Gun safety is no joke. Every year countless injuries could have been avoided if only the individual in charge of the weapon knew the correct procedures vis-a-vis gun control and safe practice. Moreover, with the government constantly sniffing around for any excuse to forcibly remove your constitutionally given right to own and operate firearms, it’s wise to become familiar with the proper techniques when using a weapon to avoid fueling the anti-gun lobby in their almost neverending quest of overreach. This article will examine some fundamental firearm safety rules that all gun owners should follow, whether they are using real, replica, airsoft, or even replica weapons. So without further ado, let’s waste no time and jump right in.
Fail To Treat All Weapons As Loaded And Be Prepared To Reap The Consequences
In order to understand why this initial step is so undeniably vital, just consider the recent tragic case involving Alec Baldwin. The actor and arguably his stunt coordinators committed the cardinal sin of not treating the weapons that were under their care appropriately. As a result, someone tragically lost their life.
All of this could have been avoided by simply adhering to the most basic rule of gun safety: to treat every firearm as though it were loaded. Even if an unexpected discharge doesn’t result in death, people can get seriously hurt in an accident from either the ammunition itself or even the blowback that occurs when a bullet, dummy, or real leaves the barrel. So instead of being like Alec or the countless others who treat their weapons with gay abandonment, ensure that you are entirely compos mentis when operating your gun and always, always, always consider it loaded until you have performed a weapon-safe technique and are sure the chamber and barrel are clear.
Maintain Trigger Discipline At All Times
As you are probably already aware, the trigger is what makes the gun go bang! This isn’t the case in all cases, and some older firearms are prone to accidental discharge when dropped, etc., but it’s safe to say that a bullet will leave the chamber and fire at whatever the gun is pointed at when the trigger has been pulled. Consequently, trigger discipline, along with other safety techniques, is perhaps one of the first things taught at firing ranges.
Fortunately, this is also the most straightforward method to follow as it simply means keeping your finger off the trigger until the time that you need to give it a squeeze and unload down range. While you might have seen videos of special operations forces appearing to do otherwise, you are not a special operations forces solder, and when controlling your weapon in civilian life, keeping your finger off the go button until required is what is required of a safe shooter.
Only Ever Point Your Firearm At The Thing You Intend To Shoot At
This advice sort of builds on the previous one about presuming your gun is always loaded. Nonetheless, even if you are sure the chamber is empty, keeping it pointed away from anything you don’t want to shoot is still good practice. This will teach you outstanding safety methods that you will keep with you throughout your shooting life. As with the previous point regarding trigger discipline, it’s an easy technique to master; you just need to ensure you do it every time you take out your weapon in order to create a form of muscle memory.
Store Your Firearms Locked And Unloaded
Even if you happen to live in a state with relatively lasses-faire laws surrounding gun ownership, it pays to purchase a dedicated gun safe for all of your weapons and their ammo. This serves two additional purposes in addition to keeping your firearms free of dirt and dust.
Whether you want to believe it or not, studies indicate that firearm-related injuries are more likely to occur in the home than outside. Therefore, it makes sense that locking them away from those untrained in their use will make your home safer.
Most gun owners don’t simply own one weapon… it’s almost impossible! Moreover, guns and the myriad of accessories you invest in to kit them out cost a lot, as in arguing with the wife kind of money! Most thieves know this, and you really don’t want to come back home to see that you have been the victim of a home invasion and they have absconded with your very expensive, very dangerous weapons.
When Displaying In Public, Be Considerate Of Other People
It’s fair to say that it’s your right to carry a weapon when in public so long as you have the correct licenses and your state laws allow it. However, you should also be aware that most folks will never have had exposure to real weapons outside of a Hollywood film. Therefore, while it may be your right to open carry, it might be a good idea to be sensible about it to avoid freaking people out and causing unnecessary issues with the police. Of course, it’s up to you if you want to ignore this point, as it isn’t strictly a safety tip. Nonetheless, just think if you really need to carry your heavily modded AR with you when you head out to withdraw money from a bank or if a hip-holstered pistol might suffice.
Invest In The Appropriate Safety Equipment To Protect Your Eyes And Ears
Despite the fact that this article is about staying safe around others, it usually pays to consider your own needs. Think of it as an airplane oxygen mask sort to thing. I.e., you put your own mask on first before helping others. In this case, it means ensuring your eyes and ears are fully protected so that you can continue operating your firearm safely in the event of an occurrence that could render you unable to use the weapon and, therefore, hazardous to those around you (think shrapnel in the eye or being unable to hear orders from the range master, etc.).
Never Allow Children Unhindered And Unsupervised Access To Your Weapons
Do you know what is a good idea? Teaching kids of a certain age how to operate a firearm safely and ensuring they understand just how deadly they can be in the wrong hands. Do you know what isn’t a good idea? Giving them free rein to handle and shoot a deadly weapon without the correct supervision. So, by all means, teach your kids how to shoot, but never leave them alone with it and lock it away in your home when not in use.
Firearm safety really isn’t rocket science. As long as you adhere to a few fundamental, common-sense techniques, you will ensure that you and those around you are free from danger and that you can enjoy and use your firearms as they’re intended.
Bullfrogs and green frogs look similar but are easy to tell apart from other frogs in Missouri, due to their relatively large size at maturity. They prefer aquatic edge habitats that offer still, shallow water with aquatic and/or terrestrial vegetation. This provides both cover and food, such as insects and nearly any other small animal that will fit in their mouths. Ponds, lakes and river banks, wetlands, and other vegetated waterways are all great places to find frogs.
