Classic lever-action deer rifles are undoubtedly cool. My first was a Winchester Model 94AE XTR in .30-30 Winchester, that timeless rimmed cartridge that has accounted for innumerable amounts of game. It was a gift from my father for my 15th birthday, and—at least to the young man who received it—marked a passage into manhood. I’d be hunting deer with my father the following season, and that alone was a dream come true. Like any inquisitive young man, I delved into the history and nostalgia of the .30 WCF, or .30-30, and the many names it has carried, and was honored to take my first deer—a whitetail doe—with the same cartridge that my father took his.

I’m old enough to remember when the lever guns were still highly popular among deer hunters, and my own rifle, as shiny and unproven as it was in comparison to the older gents’ worn pieces with bluing rubbed off and stock finish dulled by the elements, was a source of pride. In the deer camp mix of Savage 99s, Marlin 336s and a selection of Winchesters, many cartridges were represented, including some rarities like the .348 Winchester, but the main rivals were the .30-30 Winchester and the .35 Remington. As a matter of fact, that may have been the first campfire cartridge argument I was privy to; if only those gentlemen would’ve realized the fire they’d kindled. Let’s take a look at the two champions of the deer woods, and perhaps finish the conversation started three-plus decades ago.

The .30-30 Winchester has the unique claim of being the first cartridge designed to run on both black powder and the revolutionary smokeless powder. Deriving its name from a combination of the caliber and the powder charge (.30 caliber, 30 grains of powder) the .30-30 was introduced in 1895, in the John Browning-designed Model 1894 Winchester. At the time, .32 caliber cartridges were actually more popular than were the .30s, but it didn’t take long for the .30-30 to establish itself as a perfect deer hunting cartridge. Driving a 160-grain jacketed bullet to a velocity of just over 2300 fps, it represented a fantastic hunting cartridge for its time. Soon after, the classic 150- and 170-grain loads took root, and due to the tubular magazines of so many popular rifles, round nose bullets were employed. It has accounted for almost all, if not all, North American game species, and the famous African PH Wally Johnson used one to kill lions in his early years in Mozambique.

The .35 Remington was released—as one of a quartet of rimless cartridges from Remington—in 1906; it is a rimless affair designed for their Model 8 autoloading rifle. Alongside the .25, .30 and .32 Remington, the .35 would be the only survivor. While it has been chambered in many different rifles, the combination of the Marlin Model 336 rifle and the .35 Remington has achieved true classic status, in spite of the fact that the rifle was introduced 1948. This combination offers an affordable, hard-hitting rig which is capable of taking most common game animals, albeit at short range. The .35 Remington uses the 180- and 200-grain .358″caliber bullets, and while light-for-caliber, they are effective at the ranges a .35 Remington is used, which is usually inside of 150 yards.

Which is the more useful cartridge? Of the two, which serves the hunter better? Traditionally, the tubular magazines of the popular lever-rifles restricted the cartridges to using round or flat-point bullets, to avoid the possibility of magazine detonation, should a pointed spitzer bullet hit the primer of the cartridge ahead of it in the magazine. The exception to that rule is Hornady’s LeveRevolution ammo line, which uses a pliable tip on a spitzer bullet to afford a much flatter trajectory in both cartridges. With the traditional loads, the .30-30 will drive its 150- and 170-grain bullets to a muzzle velocity of 2400 and 2250 fps respectively, while the .35 Remington launches its 180- and 200-grain bullets at 2100 and 2080 fps. Both generate between 1,800 and 1,900 ft.-lbs. of muzzle energy with traditional loads, and the hot-rod LeveRevolution will certainly offer an improvement in ballistic figures, but the advancements are parallel between the two cartridges.

I feel the cartridges offer very similar performance, at similar ranges. If you were to give the edge to the larger frontal diameter of the .35 Remington—.358″ versus .308″—you would have a valid point. If you were to vote for the .30-30 Winchester based on its higher Sectional Density values—the 170-grain .308 bullet has an S.D. figure of .256 versus the 200-grain .358’s S.D. figure of .223e—I’d have to agree with you as well. Personally, at the ranges that these cartridges are used, I could easily call it a draw. Both come in light, handy rifles that are a pleasure to carry in the forested mountains and wooded areas where these guns shine. But, there is an issue: It seems the .35 Remington ammunition has begun to fade away. There seem to be fewer choices each year, and that’s a shame.

I give the edge to the apparently timeless .30-30 Winchester for the availability alone; there are dozens of factory loads to choose from, and being .30-caliber is never a bad thing. It’s just about perfect for the deer woods, and you can easily teach a youngster the art of shooting an iron-sighted lever rifle without punishing recoil. It will handle black bears and feral hogs—as will the .35 Remington—but sourcing ammunition is far easier if you own a good old thutty-thutty. My own 94 Winchester is coming out of the safe this year, freshly adorned with a new front sight and rear peep from Skinner Sights; even middle-aged eyes get a new lease on life, and I’m having lots of fun from the bench with my old friend.

If you shoot a .35 Remington, I see no reason whatsoever to stop doing so, just make sure you keep an ample supply of whatever load your rifle likes. However, even after 123 years on the market, the .30-30 Winchester remains the king of medium caliber lever guns; it has been in the top ten selling cartridges for Federal Premium to this day, and with millions of rifles out there chambered for the cartridge, that will probably be a fact decades from now.

Looking for previous installments of our “Head to Head” series? Click here.

Unleash the Power: Discover the Most Powerful Air Rifle for Unmatched Precision and Performance. Experience unrivaled shooting capabilities with our cutting-edge air rifle, engineered to deliver exceptional power, accuracy, and range. Elevate your shooting experience to new heights with the ultimate choice of enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The most powerful air rifle

The AEA Zeus in.72 caliber is currently the most powerful air rifle available. With a power output of up to 1500 ft-lbs, this traditionally styled big-bore air rifle is designed for hunting large game. The solid wood and metal construction of the Zeus helps to dampen recoil, making it a reliable and accurate option for taking down massive quarry like boar or deer.

Another contender for the title of most powerful air rifle is the Umarex Hammer. This.50 caliber rifle utilizes proprietary technology to generate over 700 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle. With its lightweight cocking action and two-shot shuttle magazine, the Hammer offers fast follow-up shots when needed, making it an effective tool for hunting hogs or other large game.

The FX Impact air rifle is a versatile option that performs well for both small-game and predator hunting. Its bullpup design features a rugged and lightweight frame with an adjustable stock. The modular design allows shooters to easily swap out barrels, magazines, and probes, optimizing the gun for different types of hunting scenarios.

Hatsan Airguns offers the Piledriver in multiple caliber options, including their newest addition in.62 caliber. Generating over 750 ft-lbs of energy with a 650-grain hollow point slug, this bullpup configuration delivers power and accuracy in a more compact package.

The AirForce Texan series has also earned its place among the most powerful air rifles. Available in several calibers including.257,.308,.357,.457, and.50, these rifles offer adjustable customization options and reliable performance for taking down North American big game.

Airguns of Arizona’s Bushbuck bolt action sporter style rifle is another worthy contender. With its laminate stock and adjustable cheekpiece, this.452 caliber rifle is solidly built and offers a sleek design. The Bushbuck generates over 600 ft-lbs of energy and is a capable choice for non-dangerous game hunting.

