tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69945099983301134252024-03-08T03:52:49.771-07:00Rocky Mountain BushcraftGear Reviews, Mountain Bushcrafting and Wilderness Survival of a Rocky Mountain kind!Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.comBlogger462125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-35643638056849762772023-12-27T02:57:00.021-07:002023-12-27T18:53:43.701-07:00REVIEW: Is your Mossberg 500, 590, Maverick 88 or Shockwave shooting high? Defender Tactical's Highball Brass Bead Kit is an affordable and easy fix<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CjMlfcQCUZk_TN0gtxnRFj6Cta24QtiI3nfir45S8KK8QfNGnbrdF1b6S2Lsm0QClk9snLw8xIxZRVoH_0VAZsmEX9HcKm25JKJfhb4PDC1xHl24jLokK-6f1OZHYwTuXPFahPUt9VTdmSegUCyCZS9uNeRSgG6v9Lz5ZJddg7KtlsI75WInikP91pPc/s977/Main%20photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="977" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CjMlfcQCUZk_TN0gtxnRFj6Cta24QtiI3nfir45S8KK8QfNGnbrdF1b6S2Lsm0QClk9snLw8xIxZRVoH_0VAZsmEX9HcKm25JKJfhb4PDC1xHl24jLokK-6f1OZHYwTuXPFahPUt9VTdmSegUCyCZS9uNeRSgG6v9Lz5ZJddg7KtlsI75WInikP91pPc/w484-h387/Main%20photo.jpg" width="484" /></a></p><div style="text-align: left;">Mossberg's <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=75ccade3-2dce-4104-a224-9b0a1a59a974&website_id=926859ff-0dbe-406f-a98c-fc64e98d76a1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsmansguide.com%2Fproductlist%3Fk%3Dmossberg%2520500" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">500</span></b></a>, <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=75ccade3-2dce-4104-a224-9b0a1a59a974&website_id=926859ff-0dbe-406f-a98c-fc64e98d76a1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsmansguide.com%2Fproduct%2Findex%2Fmossberg-590-7-shot-pump-action-12-gauge-185-barrel-61-rounds%3Fa%3D2230702" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">590</span></b></a>, <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=75ccade3-2dce-4104-a224-9b0a1a59a974&website_id=926859ff-0dbe-406f-a98c-fc64e98d76a1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsmansguide.com%2Fproduct%2Findex%2Fmossberg-maverick-88%3Fg%3D29360" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Maverick 88</span></b></a> and <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=75ccade3-2dce-4104-a224-9b0a1a59a974&website_id=926859ff-0dbe-406f-a98c-fc64e98d76a1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsmansguide.com%2Fproduct%2Findex%2Fmossberg-590-shockwave-pump-12-gauge-14375-barrel-51-rounds%3Fa%3D2172169" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Shockwave</span></b></a> series of pump shotguns are beloved by millions of Americans for home defense, hunting, camping, off-the-gridding, farming and ranching. But there's one problem with them -- they shoot really high from the factory when eqipped with a security length barrel and a bead front site. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The problem is so pervasive that it has long been the practice of firearms instructors and police trainers to advise students with Mossbergs to "aim for the belt" just to hit center mass. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The reason for this is that Mossberg's 18.5" and 20" self defense barrels have a front brass bead that sits lower in the sight plane compared to Mossberg's longer 28" hunting barrels. Mossberg's hunting barrels have a "vent rib" over top of the barrel, which raises the bead to the proper height which allows them to shoot to the point of aim.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To illustrate this, here is a photo of my 28" Mossberg 500 Vent Rib Barrel Hunting Barrel over top of my Mossberg 500 18.5" Security Barrel with the factory brass bead:</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnf1TCCvUw3zmpoLY8Ej5eKhwdh0rHz3YM2Abh7o3xhdnA4W51c6MlG16qAkZUZiwl4E1X-xhMgm16vVoOgboP516RPrfjPOPtuyEWECzvdx8HYWVpaLGZEuquH9gbz7iDwpDzrEAY0-MpRa95Gt8rsulkKUvXmPZP0AlvqaQW38U4l8DoJyQnBBBaVIZ2/s1742/DSC_0155%20cropped%20edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1642" data-original-width="1742" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnf1TCCvUw3zmpoLY8Ej5eKhwdh0rHz3YM2Abh7o3xhdnA4W51c6MlG16qAkZUZiwl4E1X-xhMgm16vVoOgboP516RPrfjPOPtuyEWECzvdx8HYWVpaLGZEuquH9gbz7iDwpDzrEAY0-MpRa95Gt8rsulkKUvXmPZP0AlvqaQW38U4l8DoJyQnBBBaVIZ2/w502-h474/DSC_0155%20cropped%20edited.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So when you are shooting a Mossberg short-barreled defense shotgun, it can be very frustrating to hit what you are aiming at when you are shooting at longer distances, especially when you are shooting slugs. <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Remington solved this problem with their 870 series defense shotguns by creating a raised front sight platform for their self defense barrels which shoot to the same point of aim as their hunting barrels:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Raised Sight on a Turkish Remington 870 clone with an 18.5" security barrel:</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcm62Gk0ie_urg2TdoX5abd1YoWFy3TCuigWATnOD6TiRSDcsn4nd5JLVv0k_KDrMRlzw_iDsuCb75JyjzKfdCJ2mJkDQ5IeTc9SVjJ-y1xmzV9CA3JkjBQR7mdfP-o_ciNKaH1fd-kDdX7pnGdmlV2x4reBbF7QCBqD6VFLGVgYqjGarOJ_vqS7y84QDd/s1693/IMG_1324%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1693" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcm62Gk0ie_urg2TdoX5abd1YoWFy3TCuigWATnOD6TiRSDcsn4nd5JLVv0k_KDrMRlzw_iDsuCb75JyjzKfdCJ2mJkDQ5IeTc9SVjJ-y1xmzV9CA3JkjBQR7mdfP-o_ciNKaH1fd-kDdX7pnGdmlV2x4reBbF7QCBqD6VFLGVgYqjGarOJ_vqS7y84QDd/w514-h398/IMG_1324%20WEB.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, Mossberg has still not addressed this issue.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Luckily, the aftermarket has responded to this problem in the form of the <a href="https://xssights.com/products/big-dot-shotgun-bead-plain-barrel-mossberg.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">XS Big Dot Front Night Sight for Mossberg barrels</span></b></a>. The XS Sight is an excellent front sight that corrects the point of aim issue, but it is a lot more expensive ($70 to $90 street price) and more time consuming to install.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seeing the need for a lower cost, easier to install option, Texas-based company <a href="https://defendertactical.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Defender Tactical</span></b></a> has come up with a new product called the "<a href="https://defendertactical.com/products/highball" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Highball Brass Bead</span></b></a>" to solve this problem once and for all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Bead</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Highball Brass Bead is a taller, thicker brass bead that allows your Mossberg shotgun to shoot to the point of aim. It is super easy to install (check out Defender Tactical's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKVf9qFHzlM" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">install video</span></b></a>) and is quite a bit thicker than the original bead so that it cannot break easily if the gun is accidentally dropped. The street price for the Highball bead is $15.00.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mossberg's small/short factory brass bead (left) next to Defender Tactical's taller and beefier Highball Bead (right):</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwyM1xJLCdHi201ECeI5Bv7cqm7CtgoedqQM7skImOf6LaA_7zmlnO21PGg-9bHq5wS5ea2KEzBKbJQF8_pc1-mllW0CPju-vOdkDl2coBxH5Fzv8oqy57aNJlLcuaqysJf60CzbCkenxmtTJ8kGrMtkbFfmNcac7RNsBWz618xFlSfmpgocdBDMTYNxG/s612/IMG_1119%20cropped.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="612" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwyM1xJLCdHi201ECeI5Bv7cqm7CtgoedqQM7skImOf6LaA_7zmlnO21PGg-9bHq5wS5ea2KEzBKbJQF8_pc1-mllW0CPju-vOdkDl2coBxH5Fzv8oqy57aNJlLcuaqysJf60CzbCkenxmtTJ8kGrMtkbFfmNcac7RNsBWz618xFlSfmpgocdBDMTYNxG/w455-h394/IMG_1119%20cropped.JPG" width="455" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</div></span><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Installed on the barrel:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-dr7DR-KNJObSSzkB2Pi5PfLe_odOJY05Z8YDgdseNW8NFTVFFrF1AwFGpmsr6_WFZdBsJgHi6YtsQIX3NHNvNUUcFdvhF7PtXJmeH4LgKasF2brQfQQit80x1hs-BMTq4Z4GQhQ4nA1s2wsL-qmloSHezwJUFxWOMglQfEkF9S_gkIzohHOLOJnluwg/s2500/IMG_1121%20cropped%20resized.