Frog Hunting
Methods
Frogs can be hunted in Missouri using many different methods.
With a fishing permit, frogs may be taken by gig, trotline, throw line, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing, or pole and line.
With a hunting permit, frogs may be taken by crossbow, pellet gun, or .22 or smaller caliber rim-fire rifle or pistol.
With either permit frogs may be taken by hand, hand net, bow, or atlatl.
Green Frog
When to Hunt Frogs
Frogs may be pursued during the day or at night with an artificial light.
During a full moon frogs are typically more skittish because they feel more exposed, and are thus more difficult to approach.
During a new moon it is usually easier to get closer to them.
Because frogs are amphibious and must keep their skin moist, they spend more time in the water and weeds during the day and are generally less visible around the banks than at night. Whether they’re hiding or not, their location is often given away by their assertive croaks.
Getting Started
Frog-Hunting Gear
Rubber knee boots or hip waders
Flashlight
Gig or net
Something to keep your harvested frogs in
Choosing a Location
Public and private landowners typically do not manage for frogs. Instead, frog populations are often the result of management for another species such as waterfowl or fish. Frogs are also common in aquatic edge habitats not subject to management or maintenance of any kind.
Waters with few to no predators will yield the best frog populations, which is why newer ponds or very old ponds are generally plentiful with frogs. Bullfrogs and green frogs can be found along nearly all waterways on MDC conservation areas but especially on wetland areas and along rivers and lakes.
Bullfrogs are ambush-style predators that will eat any live prey they can fit in their mouths, including insects, fish, mice, birds, and snakes! Focus on shallow water areas and mud flats along the margins of ponds, lakes and wetlands where cattails, willows, grasses, and other aquatic vegetation is present.
Tips and Tricks
If you are hunting with a partner, have them blind the frog using a light so that you can stalk the frog from behind. Frogs can feel the vibrations of you approaching on foot, sometimes causing them to flee before you locate them.
Consider using a canoe to stealthily locate and get close enough to grab, net, or gig.
Try Hunting During the Day
Most frogs are caught with the use of a gig or by bare hands at night. For a little different experience, try fishing during the day. Simply use a long fishing pole, like a cane poll or crappie rod, with a short piece of fishing line and a small treble hook tied to the end. Attach a small piece of red cloth to the hook and dangle in front of the frog. Often temptation will get the best of the frog and it will strike at the cloth. The only thing left to do is set the hook.
It’s known as the Night of the Grizzlies. Over fifty years ago, two women were killed by two different grizzly bears on the same night. The repercussions of the incident can still be seen in the way bears are managed today. But it also gave birth to a powerful myth—it’s dangerous for women to spend time in the woods while menstruating.
Back in the early 1980s, Caroline Byrd worked on a seasonal trail crew with the U.S. Forest Service. Most summers she worked just outside of Yellowstone National Park. And for a few of those seasons, the crew was made up entirely of women.
“When people would run across us on the trail, they were always like, ‘Wait, you’re girls!’ and ‘We’d be like, yeah, uh huh, we are!'” Byrd said.
It was a really powerful experience for Byrd; one that meant a lot of hard work.
“Here we were out in the wilderness for 10 days at a time,” described Byrd. “Doing really hard manual labor that’s super satisfying…clearing trails, using a cross-cut saw, and a double bit ax, and a polaski.”
In 1983, she stayed on late, doing end-of-summer stuff like cleaning up campgrounds and marking timber to be cut down. And because it was fall, it was hunting season.
“And that’s when we ran across this hunter’s camp,” said Byrd. The hunter had left groceries inside a wall tent, and had returned to town. While he was away, a mama bear and her cub had ransacked the camp. Bear encounters were rare at the time since the number of bears in Yellowstone’s ecosystem was low. That’s why a special agent came all the way from Colorado to investigate.
“He was aghast that women were working in the back country where there were bears,” said Byrd. “And we were like ‘no, that’s not the issue!’ The issue is this hunter left his food, and bears got into it.”
That’s when the U.S. Forest Service told Byrd and the three other women on her crew that they would no longer be able to work in bear country while they were on their periods.
“Why are we getting restricted like this when this has nothing to do with the fact that there are women on a timber crew working in bear country?” Byrd said. The women were outraged. So they wrote to the Equal Employment Opportunity Office in Denver, and the policy was rescinded. But where exactly did the idea that menstruating women are at a greater risk in bear country come from? That goes back to one fateful night in 1967: the Night of the Grizzlies.
“There was two attacks in Glacier National Park where two different women were killed by two different grizzly bears on the same night,” said Kerry Gunther, the bear biologist for Yellowstone National Park (YNP).
He said the attacks caused the National Park Service to rethink how to deal with bears. The idea was to get bears feeding on native foods instead of human food hand-outs and garbage. Gunther said that meant converting garbage cans and dumpsters into bear-resistant designs, installing food storage boxes in roadside campgrounds and hanging poles for backcountry spots, as well as strictly enforcing regulations that prohibited hand-feeding beers, something once regularly seen in the park. But the Night of Grizzlies also sparked speculation.
“Having two fatalities in just one night was just so rare that people were groping for a reason, and one theory that came about was menstruation might have led to these two fatal bear attacks in Glacier,” said Gunther.