In conclusion, the most powerful air rifle offers a combination of accuracy and high velocity, making it ideal for various applications such as hunting and target shooting. With advanced technology and robust construction, these rifles provide enhanced performance while ensuring safety measures are in place. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, choosing the right air rifle will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.

If a proven and dependable deer gun is on your wish list, than the Savage Model 11 might be exactly what you need in your arsenal. Thanks to Student of the Gun, I had the opportunity to get this rifle out on the range. While I’ll be giving you the full report of that range day a bit further down. Before that, I want to take a minute to educate you about the rifle first. One of the most important things you can do when purchasing a new rifle, is learn a bit about it.

Allow me to be your guide.

We’ll explore who Savage Arms is, for those of you who are new to this space. Then we’ll talk about the Savage Model 11’s features, and specifications. After that, we’ll get into the nitty gritty on how I feel it held up out at the range. There is also a video that Paul Markel put together on the exact rifle in this review for those of you who are visual learners. Buckle up, here we go.

Why Choose Savage Arms?

Savage Arms is a serious industry powerhouse in the firearms world. Founded in 1894, Arthur William Savage first set up shop in Utica, New York. Since then, Savage has been on the front-lines of firearms innovation building functional tools for shooters that need them. If you’ve been in the shooting world for a while, then they’re a name-brand that doesn’t need any special mentions. You know who they are, and that their rifles and shotguns are top-quality products.

If you’re new to the world of shooting, take my word for it. Savage Arms is a quality company based out of Westfield, Massachusetts. They know what they’re doing when they make a rifle or shotgun, and you can purchase their products in confidence. There’s a reason you will just about always find one of their products on the rack at your favorite local sporting good store.

Savage Arms products work, and they’re priced to sell.

Meet The Savage Model 11.

The Savage Model 11 rifle is for the hunter, by the hunter. It comes in a variety of calibers and packages ranging from .204 Ruger to 7mm Rem. Depending on what you intend to hunt, the Model 11 probably has a variant specifically for you. Depending on the version you get, there are a slew of features the rifle may or may not come with out of the box.

Any Savage Model 11 should have a three-position safety, and an AccuTrigger system that is fully adjustable by the end-user. The safety sits high on the tang of the rifle and is very easy to actuate, and the AccuTrigger system is fully adjustable with a kit that comes with the rifle out of the box. Also, it goes without saying, but the barrel is of a free-float design to maximize your accuracy.

Here’s a video by Paul Markel of Student of the Gun talking about the specific Savage Model 11 that we fired. And yes, we even fired the rifle from that exact same table at that exact same range. Our weather wasn’t quite as nice though.

Specifications.

Action: Bolt. Barrel Length (in)/(cm): 22 / 55.9. Barrel Material: Carbon Steel. Caliber: 260 REM. Magazine Capacity: 4. Hand: Right. Length of Pull (in)/(cm): 13.5 / 33.0. Magazine: Detachable Box Magazine. Overall Length (in)/(cm): 41.5 / 104.1. Rate of Twist (in): 1 in 8.

Range Day With The Savage Model 11.

If you watched the video above, then you’ve already seen the location where we did all of our shooting with the Model 11. For the purpose of this review, it’s worth noting that we shot in semi-inclement weather at about 7,000 feet above sea level. The location of our range was in Wyoming, and we shot out to about 500-yards. We used 120 grain Fusion .260 Remington, and we used Nikon glass that came with Paul’s Savage. (Ignore the Federal Premium box in the pictures, that was from another rifle we shot that day.)

Throughout the duration of our shoot, we encountered no major malfunctions or stoppages. We put about 100 rounds down-range at ranges from 100 to 500 yards. Our target was a steel hanger sized for the sweet spot on medium game. The AccuTrigger system was about a 4lb pull, and it had a nice crisp break that made following through on shots very satisfying and enjoyable. The bolt was also a smooth-pull, and functioned exactly as intended.

The specific Savage Model 11 that we shot was a pleasure to shoot, but there are two things that stood out. I’ll cover those in the section below.

Accurate and Lightweight.

With the Savage Model 11 in .260 there was two standout things I have to mention. One, I’m fairly certain that this rifle is more accurate than I am. Now, that’s the case with a lot of rifles out there, and it’s not because I’m a bad shooter. That said, the Model 11 made it very easy for me to find my limits at any range, and then it enabled me to push past them as a shooter. This is a good quality to search for in a rifle, and it’s one the Model 11 has.

Next, there’s the fact that this thing is lightweight. With the Nikon 3-9x BDC mounted, we come in with a total weight that is just over 9 pounds. Why does this matter? Well, for the experienced hunters out there, you already know. For the new hunter among us though, I’d like to bring up an old quote from one of my Gunnery Sergeants. Ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain. I’m pretty sure he stole that quote from someone, but he’s the guy I’ve stolen it from. In short, the less you’re hiking out into the woods, the farther you can get into those woods to find your prey.

All in all, the Savage Model 11 is a very lightweight rifle that will prove to be as accurate as you need it to be.

Is The Savage Model 11 Right For You This Deer Season?

If you’re an entry-level or even a slightly more experienced shooter looking for a rifle this deer season, the Savage Model 11 is perfect for you. If you’re looking to get a quality deer gun in a new caliber to supplement your arsenal without breaking the bank, the Savage Model 11 is also right for you. Basically, I would recommend the Savage Model 11 to anyone if they’re looking to get a solid rifle that will do work for them this upcoming season. It comes in a variety of different packages, so you can find exactly what you need and easily slot this into your rifle cabinet, and I am confident that it will work for years to come.

I’m just one shooter though. Together as a community, we have a collective shooting experience that can only be quantified using millenia. That’s not just me calling some of you old either, we got experience here on Full30. If we share it, we can help each other make good decisions at the gun counter. The Savage Model 11 is one of those rifles that many shooters have had time behind, and I would love to hear from you down in the comments. Tell us your experience with the Model 11, and if you have any questions that this review didn’t answer feel free to leave a comment. I try to respond to as many comments as I can.

The rule of hunting is getting to understand your prey. Expert hunters know this, and sometimes they get particular when choosing their weapons depending on what you are hunting. If you are a novice hunter, it is easy to make the mistakes I did when starting. I used heavy-caliber rounds for all my hunting experiences. Though suitable for taking down big game it literally destroyed small game.

When you are hunting small game like squirrels, it is unnecessary to use heavy gunfire. You will need to have the best air rifles for squirrel hunting. Hunting any game is not easy, especially small games like raccoons and squirrels.

In this article, all my focus is on exploring the best air rifles in the market and the different features they all have that make them ideal for squirrel hunting.

Reasons for Using an Air Rifle

Using an air gun will improve any hunter’s marksmanship and shooting skills while using any rifle. It is the first form of practice you need before challenging yourself with big game hunting. Spring-powered air guns have adverse recoil as well, and this will let you handle the full recoil of a rimfire or bore rifles as well.

