viper PST II 5-25x
Their Viper Rings are machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and use Torx-style socket cap screws to mount your riflescope easily. They are available in both 1-inch and 30mm configurations as well.
These are very secure scope rings, and I like the opening design. Having the Torx screws at the top makes it easier to access them.
This also prevents you from overtightening on one side versus the other as you install your scope.
2. Spuhr QDP
If you are going to spend big money on a good rifle and good glass, then you need to be willing to spend the money necessary to get a good scope mount.
It isn’t uncommon to see Spuhr mounts on high-end rifles, such as on the HK MR 762 pictured above. (Photo: HKPRO)
A long-range rifle is often high-powered; to maximize the range, you’ll need a powerful optic, which often means a heavy optic. High recoil and a heavy optic require you to have a robust scope mount.
You don’t get any more robust than the Spuhr mounts. Specifically, the Spuhr QDP series, which I think is one of the best mounts on the planet.
With all those screws, this mount isn’t going anywhere. (Photo: Sniper’s Hide)
The QDP line features a quick detach lever system. I love a good QD system, and the Spuhr setup locks the thing down and keeps it locked in place without issue. You don’t have any kind of movement when you shoot at extreme ranges.
These mounts come in both straight and cantilever styles with a rock-solid locking system. Load it up, lock it down, and have confidence that you won’t miss what you need to hit when your optic is mounted in a Spuhr mount.
3. Aero Ultralight Mount
Aero Precision makes a lot of great stuff for the AR platform, and you can count on them to deliver something with a tremendous amount of value for the cost.
The Ultralight Mount is one of those products that provide great value. Living up to its name and weighing roughly 3.25 ounces, the Aero mount is strong enough for just about any use case and rifle combo but still light enough not to ruin your build.
What’s your take on the Aero Lightweights? Rate them below!
4. Leupold Dual Dovetail
Leupold is a famed optics and optics accessories manufacturer. The Leupold Dual Dovetail Rings are perfect for getting a low and secure mount on your dovetail-equipped rifle.
This is a simple, rugged setup that is easy to install and well-suited for hunting rifles. I appreciate the simplicity of a dovetail mount system. It’s not for everyone, and it’s a bit out of style these days, but it still works.
Leupold is undoubtedly doing their best to support dovetail set-ups and is one of the few significant players still producing dovetail bases and rings.
5. Burris AR-P.E.P.R.
Brevity doesn’t seem to be in Burris’ wheelhouse when it comes to naming optics mounts.
The AR-P.E.P.R. is a cantilever mount for modern rifles available in both standard and QD configurations.
The P.E.P.R is a solid mount if a little bit on the heavier side at 8.7 ounces. It is available in 1-inch, 30mm, and 34mm configurations.
It sports two sections of Picatinny rails on the top of each ring, making it easy to attach a miniature red dot as a backup sight. The cantilever also gives you two inches of forward scope position, making it perfect for MSRs.
The Burris AR-P.E.P.R. is an excellent design and an affordable one. It’s also backed by one of the best warranties in the business.
6. Warne QD rings
For quality QD rings, look no further than Warne. Like the Vortex rings, the screws are at the top, making it easier to take apart and install an optic.
The QD aspect is a simple large throw lever. It’s easy to reach and grip, even with an optic sitting right over it. The Warne rings come in 1-inch and 30mm models for both Picatinny rails and dovetail bases.
The rings also come in low, medium, and high heights. The lever is also indexable, which means you can position it where you need and want it for easy removal.
Warne has long been known for their precision machining and solid build quality. For the money, they are hard to beat.
7. Scalarworks LEAP Mounts
When it comes to red dot mounts, it’s tough to beat Scalarworks. They produce some top-tier stuff, and as a shotgun nerd, I love the Sync mount system, and for rifles, it’s going to be tough to be the LEAP mounts.