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="2500" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-dr7DR-KNJObSSzkB2Pi5PfLe_odOJY05Z8YDgdseNW8NFTVFFrF1AwFGpmsr6_WFZdBsJgHi6YtsQIX3NHNvNUUcFdvhF7PtXJmeH4LgKasF2brQfQQit80x1hs-BMTq4Z4GQhQ4nA1s2wsL-qmloSHezwJUFxWOMglQfEkF9S_gkIzohHOLOJnluwg/w453-h307/IMG_1121%20cropped%20resized.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelnzhHfGW372vA9R0mLSO0tPYg6JM7aSRsmy8fGQNuFk3OSmLu145lvKgkfpayXVMPnkiB-b8iOSdVVllbsJNYILuDT7h18gr2WtYSuCHOItcEdt2ok5F6p9Ycwg_YXLniN4WD6d2waScyN3WR2mIarkUIyIvUr8iVZdIuz7PYFqNLcIaHIemNWgIRV4F/s1258/IMG_1122%20resized.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1247" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelnzhHfGW372vA9R0mLSO0tPYg6JM7aSRsmy8fGQNuFk3OSmLu145lvKgkfpayXVMPnkiB-b8iOSdVVllbsJNYILuDT7h18gr2WtYSuCHOItcEdt2ok5F6p9Ycwg_YXLniN4WD6d2waScyN3WR2mIarkUIyIvUr8iVZdIuz7PYFqNLcIaHIemNWgIRV4F/w453-h458/IMG_1122%20resized.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo credits: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Comparison of the 18.5" Security Barrel next to the 28" Vent Rib Hunting Barrel after installation of the Highball Bead:<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxi0xVCYWzopgUSGfDXetCwWn23JqSw9NAMQzt_9Jn5VqJaIGKFj-8TAnaHxW4Izn_Ztkb5E66UdNam8iPfmEwx4ERx2HkcUxbpp9QBI6p-4WxiYf_jF_K59yBkahciXY8sCRa2ktj1Q56vIIf0_7-ErpEkSF6uIqxfllvDqIj3TC3CKWMEX2tjyZ_mD2/s1608/IMG_1596%20clipped%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1608" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxi0xVCYWzopgUSGfDXetCwWn23JqSw9NAMQzt_9Jn5VqJaIGKFj-8TAnaHxW4Izn_Ztkb5E66UdNam8iPfmEwx4ERx2HkcUxbpp9QBI6p-4WxiYf_jF_K59yBkahciXY8sCRa2ktj1Q56vIIf0_7-ErpEkSF6uIqxfllvDqIj3TC3CKWMEX2tjyZ_mD2/w450-h404/IMG_1596%20clipped%20WEB.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span>As you can see, the Highball Bead makes up for the lost height from the lack of the vent rib, allowing for the gun to shoot to the point of aim.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Rear Tang Safety Sight</span></b></div><br />Although you can buy the Highball Bead by itself, Defender also sent me their <a href="https://defendertactical.com/products/safety-sight" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Rear Tang Safety Sight</span></b></a> to try out with the Highball front bead. You can buy Rear Tang Safety Sight with the Highball Brass Bead as a kit for $25.00.<div><br /></div><div>Manufactured from aircraft grade aluminum, the Rear Tang Safety Sight has a sight line notched into it to act as a rear sight for better sight alignment with the front bead. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS4xh7deeztJAFFj0r06kPDko8YyI5z5yA7fmnwnOr-Lsd8dXfBbJgIBtn11BukeA68OM_1CB1VTemx6YBbnGmvMRBQDLrMQQLzAbvISUS18Kk5dD5jg52UJx3FoqTz6fW3Q9IqcM1E97UV3whK6xcZkXBd5j5KntDE1ph3eRS0RcbrcZpf1ujPRBG3Vz/s1935/IMG_1125%20cropped%20and%20edited%20resized.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1935" data-original-width="749" height="1195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS4xh7deeztJAFFj0r06kPDko8YyI5z5yA7fmnwnOr-Lsd8dXfBbJgIBtn11BukeA68OM_1CB1VTemx6YBbnGmvMRBQDLrMQQLzAbvISUS18Kk5dD5jg52UJx3FoqTz6fW3Q9IqcM1E97UV3whK6xcZkXBd5j5KntDE1ph3eRS0RcbrcZpf1ujPRBG3Vz/w461-h1195/IMG_1125%20cropped%20and%20edited%20resized.jpg" width="461" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span>It is also shaped to improve upon Mossberg's rather uncomfortable plastic safety switch. The stock plastic safety switch has sharp edges on it which make it uncomfortable to push back and forth.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Defender Tactical Rear Sight Switch with its higher and smoother profile solves this issue and makes engaging and disengaging the safety much easier. It's also easier to find and manipulate it with your thumb in the dark when under stress compared to the stock plastic safety switch.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFYq1Xz5ylIrK2pQQ45_MbwbUhZvFdCVBP0zOShJZKIMXeC9kPkw_0Clb5mNFQoFlqtOVzDM0ZXD00fkX2csRV3tehurGnqt9_OGulyWwvQQrjvz5PUsajEggbHJdEiJxMQh_sbDxmmE39z90NXg91JzllaL6y3NFAEI-1I93eIkJ28GITtxIA8Xly90L/s940/IMG_1124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="871" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFYq1Xz5ylIrK2pQQ45_MbwbUhZvFdCVBP0zOShJZKIMXeC9kPkw_0Clb5mNFQoFlqtOVzDM0ZXD00fkX2csRV3tehurGnqt9_OGulyWwvQQrjvz5PUsajEggbHJdEiJxMQh_sbDxmmE39z90NXg91JzllaL6y3NFAEI-1I93eIkJ28GITtxIA8Xly90L/w474-h510/IMG_1124.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In case you're wondering what is protruding from the side of the receiver, it is a Made in the USA <b><a href="https://grovtec.com/products/shotgun-side-mount?variant=50155872340" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Grovtec Swivel Stud</span></a></b> for attaching their <b><a href="https://grovtec.com/products/bungee-sling" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Quick Detach Single Point Bungee Sling</span></a></b> (also made in the USA). </div><div><br /></div><div>Grovtec's Quick Detach Single Point Bungee Sling has been a great accessory for my Mossberg 500 FLEX Takedown, especially when I have the pistol grip installed. It allows me keep the shotgun firmly and comfortably attached to my body and allows me to go hands free if needed. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: Grovtec.com</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGYiGqA_7Ky7bvRbxiUUIJo_KobISLYNSUNpwctf4CeumbzG5Nbotifq3O165A-EXWyrd2wAKR4jK-oY5LSpT6HSydLxREdMB2mzpdCEsUcbOook90NaoA43HciU2BIzSC_lh1X8sLKcE2lE_b5zr0UpL_JRKhOUeJzMyF1fUswcaiyhAwu5AF6zl1RUD/s705/Grovtec%20Quick%20Detach%20Single%20Point%20Bungee%20Sling.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="701" height="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGYiGqA_7Ky7bvRbxiUUIJo_KobISLYNSUNpwctf4CeumbzG5Nbotifq3O165A-EXWyrd2wAKR4jK-oY5LSpT6HSydLxREdMB2mzpdCEsUcbOook90NaoA43HciU2BIzSC_lh1X8sLKcE2lE_b5zr0UpL_JRKhOUeJzMyF1fUswcaiyhAwu5AF6zl1RUD/w483-h487/Grovtec%20Quick%20Detach%20Single%20Point%20Bungee%20Sling.jpg" width="483" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It also acts as a poor man's brace to increase accuracy when aiming my shotgun with the pistol grip. Highly rec'd accessory!<div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Field Testing</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>Ok, I have the Highball Brass Bead installed, but does it work as advertised?<div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>To test out the Highball Bead, I grabbed my <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=75ccade3-2dce-4104-a224-9b0a1a59a974&website_id=926859ff-0dbe-406f-a98c-fc64e98d76a1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsmansguide.com%2Fproduct%2Findex%2Fmossberg-flex-500-all-purpose-pump-action-12-gauge-28-barrel-61-rounds%3Fa%3D1795612" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mossberg 500 FLEX 12 Gauge</span></b></a>, installed my <b><a href="https://www.mossberg.com/500-12-gauge-security-barrel-18-5-matte-6-shot-90016.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">18.5" Security Barrel</span></a></b> on it and set up targets at 25 yards and 50 yards. I then shot them with various slugs using both the original bead and the Highball Bead. </div><div><br /></div><div>I found that the Highball Brass Bead completely eliminated the point of aim issue. Here are the results:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPFTvRrrFdicz-PmcAImx0wAlYkFvT-UiZvTtLb7XYRJNUV0uULC2iGG2QnC57Y7GBg5G9T9rm4g414B9SxVGkWreZTo0-RUzSc8muOQLXpeoBtR1U1vgWt5mMgxoZ_57uc0Dy6T4Ih8duKACaS8_g8NW3ZNotEm4tVcvBVA0_4wsfayuTv0vUs4KlWWH/s3927/Before%20and%20After%20Bead%20Installation%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3927" data-original-width="2694" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPFTvRrrFdicz-PmcAImx0wAlYkFvT-UiZvTtLb7XYRJNUV0uULC2iGG2QnC57Y7GBg5G9T9rm4g414B9SxVGkWreZTo0-RUzSc8muOQLXpeoBtR1U1vgWt5mMgxoZ_57uc0Dy6T4Ih8duKACaS8_g8NW3ZNotEm4tVcvBVA0_4wsfayuTv0vUs4KlWWH/w440-h640/Before%20and%20After%20Bead%20Installation%20WEB.