When going out for target practice, it is cheaper to do it with an air rifle than with a full bore rifle. The logic is that the costs of an air gun are more affordable, yet it offers a similar hunting experience. When you get better aim using the air gun rifles, the same will reflect when hunting big game using a rimfire or center rifle.

When hunting for small pesky rodents like vermin rats and squirrels on your farmyard, air guns are safer and will not destroy farm machinery when you miss your target. Besides using it for pest control, air guns can be for entertainment as well. Not many states have dire ramifications for possessing and owning an air rifle gun. Therefore you can use it to shoot at targets with your friends when they come over.

Why I Like Them?

Air rifles are a silent killer when you fix it with a moderator that takes away the noise when you fire. Because of this, you can hunt as many squirrels and vermin rats on the go before realizing they are being picked out one by one.

Unlike using a rifle or shotguns, air guns will not need regular cleaning each time you fire. It is because they never use chemicals as fuels; therefore, they are not complicated to handle.

Also, because air rifles have little recoil compared to rimfire and center rifles, they will not stress your body each time you fire. It makes them the preferred choice for people with disabilities and the aged who require little resistance and complications.

Headshots are very effective for taking down even big game animals. The advantage is it preserves the meat if you plan to eat it. Because air rifles have limited power and chemicals, the meat stays free from peppered pellets you would have if you used a shotgun instead.

Review of the Ten Best Air Rifles You Can Find in the Market Today

Gamo Magnum Air Rifle .22 Cal

I will start with the first air rifle that I tried during my squirrel-hunting quest—the Gamo Magnum Air Rifle .22 Cal. The first thing I noticed when I handled it for the first time is how sturdy it is. It also feels lightweight, which is a bonus if you want to use it for longer hours. There is also so much control when locking into targets, especially fast-moving targets.

The good thing about the Gamo Magnum air rifle is that it gives a clean but lethal shot. I realized that the squirrel I hunted was not battered to a pulp, and the meat was preserved. Another advantage is how much power it has yet subtle and causes only slight vibrations you can handle after you fire it. Few vibrations mean a firm hand and can easily get the second shot accurately if you need more than one shot to kill a squirrel.

The Gamo Magnum air rifle comes fitted with a rear sight and front scope for improved accuracy. The front scope is fixed, but you can make adjustments on the rear sight. One thing that favored my quest when using the Gamo Magnum air rifle is the excellent optics. The field of view is clear and reliable, which makes you hit targets accurately.

I had the advantage of speed, as the .22 Cal used on the Gamo Magnum air rifles has a fast velocity. They move at 1300 feet per second. It is safe to use as it has a recoil pad that reduces the recoil to a paltry 74%. It is also waterproof since I used it in the rain, without any hiccups.

Pros

• It has minimal vibration
• The Gamo Magnum air rifle has a high velocity .22 Cal
• Adjustable trigger
• Reduces the felt recoil by up to 74%
• It offers the hunter powerful shots
• It comes inclusive with useful accessories

Cons

• I found it to be more loud compared to other air rifles under review here.

Hatsan 95 Air Rifle Combo

It is one of the best air rifles for squirrels as it has two features that other models do not have. The first thing I loved about this rifle is that it has a high-quality and two-stage trigger that makes it easy to engage. The second aspect is that the trigger pressure is ideal, and it let me take shots at the precise moment I wanted.

The Hatsan 95 Air Rifle Combo is a gun that is also aesthetically appealing. The steel barrel looks nice, yet it manages to fire accurately with minimal effort.

With this particular air rifle, you can have three versions: .22, .25, and .177 — and each will give you exceptional performances. The .22 has a maximum velocity of only 1 000 FPS, which is decent as it builds on accuracy. On the other hand, the .177 caliber is the best for all long-range shooting as it offers a velocity of up to 1,300 FPS. The .25 is the least in terms of velocity as it only has a maximum velocity of 650 FPS.

The Hatsan 95 Air Rifle Combo comes with open sights that I found the best for taking clear shots. Because it is the best for both mid and short-range shooting, I rank it as one of the best air rifles for squirrel hunting.

The Hatsan 95 Air rifle has a beautiful design of walnut wood. It will give you superior accuracy and is a rifle with superior features than most.

Pros

• Accurate
• Anti-beartrap mechanism
• Sturdy gun
• Clean shots
• Lightweight

Cons

• Some people may find it difficult gun to cock
• The grouping is sometimes spread in a few of the rifles made.

Gamo Varmint Air Rifle .177 Cal

Hunting pesky tree rats and squirrels can be a fun sport if you have the Gamo Varmint air rifle. Sometimes after having a bad day, all I need is to feel better, and hunting squirrels offers more resolve than the rigorous process of hunting deer, hogs, or ducks.

The Gamo Varmint air rifle is a .177 Cal designed to remove the stress pests bring to your life. It is a simple air rifle that fires a caliber up to 1250 feet per second. With such firepower, it is enough to fall a squirrel from a tree minimizing the rare chance of missing your target.

The Gamo Varmint Air Rifle is also an all-weather gun with excellent stability, which combines well with quality to give you maximum performance. It is lightweight and synthetic stock that is also easy to carry everywhere you go.

It uses match-grade polymer steel, and the jacketed barrel is somewhat fluted, which adds speed and spin to your ammunition. The Gamo Varmint air rifle uses a two-stage and adjustable trigger that gives the feeling of a comfortable and customized fit. The thick butt-pad will absorb most of the recoil, and this ensures a smooth shooting experience for all hunters.

Pros

• Sturdy gun
• Clean shots
• Lightweight
• Accurate

Cons

• Is somewhat louder than other air rifles

Gamo Whisper Silent Cat Air Rifle

Another best air rifle that I tested is the Gamo Whisper Silent Cat Air rifle because it has decent speed and accuracy. It has a maximum velocity of 1200 FPS, which is fast enough for hunting squirrels from mid to short-range distances.

The Gamo Whisper Silent Cat Air Rifle operates using a single cocking system, which is ideal for smooth shooting. It also uses automatic cocking to make it faster to shoot and easy to operate. The most crucial feature I loved about this air rifle is that it has a first and second stage of trigger adjustments that make it precise and comfortable.

The barrel is of the Gamo Whisper Silent Cat Air Rifle is fluted and has a polymer jacketed steel. The air rifle is also dead silent as it has a noise dampener that makes it undetectable to the squirrel population. It means that you cannot disrupt the squirrels because the gun makes no noise when your fire. The dampener has the potential to reduce the noise from air rifles by almost half.

You would not disrupt the squirrels since this air rifle comes with a noise dampener that is not detachable. The noise dampener can minimize the noise produced by air rifles by almost half, which allows you to attract more squirrels.

The design comes with a rubber pad for the butt of your air rifle. It takes away the recoil and makes for comfortable shooting as well. It comes with the best optics, which makes you shoot accurately at your targets. The sights are both waterproof and fog proof, which makes it a durable all-season air rifle.

Pros

• Powerful shots
• Reliable optic sight
• Durable
• Quiet operation

Cons

• The scope is sometimes wobbly

Benjamin Trail NP XL Magnum

The Benjamin Trail NP XL Magnum is among the best air guns for novice hunters. It has a total length of 4.25 inches and is considered among the full rifles available under this review. The aesthetic wood stock design makes it a lightweight air rifle at only 9.7 pounds.