Scalarworks LEAP LDM
These are made for specific footprints and are made in various heights. You can use optics like the Trijicon MRO, the RMR, the Aimpoint T and H series, the CompM5, the Pro, and many more with these mounts. If it’s a pro-grade optic, there is likely a LEAP mount made for it.
Height-wise, you get lower 1/3rd, absolute, and the heads-up 1.93-inch mounts available. These mounts are ultra-light and slide in under 2 ounces or so.
Scalarworks trimmed the sides to eliminate any kind of levels or bolts hanging off the mounts. Those things find a way to grab your clothing and gear and, on some platforms, provide a nice means to smash your knuckles.
The Click Drive quick detach mechanism allows for easy and smooth attachment and detachment a nice positive attachment. It’s recoil-proof, self-adjusting, and just ultimately fantastic if you want a modern red dot mount.
It’s well suited for your modern semi-auto carbine, and it’s a professional grade mount with a professional grade purpose.
8. Dueck Defense RBU
Replacing your rear sight with an optic mounting plate can be tricky. It works fine for competition and plinking but can be suspect for home defense, concealed carry, and similar applications. The one rear sight replacement that defies this expectation is the Dueck Defense RBU.
Barry Dueck of Dueck Defense
This is as tough as they get and provides you with a very solid mounting system that’s dependable, easy to install, and comes with a set of backup irons. It’s a plate that mounts to the rear sight channel and front and rear iron sight for co-witnessing with your red dot.
The RBU comes in several different configurations to accommodate various optic footprints. This includes Trijicon, Docter, and many more. If it’s a mainstream dot, there is probably a Dueck for it.
The design is rugged, and CNC machined from US Mill-certified bar stock. It’s nitride coated and made to last.
This isn’t a hobbyist take on mounting a red dot to your pistol. The RBUs are even compatible with the majority of RDS-compatible holsters as well.
Types of Mounts
Like everything in the firearms world, you have options. Lots and lots of options. This isn’t just options for different companies, but different options for mount designs.
The two primary choices are one-piece mounts and scope rings. Choosing between the two will depend on a few different factors.
Decisions, decisions.
In some cases, it will just be a personal preference. In others, it will be based on how your rifle is set up or what you want your gun to achieve.
Let’s talk about each design…
One Piece
One-piece mounts are all the rage these days. They are simple, easy to mount and dismount, and perfect for the modern tactical rifle.
Most will require a rail base like those on flat-top AR 15s.
One-piece mounts are very rigid and robust and often built at heights that work well with modern rifles.
The Trijicon 1-4x Accupower in a 30mm BOBRO QD mount
One-piece mounts do tend to be heavier than rings, and if you are trying to trim ounces, these aren’t the choice for you. These mounts are best suited for semi-auto rifles, in my opinion.
Scope Rings
Scope rings are just that — two rings that attach to the gun, and then the scope is mounted in them. The design is simple and has worked for generations.
Individual scope rings have been the traditional mounting solution for over a century.
Scope rings are lighter in weight and generally a bit cheaper than most one-piece mounts when comparable quality is taken into account.
They are usually more natural to use with bolt-action rifles, as one-piece mounts can get in the way of the bolt while it is being actuated.
Compared to one-piece mounts, rings are a bit more complicated to attach and aren’t as rigid, but with a little practice, they aren’t hard to figure out.
Base Types
Not only are there different mounts, but there are different bases to which they attach. You have to match the base to the mounting system, so it’s crucial you understand the difference between the two.
Optics rarely attach directly to the gun itself. Bases are typically mounted to the gun and serve as the attachment point for scope mounts.
Here are a few of the most universal mounting systems.
Weaver and Picatinny
Rails, we all know them, and we all love them; they changed how we could attach accessories to guns. When it comes to optics, there are two you need to know about, Weaver and Picatinny.
There are slight dimensional differences between Picatinny and Weaver rails and bases. In most cases, rings or mounts made for Picatinny mounts will work with Weaver bases and vice versa.
