There is nothing more aggravating than having a cooler that can’t keep up with your lifestyle. Life can be demanding, whether you are working or having fun. You need a cooler that can keep up with you. That is why looked into The Roadie cooler from Yeti.
Roadie is a person who loads and unloads equipment for a band. This is a person who is always on the road and doesn’t have the comforts of home or a refrigerator to keep their drinks or food refrigerated. I think the meaning behind Yeti giving their cooler the Roadie name, is they know that this cooler will always be on the go and not stored in your garage.
One of the benefits of being a mobile cooler with these dimensions (OUTSIDE 14 3/8” × 19” × 13 ¾” / INSIDE 10” × 13” × 8 3/8” ),it will fit anywhere without getting in the way. The Roadie is perfect for camping, boating, kayaking and canoeing. The other application that the name refers to is it’s a great traveling companion. The Roadie fits in the truck cab with you making everything you need easy to access while on the road. You don’t have to worry about it taking up to much room or making a mess, as it will not condensate on your seats or floor. It makes a great armrest while riding shotgun too.
One of the other features that all the Yeti Tundra coolers have are the bear proof seal. Add a couple of locks and your food is secure. The Roadie is small and light enough weighing in at 15 pounds, it is not unreasonable to pull the cooler up into a tree when you are in bear country. Bear proofing your camp is a breeze with the Yeti construction, especially the way the form-fitting lid inter-locks with the cold-lock gasket. The Roadie has a full-length handle that locks in place to assist in ease of transport or tying off to for bear proofing your camp. The handle folds back out of the way when it is not needed almost like it is not there. The lid design and sealing gasket keeps food cool and when locked down with the heavy-duty rubber latches helps to conceal the food odor that would attract bears in the first place. This gasket also seals out heat and cold in.
The Roadie is the smallest of the Tundra series with all the features. Yeti has put many design features into making these coolers adaptable to what ever you are doing. Yeti offers a ton of accessories for the Tundra series, which are explained in detail on their website.
I have used several Yeti products the Tumbler, Tundra 35 and the Roadie. I have been very satisfied with all of their products. I have found that they live up to the Yeti claims and well worth the price you pay. These products are tough, well made, and they last. I can promise you I have spent way more on replacing other coolers over the years, if I would have just bought the best up front, I would have saved a lot of money and heartache.
I use my Roadie, not just when I am in the woods, but also during the day on the construction site. This cooler is never out of place, it can be transition from your canoe to your camp ground to your pickup truck at work. It will be with you on the road as long as you are.
It’s tough to sell what you don’t understand. Counter staff may know the locals and have a reputation as a good hunter or a great shot, but if they can’t convey a knowledge of products above that of the customer, the customer is likely to find another resource when it comes to making purchasing decisions.
Sell-through is what keeps revenue flowing and the doors open. Well-trained counter sellers ensure a higher number of likely customers are converted into paying customers. Over time, this is how the store can develop a reputation not only as a supplier of goods, but as a resource for information. This type of word-of-mouth advertising among hunters and shooters is invaluable to the long-term success of the store.
Not only does a properly trained counter staff improve initial sales, it is more equipped to make appropriate add-on-sales suggestions. The power of add-on sales, with a customer already committed to purchasing product from the store, drives up the average transaction amount, and often the profit on each transaction, as the add-on products are typically higher-margin items than the initial product. A counter person, with a firm understanding of products, and his or her features and benefits is capable of making better suggestions with an informed and authoritative tone without seeming pushy. This can be accomplished only through training.
Why Online Training Matters
With technology and products changing almost daily, a consistent ongoing-training regimen is of vital importance. For a store that carries thousands of stock keeping units (SKUs), with hundreds of brands, taking on such a training workload is virtually impossible.
Luckily, as manufacturers and independent sales-rep groups have evolved, they are valuing training as an important part of their role in the relationship with their dealers. A cottage industry of third-party vendors dedicated to helping manufacturers make their training easy and accessible. Using these three resources to supplement the in-store protocol training employees receive is an easy, low-cost way to set your store apart from local competition.
Manufacturers spend considerable time and resources to educate the public about their brand or product. Modern consumers have more outlets to investigate products, which means brands are focused on creating an image that is consistent and impactful to potential customers. A significant factor in how the brand is perceived by consumers is how the brand is communicated by those selling the product.
“It’s vital for sell-through,” remarked Joel Smith, Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Outdoor Group, when asked about training retail employees. “Today’s customers are more sophisticated and knowledgeable than ever. If the customer knows more than the person selling the product, it hurts that employee’s ability to sell.”
Establishing employees as a resource for the products being sold is crucial to the credibility of the shop.
“Fifteen years ago I was on the other side of the counter,” added Smith, who once worked at a nationwide sporting good retail store. “I can count on one hand the number of in-store trainings we had from anyone. We had some computer-based training, but it was voluntary. We were trained on protocol for the store, but the product was never the focus. Now, it’s very much a continuing education process. Especially as you see more brands go towards a certification model for store employees to be able to work on some products or handle specific lines.”
“They Said It”
Brad Gross, recently named National Sales Manager for Styrka Optics, echoed Smith’s thoughts.
“Nobody working the counter in a retail shop wants to get themselves over a barrel when a customer asks a question. If there are products the employees aren’t comfortable with, they are naturally going to want to avoid those products. Our job is to give those
employees the tools needed to help consumers make the right product selection.”
I asked Gross what effect overall brand recognition plays in getting retail employees engaged with a brand, and his response was interesting:
“It can cut both ways. People generally fall into two groups: those who are brand loyal and those who experiment. As a newer optics brand, there are some people that look right over Styrka. They might have seen us here or there, but they carry the flag for another brand. Of course I would like to have them as customers, but I can’t hold loyalty against them. But you also have the folks that like trying something new and different. The kind of person that likes having something before their friends do. Those two types of people exist as retail employees, too. We have a quality product, and yes we are new, but that means we have something to talk about. That can work in our favor.”
Gross has a unique perspective, as prior to coming to Styrka he was the principal of his own rep group, M.I.N.K States Marketing, for the last 20 years.