Only one of the women killed was on her period, though. And yet, the theory stuck. That’s why decades later Caroline Byrd and her female colleagues were told they couldn’t work in bear country while they were menstruating. And why in 1988 as a graduate student in environmental studies Byrd tried to debunk the myth.
“I ran a whole statistical analysis of is there anything out there that shows that bears react differently to women than to men? And it came out really strong that no, bears do not respond, or react, or in any way change their behavior based on the gender of the person they’re encountering,” Byrd said.
This lack of definitive evidence remains true today. But so does the myth. And it’s possible Yellowstone’s website may not be helping. A page that’s dedicated to menstruating women in bear country cites Byrd’s statistical analysis. It even breaks down the stats for bear-inflicted human injuries in the park.
For instance, between 1979 and 2018, 50 people were injured by bears within Yellowstone, 39 of those were men, while 11 were women. And out of those 11, none of the women were on their periods. As such, the website indicates, “the bear-inflicted human injury data from YNP does not indicate any correlation between bear attacks and menstruation.”
But the website also says women can take precautions if they’re concerned, like using tampons instead of pads.
“I do feel like the way it’s worded on the website is problematic,” said Margaret Seelie, a reporter that has written about the bears and periods myth.
Another study included on the website is from the late 70s. It tested how polar bears would react to menstrual blood in different scenarios, including how a caged polar bear reacted to a used tampon versus other odors. But both Byrd and Seelie said the research methods were flawed. Seelie also said including the study on the website perpetuates the misconception.
“It’s continuing to support and promote the myth that polar bears or bears are attracted or affected by menstruating women, which is different from a blood soaked tampon.”
Seelie is an avid hiker. Before her own reporting, she was pretty sure that being out in bear country while menstruating was dangerous.
“It’s also part of the menstruation taboo that is in our culture, and this weird fear of menstruation and of menstruating women,” she said. But Seelie explained fears like this keep women out of the woods, and that becomes an issue of quality of life.
“I don’t belong in this air conditioned office,” she said. “I belong out in the world, and I belong out in nature.”
Caroline Byrd agreed, that you shouldn’t have to stay home if you’re on your period.
“It’s perfectly rational for people to be afraid of bears,” said Byrd. “A lot of people are afraid of bears, and that’s just fine. But it’s not rational to be a woman afraid of bears because you’re a woman.”
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Maggie Mullen, at mmullen5@uwyo.edu.
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUER in Salt Lake City, KUNR in Nevada and KRCC and KUNC in Colorado.
A lot of livestock produce manure that can be used in your gardens and on your grass but not all manure is the same. The manure that chickens produce is different from the manure that ducks produce.
This article looks into the differences between chicken manure and duck manure.
You can keep both chickens and ducks on your property to produce eggs, for meat, or even as pets. Both can produce manure that plants can use but the manure isn’t the same, here are the key differences between the two:
The consistency:
If you own chickens and ducks you’ll know that the consistency of these birds’ poop is not the same.
Chickens produce poop that is fairly solid in consistency, it isn’t wet but rather soft. The poop also has a white material on top which is called urates. Chicken poop is also brown or green in color.
Duck poop, on the other hand, is quite runny, this is perfectly normal for ducks. The poop will usually be white in color or will take on the color of whatever the bird is eating.
That being said, the poop of both of these animals can vary in size, shape, and color depending on different situations.
The quantity:
The amount of poop that these birds produce varies slightly.
Chickens poop quite frequently but there are slightly longer breaks between their poops when compared to duck poop. These birds will poop every 20- 30 minutes or so.
Ducks, on the other hand, poop quite a lot, these birds can poop every 15 to 20 minutes on average. These birds will thus produce a lot more poop on a daily basis than chickens will.
Both of these animals have no need to have any control over their bowel movements so both birds will poop wherever they so, please.
Hot or cold:
Whether or not an animal’s poop is hot or cold makes a difference in how you can use it as a fertilizer.
Chicken poop is considered to be “hot’, if poop is classified as hot then this means that the poop contains so much nitrogen that it will burn any plants that you use it directly on.
The poop will cause the plants to wither quickly because it is hot. Hot manure will also cause plants to brown and be stunted.
Duck poop is not considered to be hot, the poop still has high amounts of nitrogen in it but because of its consistency, it will not burn the plants when used in your garden.
When it can be used:
If an animal’s poop is hot then it needs to be processed, by decomposing, before you can apply it to your plants.
Because chicken manure is hot you would have to compost it with carbon-rich materials before you can use it on your plants. Carbon-rich materials include straw and leaves.
Duck manure can be used directly on your plants and will not burn the plants if you choose to not compost the poop first.
That being said, it is recommended that all animal poop for use as fertilizer be composted, mixed, or pelletized before use.
Doing this will increase the nutrient availability of the manure, will change its handling characteristics, and control any pathogens.
How to use it:
You can use chicken poop as fertilizer but you’d need to compost it before you do this.
This involves piling the poop and the carbon-rich materials in layers and letting it sit. This heap needs to be kept moist and aerated throughout the decomposing process.
After a couple of months of this, the poop will be cooler and can be applied to your plants. The heap will become crumbly and black when ready and then it can be applied to your plants or grass.
Duck poop can be used directly on your plants but it may be more difficult to collect because it is runny.
You can shovel the poop and apply it on your plants or you can use the soiled water that your ducks swim in and pour this water on your plants.