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span>Yes, this target looks like a confusing mess. But that's because a separate wad struck the target after each shot and made a hole similar to a slug going through it, hence all the circles and notes on the target. </div><div><br /></div><div>But if you look carefully (click on the photo to enlarge it), you can see that with the factory brass bead at 25 yards, the shots were hitting at the top of the chest and slightly right. They were hitting slightly right because using just the front bead (with no rear sight obviously), was causing my windage to be slightly off. </div><div><br /></div><div>But after installation of the Highball Brass Bead and the Rear Tang Safety Sight, I was putting the slugs right into center mass. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">25 Yards using Fiocchi's excellent <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=75ccade3-2dce-4104-a224-9b0a1a59a974&website_id=926859ff-0dbe-406f-a98c-fc64e98d76a1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsmansguide.com%2Fproduct%2Findex%2Ffiocchi-low-recoil-rifle-12-gauge-275-1-oz-slug-shot-10-rounds%3Fa%3D691397" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Low Recoil 1oz Aero Slugs</span></b></a>: </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSBXXnl_Fqt2RSR0K4DvJDPI2k2ET-k7sZGjuTjZQ_3xmfaR4JIl6_T5kCoto_KrNS6x0DxUiEmY92CqrI6kXz5fdtAYMFfDfLN321skYGVuPhD3wEZjOO_W3U6pv16k_cnZKfKKF9-fZECzk6urLbhyphenhyphenJsouDGigbVt-wOsA86qn-znAspr50nnXZDFDI/s3928/Fiocchi%20Exacta%201oz%20Low%20Recoil%20Slugs%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3928" data-original-width="2690" height="706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSBXXnl_Fqt2RSR0K4DvJDPI2k2ET-k7sZGjuTjZQ_3xmfaR4JIl6_T5kCoto_KrNS6x0DxUiEmY92CqrI6kXz5fdtAYMFfDfLN321skYGVuPhD3wEZjOO_W3U6pv16k_cnZKfKKF9-fZECzk6urLbhyphenhyphenJsouDGigbVt-wOsA86qn-znAspr50nnXZDFDI/w483-h706/Fiocchi%20Exacta%201oz%20Low%20Recoil%20Slugs%20WEB.jpg" width="483" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">25 Yards using Federal's 1oz Shorty Slugs:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE-0S-DZRxdErASyGofDYaQLet5Pcc3e3r1VcOqcjLTCGf6TOiljKir8WQLK1VpgKhoZ777xzZwNoNFv8qvA_oc1zCnZhZLIUO2LQi20_VwDV4ymjsDPGlKVGQ5kB8eajOwcxM_ubR4AiBZPFwvn56_06JUEuTy6w1aGr_BTvKOOywWbSUSpRuxuIJoxX/s3711/Federal%20Shorty%201oz%20Slugs%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3711" data-original-width="2443" height="737" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE-0S-DZRxdErASyGofDYaQLet5Pcc3e3r1VcOqcjLTCGf6TOiljKir8WQLK1VpgKhoZ777xzZwNoNFv8qvA_oc1zCnZhZLIUO2LQi20_VwDV4ymjsDPGlKVGQ5kB8eajOwcxM_ubR4AiBZPFwvn56_06JUEuTy6w1aGr_BTvKOOywWbSUSpRuxuIJoxX/w486-h737/Federal%20Shorty%201oz%20Slugs%20WEB.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">25 Yards using <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=75ccade3-2dce-4104-a224-9b0a1a59a974&website_id=926859ff-0dbe-406f-a98c-fc64e98d76a1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsmansguide.com%2Fproduct%2Findex%2Fremington-slugger-managed-recoil-12-gauge-2-3-4-shell-1-oz-slug-5-rounds%3Fa%3D1585800" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Remington's Slugger "Managed Recoil" 1oz Slugs</span></b></a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFpa8vvnslfKTetOkBkKclTPR6reL1X1I-JTJyKAlBkmxsMF-_4vbwOWscPpVcq8uVZUoNytoUU-0rHx2hrbcRc_PkIIQOlCPRp-wQJTHrhYdklSzTlzWf2vnfmR_9mdXeBRhhbRSS6iAOBiu30632En5JAFrC7oYqg11t2JAA_q6Eae8hnhG9sZoRPFZ/s3852/Remington%20Managed%20Recoil%201oz%20Slugs%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3852" data-original-width="2951" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFpa8vvnslfKTetOkBkKclTPR6reL1X1I-JTJyKAlBkmxsMF-_4vbwOWscPpVcq8uVZUoNytoUU-0rHx2hrbcRc_PkIIQOlCPRp-wQJTHrhYdklSzTlzWf2vnfmR_9mdXeBRhhbRSS6iAOBiu30632En5JAFrC7oYqg11t2JAA_q6Eae8hnhG9sZoRPFZ/w490-h640/Remington%20Managed%20Recoil%201oz%20Slugs%20WEB.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">50 Yards using Fiocchi's <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=75ccade3-2dce-4104-a224-9b0a1a59a974&website_id=926859ff-0dbe-406f-a98c-fc64e98d76a1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsmansguide.com%2Fproduct%2Findex%2Ffiocchi-12-gauge-2-3-4-7-8-oz-max-rifled-slugs-10-rounds%3Fa%3D453963" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">7/8oz Low Recoil Slugs</span></b></a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-tSLM5QnI122CYGFK9W2-NKB8AarI1jjak0RezXEJBoXmCjCB-liMdpygSqft-VfpEC3PQeJEhmKiwz7y6zD1TY_8uhEWrdvJ7U2OUBpRNJotqrUoFtsPwjSF9cn7629dOg-2Grf52nAAbB91IC1SSIHnqmjo9IuV0XbPTmcdMLWIqUJyTzQjv5ciFad/s3345/Fiocchi%20Low%20Recoil%207-8oz%20Slugs%2050%20Yards%20WEB%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3345" data-original-width="2519" height="652" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-tSLM5QnI122CYGFK9W2-NKB8AarI1jjak0RezXEJBoXmCjCB-liMdpygSqft-VfpEC3PQeJEhmKiwz7y6zD1TY_8uhEWrdvJ7U2OUBpRNJotqrUoFtsPwjSF9cn7629dOg-2Grf52nAAbB91IC1SSIHnqmjo9IuV0XbPTmcdMLWIqUJyTzQjv5ciFad/w491-h652/Fiocchi%20Low%20Recoil%207-8oz%20Slugs%2050%20Yards%20WEB%202.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo credits: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I absolutely love <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=75ccade3-2dce-4104-a224-9b0a1a59a974&website_id=926859ff-0dbe-406f-a98c-fc64e98d76a1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsmansguide.com%2Fproduct%2Findex%2Ffiocchi-12-gauge-2-3-4-7-8-oz-max-rifled-slugs-10-rounds%3Fa%3D453963" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Fiocchi's 7/8th ounce Low Recoil Slugs</span></b></a>. Although they were not as accurate as the Remington Slugger Managed Recoil Slugs in my Mossberg, they are plenty accurate within typical slug distances. But their significant advantage over any other slug I've tried, is that they have very low recoil yet still <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzKqf7PmuO0" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">pack a punch</span></b></a>. They are also nearly as light as a 20 Gauge slug. So they are an excellent ultra-light 12 Gauge shell to to throw into a wilderness/backcountry survival kit for bear protection and emergency hunting. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Durability</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>I saw comments in an online forum wondering if the Defender Highball Brass Bead would break easily due to its taller size. Well, I've had the Highball installed on my Mossberg 500 since May of this year (8 months as the time of this writing). During that time, I have bumped it into a number of hard surfaces while going back and forth from the range without the slightest hint of it bending or breaking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite its taller size, it is much thicker overall than the factory bead. Based on my experience with it so far, I believe it would take a blow hard enough to damage the steel barrel in order to break the Highball bead. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Final Thoughts</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Cons? Just one -- the Defender Highball Bead and Rear Safety Sight kit is made in China. </div><div><br /></div><div>According to the owner of Defender Tactical, he would have had to charge double the price if he made the bead and rear safety sight in the United States. He told me that as much as he would have loved to manufacture it here, he felt that gun owners would not be willing to pay that much for a brass bead and rear safety sight. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can't argue with him that the culture in America is still "buy whatever is cheapest no matter what evil dictatorship it comes from." </div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully in the near future this attitude will change, because every Chinese product we buy goes towards the building of hypersonic missiles that are being pointed at our Navy ships in the Pacific. </div><div><br /></div><div>Origin of manufacturing aside, the Defender Tactical Highball Brass Bead & Rear Tang Safety Sight kit is well made and does exactly what it is supposed to do at a very affordable price. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>4.5 out of 5 Stars (Highly Recommended)</b></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" /></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is a US Army Veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/edible-survival-plants-of-the-rocky-mountains-jason-schwartz/1129988021" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains </span></a><a href="Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is an Army veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains Pocket Guides. Jason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for The New Pioneer and Backpacker Magazine Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pocket Survival Guides</span></a></b></i></span>. J</span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">ason has taught at the</span><a href="https://www.byui.edu/radio/rabbitstick-primitive-skills-conference" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b> Rabbitstick Primitive Skills Gathering</b></span></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> in Idaho,</span><a href="https://www.firetofire.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Fire to Fire</span></b></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> in Utah, and at the </span><b><a href="https://www.wintercampingsymposium.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Winter Camping Symposium</span></a></b><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> in Minnesota. In addition, he has written articles on bushcraft and survival for</span></span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><a href="https://www.backpacker.com/byline/jason-schwartz-rocky-mountain-bushcraft/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Backpacker Magazine</b></i></span></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewPioneerMagazine/posts/1138258732868978" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>The</b> <b>New Pioneer</b></i></span></a>. </div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)</span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div></div>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-82913028019181291692023-12-24T19:33:00.001-07:002023-12-24T19:33:15.753-07:00Merry Bushcraftin' Christmas Everyone!<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzCuNknacGnccJHizO6_TOxEk7sVvHiklmRmSzt5stbCzdjoe9El-7CfNylwyJw8_XsTdoC7MmsBRj4eX0uGKp30fMSDyZiRoVaozexbqQWq6BI2uhaIPnURT3hiy0nW0iNzUVhEncAVaQtu9xreUs0_96RDfmzF9WQ6UBeGGbjgGUkrogKyrghIg3UNV/s6000/Christmas%20Post%20RMB%20Photo%20from%20Big%20Springs%20WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzCuNknacGnccJHizO6_TOxEk7sVvHiklmRmSzt5stbCzdjoe9El-7CfNylwyJw8_XsTdoC7MmsBRj4eX0uGKp30fMSDyZiRoVaozexbqQWq6BI2uhaIPnURT3hiy0nW0iNzUVhEncAVaQtu9xreUs0_96RDfmzF9WQ6UBeGGbjgGUkrogKyrghIg3UNV/w512-h340/Christmas%20Post%20RMB%20Photo%20from%20Big%20Springs%20WEB.jpg" width="512" /></a><br /><br /></p>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-13103359668754956352023-12-18T04:37:00.000-07:002023-12-18T04:37:02.746-07:00Rocky Mountain Bushcraft now has over 6 Million Pageviews!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN4NYCe7OciidaMx5nEpgskn0Kz9DaHHWeb1UaBv0xrVyCxP3JAGM7yeJGFAlqnV3g0MRZDRClJgA1NfiCWWliuR2wBDpYCTtCK_LEL8rWsPGtpbS6M9K0CsJJ6PuK08L6pkw0NgWUS20hmFNoBt8pjtlJus1WnDO-kRhkl7gJspJGVwZOLtPI7qz-P29/s393/Rocky%20Mountain%20Bushcraft%206%20million%20pageviews!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="273" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN4NYCe7OciidaMx5nEpgskn0Kz9DaHHWeb1UaBv0xrVyCxP3JAGM7yeJGFAlqnV3g0MRZDRClJgA1NfiCWWliuR2wBDpYCTtCK_LEL8rWsPGtpbS6M9K0CsJJ6PuK08L6pkw0NgWUS20hmFNoBt8pjtlJus1WnDO-kRhkl7gJspJGVwZOLtPI7qz-P29/w445-h640/Rocky%20Mountain%20Bushcraft%206%20million%20pageviews!.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks again for all your support!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Jason Schwartz</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Founder/Senior Editor</i></div><br /><p></p>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-58016982280379124752023-12-07T14:29:00.000-07:002023-12-07T14:29:44.957-07:00REVIEW: Winchester Elite Defender 10mm 180gr Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point - Great self defense ammo for when you're off the trail<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EB6ROO5dFNl4Pnu2uEwMm572ubhL8FwLLvfpPoj8tbtcySmZdj6i3XyC7dKTmc7x4KoE6taqRQkaaHJeFsjdfDjc66moMsllsmpvy7qcO_urKdxjDuXpeeXdiwdRzwMy514uX2rjhXX9hA_1_7PweKRXPVTwV74LEo3Naay99IocgEEjdKxC_KPpKhQ5/s981/Main%20photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="981" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EB6ROO5dFNl4Pnu2uEwMm572ubhL8FwLLvfpPoj8tbtcySmZdj6i3XyC7dKTmc7x4KoE6taqRQkaaHJeFsjdfDjc66moMsllsmpvy7qcO_urKdxjDuXpeeXdiwdRzwMy514uX2rjhXX9hA_1_7PweKRXPVTwV74LEo3Naay99IocgEEjdKxC_KPpKhQ5/w400-h378/Main%20photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>Winchester recently sent me some test samples of their new <b><a href="https://www.winchester.com/Products/Ammunition/Handgun/Defender/S10MMPDB" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Defender Elite 10mm 180gr Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point</span></a></b> to try out in my <a href="https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g29-gen4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Glock 29 Gen 4 10mm Semi-Auto Sub-Compact 10-Round Pistol</span></a>. </p><p>The Glock 29 is what I carry for dangerous game defense when I'm out in the wilderness. In that role, I keep the gun loaded with full power bear protection loads such as the <a href="https://underwoodammo.com/10mm-auto-140gr.-xtreme-penetrator-solid-monolithic-hunting-self-defense-ammo/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Underwood Xtreme Penetrator</span></a> and/or <a href="https://underwoodammo.com/10mm-auto-200gr.-flat-nose-black-cherry-coated-hard-cast-hunting-ammo/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Underwood 200gr Hardcast</span></a> rounds. </p><p>But when I'm not in the wilderness, I also carry my Glock 29 as a CCW pistol. </p><p>In a CCW role, bear defense rounds grossly over-penetrate for self-defense use. So I usually switch to jacketed hollow point ammunition to avoid overpenetration once I'm off the trail. </p><p>After spending time at the range with the Winchester Defender 10mm JHP rounds, as well as checking out ballistic gelatin tests on Youtube, they have impressed me to the point where I have started carrying them as my main CCW carry round. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFDO3Uji5WLXJK1XgbWCNWUYHYDVf4nWT6aOK5LLsDIrwPVuyUWwxfy6wqDi8DqT5CVP2FgBHc777EHZyylX3P2Mfwtu4UBCBss5fchMIYXDYYExQxDHwW6PAsTjyAAY4JYfjywJ_TgwC1XTDhx7TLsLnzwN2XSaeY6MEzxfAs8CIPBVNusArK1irQWNq/s1101/Main%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1101" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFDO3Uji5WLXJK1XgbWCNWUYHYDVf4nWT6aOK5LLsDIrwPVuyUWwxfy6wqDi8DqT5CVP2FgBHc777EHZyylX3P2Mfwtu4UBCBss5fchMIYXDYYExQxDHwW6PAsTjyAAY4JYfjywJ_TgwC1XTDhx7TLsLnzwN2XSaeY6MEzxfAs8CIPBVNusArK1irQWNq/w400-h310/Main%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Winchester Defender rounds are not quite as powerful as the typical Underwood and Buffalo Bore JHP's that many are familar with. However, they still feel like real 10mm ammunition when shooting them. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqniZThYOpfybDH0IbQXWCfYfF1MIsVbGvYSKWZuKNzbxJlF_xKlKExuZMeiBqGeFzXPuyHpqLudvKChxPFCIlhU-DbAEj1_euBTC-mO8D9tGKTIIpEvVucT_8tTnGsNW5hDFdC5vc1Wok5WNHfNeIWytyjfJ_2_3nBXGXcXxH4_7FqvnCevNZMA7U0YLo/s1894/IMG_1602%20cropped%20and%20adjusted%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1894" data-original-width="1641" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqniZThYOpfybDH0IbQXWCfYfF1MIsVbGvYSKWZuKNzbxJlF_xKlKExuZMeiBqGeFzXPuyHpqLudvKChxPFCIlhU-DbAEj1_euBTC-mO8D9tGKTIIpEvVucT_8tTnGsNW5hDFdC5vc1Wok5WNHfNeIWytyjfJ_2_3nBXGXcXxH4_7FqvnCevNZMA7U0YLo/w346-h400/IMG_1602%20cropped%20and%20adjusted%20WEB.