It has a thumbhole stock that feels comfortable for all hands and coupled-up with a good grip that adds to your pinpoint accuracy shots.

The Benjamin Trail NP XL Magnum uses Benjamin’s Nitro Piston Technology and is also a single hot air gun. The manufacturer replaced the steel spring as the source of power with this new technology as its main aim is to reduce the feel of recoil when you fire.

Through the use of Nitro Piston technology, you can have improved accuracy as you have a faster locker time. It can fire pellets at 1100 feet per second, making it a lethal rifle for hunting small game like squirrels and rabbits.

It has a quiet but simple break barrel as its action. Because it reduces noise, you can take a second shot if you happen to miss your first one. The trigger is also smooth and is only a brisk 3.5 pounds. The weight of the trigger is not adjustable, which is a downside, but if you are a straight shooter, you will have no qualms with this design.

Most novice hunters will enjoy using this air rifle for target practice as the skills can easily be transferred to the full gun when hunting for a big game. Every shot you fire will carry a 30-foot-pound of downrange muzzle energy. The Benjamin Trail NP XL Magnum, therefore, is among the most hard-hitting air rifles that take down small game with a single shot. The hard punch is a welcome feature as I like to consider the humane side of killing prey; it should be a quick and painless death.

Pros

• Powerful shots
• Reliable optic sight
• Durable
• Quiet operation

Cons

• The weight of the trigger is not adjustable

Seneca Dragon Claw

Under this review, this is the most potent air gun rifle in the market. The Seneca Dragon Claw is for situations where you need one shot, and it must be the killer shot. When I was using the Seneca Dragon Claw air rifle, I preferred the .50 Cal.

One thing I admire most about this rifle is the pre-charged pneumatic design. It makes this beast gun able to fire .50 Cal up to 679 feet per second and a 230 ft.-lbs muzzle energy. With this kind of firepower, it is no surprise that you can hunt and successfully kill both small and medium-sized game like small hogs, foxes, coyotes, and possums.

The outstanding feature of the Seneca Dragon Claw air rifle is that it uses dual tanks of 500cc air capacity. The dual tanks are under your air rifles barrels that give it balance when handling it. It also comes with the best adjustable sights accompanied by a dovetail rail to mount the optics on your rifle’s barrel. It has an appealing aesthetics as the wooden stock finish on the fore-end is quite attractive.

Pros

• Sturdy gun
• Clean shots
• Accurate and powerful

Cons

• The dual tank feels cumbersome and makes the rifle heavy

Benjamin Vaporizer SBD Air Rifle

The Crosman Benjamin Rogue SBD is an improved version of the original Benjamin SBD. The acronym SBD stands for Silencing Barrel Device. As a result, this reduces the noise when you fire the rifle and is up to three times more silent than other air rifles in the market.

It is also a powerful rifle as it fires the .177 caliber design pellet up to 1,400 feet per second. If you are looking for a silent killer’s true definition, then you must try the Benjamin Vaporizer SBD. When hunting for small prey like rabbits and pesky pests like squirrels, it is a brutal rifle that kills on impact. It, therefore, offers the prey a humane, quick, and painless death.

The Silencing barrel device is odd-looking, but I love how it functions well and is also out of the way, so it doesn’t block the adjustable scopes. Another essential feature worth mentioning is the two-stage trigger that gives a smooth squeeze.

Pros

• Accurate
• Sturdy gun
• Clean shots
• Lightweight
• The most silent air rifle because of the SBD

Cons

• Appears complicated and not for the novice hunter

Beeman R7 Air Rifle

The Beeman R7 is one of the smallest and compact air rifles in the market today. Yet, despite the size, it is still powerful enough to fall small pre like squirrels. It is also not lacking in the accuracy department as it has excellent balance and control. When I was using it, I discovered that it is remarkable at hitting fast-moving objects as it also has high speed and velocity. It can fire a .177 pellet up to 700 feet per second.

It is a model that takes after the popular Beeman R1 air rifle. The idea behind the same design was to create a shorter, lighter, and comfortable to shoot weapon. An excellent feature that complements the design is the use of a double joint cocking lever, which reduces the effort when cocking.

The barrel design is a spring-piston that can propel a .177 Cal accurately and at faster speeds. The trigger is also adjustable and breaks at 1.25 lbs.

The Beeman’s reduced effort cocking device makes it unique and an overall excellent break barrel design. The fact that it is 5 inches shorter and 2.5 pounds lighter than the Beeman R1 makes it the clear winner.

The Beeman R7 is among my favored air rifles because it comes with adjustable scopes and mounts for all your optical needs.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Sturdy
• Adjustable trigger

Cons

• Some people feel like it lacks enough killer power

Benjamin Fortitude Gen2 PCP Air Rifle

When you want a simple design, then the Benjamin Fortitude is among the top air rifles. It is also easy to use and affordable. The Benjamin Fortitude has all the features you need to hunt and kill small game like rabbits and squirrels. The pellets come in two sizes you can choose from, either the .117 or—22 caliber pellet rifles. For the .117Cal, you will have a 950 FPS, and the .22 offers up to 800 FPS.

It is a bolt action and a single-shot air rifle that has a 10-round rotary magazine. The Benjamin Fortitude weighs a paltry 5.3 pounds and is an all-weather type of design. It is lethal at distances under 100 yards, and this is why I love it for all my hunting experience. The single-stage trigger design allows a constant pull that makes it accurate.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• Accurate
• Lethal at distances under 100 yards

Cons

• None worth mentioning

Air Arms TX200 Hunter Carbine

It is an elegant and refined air rifle design. It has a sleek appearance, and it does back it up with more firepower. The Air Arms TX200 Hunter Carbine is a compact and lightweight .177 rifle known to be the best for target shooting and hunting of small game. This gun has excellent accuracy and can send a pellet downrange up to 930 FPS. It comes with an underlying under lever of 34 pounds cocking effort.

The Air Arms TX200 Hunter carbine is the best for hunting small game as it is lethal for prey like rabbits and squirrels. It is exceptionally lightweight and has a beautiful wooden stock finish that makes it aesthetically appealing. It has decent handling, and it is easy to use and the best for the novice hunter.

The most impressive feature is the two-stage adjustable trigger that is coupled-up with a barrel from Lothar Walther to give it precision and accuracy.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Lightweight
• Accurate
• Sleek design and a two-stage adjustable trigger

Cons

• Expensive is not a con as you cannot drive a Ferrari that you cannot afford.

Key Point: Each of these pistols are truly excellent choices for self-defense or personal protection.

If you’re looking for a pistol that you can use for personal protection, self-defense, and concealed carry, you’ve come to the right place. 9mm striker fired pistols as a whole are the simplest and most reliable handguns that you can own, assuming that you’re going to buy from a reputable manufacturer.

Note – for the purposes of this article, we’ll be sticking with mid-sized and full-sized 9mm handguns rather than guns of other calibers and sizes. Also note that this article is aimed at beginners who have little to no knowledge of firearms and are looking to make a first purchase.