“I’ve gone from spending my time being trained by brands to being at a brand working to train my sales people,” Gross said, adding a chuckle. “Brands and reps have one thing in common: they owe it to their retailers to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed. That means helping to drive sales and maximize profits. The best way to do that is to help the employees come to work as prepared as we can make them.”
As Gross said, independent sales representatives are tasked with being up-to-date on numerous ever-changing brands and being able to speak intelligently about them at all times. A strong sales rep spends a great deal of time receiving training on their brands so they can communicate confidently with shop owners. Since their livelihood depends on shops selling through the product brought into the store, it is important to the rep that the counter employees in the store are able to sell that product as effectively as possible.
Brad Ruddell, President of Mountain States Sports Marketing, offered this when asked about training:
“Our view focuses on the relationships we have with our customers, and building trust that we are there to support them. When you have that level of cooperation, you have a partnership that allows you work with individuals or the entire group.
“We are in contact with our retailers every single day, so training takes on many forms. It might be a 5-minute phone call, chatting about product over a meal before the shop opens or after it closes, ahead of a special promotion or when a new line comes into the store. That makes for thousands of doughnuts and hundreds of pizza over the years when working with retail employees!
“We work hard to be proactive, but if a store needs more help we make it a priority to get there as quickly as possible and have all the support materials their employees need to help make the brand a success.”
Is Online Training Easy To Learn?
The internet has made access to information easier than ever, and recently third-party vendors have used the internet to make access to training more reliable, consistent and timely. Allowing brands and manufacturers to build specific training programs, third-party vendors establish a catalog of brands that retail locations can draw on to keep their employees educated on the latest products and trends. In some cases, the store employees are rewarded with discounts or products for completing that training.
Perhaps the most recognizable name in this space is 3point5.com. Its online, module-based training platform has been one of the most popular training tools for brands and retailers over the last decade. Currently in a bit of a rebrand to eXperticity, 3point5 boasts 750 brand clients and literally 1 million experts using its platform. Because the training is online and trackable, metrics are available to show progress of employees and to let brands know what shops, and employees, are working hardest to further their message. Because it is online, it is infinitely flexible and accessible to virtually any interested store or employee.
There are some newer players in the third-party arena, as well. One such platform is Brandlive. It uses an interactive live video platform to deliver timely and specific information from brands to retail employees. Rather than using modules to test on product information (though that option is available), Brandlive creates a high-level of engagement with a relevant-brand employee to those attending the online live-video event. A live feedback mechanism allows for real-time conversation with the on-camera expert — meaning your employee can ask meaningful questions of the sharpest, most knowledgeable member of the manufacturer’s team and get a live result. No phone tag. No guessing. It’s authentic and satisfying and eliminates misinformation greatly.
“It also archives the video for staff who couldn’t tune in live,” added Mac Howard, Vice President of Strategic Markets at Brandlive. “Or if they missed something important during the live broadcast, they can go back and find what they missed.
“Resources are as tight as ever for brands and retailers. Trying to do this type of training in person would use massive amounts of time and money. Those are things neither can spare. By bringing these parties together digitally, we can largely replicate the best parts of the interactions while minimizing cost. It’s really about having access to the right person, the right product and the right messaging at the right time. Whether it’s on a desktop, iPad or smartphone, the event is easily accessible from wherever the employees happen to be.”
Signing Up For Online Training
Currently, access to these training sessions are managed by the brands. Unlike other training programs, it isn’t possible for shops to sign up for the service and access brand training. With more brands being added, ask if the brand you would like to see is using the Brandlive platform. A great deal of time, energy and capital is put into training sales. Customer service staffs and in marketing of products to the consumer. When that consumer arrives at a store front, however, sometimes the biggest breakdown in the educational cycle is the retail employee not realizing the customer is looking to for advice. Sometimes turnover can be a factor. Aside from keeping employees longer, there isn’t much that can be done to eliminate that issue.
You have a number of partners in your business who have a vested interest in seeing your sales staff succeed. Consider using them to your benefit. After all, these partners are all fully capable of assisting you in developing an efficient training schedule. This will create a destination for knowledgeable staff that can help make the best possible purchases.
Crimson Trace has been a market leader for more than 20 years in consumer, military and law enforcement laser-sighting optics. It delivers approximately $44 Million in yearly revenue for the company. With more than 200 products, Crimson Trace is widely recognized as the world’s leading laser sight brand. The company has developed award-winning innovations including the Lasergrip, Laserguard, Defender Series, new LiNQ wireless activation system and Rail Master platforms.
The company maintains a product development team that has an established track record of launching high-quality, innovative laser-sighting products. Crimson Trace has earned the trust of large and small retailers with its product assortment, quality, service and margins. There are now hundreds of independent retailers selling Crimson Trace products.
As a laser-sighting company, there is a need to make products for more than one brand. Crimson Trace answers that call with models designed specifically for 20 firearms manufacturers with hundreds of models to choose from. And also the universal fit models add fitment to hundreds of additional models. Their OEM partnerships have been strong with many companies, however with 25 percent of its overall revenue coming from Smith & Wesson (S&W) related sales, a relationship with S&W has an already proven track record. This year Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation made that relationship permanent with its purchase and acquisition of Crimson Trace. Crimson Trace appears to be an excellent acquisition target for S&W with organically generated 10-year compound annual revenue growth rate in excess of 10 percent.
James Debney, Smith & Wesson President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “As the undisputed leader in the market for laser sighting products, Crimson Trace serves as an ideal platform for our new Electro-Optics Division. Firearms purchasers frequently buy electro-optic accessories to enhance the capabilities and performance of their firearms. The growth that Crimson Trace has delivered is a testament to the high product quality and the robust product development capability that Lane Tobiassen and his team have established. That capability, combined with Crimson Trace’s leadership position in the market, provides a solid framework for organic and inorganic growth.”