If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other duck related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Duckling Vomiting, Do Geese Get Cold, Why Do Ducks Like Ice Water?, Why Is My Duck Throwing Up Water?, Does Duck Poop Kill Grass?, Duck Eggs Turning Black, How To Keep Ducks Quiet At Night
If reading ain’t your thing you can check out the video version of this article here!
Coyotes have a knack for getting up and running off after what appeared to be a solid impact. Practice on the trigger is the best remedy for this issue, but using the right target goes a long way to extend the value of your time at the range and ammo expended.
That’s why I collaborated with South Dakota’s veteran coyote killer, Ken Nordstrom, when we created our new . These reactive, full-size coyote silhouette targets show you exactly what you’re doing right at the range, and more importantly, what you may be doing wrong. Because they’re anatomically correct, these new targets not only help you increase your accuracy through practice, but they quickly show you whether or not your aiming method works at various ranges. I am thoroughly convinced that they’re the best steel coyote targets on the market.
Before the introduction of these new targets, our coyote targets measure 12×24 inches, simply because that’s what fit in a Postal Service Flat Rate Box. Ken, quick to see the value in a life size target, offered us a great deal of information he’s gathered over his 40 years spent hunting coyotes.
“My brother Steve and I started coyote hunting in the 80s, and eventually got into tournament hunting,” said Nordstrom. “We’ve placed 7th in the Midwest Coyote Calling Tournament and 12th in the National Coyote Calling Tournament. Over the years, we realized that if we failed to retrieve a coyote that we’d shot, it was because we weren’t taking into account just how small their vital zone is.”
Nordstrom explains that because of the small size, speed, tenacity and color of a coyote, if they’re not stone dead upon impact, they’re generally never recovered, so it’s extremely critical to hit them in the vitals. Beyond that, there’s a great deal more fur on winter coyotes than most hunters are aware of. For those simply looking to control predators, a gut shot or a neck shot is likely to take the animal out of the gene pool, but for hunters looking to harvest hides or compete, coyotes need to fall in their tracks.
Let’s get lethal
“As soon as we wised up to this issue, Steve and I started measuring every coyote we killed,” explained Nordstrom. “We measured them with fur on and fur off. Taking the dimensions we collected over the years – literally thousands of dogs – we determined the average size of an adult coyote. We even went one step beyond that. We recorded where the instantly fatal impact occurred on the body of the coyote.”
The numbers told an interesting story. 18 inches seemed to be a magical number. Coyotes, on average, measure 18 inches from the point of the shoulder to the back of the rump. From the bottom of the chest to the top of the ears when the dog is looking at you is also 18 inches. Do you want to take a guess what the height of an average coyote is from the ground to the shoulder? If you guessed 18 inches, you’d be correct. Sometimes 20 inches, if it’s a mature male in full winter plume, but close enough.
So there are three ways to measure a coyote, all of which yields about 18 inches. Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, before the fancy laser rangefinders we have today, that was extremely important. It’s still important today, especially in situations when a dog is coming into a call quickly, or if you have coyotes at different ranges and you don’t have time to use a rangefinder. It’s also great if you’re hunting with a thermal without an integrated range finder. Knowing the size of a coyote allows you to use your riflescope’s reticle to range the animal, or at the very least, helps you estimate distances simply by becoming acquainted with how big a coyote looks in your scope at a given range.
But here’s the catch; when looking at a broadside coyote, a good winter coyote is going to have about 11 inches of fur and non-vital impact zone, split between the top of his back and hanging down below his ribcage. When you skin out the coyote, you’ll find that you really only have about 7 inches of vertical kill zone behind his shoulder. The width, or horizontal measurement of that kill zone is roughly the same, 7 inches. These animals look big with their fur on, but once you skin them and see how small the margin of error is on an adult coyote, it’s easy to see how so many hunters lose coyotes every year.
With Ken’s help, I these numbers to steel. The new coyote targets, and the reactive steel flappers, are extremely true to the shape and size of an adult coyote. You’ll notice that, when looking at the broadside target, the flapper is not located center-of-mass. That’s because, on a live coyote, there’s more fur below the kill zone than above it.
The same holds true with a coyote facing the hunter; there’s more fur and non-vital area facing you than there is kill zone. The kill zone on a front-facing coyote is between 3 and 3.5 inches. A dog that takes a bullet in the shoulder can run off on three legs. The neck, even though it looks like a good target, measures only 2 to 2.5 inches in width, and even less of that is spine. Ken has even seen coyotes take a round through the windpipe, only to jump up and run off a few seconds later. The arteries or the backbone are the only vital components in the neck. As a result, our front-facing coyote target features a realistic vital zone-sized flapper and discounts the neck.
Setting up the rifle
There are a lot of different approaches to setting up a coyote rifle, but Ken prefers a method he’s used for many years. Knowing the drop on his 22 Creedmoor, he zeroes his rifle an inch and a half high at 100 yards.
“I do this because if a coyote comes in quickly, head on, and I know that the center of the vital zone is about three inches above the ‘armpit,’ I can put the crosshair right on his armpit, the bullet will impact inside the vital zone at 100 yards. At the same time, if I have a broadside coyote at roughly 300 yards, I can just put the crosshair on the center of fur behind the shoulder and I’ll make a good vital zone shot.”
Simply put, Ken finds that a 1.5 inch high zero at 100 yards is the most practical scope setting for the coyote hunting he does most often.
