Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
(McLean, VA) FN America, LLC announces the release of FN 15® Military Collector Series M4 and M16 complete upper receiver assemblies and stripped lower receivers. For AR-15 enthusiasts, these uppers and lowers offer the unique opportunity to build an authentic M4 or M16 replica with components that are made to FN’s and the U.S. military’s exacting specifications.
FN 15 Military Collector M4 and M16 Upper Receivers Read more
PTR™ Industries is excited to announce that the Archon Firearms™ semi-automatic pistols are now available in the U.S. market. The Archon Firearms™ semi-automatic pistols are innovative compact, high?performance handguns that utilize a low bore axis and patented breech locking system, known as AF-Speedlock®. This inventive design eliminates the need for a tilting barrel allowing for the entire slide of the firearm to be dropped lower into the grip. These two innovative features act together to significantly reduce muzzle rise, allowing for less felt recoil and much faster target re-acquisition. Read more
Whether you live on a lake, enjoy a secret fishing spot or escape the daily grind at a serene lake in the woods, you already know that lakes provide big benefits to mental and physical health and deserve our appreciation and attention. You can discover even more connections through an upcoming Michigan State University Extension opportunity.
A nationally recognized, award-winning, six-week class for anyone with a passion or curiosity for inland lakes, including lakefront property owners, local government officials, lake managers and educators, MSU Extension’s Introduction to Lakes Online course is full of information and inspiration. Led by Extension educators and state agency personnel, it covers lake ecology, watersheds, shorelines, water law, aquatic plant management and community involvement.
Registration, course information
The course runs Jan. 30 through March 20. Register by Jan. 12 for the early-bird discounted rate of $95 per person; after that, the rate is $115. Registration closes Jan. 28. Course details and scholarship and other information are available on the Introduction to Lakes Online course webpage. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
Years ago, I was looking to upgrade my glassing ability with a new binocular. As an eyeglass wearer at the time, it needed to have sufficient eye relief to compensate for the extra distance between the optic and my eyes. After a call to the media representative for Leupold, I settled on its Katmai line in 8×32 configuration.
No doubt, the Japanese-ground lenses were far superior to any binocular I had possessed at any time. Small enough not to be a burden afield, it was my go-to glass afield.
Eventually, however, it had developed an issue with the ocular lens eyecups to the point they were stuck in one position for use with eyeglasses. I put up with it until recently, when I discovered my distant vision no longer required the use of eyeglasses, which made the optic difficult to use.
With Leupold’s online presence, a form was filled out and submitted only a few weeks from opening day of this deer season. Once the package was received by Leupold, a responding email indicated the firm would get to the issue sometime in the next five weeks. Convinced the issue would not be resolved before hunting season, I accepted blame for not having begun the process earlier.
Surprisingly, email notification came of a shipment after a mere two-week wait! On the shipping list was a new binocular: Leupold’s BX-4 Pro Guide HD. After using the highly advanced optic, which has positive reviews online and on YouTube, I couldn’t be happier with Leupold’s commitment to customer service and its no-questions-asked lifetime guarantee.
A similar experience worth a shout-out comes from another fine American optics manufacturer: Burris Optics of Greeley, Colorado. After purchasing a used Burris binocular on Ebay, I had found that the middle hinge didn’t hold position very well. Eventually, the issue got worse to the point the binocular couldn’t be used effectively.
Fortunately, through an online hunting forum, the matter came up with a Burris service technician, who invited me to send the binocular to his attention. Once he surveyed the issue, he wanted to know what power binocular I would like as a replacement. Wow! The company simply didn’t want that older technology out there for fear of bad press, no matter whether it could be repaired. Burris promptly delivered a new, highly upgraded binocular to my doorstep.
Hunters typically spend their money on firearms and scopes and often overlook the advantage of a good binocular. In fact, many of us hunt without the advantage of quick-deploying binoculars – and, that’s a big mistake. Although inexpensive Chinese glass is better than nothing – it is still superior to technology we had decades ago.