The market takes notice of these types of acquisitions simply because, in this example, the other 75 percent of Crimson Trace’s revenue is derived from products developed for other non-S&W brands like H&K, Glock, Kahr and others. The industry wants to understand how this acquisition will change how retailers, distributors and other firearms manufacturers work with Crimson Trace now under the S&W umbrella. Another acquisition should not be surprising since S&W has been acquiring companies for some time and currently owns S&W, Thompson Center, Taylor Brands and Battenfeld Technologies. Shooting Sports Retailer had an opportunity to interview Lane Tobiassen, President of Crimson Trace and the newly appointed the President of the new Electro-Optics Division of Smith & Wesson, to understand his strategy going forward for Crimson Trace and the new division.
SSR: The expectation is that things change each time a company is purchased by a firearms conglomerate. How will the overall marketing strategy of Crimson Trace change for retailers and distributors under the S&W brand?
Tobiaseen: S&W is an incredible brand with vast and deep customer support capabilities which we plan to leverage. Crimson Trace is now the foundation and focal point of the electro-optics division of S&W, but Crimson Trace will continue to go forward (with support) just as we have also have. We have over 2000 retail customers of all sizes and still have the same field strategy and resources. Our retailers, distributors and OEM partners can expect that support will not change from a subtraction of product support but actually should see an increase of support through the capabilities now available with S&W.
SSR: Will the Crimson Trace management team, workforce and operations remain in Wilsonville, Oregon?
Tobiassen: Yes, the plan is to continue the operation in Wilsonville, Oregon. There are no plans at all to move the operations. We have some highly trained assembly workers which are dedicated to assembly. Under S&W, we do have some shared services components such as finance, HR and IT support which we will integrate into the Crimson Trace infrastructure.
SSR: Can you elaborate on what the market can expect would change with your OEM relationships and/or competitive (non-S&W) pistol models?
Tobiassen: S&W was an OEM customer prior to the acquisition, however we have 50 other OEM SKUs (stock keeping units) of other non-S&W manufacturer focused products, and we are committed to grow and continue to pursue these opportunities. S&W was strongly in support of continual growth of these relationships and models. A significant percentage of our growth is with new products and the expectation is that those products should serve more than just Smith & Wesson’s markets. We introduced the LinQ. It’s the first wireless laser-sighting system that is applicable to any AR platform. That type of innovation will definitely continue into the future product beyond S&W branded firearms.
SSR: It was noted that you would become the President of the new Electro-Optics Division of Smith & Wesson. As the new Electro-
Optics President, would you like to see S&W expand beyond laser-based optics to other types of optics?
Tobiassen: Certainly. The long-term strategy is to expand far beyond just laser optics. Expansion of the product line was the very reason why an electro-optics division was created. The S&W strategy is to identify complementary products to the S&W core business. Crimson Trace was the first of those products identified and ultimately acquired. Due to the large percentage of shared business the fit between our companies was natural. However, there are many more products on the market that fit into that mindset. The vision for the electro-optics business is beyond just Crimson Trace’s existing laser sighting. It’ll include electric, laser, tritium, scope, magnifiers, rangefinders, integrated systems, night vision and thermal. Some of that growth will be organic and some of that will be in-organic acquisitions of other companies.
The future growth piece is something we are very excited about. The acquisition is the start of something which we will continue to grow on as we identify and develop new market opportunities. The growth will not be immediate into those other markets. Right now the focus is on lights and lasers, but we will look for opportunities to expand beyond that. S&W has a growing portfolio of the brands which it rigorously strives to preserve. Very deliberately, the expansion of the electro-optics division model requires the right execution and timing. We will do it in the right way and do it at the right time.
SSR: What types of resources does the Crimson Trace team now have available as part of the S&W team?
Tobiassen: S&W is an enormously powerful brand with so many marketing, sales and support opportunities. Our existing resources will stay in place; however, we can draft off of being associated with an expansively connected company. Being directly integrated into S&W infrastructure is not something Crimson Trace had access to before the acquisition.
SSR: Crimson Trace had a strong marketing presence before the acquisition. How will that change?
Tobiassen: Crimson Trace was already executing at a high level from a marketing perspective before the execution. We don’t see there was a lot of unmet opportunity that we were missing with the capabilities he had available, but under the S&W umbrella we have plans to expand and build on that.
SSR: Is there anything you specifically want retailers, distributors and other manufacturers to know?
Tobiassen: Crimson Trace was established over 20 years ago, we continue to want people understand there is high continuity of the Crimson Trace line and support which S&W and my team are dedicated to continue to expand. Our commitment is to continue to support all our customers without interruption.
Final Thoughts
One of the prominent points during the interview was how important and strategic S&W considered the
Crimson Trace acquisition.
Unlike many purchased companies who are simply rolled up into a holding company, S&W has created an entirely new electro-optics division to further expand beyond Crimson Trace’s current product line.
Beyond the other previous S&W acquisitions, retailers should expect that S&W’s catalog may be significantly bigger in the coming years.
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 183 – tonight we’ll talk about Vertx, Faxon Barrels, Rebel Silencers, Black Label Tactical, defense keychains, ReCover Tactical and more!
At one point in history, only kings and nobility hunted. The king owned the animals and the forest, and the common man was a poacher.
Today we enjoy the outdoors. The animals belong to the people. All you need is to access land that you want to hunt on.
Hunters come from all walks of life. Hunting as a sport embraces everyone. Young or old, blue collar or white collar, man or woman. The great thing about the woods is that the deer don’t know nor care what your bank account is like.
Hunting doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate. And sometimes, the best solution to a problem while hunting is the most frugal and simple.
In the spirit of saving as much cash as possible and bringing new hunters into the fold, we’re going to dive deep into making hunting more affordable.
Keep it in Perspective
The real secret of keeping hunting affordable is to keep it real. You can kill animals with a pointy stick. In my early years, I hunted everything with a smooth bore “Remington 870 Defense” clone bought on a black Friday sale for $150.
Deer? Slugs. Squirrels? Bird Shot. Turkey? No. 4 and get ‘em real close.
Of course, this gun was also my home defense and truck gun. Took it everywhere it made sense and killed dozens of heads of game with it. Worked like a mad dog until I got a real rifle. I knew of two guys that did the same thing with .357 magnum revolvers as a concealed carry piece, a home defense weapon, and medium game gun.