Here are the best striker fired pistols on the market today:

CZ P10C

The CZ P10C is CZ’s first striker fired pistol. The company had previously been most well known for making the CZ75 series of hammer fired pistols. The P10C was released in 2017 (after its initial development had began in 2014) and is designed to

The P10C comes with a fiber reinforced polymer frame along with a stainless steel side. It competes directly with the Glock 19. It was even built by CZ to fit the same holsters as the Glock as well. Since Glock has a massive array of aftermarket support and parts, this is a major plus.

Full size and compact variations of the P10C are also available.

Glock 17/19

The Glock 17 and 19 are the pistols that started the whole striker fired pistol craze in the first place. The G17 was released in 1983 and the G19 followed a few years later. The G17 is a full size handgun with a 17 round capacity while the G19 has a 15 round capacity and is more compact for concealment.

The main benefit to the Glock series of pistols are their inherent reliability, simplicity, and their massive array of aftermarket parts and support. In fact, the Glock pistol is one of the single most customizable firearms on the planet, rivaled only by the AR-15 and the 1911 pistol.

Heckler & Koch VP9

The HK VP9, also known as the SFP9, was released in 2014. The pistol was designed directly to compete with the Glock 19 and the Walther PPQ, but particularly the latter people as HK sought to make a pistol that would have a very similar trigger and ergonomics to the Walther.

The VP9 is more close in size to the G17, but has a smaller magazine capacity of 15 rounds. It comes with two polymer protrusions on the rear of the slide that make it easier to grasp with a wet hand. It also offers interchangeable backstraps and side panels on the grip to accommodate different

SIG Sauer P320

The SIG Sauer P320 holds the distinction of being the current sidearm of the United States military, replacing the Beretta M9 or 92FS. It also holds the distinction of being a truly modular pistol. The actual gun assembly of the P320 can easily be removed from the gun and swapped between different frame sizes that you can purchase separately.

The P320 was adopted into the United States military as the M17 or M18. The M17 is a larger version with a longer slide, while the M18 is a smaller compact option. The M17 is being issued to the Army and the M18 issued to the Air Force and Marine Corps. Both pistols come with a manual safety, which the standard P320 does not.

Smith & Wesson M&P

The Smith & Wesson M&P line was released in 2005 to succeed their 3rd generation hammer fired guns. The M&P line has since grown tremendously to become Glock’s main competitor. The M&P 2.0 series was released a few years ago, and features enhanced ergonomics with more aggressive grip stippling as well as a superior trigger.

There are also multiple sizes available for the M&P. The M&P 2.0 Compact is more similar in size to a Glock 19. The first generation M&P Compact was more similar in size to the Glock 26.

Walther P99

The Walther P99 (as well as the P99 Compact) is truly one of the most unique striker fired pistols ever made. This is because it’s a double action single action and does not have a consistent trigger pull as the other options on this list. Unveiled in 1996, the P99 has a double action pull for the first shot with all subsequent pulls single action. Meanwhile, a decocker lever on the side puts the weapon back into double action.

But the pistol can also be placed into AS mode by tackling the slide back slightly on double action. This AS mode essentially makes the double action a much lighter pull and therefore significantly easier to shoot, but also safer to carry than the single action.

Walther PPQ

The Walther PPQ is a developed Walther P99 that has a more Glock-like single action only trigger with a consistent pull. It also features enhanced ergonomics over the P99 with more aggressive grip texturing, a squared off trigger guard, and forward slide serrations that make it much easier to perform a brass check on the weapon.

There are two primary versions of the PPQ: the M1 and the M2. The M1 has a European style paddle magazine release and the M2 has an American style push button magazine release. There are also longer barreled options for both pistols if you desire a longer sight radius and increased bullet velocity. All in all, the PPQ is a very underrated pistol.

Conclusion

Each of the above striker fired pistols that we have covered are truly excellent choices for self-defense or personal protection, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

This article by Nick Oetken first appeared at Gun News Daily.

Image: Flickr / Defence Images

Dehydrating morel mushrooms is a common practice among individuals who harvest a large amount during mushroom season (lucky you!)

The dehydration process is the number one method that allows you to savor the taste of these even during the off-season, as they do not freeze well (though it is possible).

Some say the best location to hunt for morels is in the Midwest, but you can find them all over the US, Europe, and beyond. This area seems to have the best vegetation and temperature to grow these tasty morsels. Look for them sprouting from mid-April to mid-June.

They usually appear after a series of spring showers, prior to the heat of summer setting in. Morels often reappear in the same spot year after year, and many hunters keep their “spots” a well guarded secret.

These fungi (yes – they are fungi) seem to prefer hillsides with plenty of rotting logs, but they may appear in unexpected spots as well. You may not find them where you’d expect – this is one reason why this variety isn’t commercially farmed.

Three basic processes exist for dehydrating morels. The first involves the use of a dehydrator. Here’s what you need to do:

1. First, wash the specimens in cool water to remove any debris.

2. Pat dry with a paper towel. Trim the stems if necessary.

3. Slice them in half, from the tip through the base of the stem.

4. Place in a single layer on each level of the dehydrator. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper drying times, or check out our ultimate guide to food dehydration – it has a bunch of helpful drying times listed at the bottom.

For those individuals without a dehydrator, you can also use your oven to prepare the mushrooms.

1. Wash, dry, and cut the same way as previously outlined.

2. Cover the bottom of a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lay out sliced mushrooms in a single layer. It is alright to have the sides touching, but they should not overlap.

3. Bake at 250°F for approximately 6 hours. During the baking process, crack open the oven door a slight amount. This allows the moisture to escape during the drying process.

Finally, the oldest known way to dry morels is to string them up and dry them in the sun.

1. Wash and prepare the individual pieces as before.

2. Cut a piece of cotton packaging string (kitchen string) that’s approximately six feet long. Thread a large-eyed needle, and insert through the center of a morel slice. Slide the mushroom along the cotton string until it’s within 12 inches of the opposite end.

3. Repeat the process with the remaining pieces, making sure they do not touch one another.

4. Hang the string in a sunny location. If you hang the string outside, be sure to bring it in at night to prevent dew from setting on it, which could introduce mold. Allow to dry in the sun for a minimum of two days.

The trick to drying morels is to make sure they are completely dry. Here’s how to test the mushrooms periodically during the drying process:

Break a small portion from the main body. It should snap when broken. If it is mushy or spongy, then moisture still exists within the cap.

Place the dehydrated specimens in a glass jar with a lid or in a resealable plastic bag. These will keep for up to six months if prepared correctly. You can further extend this by using vacuum sealing, placing them in the freezer after they’re dried (though this isn’t always recommended, as it can introduce moisture) or adding some oxygen absorbers to the sealed packaging.

Dehydrated morel mushrooms may be reconstituted by soaking them in enough cool, salted water to cover for 30 minutes, or by boiling them for 10 minutes at a low boil.

Be sure to reserve this water for cooking, as it is full of antioxidants. It makes a great addition to soups and sauces. Just let the sediment settle before adding the liquid on top to dishes.

And if you need a bit more info on the prep process, read our article on how to properly clean your mushrooms.

What’s your favorite way to dry the season’s bounty? Let us know in the comments!

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links.