Target testing
Ken’s first experience shooting at the newly designed targets quickly showed the value of the anatomically correct silhouettes and vital zone flappers. His first shot, at 140 yards, impacted the vital zone flapper of the broadside coyote target, though just a touch high. Dead coyote.
His second shot at the same range was on the forward-facing coyote target. Impact landed on the vital zone flapper. Dead coyote.
His third shot, at 214 yards, was on a broadside coyote target. His impact was on steel but below the vital zone. It became clear that the bullet likely would have touched nothing but fur. Ken thinks he pulled the shot. Live coyote, and one that won’t come back to the call for a very long time.
His fourth shot, on a broadside coyote standing at 300, was a dead center impact of the vital zone flapper. Dead coyote.
Field application
Ken had an opportunity to try his zero and aiming method on an anatomically correct, reactive target that showed how accurate his entire setup was. The beauty of the new is that A) you can practice on life size targets to become better acquainted with how a real coyote looks in your scope at a given range and B) no matter your zero and aiming method, the target doesn’t lie. Whether your round impacts the vital zone or not is blatantly obvious.
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.
Quickly filled with the hand pump or high-pressure tank, the Maximus can contain 2000 psi
And allows 30 shots per fill in .177 or 20 shots at .22 Caliber.
The rifle features an onboard 200-bar manometer to check pressure filling.
It’s charged for action by a two-piece 11mm optic mount and compatible accessories.
If you are thinking of starting target shooting practice in your backyard
And are trying to find the best reasonably priced air rifle, the Benjamin Maximus has to be in the mix given its $200 price tag.
Although the Benjamin Maximus air rifle weighs a bit more than average, the feel of the rifle is smooth and it is still lighter than it looks.
This is the reason that the air rifle is a good fit for people of all ages.
However, there is a warning from the manufacturing company to only use it if you are 18+.
Even if you are looking for an air rifle as a gift, Benjamin Maximus, with its tremendous out-of-the-box accuracy, would be the best option for you.
However, the Benjamin Maximus is a pretty loud rifle, with no silencer and no way to lower the volume.
If you’re looking for something for backyard use, you’d better hope to have pretty understanding neighbors!
In this review, we will be discussing the features of Benjamin Maximus and comparing its performance to Benjamin Discovery, so that you can decide which to add to your collection.
There is a molded stippling to help with handgrip if the weather turns wet, making it pretty user-friendly.
The finish of the stock is outstanding, with minimal molding marks, and the added provision of a sling swivel stud is well finished.
The Benjamin Maximus valve is red, unlike the Discovery.
If you look at the cheek weld, the 3 – 9 X scope meets the shooter’s eye quite naturally.
The metal finish is pretty fetching too.
However, since the air rifle is nowhere close to the $1000 mark, it’s unrealistic to expect far too much here.
After the HAM test, it is evident that Benjamin Maximus does, unfortunately, have a poorly finished breech.
The surface of the Benjamin Maximus is a bit dull in its matt black style, however, this doesn’t cover the whole metal area.
In summary, the Benjamin Maximus air rifle is pretty good in terms of appearance, but it’s still far from amazing.
Shooting Ability
The Benjamin Maximus is long, light, and easy to handle.
It weighs only 6 pounds, 5 ounces, which is pretty light for an air rifle with this power.
The magazine has the most comfortable PCP, with 2000 PSI fill pressure which can be done easily with a hand pump.
Without any doubt, this would be the best option for shooters who struggle to make a more usual fill of 3000 PSI, which is required by most other PCP rifles.
Here is the good news for shooters who are in search of perfection and accuracy.
The HAM test revealed that the RATEAGUN score of just 4.5, confirmed the Benjamin Maximus air rifle is very easy to shoot accurately.
Minimal space is afforded when loading pellets into the breach due to its restrictive, compact design.
Therefore, reloading can be a little bit tricky.
Likewise, the small bolt handle also makes the air rifle cocking effort feel rather heavy.
Power, Accuracy And Velocity
The Benjamin Maximus air rifle can fire both .177 and .22 Caliber rounds.
The former is more suitable for target shooting, while the latter is best for small game hunting or pest control.
If you’re having a hard time choosing between the Maximus and the Discovery, please know that there are some important differences.
Physically, the Maximus valve is red, and the Discovery valve is silver.
The Discovery is made with wood stock. Internally, there is a difference in the diameter of the sleeves.
Crossman claims that the Benjamin Maximus has a maximum muzzle velocity with lead pellets of 85 FPS in .22 Calibers.
However, in the HAM test, it actually shot much faster with alloy pellets.
While testing, for every 30 shots taken with the Maximus, the muzzle velocity dropped by approximately 100FPS.
The test was taken with 14.35-grain JSB Exact Jumbo Express Diabolo pellets.
The muzzle velocity drop is not as radical as the Discovery, and it is more accurate.
So, can you say that Maximus gives up to 30 effective shots per fill?
The answer is yes, so long as you accept that a 100FPS drop from first to last shot is effective (That’s a 23% reduction).
Market Availability
The Benjamin Maximus air rifle is available online and is trouble-free to buy, while Crosman is aiming to bring it to most sport shooting stores.
The Benjamin Maximus offers a distinctive twelve-month warranty, as the manufacturer is well known for its customer care for having replacement parts available.
In case of any problems, their team is highly qualified and knowledgeable to support the customer with any query or confusion.