Remember people hunted animals for thousands of years dressed in loin clothes and carrying pointy sticks. If you already have a set of work clothes, a weapon, a place to hunt and pockets to carry a lunch in, you’re set to hunt!
3 Things to Remember When Purchasing Equipment
1. Don’t Buy Gear You Don’t Need
The best advice for making hunting affordable is to never buy the equipment you don’t ABSOLUTELY need. This means if you purchase a tree stand, it most likely comes with a basic harness so you don’t necessarily need to buy another one.
This also includes nice-to-have things like chemical hand warmers, scent control spray, or game attractants. Pick what you need for the season and your specific hunting conditions.
2. Don’t Buy Gear You Won’t Use Every Hunt
If you think you won’t use a piece of equipment every single hunt you go to, don’t purchase.
Even if you say “I’ll buy a cheap version” it’ll still be a loss in the end. Things like tree stand accessories, camera equipment, and multiple tree stands, anything disposable — it’s almost always a waste. If you don’t need it every hunt, you probably don’t need it at all.
3. Don’t Buy Extra ‘Flashy’ Equipment
This is usually where a budget starts to balloon.
I am the worst at this when purchasing emergency equipment. I carry multiple tourniquets, trauma packs, extra GPS, all kinds of gear in case the weather gets bad or the going gets tough.
Will I ever need that 3rd tourniquet in my pack? If I knew, I either wouldn’t have bought it or I’d be carrying a 4th. The downside is that each of those tourniquets cost $30. Extra GPS $100. Yeah, this racquet gets expensive quick. Use the KISS Principle and remember that ounces equal pounds and pounds equal a sore body in the field.
Yes, you can find videos online of guys who carry almost 25 lbs of gear into the woods, at least they claim to.
This applies to skills out of the woods too. If you’re a good woodsman, you don’t need bait. If you learn how to use a mouth call for turkey season, do you need a new box call? Can you sharpen your broadheads without a specialized tool?
Once you learn to perform well in the woods, you’re going to need less equipment.
The more experience you have in the woods, the less gear you’ll carry. Just like a seasoned mechanic knows the tools he uses 99% of the time, you’ll start to find the equipment that suits you. It’s fine to splurge on that gear, and buy branded, high-quality items.
For any other piece of gear you think you might need, either find a way to do it with the tools you already have or find a way not to need it. However, if you really NEED that kit, buy a good model instead of a cheap one that can be easily destroyed.
License & Land
License Costs
There are a few places you simply can’t cut corners on when it comes to hunting, things like license costs.
Sometimes if you want an opportunity, then you’re going to have to pay up. When you’re planning for these costs, try and take advantage of the system by buying licenses when it makes sense, and take advantage of discounts.
Most states have huge discounts for lifetime licenses. So far, this is the greatest value in the hunting world. Swallow the high up front cost and get one. Maybe even save yourself some money by buying your kids license while they’re young and before it gets too expensive.
Land Costs
Public Land
Public land’s primary incentive is that it’s very cost effective and sometimes free. For the cost of a habitat stamp or usage fee, you can have access to thousands or even millions of acres of land. The problem is that every hunter, horseback rider, camper, squatter and every American does too.
I’ve had hunts ruined by just about every type of person you can imagine, including a picket line, so it helps to have a backup plan. There’s normally little or no trophy management outside drawn tags or permits. For this reason, public land is dubious. Private Land
Private land is always the best. Whether you own or leased it, either way, good land is going to be scarce and expensive so plan accordingly. That’s the only bad part.
Snatch up cheap land costs when you can and hold on to them for as long as you can. Otherwise, you’re going to regret it.
If you’re on a budget, I’d say try and avoid these types of leases because if you can afford one cheaply, you probably won’t see much game on it. A contract that costs $500 a year in some areas may cost $1000 in others, and you’ll be surprised at how expensive they can get.
I’ve personally seen $10,000 per year for an unmanaged tract in the Green Swamp Region of Florida. Borrowed Land
Borrowed land is usually as good as it gets for a hunter on a shoestring budget.
Family, friends, or neighbors will sometimes let you hunt on their property. Cherish it. Take care of their assets when you get the chance. Remember their birthdays and relish the opportunity.
When you usually get small family owned tracts of land to hunt on, you’re the only hunter there. This is the ideal situation!
Ask everyone you meet for leads on land for hunting. Everyone. Otherwise, you may never get the shot to hunt on anything but public land.
Inexpensive Hunt Tips & Tricks
Use Discount Cards
When you buy gear, especially expensive ones, you should use a store rewards card to get bonus points later on to get your discount. Avoid using a store credit card because you’ll end up paying more in the end, even if they offer a promotion or bonus points.
Don’t Buy Specialty Food
If you’re headed into the back country, it can be tempting to buy expensive dehydrated meals to take with you. Don’t do it. They cost a ton, and you can just buy regular food from the grocery store to take with you. Just Google around and learn.
Share Equipment When You Can
If you’re going to establish a food plot and put a ladder stand on it, look for someone to split the cost of the food plot and ladder stand. Yes, you have to get creative but sharing the costs when purchasing equipment is an excellent way to drive down expenses.
Make Your Equipment
Tree stands, ground blinds, scent control spray, even camouflage clothing can be improvised for very little cost. Clothes bought at Good Will or the Arm Navy store can be dyed in Rit Dye for next to nothing. Natural ground blinds are free if you can build one, and a tree stand can be as simple as a wooden platform bolted to a tree trunk.
Get creative and look for tips online to improvise equipment, just be safe and cautious.
Don’t Eat Out
When you go hunting, eating out on the way to and from is the best way to burn your budget.
If you’re just heading to the deer lease across the county, eat before you go and buy snacks at the grocery store. Stay away from inflated prices at the gas station.
If you’re traveling cross country, pack a camping stove and cooler full of groceries, and stop at a rest area and cook. It’s healthier and much cheaper.
Hunt Public Land
Public land is not a place to introduce a new hunter to but is an excellent way to cut your budget. Depending on the state you live in, public land can be a viable option as long as you apply the proper amount of boot leather and scouting beforehand.