Though holographic sights are often lumped in with red dot sights, like EOTech says – not a red dot.

I created this page for purists by carefully screening the best holographic sights, although I did also test an extremely popular reflex sight that is often mistaken for a holo sight.

I further compare budget, battery power, reticles, size & weight & field of view to make finding the perfect holographic sight easy.

Top 6 Holographic Sights In 2024

What is a holographic sight? A holographic image of a reticle is essentially “sandwiched” between lenses and illuminated by a laser diode. Looking through the sight, the reticle appears to be superimposed in the distance somewhere between the sight and the target.

What are the benefits of a holosight design?

• Fast target acquisition
• For close and long-range use
• In-focused picture due to simultaneous downrange focusing on target and reticle
• Heavy duty – can use with front lens damage
• Reticle remains the same size when used with a magnifier

But, there’s no ignoring the drawbacks.

• Price – they often start at $400 (approx.) for entry-level models
• Bulky – due to their design, they’re not equipped to be mounted to handguns
• Limited availability for true holographic sights
• Battery hog – laser diode requires a lot of power to operate

In the mid ’90s, EOTech was specifically created to bring holographic sights in a compact, rugged, and effective design for small arms to the commercial market. They may have been the only manufacturer of the holo sight and started the trend, but more recently, Vortex has joined the game.

With only two manufacturers producing this type of sight, it restricts availability and likely prevents economical prices to the civilian consumer market.

To be fair, the holographic sight requires a sophisticated manufacturing process, and so it costs more than red dots. But, I’ll get into the differences between red dots and holographic sights later. For now, let’s get into this years latest and best holo sights you must consider!

6 Best Holographic Sights on the Market

1. Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II – Best Vortex Holographic Sight

Overall, there are noteworthy differences between the AMG UH-1 Gen 1 versus AMG UH-1 Gen II holographic sights. The new version includes a larger rear window, tool-less battery cap, and night vision compatibility. Though it has performance upgrades, there is one major change that may be missed.

Pros:

• 1 MOA dot
• EBR-CQB reticle
• Tool-less battery cap
• Rear-facing controls
• Night vision compatible

Cons:

• Battery life

Holographic sights have always had poor battery runtime compared to reflex red dot sights. This remains true with Vortex’s gen II holosight. It takes a CR123A battery estimated to provide 1500 hours of runtime based on medium settings with normal use. I know that the auto shut-off after 14 hours is a helpful feature but can be disabled for instantly ready use.

However, conservative use of the AMG UH-1 will still only provide a maximum of 62 days (approx.) of operation. I recommend keeping spare batteries on hand since the micro-USB port has been removed. I’ll miss that feature as it used to allow for recharging batteries. At least the battery compartment cover is now tool-less.

Though no specs are provided, Vortex says they increased the size of the rear sight window to expand its HUD-like appeal and apparent FOV. I love that it’s IPX8 waterproof, was upgraded with XR FMC coatings, and is now night vision compatible. It has a rear-facing, dedicated NV button that puts the sight into night mode with reticle brightness that is safe for use with NVDs.

All other favorite features remained the same such as the Weaver/Picatinny quick detach mount, ½ MOA turrets, FHQ glare-reducing, stealth-improving technology, and the ArmorTek coating. The EBR-CQB reticle consists of a 1 MOA dot for long-range use, segmented circle, and bottom triangle post for extreme CQB performance.

I like that the upgrades are productive, it’s covered under the VIP warranty, and it’s still good competition as an alternative in an EOTech-dominated market.

2. EOTech HHS I EXPS3-4 w/G33 Magnifier – Best Tactical Holographic Sight

The HHS I (Holographic Hybrid Sight) EXPS3-4 comes with the G33 Magnifier. It’s the EXPS3 sight with the 4 dot reticle and the G33 to get long-range sight.

Pros:

• Close-long range
• Side buttons
• NV compatible
• Includes magnifier
• Switch-to-side mount

Cons:

• Price

Looking at the price alone, you’d wonder why you’re paying more for the EXPS3 HWS. However, you’re getting a 2-in-1 bundle with this buy. It might cost close to a grand, but the included G33 magnifier makes up the difference, and I think it’s worth it.

The EXPS3 sight is 11.2 oz and is 3.8 x 2.3 x 2.9″ in size – slightly more compact than some other EOTech models. It has a side-loading battery compartment that takes 1 x CR123 for 1,000 hours of use at nominal setting (12).

There are a total of 30 brightness settings with 10 compatible with NV (Night Vision). The HHS will automatically shut down after 8 hours of non-use, but it’s also programmable to shut down after 4. I found that it depends which up or down button you press when activating the sight.

The reticle has 4x 1 MOA dots to provide holding over points for medium to long-range shots. Calibrated for the .223, it can reach out to 600 yards which I know you you can easily do with the 3x G33 (Generation III 3x) magnifier.

The magnifier is 3.9″ long, and fits to all holo sight models with a 7mm riser. Eye relief is rather restrictive with only 2.2″, but many magnifiers have comparable eye relief. The switch-to-side mount is especially convenient to move the magnifier out of the way. It has a 1.18″ (30 mm) height that clears most low-profile, flip-up, rear iron sights.

With everything put together, I would say that the EXPS3 holo sight that can give you the upper hand in any close quarter scenario to every long-range observational need.

3. EOTech XPS3 – Best Holographic Sight for AR-15

If you’re planning on seeing in the dark with your AR-15, you’ll want to upgrade your sight with an XPS3 model. The extra benefit of NV with all the same great features of the second generation models can be found right here.

Pros:

• NV compatible
• Lightweight
• Compact
• Waterproof
• Built-in mount

Cons:

• Rear controls

What’s the difference between the XPS2 and the XPS3? The XPS3 is NV compatible since it’s built with 30 brightness settings that allows 10 of those to work with Gen 1-3 NV devices.

What’s the difference between the XPS3 and the EXPS3? The EXPS3 has side button controls and a quick detach lever mount that this model lacks, but it’s slightly heavier at 11.2 oz.

The XPS3 is the smallest and lightest sight of all EOTech’s HWS sights. Weighing only 9 oz and is 3.8 x 2.1 x 2.5″ in size, it makes for a lightweight holo system leaving plenty of rail space for additional accessories on your AR-15, and yes, you’ll want to mount some extra gadgets like a magnifier.

Built with an integrated 1″ weaver or Picatinny mount, it’ll fit your MSR as easily as the EXPS3 fit mine.

Like all EOTech sights, it’s fog-resistant and waterproof, and I did put it its quick detach mount alternative in a washing machine – no rinse cycle, just submersion. The XPS3 takes 1x CR123 lithium battery that can provide up to 1,000 hours of continuous use.

This model has the 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA center dot. Transition between 7 and 50 yards for CQB shooting and then ping steel out to 200 yards with the .223 calibrated reticle.

Since it’s NV compatible, works with a magnifier, and can co-witness with rear iron sights, I deem the XPS3 a versatile tool for many missions or hunts to come that’s perfect atop your flat top receiver or even on your shotgun.

However, the one thing I don’t like is that the rear controls are virtually inaccessible if you have a magnifier behind it. But the EOTech G33 magnifier has a side-to-switch mount so pushing it out of the way will allow access to the rubber buttons.