Conversely, I’ve never met an outdoors aficionado who’s plunked down some hard-earned cash on good glass, who was sorry afterward; doing so makes us better hunters. What’s even better is the option to support these American companies that mean what they say when it comes to lifetime guarantees.
Bear Creek Arsenal has our line of cold hammer forged uppers at an affordable price and even more so now that the Blackout Friday Deals are going on. Bear Creek Arsenal produces the best firearms at reasonable prices without compromising the quality. The stainless steel in our barrels is 416R which is specifically designed for firearms and provides longer barrel life. We use 4150 Chrome Moly in standard barrels, a higher grade than most other manufacturers.
Our upper and lower receivers are made from 7075 T6 aircraft aluminum for toughness and durability. Our cold hammer-forged uppers are perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality upper at a low price with four times the life and four times the savings. They are made from the finest materials and are designed to provide superior performance and reliability. Our uppers are available in 5.56 NATO, 7.62×39, and .308 Winchester in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the needs of any shooter. Read more
In addition to an Ed Brown pistol, the discerning pistolero also needs a quality holster and knife. This week, save 10% off of Ed Brown Holsters, https://www.edbrown.com/product-category/holsters/ and Knives https://www.edbrown.com/product-category/knives/ with coupon code HLKN10W at checkout. Valid through Thursday, November 23. Read more
White Plains, NY –
Just in time for the gift giving season! From November 20 – December 31, ZEISS will be offering holiday promotions through participating ZEISS authorized retailers.
Enjoy a $200 instant savings on our family of Conquest HD binoculars. The seven models feature a sleek, ergonomic design and a rugged, lightweight magnesium body that is waterproof and fog proof. The large focusing wheel is easy to operate, allowing you to observe even the smallest details in sharp focus and neutral colors at close range. The 90% light transmission provides superior optical clarity for impressive dusk to dark observations. Read more
BELLEVUE, WA – Attorneys for the Second Amendment Foundation and its partners in one of three federal court actions challenging the ban on so-called “assault weapons” and their magazines in Illinois have filed a petition for rehearing before an en banc panel of the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The consolidated cases are known as Harrel v. Raoul, Barnett v. Raoul and Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois v. Raoul. SAF is a plaintiff in the Harrel case, along with the Illinois State Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, C4 Gun Store and a private citizen, Dane Harrel, for whom the case is named. They are represented by attorneys Mark L. Shaw, Jennifer Craigmile Neubauer and Michael A. Danfore of Waukegan, Ill., and C.D. Michel and Anna M. Barvir of Long Beach, Calif, along with David Sigale of Wheaton, Ill., and David H. Thompson, Peter A. Patterson and William V. Bergstrom of Washington, D.C.
“In our petition,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “we note how the three-judge appellate panel essentially thumbs its nose at the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bruen. Without explanation, the 2-1 appeals panel majority arbitrarily found that modern semiautomatic rifles are apparently not protected by the Second Amendment even though they clearly are protected, primarily because they are in common use and are not considered ‘dangerous or unusual’ arms. The three-judge panel opinion cannot be allowed to stand.” Read more
RAPID CITY, SD – The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) has some great items for hunters on your gift list. Shop at NBEF.org for educational shot placement charts, 3D models, books, videos and apparel. Until Dec 31st, order $50 worth of merchandise from the NBEF online store and receive a free trucker cap – a $16 value!
If your kids say they’re bored over the holidays, you might want to sign them up for an online bowhunting or crossbow class. They can learn about strategy, tactics and safety. NBEF is always the place to go to find a local bowhunter ed or crossbow ed class – either in-person or online which can be completed any time, anywhere. Read more
Cleveland, TN – – NEXTORCH Industries, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of illumination tools and specialized equipment for law enforcement, first responder, tactical, and outdoor applications, is proud to announce the P86 1600lm Flashlight with 120db Electronic Whistle, offering sound and light in one. Read more