Don’t Travel Cross Country for a Lease
Yeah, it may be tempting to pull up roots and hunt in a state or two over.
I live in Florida and see it happen every year. Masses of people hauling camo colored ATV’s and bow cases in their trucks sometimes as much as 800 miles out of state to hunt. Not only are they paying for the lease, but also the huge costs of vehicle wear and tear, fuel, and expensive out of state licenses to hunt.
Bad move financially, stay local.
Camp Whenever Possible
Hotels get expensive when you’re supposed to be hunting.
If you’re traveling to your hunting destination, sleep and drive in shifts. Once you get there, camp. You’re meant to be hunting, and hotels are a huge waste of time and money if you can camp in the place you’re hunting.
Hunt Closer to Home
Fuel is expensive.
If you’re not destination hunting, hunt close to home. This saves you a lot of time on travel and money in fuel, not to mention the wear and tear on your vehicle.
Often, visiting several counties is only for trophy potential or slightly better habitat that may or may not is better in the long run.
Start Planning a Year Out
If you know you want an expensive hunting season next year, start planning well in advance so you have time to save up.
If it’s a trip to hunt with family or you drew a tag in a hard to draw area, then you want an itinerary for a full 12 months, at least. That way, you can spread out the savings and expenses enough to be able to afford the trip.
Share the Costs
Carpooling saves money. Splitting the cost of groceries saves money. So add more people in your deer lease. Look for ways to reduce cost by adding more people sharing the cost of the hunt.
Hunt Harder, Less Often
If you’re going to hunt, give it the absolute best try you can. Get up early, use the best stand, pack plenty of food and supplies, and do it only when the time is right.
Sure, we’d all love to hunt 12 weekends a year but that isn’t always feasible. Maybe hunting a scant 3 or 4 times a year at prime moments and going all out for that hunt is cheaper.
You use fewer supplies but can be more efficient because you only need a single stand site or two and need far less scouting. This is one of the best but hardest to implement strategies for saving money while hunting.
Have Fun Without Breaking The Budget
Don’t be discouraged if you can’t afford the highest quality gear on the market. Hunting is a fun sport. It’s not a competition, it’s not a chore, and most can’t get enough.
All you need is a gear that is good enough to enjoy yourself. If you want to save on the equipment you want, go ahead and splurge rather than regretting the cheap buy in the long run. For most hunters, hunting is their only outlet. If you can justify the purchase, go ahead and enjoy it.
Hunting does not have to be all about ultralight bows, brand new tree stands and scent control clothing. It can be about you vs. the wild and going to the woods with bare bones kit and triumphing over your quarry.
In Gunfighter Cast Episode GC-125 I answered questions that I have been getting from listeners of the show and addressed a few on the spot as I recorded this live on Facebook. I talked about AIWB, armor, holsters, purchasing and helping someone purchase their first defensive handgun and more.
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The big news in January was the Army’s declaration that the SIG P320 won the modular handgun trial. Needless to say, the folks at SIG Sauer’s Shot Show booth were quite excited. The SIG P320, equipped with a manual safety, would be the M17 in Army nomenclature.
The big question is will the other ground fighting force the United States Military uses adopt the pistol? I’m of course talking about the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps and the military as a whole has traditionally followed the movements of the Army.
Why the Marine Corps could adopt the Sig P320
Logistics. Standardization is an important part of logistics for a combined fighting force. Plus the Army’s massive budget makes it capable of testing and evaluating new firearms more effectively than the other branches.
The Marine Corps can piggyback on their testing and save the funds necessary to test a completely different handgun. They can use the same contract process, and save a lot of time, and energy.
The Marine Corps is looking to replace the M9 in the early 2020s according to the Marine Corps times. By then the SIG P320 will be in service with the Army and the Marine Corps will have a good idea of its success or failure.
Currently, the M9 is far from beloved with the United States Marines and troops have very little confidence in the weapon. The M9s in the armory are also quite old and have lived a rough life in my experience with the platform.
The Marine Corps has also expressed interest in having a modular handgun platform. The main fighting forces will be using the full-sized variant, and special operations may desire the compact variant. The SIG P320 offers that adaptability.
The Marine Corps is currently working to modernize its combat fighting force. The Marine Corps is conducting experiments with infantry battalions to see what works and what doesn’t.
3rd Battalion, 5th Marines issued the M27 IAR to every infantry Marine during training and a deployment. The intent was to see how well an entire battalion of M27 equipped Marines could fight.
Three Companies from three different battalions issued every Marine a detachable suppressor for their rifles and machine guns. The intent was to see how the suppressors could improve on communication and warfighting ability.
If the Marine Corps is serious about modernizing, and want a pistol within the next 10 years the SIG P320 offers a very modern design.
The SIG P320 appears to be the most modular handgun on the market. With the ability to swap different size frames and barrels with ease it makes sense for the Marines. One of the Modular Handgun directives was an option for accepting a suppressor. If the Marine Corps is interested in utilizing suppressor equipped weapons the SIG P320 is an off the shelf option.
The P226, like the M9, is a handgun older in service and may also be replaced by the P320/M17 putting military forces under one modular handgun
Why the Marine Corps may not adopt the SIG P320
The Marine Corps is slowly edging away from standardization with the Army. The Global War on Terror made the Marine Corps’ arsenal unique. From the adoption of the ACOG to fielding the M16A4 until 2015. The Marines also kept the M4, instead of adopting the M4A1. They even decided to utilize a different 5.56 load than the Army.
The adoption of the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle to replace the SAW was the biggest major change and move away from the Army’s arsenal. Now the Marines may be adopting the M27 as the standard infantry rifle, putting them further away from standardization with the Army.
The wars in the Middle East blurred the lines of the Marine Corps unique mission profile. The Marine Corps is still an amphibious fighting force, even though they’ve spent almost two decades in the desert. The SIG P320 may not fit well in an amphibious role. Then again it may fit the role perfectly. The Army’s testing data may not be sufficient for the United States Marine Corps.
