Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Best Guns for Home Security

The best home defense weapon is a handgun, and the most important element in selecting a handgun is finding one you feel comfortable with. Look for a handgun that will be effective and reliable. There are many options for handguns that you need to consider, but it's most important to find the best fit in your price range and learn to use the gun by practicing often.
Glock
The Glock 17 is the most popular handgun for law enforcement for one reason: reliability. With a low weight and high magazine capacity, the Glock 17 is an easy-to-use and reliable handgun with good accuracy at a reasonable price. No external safeties make it simple to operate when faced with a high-stress situation. The safety is built into the grip and trigger system, making it an effective home defense weapon. When you need it, the Glock 17 will be reliable, effective and accurate.
Kimber
The Eclipse II 1911 from Kimber offers unmatched accuracy with an adjustable night sight system. The sight system allows for accurate shooting in low light conditions. Magazine capacity of seven is on the lower end for most self-defense handguns but the Eclipse II offsets that with excellent accuracy from the 3-inch barrel. A checkered grip gives a positive grip with cold or wet hands. If you are looking for the same reliability and accuracy as the Eclipse II but at a lower price, check out the Kimber Pro Carry II. This short-barreled handgun provides enough power, ammo capacity and reliability for effective home security.
Springfield Armory
The XD Compact from Springfield Armory offers the best combination of price, reliability and accuracy for the home security handgun. The XD Compact's black polymer frame can withstand the harshest conditions. The handgun's 30 oz. weight and 4-inch barrel make the XD easy to carry. The 10-round magazine, which can expand to 13 rounds with the grip extension, brings a lot of firepower into home security. Front and rear steel sights provide reliability. Another option from Springfield Armory is the 1911 model GI .45. The military sights and titanium firing pin make this a great choice for home security.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

New Mexico Whitetail Deer Hunting

New Mexico and whitetail deer are not typically associated. New Mexico is known for trophy elk, and whitetail deer are mostly hunted throughout the Midwest and eastern half of the United States. However, if you take the time to research and travel to New Mexico looking for whitetail deer, you will not be disappointed.
History
New Mexico always produces a few trophy class bucks in every unit with no specific unit consistently producing more good bucks than another. Throughout the years, one whitetail and 32 Coues whitetails have made the Boone & Crockett record books.
Features
Two types of whitetails are found in New Mexico: the Texas subspecies are found in the central and eastern parts of the state and the Coues whitetails are spread throughout the southeastern portion. Overall, the Coues provides the greatest trophy potential.
Benefits
In the southern latitude the rut kicks in later than in the northern states. The rut usually starts around the end of December and runs into February, which allows for an extended hunting season for anyone who spent October and November hunting the rut in the rest of the United States and Canada.
Considerations
There are plenty of guides and outfitters who specialize in whitetail deer hunts. You can also plan a do-it-yourself hunt with a little research and planning.
Geography
Whitetails inhabit most of the public hunting land in New Mexico, and Coues whitetails are typically found between 4,000 and 7,000 feet. New Mexico offers 9 million acres of National Forest and 13 million acres of Bureau of Land Management land.
Fun Fact
New Mexico is the only state where you can hunt both the Coues whitetail deer and the regular whitetail deer.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

How to Choose Scope Rings

Overview
You just purchased a new rifle and it is time to mount your scope. Quality rifle scopes can provide safer and more-accurate shooting. The link between your scope and rifle are the rings and bases. Deciding what kind of bases and rings you are going to mount to the rifle can be very confusing considering there are so many different types of guns. Choosing scope rings can be much easier if you know how you are intending to use the rifle. A varmint rifle will need different rings than a dangerous game rifle.
Step 1
Determine whether your rifle has been drilled and tapped. Consult the rifle's manual if you have any questions about whether or not your rifle has been tapped. The majority of today's rifles come with pre-drilled holes to install the scope mount bases and rings.
Step 2
Choose your scope and determine the objective size. This is very important when determining the scope rings to ensure that the objective clears the barrel. The goal is to get the shortest rings that the scope allows without the scope actually touching the barrel.
Step 3
Consider steel and aluminum rings. Steel provides the strongest rings, but aluminum can be used if weight is a factor. Also consider quick-release rings if you intend on using your rifle with open sights.
Step 4
Determine ring height based on the rifle and objective size of the scope, and make sure that the ring inside diameter matches the scope's tube diameter. Typical measurements are 1 inch and 30 mm. Consider bolt lift, objective size, eye relief, and barrel when choosing ring height.
Skill-Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need
Rifle
Rifle scope
Bases
Rings
Screwdriver