The XPS3 has the basics, plus some. I think that its size, light weight, and durable body makes for the ideal kind of sight to top your AR-15.

4. EOTech XPS2 – Best Sight for Competition Shooting

What benefits do you need from your sight for 3-gun comps? Speed, accuracy, durability, and the ability to transition from close to long-range distances. If you’re on a tight budget for a holo sight, the XPS2 will fit the bill.

Pros:

• Side controls
• Side-loading battery
• Quick detach lever
• Co-witness w/iron sights
• Fog/waterproof

Cons:

• No preferred brightness setting on start-up

The XPS2 is made for 3-gun competitions, and it’s a cheaper option versus EOTech’s Hybrid models. To get you on target at speeds expected of a holo sight, this model has a the 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA center dot.

With a .223, you can use the center dot for 50 and 200 yards and the bottom of the ring for close-range shots of 7 yards.

To see the reticle at its best in any condition, the XPS2 has 20 brightness levels to adjust to your preferred setting. However, you can’t save your preferred brightness setting as it will kick back to the default setting on start-up, this seems like a bit of a drawback to me. Note: this is non-compatible with NV gear.

With a CR123 lithium battery, you’ll have up to 600 hours of continuous use on nominal brightness setting at room temperature. I like the side-loading battery compartment with a threaded cap keeps the battery in place while keeping dirt, debris, and water out.

While this sight can get you out to 300 yards faster and more accurately than iron sights alone, it is compatible with use of a magnifier for when you need easy transition for close to long-range shooting.

5. EOTech 512 – Best EOTech Holographic Sight

The 512 is a long-time favorite, and I can see why. With an entry-level price tag (for a holo sight) and all the good ol’ tech you need to get dead-on in an instant, the 512 does it.

Pros:

• Price
• Battery life
• 1 MOA dot
• 1x magnification
• Unlimited eye relief

Cons:

• Bulky

The 512 takes 2 AA batteries to operate and this makes for a longer and heavier build. It’s 11.5 oz and 5.6 x 2 x 2.5″ in size. It’ll take up some rail space, but it’s still so much shorter than a LPVO (low power variable optic).

You can depend on that battery juice to provide up to 1000 hours of continuous use with lithium batteries at brightness setting 12, or you can expect up to 600 hours with alkaline batteries. No need to detach the sight to replace batteries as it has a top-loading battery compartment with a cap latch.

To get zeroed, adjustments can be made with a coin or flathead screwdriver since it features the cross-slot style. I really like the aluminum hood and 10 ft submersible body was made to endure the abuse of extreme conditions.

The reticle is the popular, and one of my favorites, the 1 MOA dot with a 68 MOA ring intended for close-range and fast target acquisition shooting. This EOTech is compatible to mount to both 1″ Weaver and standard Picatinny rails.

With 20 brightness settings, widely available AA batteries, and a programmable 4 or 8 hour auto shut-off, I would recommend the 512 as a simple and affordable holosight for both beginners and intermediate shooters.

6. Holosun 510C Red Dot Sight

The Holosun 510C is not a holographic sight but is often compared to them. I test it out to give you a comparison between EOTech holographic sights and the Holosun.

Pros:

• Dual power sources
• Ultra-long battery life
• Shake Awake
• Build quality
• Quick detach mount

Cons:

• Reflex sight

As a general rule, holographic and reflex sights are both red dot sights. The main difference is that the Holosun has LED technology versus the laser diode in a holographic sight. It’s not necessarily a drawback but a key design difference I think is worth noting.

A very attractive feature I find crucial, and you will too, is the long-lasting battery life and dual power sources compared in my full test review. Auto mode provides ambient-controlled brightness and draws power from the integrated solar panel.

It’s ideal as a fail-safe for when the CR2032 battery fails in Manual mode.

With Shake Awake, you can adjust the sleep timer for “always-on” operation. The quick detach mount I thoroughly cover makes things easy and convenient for dismounts and remounts if you switch out optics on your AR-15 like myself and many others do.

No need to question build quality with the Holosun.

Torture tests should have everyone convinced that this is a sight that will last both you and I a lifetime.

What to Look for in a Holographic Sight System

The most popular question to be asked when looking to buy a holographic sight is how it differs from a red dot sight. Learn about that here and what features you need in a holo sight to get the right kind of features before you buy.

They’re not cheap optics, so you want to get it right the first time you choose.

Technology: Holographic Sights VS Red Dots

With their HUD displays, small and compact builds, and unlimited eye relief, it can be really difficult to tell the difference between a holo sight and a red dot. Add to that consumer misconception about the two, and it gets even harder.

A red dot and holo sight both may use the iconic “red dot” aiming point, but they have two completely different systems. A red dot uses an LED to illuminate a projected dot on coated glass.

Holo sights use a series of lasers and mirrors of a holographic image of a reticle that is sandwiched between glass. The appearance of the reticle to the eye seems to be projected in the distance either on the target or in between the target and the optic.

Because of this type of technology, holo sights are easier to use as you’re focusing on the target itself and the reticle becomes crisp and clear.

Build: Holographic Sights VS Red Dots

Holographic sights can be used in extreme conditions such as when the front lens gets damaged.

It doesn’t hinder the internal mechanics that seems to project the reticle out into the field. They often have a wider field of view (as in the size of the window lens) than red dots, and the center dot can be as small as 1 MOA.

However, the drawbacks to using a holographic sight are often a red dot’s advantages. Red dot sights have a much lower starting price. They’re widely available because the technology is less costly and is uncomplicated compared to holos.

LEDs don’t draw as much power as laser diodes and red dots can often be left on for 50,000 hours or 5 years. They’re also smaller and more compact and can be mounted to pistols.

While the differing features may not be of great concern to many consumers, the difference lies in the technology. Like many things, the choice between the two is a matter of preference.

For more about this, we wrote a full holographic versus red dot sight article, complete with photograph comparisons – check it out!

Budget/Price of a Holosight

Holographic sights are expensive optics often starting around $400 for base models. Combined in packages with other optics, such as a magnifier, they can cost $1000 (approx.) for the pair.

Due to budget restrictions and perceived value, many opt for a higher-end red dot sight over the price of a base model holographic sight. A high-end holographic sight can cost over $600.

Holographic Sight Brand

EOTech was the only manufacturer of holographic sights for the consumer market for shooting sports for just over a decade. Because of this, holo sight availability is limited. Vortex is now a player in the holographic sight industry, and it’s a hope of many that this will boost the holo sight market with a more extensive selection.

But, you may have seen many other sights marketed as holographic sights and with a very low price tags by other brands. These are not true holo sights and are red dot sights by definition if you look at the technology.

Additionally, be vendor-specific when buying a holographic sight as it is known fact that there are Chinese counterfeit products in circulation.

Battery Power of Holographic Sights

Holographic sights draw much more power to operate versus a red dot sight. Vortex provides a rechargeable battery option or a CR123 battery to operate the Razor AMG UH-1. EOTech models will require AA batteries or 123 lithium batteries.

Battery life will depend on usage, but holo sights in general are capable of providing 600-1000 hours of continuous use.