The Glock 19 seems to have a place with the Marine Corps Special Operations Command. MARSOC units have adopted the Glock 19 and standardized the Glock 19 over the 1911 and M9 handguns. If the Glock 19 proves to be popular with MARSOC it could leak into the main Marine Corps community as a Marine tested and approved handgun.
Will it be the SIG?
Following the modernization in a post-Iraq and Afghan War world will be interesting. Our current President is dedicating a big chunk of money to the military, so now is an advantageous time to start shopping for handguns. If they choose to go a different route than the SIG Sauer P320, it will be a fascinating experiment.
For those wanting to get right to business follow the link Here
But for the rest of the readers here is the news.
Minuteman Watch Co. owner Tom Carey has partnered with Zac Brown’s (yes that Zac Brown) Southern Grind knife company to produce a limited run of Minuteman USA Spider Monkey’s.
The Made in the USA knives feature an S35VN steel blade. For those not versed in steel.. that’s REALLY good blade steel. A G10 grip finishes off the package with the SG and MM USA Logos on the blade and belt clip. It’s a phenomenal knife.
Here’s why you should order the limited edition (ends on May 31st)
The Red Circle Foundation
RCF is a rapid funding project for the families of fallen SOF (Special Operational Forces) personnel. They do in hours what most relief funding initiatives take weeks to do when a family loses their loved one. They provide immediate emergency funding to help make things easier at home and keep the wheels on track while the mourn the fallen.
Your purchase helps RCF, proceeds on these knives are filling the tanks of Red Circle so they can send that money QRF style right to the next family that needs it.
Follow think links at the bottom of the Minuteman Watch Co. release from the link above or go right to it and order that steel here for $229.95 your knife will arrive after August at some point once complete.
By the authority vested in me as President and Commander in Chief of the Militia by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to ensure the ability of citizens of the United States to defend themselves, their communities and their States, as well as to ensure the safety and security of our Nation, I hereby order as follows:
Section 1. Purpose. Both individual and community safety are critically important to the national security of the United States. Terrorism, transnational criminal activity and potential acts of war by foreign nations present a significant threat to national security and our citizens, who have the right and the duty to defend themselves, their communities, their States and the Nation.
Section 2. Policy. It is the policy of the executive branch to:
(a) Support and defend the Constitution, including the Second Amendment right of citizens to keep and bear arms for Militia purposes, as well as self-defense. (b) Encourage citizens to be prepared to act as members of the Militia to defend communities, States and the Nation, as part of the common defense contemplated by the Constitution of the United States. (c) Discourage restrictions by States and political subdivisions on individual possession of firearms suitable for Militia purposes by citizens of the United States.
Section 3. Definitions. (a) “Militia” has the meaning given the term in Title 10, Section 311 of the United States Code to include the Unorganized Militia, as well as the meaning given to the term “Militia” under equivalent State statutes. (b) “Self-Defense” shall mean the actions of citizens to defend themselves and their families from physical attack. (c) “Communities” shall mean neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties and other political subdivisions of citizens who live in distinct geographic areas within a State. (d) “State” shall mean one of the fifty States of the United States. (e) “Militia Purposes” shall mean training, practice and preparedness which could improve the ability of a citizen to act, and to be armed in case of a need to act, as a current or future member of a local, State or National organization commanded by government officials and responsive to a physical threat. Appropriate organizations include those commanded by an elected county or city Sheriff; those commanded by the Governor of a State through officers of that State’s Defense Force as authorized by Title 30, Section 109 of the United States Code, or through officers of that State’s National Guard; and organizations commanded by the President through officers of the Active or Reserve components of U.S. Armed Forces. (f) “Militia Rifles” shall mean the firearms designated in Section 4 that are made in America and suitable for use in self-defense, community defense, defense of States and defense of the Nation.
Section 4. Designation of Militia Rifles. That the following firearms and accessories are authorized and appropriate for individual citizens to keep and bear for Militia purposes under the Constitution and the laws of the United States: (a) The AR-15 and similar semi-automatic rifles, to include flash suppressors and bayonet lugs, magazines of up to thirty round capacities, M-7 bayonets, and ammunition in 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington, in all quantities. (b) The M1A and similar semi-automatic rifles, to include flash suppressors and bayonet lugs, magazines of up to twenty round capacities, M-6 bayonets, and ammunition in 7.62 NATO or .308 Winchester, in all quantities. (c) The M1 Garand and similar semi-automatic rifles, to include flash suppressors and bayonet lugs, M-5 bayonets, and ammunition in .30-’06 Springfield, in all quantities. (d) Bolt action rifles in the calibers of .30-’06 Springfield; 7.62 NATO or .308 Winchester; 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington; or any substantially equivalent caliber, and ammunition appropriate for the rifles, in any quantity. (This list could easily be expanded or replaced by a broad definition.)
Section 5. Pre-emption. This Executive Order is intended to pre-empt the laws of States or political subdivisions that infringe upon the rights of citizens to keep and bear the arms designated in Section 4.
Section 6. Judicial Notice. That the judges of all State and Federal Courts are hereby given notice that possession of the designated Militia Rifles and accessories by citizens should not be restricted or infringed upon by State laws or the laws of a political subdivision of a State and any such law should be reviewed under the strict scrutiny standard to determine whether it is a violation of the Constitution of the United States after judicial consideration of this Order and the fact that it was issued by the Commander in Chief of the Militia.
That is the speculative proposed wording of an order to protect certain arms the Commander in Chief, President Trump, considers Militia suitable to garner them stronger protections under the Second Amendment.
The order has strong points and weak points to its design that I want to highlight.
Section 1.
Affirms the concept of the “Whole People” being the Militia.
Section 2.
Affirms the current administrations support for the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Second Amendment, and encourages the personal exercise of responsibility under it. It also calls out States that have highly restrictive laws and this seems to be most directly a result of the 4th Circuit ruling toward Maryland on their Assault Weapons Ban.
Section 3.
Definitions
Section 4.
Lists the “Militia Rifles” under Definition (f) from Section 3. AR15, M1A, M1 Garand, “and similar rifles” as well as listing 5.56x45mm/.223 Remington ammunition, 7.62x51mm/.308 Winchester ammunition, and 30-06 ammunition. Also listed are bolt action rifles in those calibers.