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><br />The plus side of this slightly lower power is that recoil and muzzle blast are less intense. In a small gun like the Glock 29, it definitely makes a difference in shootability compared to shooting the larger Glock 20. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Glock 20 handles full power loads quite well. But the smaller and lighter Glock 29 can get a bit squirrelly in your hands while shooting full power loads, reducing accuracy during rapid fire.<br /><p>But you are still probably saying to yourself that if these are less powerful than the Underwood and Buffalo Bore rounds, then they are probably less effective in stopping a threat. </p><p>However, the Youtube ballistic gel tests below should quickly dispel any notion that these are not effective self defense rounds. The Defender round is quite literally devastating:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="425" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EB0_soh8_YQ" width="511" youtube-src-id="EB0_soh8_YQ"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0L6VkyEdqdw" width="508" youtube-src-id="0L6VkyEdqdw"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">How's the accuracy?</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Excellent. I tested the Winchester Defenders at common self-defense distances. The targets with the groups trending towards the left were because of high wind conditions that were literally pushing my arms to the left as I fired.The last target was done under calm conditions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rapid fire while freestanding:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFJpg8oPyt2XhGMTeQ36ZVdfpDRphBy5Rf27CprqlQNBTey4gGV9ulPWw4jqjGR9-xn_1Nc5oioxKE-gLG9UIYGdQWQUkJp0PZSJzbFvtlVySbKm4dbgvrMbDahu2nV8zpzmcvqPzEvlDEA0tgo9XzwFubNpNQKuEfjnYXFBGLhezzOpiWaxi3saaEcob/s3798/IMG_1355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3798" data-original-width="2947" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFJpg8oPyt2XhGMTeQ36ZVdfpDRphBy5Rf27CprqlQNBTey4gGV9ulPWw4jqjGR9-xn_1Nc5oioxKE-gLG9UIYGdQWQUkJp0PZSJzbFvtlVySbKm4dbgvrMbDahu2nV8zpzmcvqPzEvlDEA0tgo9XzwFubNpNQKuEfjnYXFBGLhezzOpiWaxi3saaEcob/w496-h640/IMG_1355.JPG" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Slower aimed fire at 15 yards:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI4ALkGjHeDh5pgp9gEoC7s3O1qIKATOJ8JvvGaSAEA1OifxFtlvpSj7lPOWjIyoRBl_z9SBVoO7bmDYlgbegx3iQLq1h40Q4wAyIJs35-ib_Nhp9oWUqm52weVFFxVOdXlzw2sJW2IpwgVQxeBNFSqbakmS_JnhZw-B4KJ5Kd90yn0DxZ1YVolMYrUca/s3181/IMG_1432.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2225" data-original-width="3181" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI4ALkGjHeDh5pgp9gEoC7s3O1qIKATOJ8JvvGaSAEA1OifxFtlvpSj7lPOWjIyoRBl_z9SBVoO7bmDYlgbegx3iQLq1h40Q4wAyIJs35-ib_Nhp9oWUqm52weVFFxVOdXlzw2sJW2IpwgVQxeBNFSqbakmS_JnhZw-B4KJ5Kd90yn0DxZ1YVolMYrUca/w494-h345/IMG_1432.JPG" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As mentioned, the winds were intense and were pushing my arms (and the shots) to the left while doing the tests above. But I was still able to shoot good groups.<br /><br />Once the winds died down after dark, I did another test using an LED flashlight for illumination:<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzDor-w1u6hC_XH8eO74TP8tDBxyO46qV7h25xEBtyK2cKXKQJq15MEggSleMg4N4NThzX65-gedP7ahBECwyQTwn0fy4MqS5BADHDqG6UmkcsbYrX_hInwwUD1WToFN0GOwx-v6X4r9CwYlQnmuvs4TleRxFiEnv69bF-kSO4JZJBe2NvkmX0mOjc1St/s2538/IMG_1463%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2538" data-original-width="1847" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzDor-w1u6hC_XH8eO74TP8tDBxyO46qV7h25xEBtyK2cKXKQJq15MEggSleMg4N4NThzX65-gedP7ahBECwyQTwn0fy4MqS5BADHDqG6UmkcsbYrX_hInwwUD1WToFN0GOwx-v6X4r9CwYlQnmuvs4TleRxFiEnv69bF-kSO4JZJBe2NvkmX0mOjc1St/w466-h640/IMG_1463%20WEB.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Without the wind blowing me around, the Defenders shot straight and accurate. </div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Reliability Testing</span></b></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I fired a total of 100 rounds of the Defenders through my Glock 29 and it functioned 100%. There were no feeding or ejection issues of any kind. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also tested the Defender ammo to see if it would cause a jam in my Glock 29 by "limp-wristing" the grip. </div><div><br /></div><div>A limp-wristing test simulates a scenario where your hand, wrist or arm is injured and you are not able to hold your semi-automatic pistol tightly like you would under normal circumstances. This is always a possibility in any self defense scenario, so I always test my pistols first to make sure they won't do this with my preferred carry ammo.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've found that with my Glock 29, any 10mm ammo that's putting out less than 500 foot pounds of energy will induce a jam when limp-wristed. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Winchester Defenders passed this test with flying colors. I ran an entire box of Defenders through my Glock 29 and was unable to induce a jam no matter how lightly I held it. This gives me confidence that the Defenders will function even in the worst case scenario. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>As a CCW round for carrying in a compact Glock 29 10mm Pistol, the Winchester 10mm Defender Jacketed Hollow Point strikes an excellent balance of controllability and reduced muzzle blast while also having very effective stopping power. The round is accurate and the nickel plated cases help with long-term feeding reliability. I like the Defenders so much that they have become my main CCW ammo for when I'm not out trekking on tree covered trails in the Rockies. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>5 out of 5 Stars </b><b>(Highly Recommended)</b></div><br /><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" /></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft and a US Army Veteran. After serving in the Army, Jason joined the 175th Security Police Squadron of the Maryland Air Force National Guard and served during the Gulf War. He was selected as an Honor Graduate at the US Air Force Security Police Academy and completed two active duty operational support tours, which included guarding A-10s and C-130s which were flying federal overseas missions. </span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)</span></div></div></div>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-29433352914423577852023-12-05T23:02:00.001-07:002023-12-05T23:07:50.277-07:00Recommended Book: The Lost Frontier Handbook by Suzanne Sherman<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E-zQm75AL1lxgJj1NNUg_QmFydip3j_TTeZmjN5vdsj57K6xnmhUhcvj4E3zpfTgyh0MBTgofQX5wSbbl_fiTlUB5f-4DrgafCdwUI-d-bl_pA6sq2aWtktvL-NZIUISwR57NuiCv0zEGSuP9w9FLwkq_fLvRES8Z5r-INaYEQj655DT29OwS0iRGQ/s1647/The%20Lost%20Frontier%20Handbook%20-%20Suzanne%20Sherman%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1647" data-original-width="1272" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E-zQm75AL1lxgJj1NNUg_QmFydip3j_TTeZmjN5vdsj57K6xnmhUhcvj4E3zpfTgyh0MBTgofQX5wSbbl_fiTlUB5f-4DrgafCdwUI-d-bl_pA6sq2aWtktvL-NZIUISwR57NuiCv0zEGSuP9w9FLwkq_fLvRES8Z5r-INaYEQj655DT29OwS0iRGQ/w494-h640/The%20Lost%20Frontier%20Handbook%20-%20Suzanne%20Sherman%20WEB.jpg" width="494" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hey friends, if you're in the market for a book to help you survive the apocalypse, check out Suzanne Sherman's <b><a href="https://www.lostfrontierhandbook.net/suzanne/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The Lost Frontier Handbook</span></a></b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Lost Frontier Handbook is part of the popular "Lost Ways" book series. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is filled with practical food preservation techniques for when refridgeration is not possible. It also has lots of interesting historical examples of how food was preserved hundreds of years ago as well as tips on the types of tools and firearms you should keep on your homestead to make it through hard times. </div><div><br /></div><div>Suzanne has years of preparedness experience living in the mountains of Utah and it shows in this book.</div><div><br /></div>The section on preserving eggs is worth more than the price of the book itself!<div><br /></div><div>Available in traditional book form or as a digital download for your phone.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Highly Recommended.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Jason<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvYm9dGZUrVKRxgxei3rvVELlsxyqzqx9o0KcCcEMjF-S3Ai4Yv_-ga2HQEBa6pOKfIfeestjculq9oTTeF_BF0gXSOgLwaKYdC0vMLnI0Uzhf7sSnT0W9CbDRRwXo2DYIfOHMuXUIdF98RyXpKNFHbWZHL4Vy-arbs3Uwbn8NhJ7kDa2iOH_Qvt7pA/s1638/The%20Lost%20Frontier%20Handbook%20-%20Suzanne%20Sherman%20REVERSE%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvYm9dGZUrVKRxgxei3rvVELlsxyqzqx9o0KcCcEMjF-S3Ai4Yv_-ga2HQEBa6pOKfIfeestjculq9oTTeF_BF0gXSOgLwaKYdC0vMLnI0Uzhf7sSnT0W9CbDRRwXo2DYIfOHMuXUIdF98RyXpKNFHbWZHL4Vy-arbs3Uwbn8NhJ7kDa2iOH_Qvt7pA/w500-h640/The%20Lost%20Frontier%20Handbook%20-%20Suzanne%20Sherman%20REVERSE%20WEB.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p></p></div></div>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-15576281364249764612023-08-26T19:29:00.008-06:002023-08-28T05:27:00.624-06:00Tips & Tricks: Use Shock Cord to Hold Your Bushcraft Knife Securely in its Sheath<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jsq7FFFWxlkGOXEtO3PsiHGT2wzdveSxmBCdm0cvdHWyF1VF2Js6q_h6OXgaeBtDfKPLSvW6SyD8wUfUqb-2nWdpRin8UQt4MD-a1Lh5q19wb0dNt32MwcA58uaKTYDgKIK7kYREXoKVXk4TmPOah6MvGZIiHkDed202-VBqs6d-_GjvRPIN8cCzLCwy/s1955/Benchmade%20Puuko%20Shock%20Cord%20Trick%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1955" data-original-width="1340" height="697" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jsq7FFFWxlkGOXEtO3PsiHGT2wzdveSxmBCdm0cvdHWyF1VF2Js6q_h6OXgaeBtDfKPLSvW6SyD8wUfUqb-2nWdpRin8UQt4MD-a1Lh5q19wb0dNt32MwcA58uaKTYDgKIK7kYREXoKVXk4TmPOah6MvGZIiHkDed202-VBqs6d-_GjvRPIN8cCzLCwy/w477-h697/Benchmade%20Puuko%20Shock%20Cord%20Trick%203.jpg" width="477" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2023 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div><br /></div>Is your fixed blade knife too loose in its sheath? Here's a trick I've been using for many years.<br /><p>Get some quality <a href="https://sgtknots.com/products/marine-grade-dacron-polyester-shock-cord-1-8-inch?variant=33429743009878" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>1/8" shock cord</b></span></a> or <a href="https://sgtknots.com/products/marine-grade-dacron-polyester-shock-cord-3-16-inch?variant=33429764800598" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">3/16" shock cord</span></b></a> (depending on the size of your knife and the amount of retention you want), cut it to length, and then use a simple <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW4Yz3JPS9w" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">overhand loop knot</span></b></a> to fasten it onto the belt clip or belt loop of the sheath. </p><p>You will have to experiment with how small and tight to make it to have the retention you want. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM-iULsR8B9XhDCKpyYbYDG8Qo_THs1RDJ3yARi1-wcfK-cKSRuwas-Ly1g_8IcXOTjlvB-AAtSdEff28jUmQhvc5-JWfWsXZo6jelcKMc8josy3TVpqlHVvM2xQ1kxcnALLp048RabocDhOSYotF4te2WVheug8LRczsgfODQJDrkarfVsEyhShpt7qM/s2035/Benchmade%20Puuko%20Shock%20Cord%20Trick%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2035" data-original-width="1597" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM-iULsR8B9XhDCKpyYbYDG8Qo_THs1RDJ3yARi1-wcfK-cKSRuwas-Ly1g_8IcXOTjlvB-AAtSdEff28jUmQhvc5-JWfWsXZo6jelcKMc8josy3TVpqlHVvM2xQ1kxcnALLp048RabocDhOSYotF4te2WVheug8LRczsgfODQJDrkarfVsEyhShpt7qM/w502-h640/Benchmade%20Puuko%20Shock%20Cord%20Trick%202.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAuJOsyismqXbiJb7IbhOd0DW9KZS5VQwJjfK7O9_DFf9Ty1tngIAonsLsfubUjSdIh7VuyhKwXL6F_g6_Tb9qKDHHZ3ua-sVF0SWHHngfBINxBYeQh6QBQV6nxtUQHWVuPgmRM9t82YPhfw-l-TX8_ksXN9nOD_eItPqE60PY-c0vYo5ZJ3zSmHjFdmw/s1916/IMG_1315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1916" data-original-width="1678" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAuJOsyismqXbiJb7IbhOd0DW9KZS5VQwJjfK7O9_DFf9Ty1tngIAonsLsfubUjSdIh7VuyhKwXL6F_g6_Tb9qKDHHZ3ua-sVF0SWHHngfBINxBYeQh6QBQV6nxtUQHWVuPgmRM9t82YPhfw-l-TX8_ksXN9nOD_eItPqE60PY-c0vYo5ZJ3zSmHjFdmw/w502-h574/IMG_1315.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Using this trick made my <a href="https://www.benchmade.com/products/200" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Benchmade Puukko</span></b></a> shown above, as well as several of my Mora knives that were previously too loose and unsafe, to be safe and secure when carrying them in the backcountry. Plus, it has saved me a lot of money because I don't have to buy aftermarket sheaths to get the retention I need!<br /><br />One hank of shock cord is enough for many applications, plus I usually have enough left to replace any cord that starts to wear out.<p>This same trick can be used on any knife that has a retention issue, or, if you just want to add extra retention to an already good sheath.</p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Jason</p>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-15637891207508321472023-08-10T18:47:00.000-06:002023-08-10T18:47:02.194-06:00River stone knife sharpening at Rabbitstick 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS9aC-_mDbxWSa_pv2S5CcoeQvXFL7drGFXAAcrF0ersGMR9jP9-lco-vpdANLy4OjjOzQvd0yQh67PcWs1mk_SKGrYeMeBDN9dl0SMnyXWzzUCe16QWjVw1K21DrBEXuRkpPolrU4cW0rkjfQUbC5Pv6m8Arc13PqYe0FCqTn4KLjZ7F8KoVpssXS0lB/s6000/DSC_0117%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS9aC-_mDbxWSa_pv2S5CcoeQvXFL7drGFXAAcrF0ersGMR9jP9-lco-vpdANLy4OjjOzQvd0yQh67PcWs1mk_SKGrYeMeBDN9dl0SMnyXWzzUCe16QWjVw1K21DrBEXuRkpPolrU4cW0rkjfQUbC5Pv6m8Arc13PqYe0FCqTn4KLjZ7F8KoVpssXS0lB/w517-h344/DSC_0117%20(2).jpg" width="517" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2022</div></span><p></p><p><br />This is a class I assisted my friend Lex Rule with (shown holding the knife and river stone) at Rabbitstick in Idaho last year. </p><p>The goal was simple -- have students bring their dull knives to the river which runs next to Rabbitstick and show them how to sharpen them using only natural stones found in the river. We were able to bring most of the knives to shaving sharpness using just the stones and afterwards, stropping them on the bark of the Willow and Alder trees that ran along the bank.<br /> <br />Cheers!<br /><br />Jason</p>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-49641703061244647972023-07-29T23:09:00.004-06:002023-07-29T23:30:17.157-06:00Recommended Book: Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjPgiOyIL9T3KN3pkaNF9rkYM788JK8vDMQx6ZTemqScCmExc_0TD0zwan1E8DcEkxBCzOFspTxtADd9733SRL6axuN8kpH_Ai2h96Z55tMUxttEdYpzBzAAKRDv30jtdcvXiVB6_-cB7bGc5N9hAcm-U03hRbfMLxJA4Pz_mX9zPpV0BVof5uQnbeA/s1647/Botany%20in%20a%20Day%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1647" data-original-width="1272" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjPgiOyIL9T3KN3pkaNF9rkYM788JK8vDMQx6ZTemqScCmExc_0TD0zwan1E8DcEkxBCzOFspTxtADd9733SRL6axuN8kpH_Ai2h96Z55tMUxttEdYpzBzAAKRDv30jtdcvXiVB6_-cB7bGc5N9hAcm-U03hRbfMLxJA4Pz_mX9zPpV0BVof5uQnbeA/w494-h640/Botany%20in%20a%20Day%20WEB.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is the book my bushcrafting guru friends in Utah swear by for identifying edible and medicinal plants. My initial impression of the book is really good. <div><br /></div><div>Highly recommended! <div><br /></div><div>Cheers, Jason<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiuXF2slL_LSTN_VHiYXL9G9sAx0S7FUM-c3CPI9BG_IISaayAnuXVnaoChZlefS6Eu9rsUXQnDRFjIpxZMoAWS23Oje0TvkKN1F4n6BP9wprcBZmY1ROYnGF6bakn9XYClIxyXXdBcA96gJ49zCqFD2sLxAvyCOhScdx8_r_pY4fFMFluJHj1BbLWA/s1658/Botany%20in%20a%20Day%20REVERSE%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1658" data-original-width="1264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiuXF2slL_LSTN_VHiYXL9G9sAx0S7FUM-c3CPI9BG_IISaayAnuXVnaoChZlefS6Eu9rsUXQnDRFjIpxZMoAWS23Oje0TvkKN1F4n6BP9wprcBZmY1ROYnGF6bakn9XYClIxyXXdBcA96gJ49zCqFD2sLxAvyCOhScdx8_r_pY4fFMFluJHj1BbLWA/w488-h640/Botany%20in%20a%20Day%20REVERSE%20WEB.