Tips
Choose the strongest rings and bases that you can afford and install correctly with professional help using a gun vise. Always consult the manual if you have any questions about compatibility with your rifle.
Warnings
Do not overtighten or use adhesives once you choose the scope rings. The rings and bases are the weakest link on your rifle so make sure you have a properly fitted connection to the rifle and scope.

Friday, December 18, 2009

How to Choose a Hunting Lease

Overview
All hunters dream of owning their own hunting land, but high land prices have made that dream more difficult for the average hunter to realize. In the last decade, real estate companies have started specializing in land leases, which grant access for a hunter or group of hunters for a set fee. Choosing a hunting lease that meets your hunting needs and offers good potential for trophy game involves tough choices. With proper research, however, you can find a productive hunting lease within your budget.

Step 1
Decide on your ultimate hunting priorities and goals. If you want to pursue waterfowl, you should not search for land that is populated with deer and turkeys. Very few properties offer everything in terms of wildlife, so narrow your search to the specific species that you wish to pursue.

Step 2
Determine the amount of land you can afford. Lease packages can vary from a few hundred acres to thousands of acres, depending on the area. Consider forming a group with your closest hunting friends to increase the amount of land you can lease.

Step 3
Search for land that is a reasonable driving distance from your home. When you invest in a hunting lease, you want to get the most out of the investment. Driving distance is an essential element in choosing a hunting lease that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

Step 4
Review aerial maps on Google Earth, or purchase maps online from MyTopo. Aerial maps offer a different perspective on the lease property and neighboring properties that cannot be seen from ground level.

Step 5
Obtain a property condition report from the leasing agent or owner. This can reveal important information about mineral rights or other unseen situations, such as oil tanks buried in the ground. Inspect every detail before agreeing to the lease.

Step 6
Verify if the land is ready to hunt or if you will need to establish food plots or dig ponds. As a general rule, land that is ready to hunt is more expensive. Having the ability to plant food plots and other crops allows you to customize your lease based on how you intend to hunt.

Things You'll Need
Google Earth
Maps

Tips
Take your time during the research process, and do not jump into a buying decision. Consult several different leasing agents. Talk to the owners of the neighboring properties to see how they manage wildlife.

Warnings
Beware of trespassers on your property. Some local hunters may have hunted the property for years and are not aware that the land is leased.Verify public access to your hunting lease, as certain landowners may block access to your leased property.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

What is the best GPS for hunting?

Overview
A Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a navigation system based on a network of satellites. Today, hunters use the many features of a GPS while in the field. You can mark waypoints, track routes, and view topographic maps on the GPS. Determining the best GPS for your hunting needs can be a daunting task. The Garmin Colorado 400t is the most advanced GPS unit that provides everything a hunter needs to be safe and successful.

Features
The Colorado 400t is loaded with features including barometric altimeter, electronic compass, picture viewer, and detailed topographic maps. The maps show rivers, lakes, forests, and elevation information.

Share Information
Additional maps are available for the Colorado 400t and waypoints, tracks, and routes can be shared wirelessly with other Colorado GPS units. Share information on twitter and facebook.

Size
Overall size fits in the palm of your hand with a large screen. Unit dimensions are 2.4"x5.5"x1.4" and screen dimensions are 1.53"x2.55".

Benefits
The color screen and one-handed operation make the Colorado 400t the best gps for hunting. The altimeter and compass keep you safe and the map keeps you on track.

Fun Fact
Use the preloaded topographic maps to plan your trip and analyze your hunting area. Review the maps to determine game funnels, ridges, and creeks.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Late Season Whitetail Deer Hunting

The December cold has swept through the United States and late season firearm seasons are in full swing. Bucks that survived the early seasons are traveling to the food sources to replenish from the rut and prepare for the winter.What states are you planning to hunt the rest of this season and what gear are you going to use to stay warm?