Most owners will be shooting their Maximus air rifle with hollow-point pellets from Crosman Premier,
Which are available everywhere, and give the best performance.
A trouble-free pump that loads to 2000 psi, the standard foster Q/D pack nozzle, and a great look,
It’s these characteristics that make the Maximus a top PCP air rifle.
Benjamin Maximus is famous for its reasonable price, of course.
However, the high accuracy of the air rifle is also deeply appreciated.
As the Benjamin Maximus kit comes with its pump, target, and a can of ammo, it has saved buyers a lot of money.
In the Benjamin Maximus air rifle review, shooters have found the air rifle to be lighter than they expected, so it is an appropriate choice for less physically strong shooters.
It does not feel that heavy on shoulders and allows you to have an excellent shooting experience without any significant barricade.
The stock of the air rifle feels natural and not too bulky.
Though the manufacturers allow warranty claims to be made in case of dropping, most customers haven’t needed it.
It shots H&N 10.65gr, pellets into a9/16’ group at a measure of 25 yards, and there is no complaint about the air leakage of the air rifle.
Reviewers have also lauded the power of the air rifle, which is way above expectations given the low price.
The appearance of the air rifle is also discussed and concurs that it has a lovely shape and color, but with time, the air rifle loses its attraction and becomes a bit faded in color.
For those who are in search of an attractive-looking air rifle that will keep its luster over time, perhaps a second thought is required.
Customers have even recommended many extras of the Benjamin Maximus air rifle;
First is the air pump that must not be disconnected without the drainage of the tank.
Secondly, the air must not stay in the air gun.
One customer complained in their review that the cocking mechanism broke off after only a few uses.
Though the air rifle is loud, there is no such complaint about the noise of Benjamin Maximus among the customer reviews.
Lastly, one widely made criticism of Benjamin Maximus is that the trigger is a bit heavy but still crisp and predictable.
Some customers regret that the air rifle is unavailable in .25 Caliber.
The design of the air rifle is a cause for consternation among customers, for the durability we mentioned above.
There have also been some claims that the bolt actions broke while loading, tying into the above point.
Conclusion
In summary, customers are mostly satisfied with the Benjamin Maximus air rifle for being so powerful at such a reasonable price.
If you are comfortable with the loud sound, then the Benjamin Maximusair rifle is the best choice to have in your hands!
Have you heard of Australia’s Emu War? The Great Emu War is exactly what it sounds like: a war against emus. But what even are emus, and why did Australia wage war on them? How long was the Emu War? And what does this mean for the U.S.? Keep reading to find out.
The Great Emu War is not a joke; it actually happened. Australia is filled with strange wildlife, and emus are just a part of the mix. But with the Emu War, Australia was up against a particularly unique enemy. Let’s dive into this strange war.
What Are Emus?
To put it simply, emus are really ugly, stupid birds that are native to Australia. Related to the ostrich (another ugly, stupid bird), emus are the second tallest living bird. Like the ostrich, they are flightless and have long legs and long necks. Despite being flightless, emus can move terrifyingly fast – up to 30mph. This makes them a formidable foe on the battlefield.
The Purpose of the Australian Emu War
So, when was the Emu War? The Emu War was only a month long, from November 4, 1932, to December 10, 1932. The Australia Emu War was an attempt to control the emu population that had gotten out of hand.
After WWI, several Australian WWI Veterans were given land to farm in Western Australia. The Australian government encouraged the farmers to plant wheat crops, promising them assistance in the form of subsidies. However, as the Australian government refused to provide the subsidies, Australian farmers were met with an increased amount of wheat products that they refused to deliver due to the lack of subsidies.
Around the same time that this was happening, around 20,000 emus began arriving to the farmlands. Emus traditionally migrate after their breeding season from inland to coastal regions. The farming land and the additional water supply being directed to this area made the farmlands an ideal location for the emus. The migrated emus would feast on the farmers’ crops and would often destroy the farmers’ fences.
The farmers, many of them war Veterans, complained to the government, asking for some sort of solution to their emu problem. The government agreed to send out military personnel to help control the emu problem as long as the farmers provided food and housing for the soldiers and paid for the ammunition.
Emu War Outcome
Two significant attempts were made to murder the emus. Several ambush attempts were made, and a good handful of the birds were shot, but eventually, the emus got smart. An account from the emu war states, “each pack seems to have its own leader now—a big black-plumed bird which stands fully six feet high and keeps watch while his mates carry out their work of destruction and warns them of our approach.”
The Australian government decided that the Emu War wasn’t successful enough, and a lot of negative media surrounded it. By early November, the military left the farmlands.
However, as the Australian summer began to get hotter and drier, emus began flocking to farms by the thousands. The farmers asked for assistance from the military again, and they returned by November 13. This second attempt was more successful than the first. Toward the end of the “war,” around 100 emus were being killed per week.
Emu War Casualties
How many emus died in the Emu War? The Emu War’s casualties aren’t definitive. There are no solid numbers about how many emus died, but it’s estimated that at least 986 were killed and around 2,500 were injured.
And, if you want to know who won the Great Emu War, it was definitely the emus. A lot of great Emu War meme content has come out of this. Thank you, Australia, for the memes!