Holographic Sight Reticles

Reticles are a matter of preference. Most will incorporate a 1 MOA center dot as the aiming point and a circle surrounding it to rapidly draw the eye to the center. There are also reticle designs available with ballistic holdover dots, ranging scales, and various other options.

Size/Weight of the Holographic Sight

Holographic sights are small, if you’re comparing it to a rifle scope or even holo sights used in the military decades ago. However, when compared with red dots, they’re bulky in size and weight. They weigh around 11 oz with EOTech’s 9 oz XPS2 and XPS3 models weighing the lightest at 9 oz.

Because of the battery requirements and holo technology, they’re big compared to red dots. They’re typically around 3-4″ in height, 2-3″ in width, and 2-6″ in length – not compatible with pistols.

Field of View of the Holo Sight

Because of the HUD and rectangular window of the holo sight, they tend to offer a wider field of view than red dots. It makes it easier to use with both eyes open and head and cheek welds are easier to repeat and use. Red dots with smaller windows or even with the tube-style design may require you to get a little closer to focus and may be less forgiving with eye relief.

FAQ’s About Holographic Sights

Notes: EOTech VS US Government

There’s a lot of talk and consumer misconception about the lawsuit against EOTech and the product recall in effect by the manufacturer, so we’ll briefly address it here.

In 2015, EOTech lost a lawsuit against the US Government for civil fraud. There were two, major issues that were brought to light: thermal drift and moisture incursion.

EOTech announced in April 2016 that they remedied the moisture incursion that caused lenses to fog up and reduce reticle brightness intensity. However, the thermal drift issue remains yet to be remedied. The issue is, in extreme temperatures, your zero can be off as much as 12″ at 300 yards.

One such thought is that battery-operated optics are often subject to operating temperatures of the batteries. As much as manufacturers can try to counteract this with various construction materials, builds, and protective features, it’s still prone to faulty operation. There’s also the issue of what constitutes extreme shifts in temperatures.

For the average, recreational shooter, there is very little to no concern of thermal drift occurring. However, for extreme conditions that may be experienced in military operations, extreme Winter hunting, and such, this defect must be considered.

It also must be said that L-3 Communications (parent company of EOTech), “one of the largest defense companies in the US” is still under contract to provide clip-on optics and close-quarter sights. In fact, L3 announced in January 2019 that EOTech Optics won a $26.3 million contract by U.S. Special Operations Command.

While this is rewarding news to the company, it’s not new news. EOTech has been outfitting the military since 2001.

Not everyone is ready to throw out or disregard EOTech. What will you choose?

With a Holo Sight . . .

With a holo sight, you have a 1 MOA dot, the smallest, available dot in the industry.

With a holo sight, you have a rectangular HUD display with an increased field of view to get on target without compromising situational awareness.

With a holo sight and use of a magnifier, your 1 MOA dot will always be 1 MOA to promote accuracy at all distances you dare shoot.

All this amounts to fast target acquisition, speed, and dependability.

With a holo sight, it’s just better.

Further Reading

• Ozark Armament Rhino 4x Prism Sight Review (Range Tested)
• Ozark Armament Rhino Red Dot Sight Review (Range Tested)
• Burris Fastfire 3 VS Vortex Venom Comparison [HANDS-ON]
• Vortex Venom Red Dot Review (6 MOA) – HANDS ON!
• What is a Prism Scope? Prism VS Reflex VS LPVO!

by Anietra Hamper

A guide to targeting catfish during the winter freeze.

Fishing guide Darren Troseth of 3 Rivers Fishing Adventures in Minnesota has targeted catfish on rivers in the St. Cloud area for several decades. In 2007 he discovered the thrill of targeting catfish through the ice, mostly out of necessity since open water is scarce during Minnesota’s brutal winter months.

“Compared to all other fish of the same size, catfish will put up just as good or better of a fight than anything else in the winter so I was drawn to them,” said Troseth.

Troseth carefully targets specific waterways where he knows there are large populations of catfish and he only goes after channel catfish as they are the most active. He seeks out bodies of water that are the warmest in the winter to find the deeper holes and areas with current. Since the ideal spots for catfish have the most inconsistent ice thickness safety is his top concern.

“Safety is very important, especially in areas of moving current and early/late ice. Basic knowledge of how ice forms and paying attention to recent weather patterns need to be part of the routine. People should always be using a spud bar to check ice thickness and wear safety picks, especially during early ice. A floatation type suit such as the Striker Ice Suit is a great idea too,” said Troseth.

The sluggish bottom-feeders are finicky when it comes to surviving the winter. They mostly lay low until spring so they will test your patience and skills. You significantly increase your chances of a bite if you know where to look and how to prepare. Here is some of the top advice for experiencing the fun and unpredictable surprise of ice fishing that can not only step up your catfishing game but change it entirely.

Understand catfish winter behavior Catfish look for warmer water in the winter months so they are deeper (20-feet deep in many cases). Look for places with a soft bottom and structure or deep slow-moving water where catfish cluster and move together.

Location

Start with the most obvious places such as deep holes and breaks in the water. If you are fishing the tributaries off of a major river you want to target the outside bends of creek channels in 15-25 feet of water.

Water column Just because catfish migrate to deeper water doesn’t mean they are on the bottom. The feeders will suspend above the bottom from three-feet to 10-feet. Getting the bait in this “strike zone” is imperative. Anywhere above or below and the bite won’t happen. In the winter catfish are less motivated to go after food and have a slower metabolism so bait has to be presented properly.

Finding the fish If the fish are not showing on the sonar, keep moving to areas of current such as the narrows between islands or bridges. Since catfish move in schools, they should be visible. The low light periods between 4-8 p.m. are best.

Bait Don’t be afraid to use non-traditional baits and recharge often (at least once an hour) to maximize the scent.

“Some of our best nights have been using a small piece of chicken liver,” said Troseth. “I have also found that using a “glow” jig DOES help with the bite. Glow red and green are my favorites.”

Experimentation Winter fishing requires experimentation. If you can see the catfish on the fish finder but they are not biting then you need to change something. You can try different depth, change the bait, or try movement in the presentation.

Tackle A combination of tip-ups and a medium to heavy rod works well for channel catfish or you can use an automatic fisherman device. The ideal line is 8-10 pound ice braid and a fishing leader. As for hooks, use a thick single wire hook since most ice fishing spoons are not made for the strong jaws and soft lips of catfish.

Presentation Very rarely will winter cats just come up and smack your bait. Cold water cats have a tendency to “taste” the bait and swim around it. They may hit it with their whiskers, circle around it some more and even go vertical by coming up from underneath to push it up. Try jigging a little to get their attention but do not overdo it or you will scare them.

Assess the bite Pay close attention to your bite detection. The majority of cold water cats are light biters. Sometimes they will barely pull a float under or even move a spring bobber during the winter.

Final thoughts Some of the best ice catfishing happens on natural lakes and rivers in states with the biggest freeze like Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Iowa. With a little practice and consulting with locals in the area, ice fishing for catfish can open up a whole new direction for catfish anglers.

Editors Note: For a detailed primer on ice fishing in general visit the OnTrack Fishing site.