Tree Stand Safety
Am I overdoing tree stand safety? Nah. Safety is important, and really needs to be addressed. There are right and wrong ways to use stands - and there are many stands in the world that should be avoided altogether. I have spent a large portion of my life suspended above the ground awaiting deer and other game, and I haven't fallen yet. I guess I must be doing something right...
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How to Use Tree Stands Safely
It's no secret that at this time of year, most hunters aren't using their stands. It is, however, a great time to take a close look at the way we use our stands, what we should and shouldn't be doing with them, and checking them to be sure they'll be safe for next season. Staying safe is important - so let's do it!
Review: Swedish FireSteel 2.0 Scout
When it comes to making fire, this is definitely a classic. Take some steel and some flint... rub them together in just the right way, and you get sparks. With some tender loving care, those sparks can be made into a fire. I did happen to discover that I prefer the one-handed approach of some other fire starters such as Sparkie and BlastMatch, but the Swedish FireSteel is very popular and there has got to be a reason for that.
Review: WetFire Tinder Cubes
I watched this stuff demonstrated at the SHOT Show one year, and I thought it was great. Extremely lightweight stuff, it lit afire very easily and burned like the devil. The real clincher was when he would light it while it was floating in water - and then pick it up immediately after dousing the flame, when it was cool to the touch. Pretty dang impressive - but when I tested it at home, it was a different story...
Read the Review of WetFire Tinder Cubes
Profile of Ruger Old Model Blackhawk
Just after the middle of last century, a company called Sturm, Ruger turned out its first centerfire firearm - and this was it. The timing and price were both just about right to make this gun a roaring success, and it has been one for quite a while now. Even though the original old model was replaced after less than twenty years with the New Model, the old model gun continues to be very popular. That probably has to do with the smoothness of the action and the indexing of the cylinder, among other things...
Learn More about the Ruger Old Model Blackhawk
Review Your Favorite (or Least Favorite) Tree Stand
Attention hunters... do you use tree stands? if so, do you have a favorite kind - or one that you just hate? Me, I can't stand hang-on or lock-on tree stands, but I've enjoyed ladders, climbers, tripods, and ground blinds. What about you? I'd love to hear from you on this.
Review: UST Sparkie Fire Starter
This is the little brother of the BlastMatch I posted about the other day. It's a lot smaller than the BlastMatch and the flint doesn't spin (so it will probably wear out faster), but it's a lot smaller and lighter and can still be used with one hand. All in all, it's a pretty good item - although I will still plan to keep a butane lighter in my pack, just in case.
Read the Sparkie Fire Starter Review
Top Shot S4E12: Season Finale
Well, it's finally over. That makes me happy, but it's kind of a bummer, too. From dueling posts to selecting a firearm, target, and range to the seven-stage grand finale, this episode is action-packed, and thankfully lacks the drama and stupidity which the producers seem to think adds to the show.
I'm trying to be careful and not give anything away to those who haven't seen it yet, but I can say this: The final challenge is way too close to call until the last spit-second. It was a real nail-biter, and even this hard-to-impress viewer was hooting at the TV set! Check out the Top Shot Season 4 Finale Episode Review for more info - and don't forget to vote in the poll below.
Read about Top Shot Season 4, Episode 1
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Read about Top Shot Season 4, Episode 12 (Season Finale)
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Review: UST BlastMatch Fire Starter
I can see how this product could find a home in a hunter's pack. Sometimes you need fire, and if a butane lighter won't cut it, this self-contained spark-producing device will make a passel of sparks in short order, and ought to last for a good long time. Not to mention, it's made in USA and can be operated with only one hand.
Read the UST BlastMatch Fire Starter Review
Review: S&W Model 66 357 Magnum SS Revolver
I love most guns - as Dad used to say, "if it shoots, I like it!" - but of course not all guns are created equal. This particular gun is special because it used to be Dad's, and it was the first handgun review I published. Since then, lots of folks have enjoyed it - and many shooters have chimed in with their own opinions of and experiences with the S&W 66. So you get to see some great photos of a fine old revolver, read up on what makes it great and not-so-great, and read what other folks have to say while you're at it. And if you feel the urge, you can always contribute by telling us what you think of the Model 66!
Read About the S&W Model 66 Stainless Steel 357 Magnum Revolver