Invasive Species in the United States
Though emus are not technically an invasive species to Australia, they’re still just as annoying as an invasive species would be. Some of the worst invasive species in America are the spotted lantern fly and the Asian carp. So, why are these invasive species the worst, and will the U.S. follow in Australia’s footsteps and start a war against them? Spotted Lantern Fly and Asian Carp Invasive Species
Spotted lantern flies and Asian carp are both really annoying. The spotted lantern fly, though beautiful, is a threat to crops and trees. Mostly located in Pennsylvania, it secretes a substance called “honeydew.” The “honeydew” it secretes leads to mold and plant damage.
The Asian carp has been making the U.S. its home since the 1970s. Their purpose was to help clean up wastewater treatment plants and aquaculture ponds throughout the U.S. However, the Asian carp are a dominant species. They can grow to be up to 31 pounds and tend to eat all the food around them that other fish need, like snails, plants, etc.
These invasive species are a huge nuisance to the U.S., just like how emus were to Australia, so will the U.S. wage war against them? Probably not, but they are encouraging people to be mindful of their interactions with these species.
The spotted lantern fly doesn’t fly very far, but their eggs are commonly accidentally picked up. People who travel through areas with a high population of spotted lantern flies are asked to check their clothing and belongings to make sure they are egg-free. Fishermen are encouraged to report their sightings of Asian carp; if they catch one, the protocol is to either eat it or use it as bait.
The Great Emu War is a “war” that will go down in history as probably the most ridiculous war ever. Hopefully, the U.S. won’t need to declare war on the spotted lantern fly or the Asian carp, but you never know!
Jack rabbits are a common sight in Arizona and the Southwest. These quick, agile creatures are known for their long ears, strong hind legs, and fast running speeds.
Despite their name, jack rabbits are actually hares, not rabbits. They are an important part of the local ecosystem, and can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the area.
In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting and important facts about jack rabbits in Chandler, Arizona. We’ll discuss where they live, what they eat, how big they get, and much more.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about these fascinating animals, this article is sure to provide you with some valuable insights.
Are jackrabbits dangerous?
No, jackrabbits are not considered dangerous to humans. They are generally shy and elusive animals that prefer to avoid human interactions whenever possible.
Jackrabbits are known for their incredible speed and agility, which they use as a defense mechanism to escape from potential threats. When they feel threatened, they rely on their ability to run quickly and change direction abruptly to evade predators.
While jackrabbits are not aggressive towards humans, they may exhibit defensive behaviors if they feel cornered or trapped. They may thump their hind legs or make sharp turns to confuse predators or individuals approaching them.
It’s important to remember that wildlife, including jackrabbits, should be observed from a distance and respected in their natural habitats. Avoid approaching or disturbing them, as they play an important role in their ecosystems and deserve to be appreciated from afar.
Can jackrabbits have antlers?
No, jackrabbits do not have antlers. Although some may argue that the famous jackalopes do! Antlers are typically found in members of the deer family, such as deer, elk, and moose. These bony structures are grown and shed annually by male deer species as a part of their reproductive behavior and dominance display.
Jackrabbits, on the other hand, are not deer species and do not possess antlers. They belong to the family Leporidae, which includes hares and rabbits. Jackrabbits have distinctive long ears and powerful hind legs that enable them to run swiftly to escape from predators.
It’s important to note that there may be certain anatomical variations or genetic abnormalities that can result in rare instances of antler-like growths in other species. However, such occurrences are extremely uncommon and not characteristic of jackrabbits in general.
When observing jackrabbits, you will typically see them without antlers, displaying their unique adaptations as lagomorphs, which include their remarkable speed and agility in evading threats.
Where Do Jack Rabbits Live?
Jack rabbits are found throughout the southwestern United States, including in the city of Chandler, Arizona. They typically prefer dry, arid habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. In Chandler, they can be found in a variety of locations, including parks, nature preserves, and open spaces.
One of the best places to see jack rabbits in Chandler is at Veterans Oasis Park. This 113-acre park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including jack rabbits, coyotes, and many species of birds. The park features several miles of hiking trails, as well as a lake, a butterfly garden, and a cactus garden.
What Do Wild Rabbits Eat?
Jack rabbits are herbivores, which means they eat only plant matter. In the wild, their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, and the bark of trees and shrubs. They are also known to eat flowers, fruits, and seeds when they are available.
In urban areas, jack rabbits may eat ornamental plants and gardens if their natural food sources are scarce. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals is generally not a good idea. Not only can it be harmful to the animals, but it can also lead to conflicts with humans and other wildlife.
How Big Do Jack Rabbits Get?
Jack rabbits are one of the largest species of hares in North America. They can grow up to two feet in length and weigh as much as six pounds. Their long, powerful hind legs allow them to run at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest animals in the desert.
What Eats Jackrabbits?
Despite their speed and agility, jack rabbits are preyed upon by a variety of predators. Coyotes, bobcats, and foxes are some of the most common predators of jack rabbits in the wild. Birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, may also hunt them from the air.
In addition to natural predators, jack rabbits may also be threatened by human activities such as habitat destruction, hunting, and vehicle collisions. It’s important to remember that jack rabbits, like all wildlife, play an important role in the ecosystem and should be treated with respect and care.
Where Are Jack Rabbits Found?
Jack rabbits can be found throughout the southwestern United States, including in Chandler, Arizona. They are most commonly found in dry, arid habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. In Chandler, they can be found in a variety of locations, including parks, nature preserves, and open spaces.
Will Wild Rabbits Eat Carrots?