However, this isn’t always the case, and it’s hard to say that specific mounts will work with particular bases if they do not match. Picatinny rails are the military standard, and Weaver is a commercial standard that predates it.
Mounts have bolts or cross-slots that fill the empty sections of these rails to keep the optic from sliding rearward with recoil and make it impossible for the scope to slip in transit or travel of any kind.
Picatinny rails are broader and deeper than Weaver rails, and this is where you may run into issues. If the mount features cross slots and bolts designed to strict Picatinny standards, it won’t fit into a Weaver base. However, Weaver mounts will fit Picatinny rails as far as I know.
Another issue is that weaver mounts may have irregularly placed slots, making mounting a one-piece difficult due to the uneven spacing. Picatinny rails always have evenly placed rails.
I suggest matching Weaver with Weaver and Picatinny with Picatinny when in doubt.
Dovetail
Dovetail mounts can come in different sizes and styles, but they generally refer to an inverted trapezoid (dovetail) shaped track that runs parallel to the bore. They are simple and work well.
Dovetail mounts are typically found on rimfire rifles, bolt-action guns, and older guns. (Photo: Wikipedia)
Another type of dovetail rail you may see is the one that utilizes a lightweight, two-piece system with a rotating locking base. You’ll see these mostly on bolt action rifles.
Some Dovetail bases will only have a forward slot, and the rear ring and base can be adjusted almost like a rear sight. This design adds extra left and right adjustment to an optic.
Dovetails are a remarkably lightweight and very sturdy system. They get the scope nice and tight to the bore of your rifle.
Integral
Integral designs are when the base and ring or mount are one solid piece. This super simple option is preferred if you want to keep things simple.
Of course, your rifle will have to be built to accept an integral mount. Many bolt actions are, but zero AR-15s are. So know that going into it.
It’s a very low-maintenance solution to the scope mounting problem.
Offset Mounts
These mounts push the scope forward. These are designed mostly for AR pattern rifles. as the gun was originally intended for carry handle iron sights.
If you mount with a traditional system, you’ll likely end up with the optic too far rearward, making it challenging to use.
An offset mount allows you to install the optic with the rings pushed forward, positioning the scope further from your eye to provide proper eye relief. This makes it much more comfortable to use powerful variable optics on an AR platform.
What About QD?
QD, or Quick Detach, systems are gaining popularity. A QD system is quick to mount and dismount and usually uses a locking throw lever design.
These systems are easy to install, and there is no worry about tightening them too little or too much.
With a QD mount, it is easy to remove an optic from a gun and retain a relative zero. It needs to be installed on the same rail position it was zeroed on to maintain the zero.
This allows you to efficiently run multiple optics on one gun. It’s easy to swap between a red dot and a variable optic with a QD mounting system or even swap between daylight and nighttime optics.
Mount Height
Typically, you want to mount your scope as low as possible without touching the barrel — this aids in keeping your adjustments accurate and getting the most out of them.
With that in mind, the size of your scope’s objective lens and barrel profile (thickness) will determine the ring height needed.
The general rule of thumb to follow with mount sight and objective lenses is:
A 40mm or smaller objective lens uses low mounts.
A 42-45mm objective lens uses a medium mount.
50mm and up will use a high scope mount.
Having a scope mounted as low as possible ensures a good cheek weld, which in turn promotes a repeatable sight picture and increased accuracy. (Photo: Warne)
These measurements are taken with a standard contour barrel — nothing fancy here.
Final Thoughts
The world of scope mounts is enormous, and the impact of your choices is way more significant than most people expect.
Outside of some necessities, a lot of your choices should be personal preference. This means I want to turn it over to you folks.
Do you prefer a specific style of mounting? What works for you?Let us know in the comments below!Haven’t picked out a scope yet? Check out our hands-on review of the 10 Best Rifle Scopes: All Types and Budgets!
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