Section 5.
Preemption, this EO is designed to directly dismantle state Assault Weapon Bans to a degree by cutting down most of the legal language listing these rifles as dangerous and/or unusual and classifying them as suitable.
Section 6.
Judicial notice is given to the state and federal courts to give credence to the preemption.
I want to emphasize again this is entirely speculative.
If implemented there would be several positive results. The most prominent are the legal challenges set to occur if the order were published and signed. Those gains would be substantial for the second amendment in several states.
But there are weaknesses and detriments to the order also and we need to highlight those to address, correct, improve, or remove them.
This is an EO, it can be rescinded by a new President or by the current one at will. It is not law and may create unexpected or unforeseen changes in the laws of the nation and various states. Because of the naming of specific firearms I see a patchwork ban and non ban list similar to Canada ‘s laws being feasible. For example is the SCAR17 similar enough to an AR15 or the M1A is it or is it not a “Militia Rifle” based on definitions. Based on my reading I’d say no it isn’t, despite it being a US service rifle.
Definitions and language. “and similar rifles” is vague and holds no meaning until someone gives it parameters. What those parameters will be is unknown and no guidance is provided. Will it be any semi auto firearm that can meet a caliber/capacity requirement or within given parameters meet requirements? Will it be up to states do decide exceptions or additions. Framework is necessary
Caliber listings. Seems to exclude less popular but still effective rounds even in named platforms. .300 AAC Blackout/7.62×35, 6.8x43mm SPC, 7.62x39mm. All pistol caliber carbines are also unlisted.
Made in America. This could end up excluding any 922r converted firearms even if they are suitable mechanically from all stand points
Preemption. An EO is not a law and the influence this could have or the impact is largely unknown
Judicial Notice. Again like the Preemption this is not law, its impact and scope of influence are largely unknown. The EO is kind of a sternly worded note…
I also want people to be expressly aware of repercussions. The wording of this gives ample opportunity for state and national legislatures to chase after greater restrictions non protected firearms with the full notice that the Trump administration, the Commander-in-Chief himself, does not believe they suit the requirements.
Muzzle devices like most modern rifle accessories have a myriad of designs in use. Some are expertly designed and accomplish their intended roles, others are a pile of promises and no results… looking better than they perform.
For the most part a muzzle device can do one thing well, you have to choose. It’s the nature of expanding smokeless powder that redirecting it will have benefits and deteriments and you as the end user need to select carefully.
The Citadel LMC (Linear Muzzle Compensator) is one such device and it happens to suit a role I need perfectly. A hands on evaluation is in the works but let me highlight why end users, especially in the SBR community, should consider the Citadel.
Muzzle Devices, General Information
First a real quick run down on muzzle device designations. Names mean things. The effect during firing it mitigates can be found in the name, the effectiveness varies based on design and manufactorer.
Flash Hider: A muzzle device designed to direct expanding gasses to escape in a manner minimizing the visible signature. Hiding as much of the visible flash as possible to aid in concealment and lessen disruption of low light and night adjusted eyes.
Muzzle Break: A muzzle device designed to direct expanding gases rearward around the shooter and interrupt rearward recoil, reducing recoil felt by the shooter in the process.
Compensator: A muzzle device designed to direct the expanding gases to counter muzzle rise during recoil keeping the discharging firearm more level during recoil.
As stated earlier the best muzzle devices focus on one thing. In some cases two can be accomplished well. But any muzzle device reporting to do all three is likely poor at all three.
Back to the Citadel LMC. It’s a Linear Muzzle Compensator. As a compensator the Citadel LMC counters muzzle rise. It does not claim reduced recoil nor reduced muzzle flash signature, in the latter category quite the opposite is noted.
So why am I excited to test the Citadel LMC?
AAC 51T Breakout on my LWRC M6IC PSD
Short Barreled Rifles and the ever growing popularity of pistol style short barrels has shown a point of notice. As you shorten the barrel of a firearm more of the powder burn that is accelerating the round escapes from the muzzle after the round exits. What would hardly produce any signature in a 16 inch barreled rifle produces drastically more dramatic results through an 8 inch barrel. My AAC 51T Breakout is an excellent muzzle break but the amount of gas venting as the round exits needs to be noted.
The amount of noise the shorter barrel generates is substantial, a break directs more of this noise towards the shooter and anyone near them and is half again as close as a conventional rifles muzzle, further increasing the noise.
The increased powder burn off at the muzzle produces a lot of heat, flash, and gas that goes where it is directed to also. This direction is exactly the same as the increased noise.
The Citadel LMC address both of those by design. It channels the full force of expanding gases forward and up. The Linear Muzzle Compensator is designed to live up to its name and discharge directly forward of the shooter. This design reduces the noise, flash, heat, and gas concussive impacts that are common on shorter barrels wearing muzzle breaks or conventional compensators.
10.5″ Barrel with 12″ Talon/TLN Handguard and Citadel LMC
In addition to those advantages directing all the gasses forward allows use of longer handguards. With the aluminum, carbon fiber, or any material not absording the direct venting of the gas a barrel can wear a longer freefloat handguard than its length. This can aid the shooter by providing longer sight radius, more mounting surface, and more comfortable popular shooting positions.
I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this and evaluating the differences it makes while shooting.
As many of you may have noticed there are some subtle mostly behind the scenes changes going on at GAT Daily and GAT Marketing. These changes are being executed to continue to provide you all with superb content that is above all else entertaining and informative.
With that GAT Marketing is proud to officially announce the Editor-in-Chief brought on to facilitate that content mission.
Keith Finch
Keith had been quietly integrated into the GAT Marketing fold a couple months ago to keep things rolling. In that busy time period we never actually acknowledged he was here… mainly because he forgot the announcement project among the other projects on deck.
But here we finally got to it!