Carrots are not a natural food source for wild rabbits, but they may eat them if they are offered. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals can be harmful to their health and can lead to problems for both the animals and humans.
Carrots are high in sugar, which can lead to digestive problems in rabbits if they are consumed in large amounts. Additionally, feeding wild animals can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, which can lead to conflicts and even aggressive behavior.
How Long Do Jackrabbits Live?
Jack rabbits have a relatively short lifespan, with most individuals living only two to three years in the wild. However, in captivity they may live up to seven years or more. Predation, disease, and other factors can all contribute to the relatively short lifespan of wild jack rabbits.
How Fast Do Jack Rabbits Run?
Jack rabbits are one of the fastest animals in the desert, with top speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Their long, powerful hind legs allow them to cover great distances quickly, which helps them to avoid predators and locate food and water in the arid desert environment.
How Many Wild Rabbits Are in a Litter?
The number of young in a jack rabbit litter can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the age and health of the mother, the availability of food and water, and the local environmental conditions. In general, a jack rabbit litter may contain anywhere from one to six young, with an average of three to four.
Why Do Jackrabbits Have Big Ears?
One of the most distinctive features of the jack rabbit is its long, upright ears. These ears serve a variety of purposes, including helping the animal to regulate its body temperature, locate predators and prey, and communicate with other rabbits. The large surface area of the ears helps to dissipate heat, which is important in the hot, arid desert environment where jack rabbits live.
How Often Do Wild Rabbits Breed?
The breeding habits of wild jack rabbits can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the local environmental conditions and the availability of food and water. In general, however, jack rabbits breed throughout the year, with peak breeding occurring in the spring and summer months.
Will Wild Rabbits Eat Lettuce?
Lettuce is not a natural food source for wild rabbits, but they may eat it if it is available. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals can be harmful to their health and can lead to problems for both the animals and humans. Lettuce is low in nutrients and high in water content, which can lead to digestive problems if it is consumed in large amounts.
How Much Do Wild Rabbits Eat?
The amount of food that a wild jack rabbit eats can vary depending on a variety of factors, including its age, size, and activity level. In general, however, jack rabbits consume about 1/4 to 1/2 pound of food per day. This may include a variety of plant matter, including grasses, leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, and seeds.
Will Wild Rabbits Eat Apples?
Apples are not a natural food source for wild rabbits, but they may eat them if they are offered. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals can be harmful to their health and can lead to problems for both the animals and humans. Apples are high in sugar, which can lead to digestive problems if they are consumed in large amounts.
Are Jack Rabbits Endangered?
Jack rabbits are not currently considered to be endangered. However, like all wildlife, they face a variety of threats, including habitat destruction, hunting, and vehicle collisions. It’s important to remember that jack rabbits, like all wildlife, play an important role in the ecosystem and should be protected and conserved for future generations.
Will Wild Rabbits Drink Water from a Bowl?
Wild rabbits are typically able to obtain all the water they need from their food, and do not need to drink water from a bowl. However, in urban areas where natural water sources may be scarce, wild rabbits may be attracted to water sources such as bird baths, swimming pools, or pet water bowls. If you want to provide water for wild animals, it’s important to use a shallow dish that is cleaned and refilled regularly.
Where Do Jack Rabbits Live?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, jack rabbits are found throughout the southwestern United States, including in Chandler, Arizona. They prefer dry, arid habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. In Chandler, they can be found in a variety of locations, including parks, nature preserves, and open spaces.
Are Jack Rabbits Hares?
Yes, jack rabbits are actually hares, not rabbits. While both hares and rabbits belong to the family Leporidae, there are some key differences between the two. Hares are generally larger than rabbits, with longer ears and legs. They also have different reproductive strategies, with hares typically giving birth to fewer, larger young.
Will Wild Rabbits Eat Celery?
Celery is not a natural food source for wild rabbits, but they may eat it if it is available. However, it’s important to remember that feeding wild animals can be harmful to their health and can lead to problems for both the animals and humans. Celery is low in nutrients and high in water content, which can lead to digestive problems if it is consumed in large amounts.
Are Jack Rabbits Fast?
Yes, jack rabbits are one of the fastest animals in the desert, with top speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Their long, powerful hind legs allow them to cover great distances quickly, which helps them to avoid predators and locate food and water in the arid desert environment.
How Much Do Jack Rabbits Weigh?
Jack rabbits can weigh up to six pounds, making them one of the largest species of hares in North America. However, the exact weight of an individual jack rabbit can vary depending on a variety of factors, including its age, sex, and overall health.
Conclusion
Jack rabbits are a fascinating and important part of the local ecosystem in Chandler, Arizona. These quick, agile creatures are known for their long ears, strong hind legs, and fast running speeds. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about these fascinating animals, we hope that this article has provided you with some valuable insights.
We’ve discussed where jack rabbits live, what they eat, how big they get, and much more. We’ve also provided some important information about the risks of feeding wild animals, and the importance of protecting and conserving these amazing creatures for future generations.
If you’re interested in seeing jack rabbits in the wild, be sure to visit Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. This beautiful park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including jack rabbits, coyotes, and many species of birds.
Whether you’re taking a leisurely hike or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the park, there’s no better place to experience the wonders of nature in Chandler, Arizona.
"Understanding the Legalities: Felon Ownership of Air Rifles in Tennessee"
can a felon own an air rifle in tennessee?
In the state of Tennessee, the ownership...