Keith comes from a military shooter background. Enlisted in 2006 in the United States Marine Corps he served with the reserve component 1/24 A Co. as a rifleman through squad leader. In 2009 he became a certified firearms and safety instructor through the National Rifle Association, holding rifle, pistol, shotgun, and chief range safety officer credentials. In 2014 he left the service but teaching concealed carry civilian side kept him close to the shooting industry and the military. In 2016 he reenlisted and went into Army Ordnance, Small Arms Repair, to further round out his firearms background.
The shooting and firearms technology industries have been Keith’s pursuit in one form or another for over a decade starting back with the XM8 service rifle project and looking forward to the rifles, sidearms, shotguns, and sights of 2017 and beyond.
From Keith:
“I’m looking forward to bringing you readers continued content from around the industry at the highest quality. Original reviews, previews, training, and anything we can get our hands on here at GAT Marketing to show you all we will. Stay tuned and thanks for reading!”
Keith R Finch
Editor-in-Chief GAT Marketing
MCRGO Certified Instructor
NRA Certified Instructor/CRSO
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 178 – tonight we’ll talk about Howling Raven, Rustic Ridge, Texas, Mission First Tactical, UM Tactical, the Gun Collective and more!
Owner of Patton Media and Consulting as well as Owner of The Gun Collective and host of TGC News.
Our cast for episode 178 is Shawn Herrin, Aaron Krieger, Savage1r, Jeremy Pozderac, Nick Lynch! We are also joined by Ava Flanell from Elite Firearms & Training
If you carry or use a gun to protect yourself an/or your family then you need Second Call Defense. They handle what comes after the trigger is pulled. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get Second Call Defense today!
Our female panelist talks about gear and issues for women in the gun world.
Purse’s
Reality based accessories that solve problems! Manticore Arms makes parts for your fighting rifles, whether it’s an AK, AR-15, AUG, Tavor, CZ Scorpion Evo or even something else!
Rifles and accessories for the AR-15 lover! Whether you need a full rifle or just parts to build one DEZ has your back. High quality, match grade and most parts are made in house.
The absolute best ammo we’ve shot! Match grade primers, match grade powder, virgin brass and top quality projectiles, at range ammo prices. You have got to see it to believe it!
Savage1r goes over the news of the day relating to guns, rights and more!
FOIA Request from Lonelymachines.org reveals that Josh Sugarman, Director of the anti-gun organization, the Violence Policy Center, acquired a kitchen table FFL after having been personally responsible for helping change ATF regulations that virtually eliminated those types of FFL’s. The requirement for having an FFL 01 is that you MUST be in the business of buying and selling guns, Sugarman noted on the form that he would be. That means you are operating a for-profit business. Violence Policy Center is a non-profit entity. However, according to the IRS: To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates. It’s time for someone to go to jail for tax fraud.
After Nevada question 1 passes, fbi refuses to comply with requirements because state does not dictate federal law. State AG declares it unenforceable and will not prosecute. Bloomberg spent $20 million to fail.
Learn how to be a gunsmith in the comfort of your own home. Distance learning that gives you tools and a gun in a box to build as you learn! Whether you want to get more acquianted with your AR-15 or want an associates degree, SDI is the place for you.
Please leave us reviews in iTunes! It makes all the difference!
New Years resolutions for the hosts
by Viking kydex bender on Dec 27, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
I took it upon myself to come up with a few resolutions for all of the hosts in the new year : Nick : the car thing isn’t really working out. Maybe try a bicycle or a scooter, public transport is always a option. No one should go through as many vehicles as you have.Savage : try caffeine. Also try limiting your Reddit re-reads to two thousand words or less. We will all thank you. Ava: your my favorite part of the show, blink twice during the entire course of the show if you want my number Aaron: it’s probably time for you to come to terms with your inevitable foot loss. Resolve to actually shoot something while your hunting before that happens Jeramy: your New Years resolution should be to finally come out of the Bigfoot size closet you have staying in. We get it you choke dudes Shawn : your resolution should be to finally start writing your Nobel prize acceptance speech. You are the nicest person ever and are truly wonderful as the host of the we like shawn I mean shooting show.
Dont forget your Towel?
by towely on Dec 27, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
Hey Savage… you want to get high?
Rogue one
by Jyn Erso on Dec 27, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
So is Jeremy like Vader? I mean he does choke people out all the time… and I am pretty sure in his younger years he was pretty gay.
Buffalo bill.
by Jame Gumb on Dec 27, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
Ava I have noticed you have been getting a little bigger since you started on the show… this is great, you will make a great skin suit.
For those who are quietly interested in silencers/suppressors gaining moment towards coming off of the National Firearms Act. Rep Jeff Duncan reintroduced a version of the Hearing Protection Act, Monday Jan 9 to the House Ways and Means and Judiciary committees.
I for one am looking forward to tracking H.R. 367’s momentum and see it passed allowing those of us that shoot to hear a little better, be more courteous of the noise to our neighbors, and just because its cool.
To be clear. It has not passed and this is not a law… yet.
On February 19th of this month a petition on the White House official page calling for repeal of the National Firearms Act of 1934 closed for signatures…
258,833 people signed
More than twice the necessary number to elicit an official response from the Executive Branch.
While this is only a small measure and could result in a “we’ll look into it” response it puts the federal government on notice that we as gun owners are actively seeking to shape the policies that surround our Second Amendment rights and to remove now asinine limitations and regulations.
This petition was a great first step and will put the Trump administration on record with a response. The potential is there for this to be one of the most Pro-2A administrations in a long time but it will only follow through if we continue to put that pressure on through written notice, education, and vigilance of the issues. There are still plenty of 2A opponents out there who refuse outright to use logic and reason to form objective opinions and still swing the effective emotional outrages around to get the visceral votes to pass terrible legislation.
This is another great step.
But we’re on a ruck march…
Packs on Ladies and Gentlemen, this won’t be easy. It will be worth it.
This round is our staple it is the first caliber we tooled up in, and we make a lot of it!
The brass for our 9mm is fully processed before loading and hand inspected before the process even starts! This round like all of our products is built using only premium components, here at Detroit Bullet Works we do not use any surplus powders or primers to build our ammunition. The powders we use often times are better than those of many OEM manufacturers, producing a cleaner, better cycling round!