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buy this book from Barnes and Noble and stop supporting the censorship practices of Amazon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Link-</b> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/botany-in-a-day-thomas-j-elpel/1006280199"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/botany-in-a-day-thomas-j-elpel/1006280199</b></span></a></div><br /></div></div>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-9792314084048852692023-04-13T02:46:00.006-06:002023-04-25T11:29:21.994-06:00Wool Blanket Tip! - Look for 100% Northwest Woolen Mills USGI Army Blankets on eBay and in Thrift Stores<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnqHsnMOOJPz5AxwJwiAIDTHynDYJdi9qSTi3wM4QW-0GCOJ-Y5XjQqm2TaY7wtJ6SfduN7aZg-qIVbp0T2odDc2IOnjSj9VPZbkBnHeiXMmoulp6lgVVedOowQyE3N1jzgzZgXAYrx__gRX66oAHeoaqYb3sCYPRdywpu6VwYueqqkP7yaqDC_CiNw/s1252/20181119_145013_WEB%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1252" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnqHsnMOOJPz5AxwJwiAIDTHynDYJdi9qSTi3wM4QW-0GCOJ-Y5XjQqm2TaY7wtJ6SfduN7aZg-qIVbp0T2odDc2IOnjSj9VPZbkBnHeiXMmoulp6lgVVedOowQyE3N1jzgzZgXAYrx__gRX66oAHeoaqYb3sCYPRdywpu6VwYueqqkP7yaqDC_CiNw/w517-h335/20181119_145013_WEB%20(2).jpg" width="517" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkJla1UnO-uRei8rARQ6J8EC6Xo5ChbWf8m42adrOgjUg-bnPgsFFiFnb_HZm7RAMi9NyKPy5v-kY6h__zXp4L_4UgceO4Mm--ph-bLt7Nyg7IG14-KuAD-qlMon-TxmDsc4-jjcWzOqTPGPGocQQwJAcH7r5Wk1PWznn03hc3No-cnIFh7DCD7nvyQ/s2345/IMG_3705_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2291" data-original-width="2345" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkJla1UnO-uRei8rARQ6J8EC6Xo5ChbWf8m42adrOgjUg-bnPgsFFiFnb_HZm7RAMi9NyKPy5v-kY6h__zXp4L_4UgceO4Mm--ph-bLt7Nyg7IG14-KuAD-qlMon-TxmDsc4-jjcWzOqTPGPGocQQwJAcH7r5Wk1PWznn03hc3No-cnIFh7DCD7nvyQ/w519-h507/IMG_3705_WEB.jpg" width="519" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hey friends, if you're looking for a 100% wool blanket but don't have a lot of cash, look for USGI Military <a href="https://northwestwoolen.com/institutional-blankets/army-blanket/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Northwest Woolen Mills</span></b></a> Blankets on eBay and in thrift stores. I have owned a TON of US Army wool blankets, and the Northwest Woolen Mills are the BEST. They tend to be the largest, heaviest, softest and highest quality of all the army wool blankets out there. I'm talking on the level of the famed <a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2018/02/italian-army-wool-officers-blanket-vs.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Italian Army Wool Blankets</span></b></a>, only a little lighter. Northwest Woolen blankets run about 4lbs to 4.7lbs vs 5lbs to 5.5lbs for the Italian Blankets. In my experience, they are just as warm as the Italian blankets and easier to carry.<br /><br />And don't let the "65/35%" thing confuse you. It is a 100% wool blanket. I currently own three of these and they are among my most prized possessions. You can use a dog hair comb to lightly tease one side to make the wool fluffier for more loft and warmth. And if you combine one of these with the USGI Fleece Blanket that Sportsman's Guide sells, it is the cat's meow. With the Northwest Woolen Mills blanket on top of the fleece, I have slept comfortably into the 20s (F) at camp.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Just make sure if you buy one from eBay to ask the seller to provide an actual measurement, because people sometimes wash them incorrectly and shrink them down. As long as the blanket is at least 80"x 60" it is still a good useable blanket. The medical versions of these blankets tend to be slightly larger, so if you can find one grab it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xmVsHBPXq9RkRdNeNJWo-5_z_Ra88rmIk_FUCHPon0rwxC-hDn0n_ZDOGFsmCQf4DtipOYUVg3mPAyuaTnycapB6qPzgul8rBuFcdx6fKm7PzqGDkh5Ack_m-MiHKo7ua6eYSqR--sdcZ8wa8cvrsZ8cTCbl-WK6Sv3uU33AwmXTL0oWOFOZl-Y26w/s2418/IMG_3704_WEB%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1877" data-original-width="2418" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xmVsHBPXq9RkRdNeNJWo-5_z_Ra88rmIk_FUCHPon0rwxC-hDn0n_ZDOGFsmCQf4DtipOYUVg3mPAyuaTnycapB6qPzgul8rBuFcdx6fKm7PzqGDkh5Ack_m-MiHKo7ua6eYSqR--sdcZ8wa8cvrsZ8cTCbl-WK6Sv3uU33AwmXTL0oWOFOZl-Y26w/w525-h407/IMG_3704_WEB%20(2).jpg" width="525" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeXu5iKzg1tixDMF2XzsLleikHx-77gyGUHnqr17PZg2v-47Tzw-MH_hwyOLjH6WYlKnmV1MndpzXnCQ6CMUWgWKCaC6QLGp6xSaCaHXYkWXiaEbkblbdBNLN7tcS7iPaR47ii6_QK5K5Pd3qePKh1USQzIESuQWqkoKMRwEbY5KhD8ChEIuW1P8cNA/s2534/IMG_3700_WEB%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="2448" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEeXu5iKzg1tixDMF2XzsLleikHx-77gyGUHnqr17PZg2v-47Tzw-MH_hwyOLjH6WYlKnmV1MndpzXnCQ6CMUWgWKCaC6QLGp6xSaCaHXYkWXiaEbkblbdBNLN7tcS7iPaR47ii6_QK5K5Pd3qePKh1USQzIESuQWqkoKMRwEbY5KhD8ChEIuW1P8cNA/w525-h544/IMG_3700_WEB%20(2).jpg" width="525" /></a></div><br />I would not hesitate to pay up to $60 to $80 for one of these in good condition, but they can often be found for $25 to $45 if you look around or wait a few weeks. These blankets are one of the best kept secrets in the bushcraft world.<p></p><p>Cheers!<br /><br />Jason</p>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-27025494259948218762023-04-13T02:09:00.007-06:002023-08-26T19:35:52.431-06:0050 Yards freestanding with a Ruger 22/45 22LR Pistol and a $40 Walmart Tasco ProPoint 1x30 Red Dot!<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAjGK3g2hzFqGuXUTeylamQDgDPtDS7k1-NP8MsPrKMZxQ9empGyFNWh_1-7e26xcfFSVQXIQ3P8s7CBtWe6jeGb2hkptBw6TwsveXtttnqEKV8lwOyKB3PVpn2f4f_a-05R3i1MkRN7d7Z88SQGL3vDdan2AzWO26MGCh9GwLQHk1jdeiJshKO8enQ/s2526/Ruger%2022-45%20Pistol%20with%20Red%20Dot%20at%2050%20Yards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2526" data-original-width="1979" height="658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAjGK3g2hzFqGuXUTeylamQDgDPtDS7k1-NP8MsPrKMZxQ9empGyFNWh_1-7e26xcfFSVQXIQ3P8s7CBtWe6jeGb2hkptBw6TwsveXtttnqEKV8lwOyKB3PVpn2f4f_a-05R3i1MkRN7d7Z88SQGL3vDdan2AzWO26MGCh9GwLQHk1jdeiJshKO8enQ/w517-h658/Ruger%2022-45%20Pistol%20with%20Red%20Dot%20at%2050%20Yards.jpg" width="517" /></a></p>50 Yards free standing (no rest) using a $40 Walmart <a href="https://tasco.com/red-dots/propoint-1x30mm-red-dot-sight/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tasco ProPoint 1x30 Red Dot</span></b></a>! Really digging this concept for a compact wilderness survival kit.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />JasonRocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-80089138545548475462023-03-08T21:51:00.002-07:002023-03-08T21:51:45.669-07:00Huge Dust Devil!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='529' height='440' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwskfyN-ko_iBpAb_PIYK7p5ZPTJ10qVC4Zro4RpU1zheB_G02rX8soiPqC4wdNjvLWOATzp6JCBbAFUUc4KA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caught this large dust devil on my way home last summer!</div><br /><p></p>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-45540301771613115802023-03-08T04:29:00.001-07:002023-03-08T04:33:30.030-07:00Plant Identification Photos: Monkshood (also known as "Wolf's Bane") - Deadly!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qLQn-tToF5Iu0Sq9G98tXxCSL15WN_g6pS_NebdF10MIsOn73Rvs2xq6SRE6Vflynwv2NaFiiNcbnPPakfHnU32YOLD3YFlIQzeuqXkNkA0k0Aa1V2Bby4g29jWhnL9hhjW-gKCB8sOiO9G3NVKG8smUWZMKzJAOnCq6CaSxeEVrQEYWL6JOhAsbPQ/s1326/DSC_0049%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1206" height="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qLQn-tToF5Iu0Sq9G98tXxCSL15WN_g6pS_NebdF10MIsOn73Rvs2xq6SRE6Vflynwv2NaFiiNcbnPPakfHnU32YOLD3YFlIQzeuqXkNkA0k0Aa1V2Bby4g29jWhnL9hhjW-gKCB8sOiO9G3NVKG8smUWZMKzJAOnCq6CaSxeEVrQEYWL6JOhAsbPQ/w525-h577/DSC_0049%20(2).JPG" width="525" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2019 All Rights Reserved</span></div><br />Friends, if you see this plant up in the mountains, observe it from a distance and do not touch it. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aconitum" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Monkshood</span></b></a> is very toxic and potentially deadly if eaten. In fact, even handling the plant is toxic enough to cause illness, so beware!<br /><br />Cheers<span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></div><br />Jason<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuK4nV7ZQPaV9ce0dCo8CB1LucZV8n7uVQ0LjSza9jSD0gVm4On919mhRnlQMs1jFNv1Jaaf04f9c3Plzv8M-Vo3lTvKeeWuXPp3mSGHiFLco6qtT2ddukNNWhLLrYeQz5ICPt2lqJDh7zmSIQwitMvvJojtVMJTyVGxkv8tKAGUZru9WbJjvY7MgrA/s1849/DSC_0048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1849" data-original-width="1133" height="848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuK4nV7ZQPaV9ce0dCo8CB1LucZV8n7uVQ0LjSza9jSD0gVm4On919mhRnlQMs1jFNv1Jaaf04f9c3Plzv8M-Vo3lTvKeeWuXPp3mSGHiFLco6qtT2ddukNNWhLLrYeQz5ICPt2lqJDh7zmSIQwitMvvJojtVMJTyVGxkv8tKAGUZru9WbJjvY7MgrA/w520-h848/DSC_0048.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2019 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2n585HlOOl188HNys2mqCtDAL0mLApgboXQ8KG3W1_FzZ5-YamD5EC1EhleCDlHrFdRcYkxyv-R3XBci6PkcxDUmDDb_cL0YH73br2Rkn2rzQ5eb2EkzMNtEGkpcofEDeX3Qq0v5RogrmQxIUiVRaf-bcCmP6y-_eEX51Hi_ilZNrCtBBh2VJGuyYA/s2322/DSC_0049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="1806" height="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2n585HlOOl188HNys2mqCtDAL0mLApgboXQ8KG3W1_FzZ5-YamD5EC1EhleCDlHrFdRcYkxyv-R3XBci6PkcxDUmDDb_cL0YH73br2Rkn2rzQ5eb2EkzMNtEGkpcofEDeX3Qq0v5RogrmQxIUiVRaf-bcCmP6y-_eEX51Hi_ilZNrCtBBh2VJGuyYA/w522-h672/DSC_0049.JPG" width="522" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2019 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKDCpYIXmFLz6d3-1zfFNNT8yx-kKbebry9Hostl8gc0Vaejp5fmWT51y-xdOH9TZmy4AgTYRNjHKLyvBkMVGTko600OkRq9_u0Wjwet5aPDuGcFycr8fzV9tE33NsbtdEEoG5O-Jmf9aul7mmkQ9j9Br0pXIUrseUtNkWkzy7f-Am-s8s9AxA9qn4Q/s1721/DSC_0050%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="1218" height="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKDCpYIXmFLz6d3-1zfFNNT8yx-kKbebry9Hostl8gc0Vaejp5fmWT51y-xdOH9TZmy4AgTYRNjHKLyvBkMVGTko600OkRq9_u0Wjwet5aPDuGcFycr8fzV9tE33NsbtdEEoG5O-Jmf9aul7mmkQ9j9Br0pXIUrseUtNkWkzy7f-Am-s8s9AxA9qn4Q/w525-h740/DSC_0050%20(2).JPG" width="525" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2019 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHnTTqphffRVCDlMOyO4Q5655wy_BZh-m4tC6EssG_149vlNIobXsW0DFG79waKFHnhzT6zSnFeEppQMpDgP292Xn0wk5AHaIBW6bujtoOoSPzFxl--7tyPj6hHnQBA5O0HZTiypbucymb-HXcweUNNqQdMcYBpx1-x-1eQNbmVVRDLN6zcMA19KEuQ/s1668/DSC_0051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1668" data-original-width="1257" height="697" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHnTTqphffRVCDlMOyO4Q5655wy_BZh-m4tC6EssG_149vlNIobXsW0DFG79waKFHnhzT6zSnFeEppQMpDgP292Xn0wk5AHaIBW6bujtoOoSPzFxl--7tyPj6hHnQBA5O0HZTiypbucymb-HXcweUNNqQdMcYBpx1-x-1eQNbmVVRDLN6zcMA19KEuQ/w525-h697/DSC_0051.JPG" width="525" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2019 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qlGQyTLndbdHxCkvf3j1MCN9okgAHOUuchrA2Rdu7ISulwulh4GKMKvgvTq9kkdNlcwM5dYK8h0FCe0FCajEfJ-ZP2OCT8wb-1ExCzj-YdGapef_49VeBjA4z2BCXRATxwFUx0SBpxFrct3NjwA_QhOSTD0G7FBy6ha4YEvh1ukjchMVXRILvlpvHw/s2014/DSC_0056.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2014" data-original-width="1041" height="1019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qlGQyTLndbdHxCkvf3j1MCN9okgAHOUuchrA2Rdu7ISulwulh4GKMKvgvTq9kkdNlcwM5dYK8h0FCe0FCajEfJ-ZP2OCT8wb-1ExCzj-YdGapef_49VeBjA4z2BCXRATxwFUx0SBpxFrct3NjwA_QhOSTD0G7FBy6ha4YEvh1ukjchMVXRILvlpvHw/w526-h1019/DSC_0056.JPG" width="526" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2019 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" /></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is a US Army Veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/edible-survival-plants-of-the-rocky-mountains-jason-schwartz/1129988021" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains </span></a><a href="Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is an Army veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains Pocket Guides. Jason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for The New Pioneer and Backpacker Magazine Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pocket Survival Guides</span></a></b></i></span>. J</span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">ason has taught at the Rabbitstick Primitive Skills Gathering in Idaho and at the Winter Camping Symposium in Minnesota. In addition, he has written articles on bushcraft and survival for</span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><a href="https://www.backpacker.com/byline/jason-schwartz-rocky-mountain-bushcraft/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Backpacker Magazine</b></i></span></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewPioneerMagazine/posts/1138258732868978" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>The</b> <b>New Pioneer</b></i></span></a>. </div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-22617196162885308262023-02-25T21:16:00.022-07:002023-03-08T04:30:51.948-07:00REVIEW: Terava Jaakaripuukko 140 Finnish Military Survival Knife by Varusteleka - Is this the heir to the original Cold Steel SRK Carbon V? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXACFQNJxgDOjN58YWHMhF0ptbHHy4egc77xLbr7qqKDUmU9nvmKLMASLkiXLF9onojoMLhyUE50z37v8Rc150u0mCZi7bgd3hyO4QFbua_-8SmGy_r7CVqxa8JmTVtCl0bx4ZhgiSBGl1Btyh2DtmSASBonZg9I4b0b3KLRbVS6l9rILjuy3CEG8GDA/s2167/DSC_0805%20WEB%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="2167" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXACFQNJxgDOjN58YWHMhF0ptbHHy4egc77xLbr7qqKDUmU9nvmKLMASLkiXLF9onojoMLhyUE50z37v8Rc150u0mCZi7bgd3hyO4QFbua_-8SmGy_r7CVqxa8JmTVtCl0bx4ZhgiSBGl1Btyh2DtmSASBonZg9I4b0b3KLRbVS6l9rILjuy3CEG8GDA/w529-h236/DSC_0805%20WEB%202.JPG" width="529" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">All Photos in this review are copyrighted to Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2023 All Rights Reserved</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Last year, I came across a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzDB9SnNpNs" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">knife destruction video</span></b></a> by the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DutchBushcraftKnives/videos" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Dutch Bushcraft Knives Channel</span></b></a> while surfing Youtube. In the video, they tried to destroy a knife with a name that was most certainly NOT easy to remember - the "Terava Jaakaripuukko" (try pronouncing that with your friends at your next bushcraft gathering!). <p>The knife is a 5.5" high carbon 80CrV2 Finnish military survival knife sold by military surplus outlet <a href="https://www.varusteleka.com/en" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Varusteleka of Finland</span></b></a>. Some of you may be familiar with Varusteleka because they sell a ton of hard to find European military surplus gear to bushcrafters in the US, Canada and the UK. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjnzwjTVi-6aN6OdFhanJpC12FLZe0FeLhHuKmN4QrquBWH_wi8MsS2e2h2j7i9fQxEm9JVDIhg_ymP8xxFJvrcmExtI3glZ4RtUbna4gV4hebYohQrEtp1lvINAugD1rwQit9CjtJzHLY6XjS2ekxLS8KVPLNr61gKk1-mH0PAtwM7cuVH16QMameg/s813/DSC_0827%20WEB%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="813" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjnzwjTVi-6aN6OdFhanJpC12FLZe0FeLhHuKmN4QrquBWH_wi8MsS2e2h2j7i9fQxEm9JVDIhg_ymP8xxFJvrcmExtI3glZ4RtUbna4gV4hebYohQrEtp1lvINAugD1rwQit9CjtJzHLY6XjS2ekxLS8KVPLNr61gKk1-mH0PAtwM7cuVH16QMameg/w471-h380/DSC_0827%20WEB%20(2).JPG" width="471" /></a></div><p>Now, I have seen a lot of destruction videos in my time, but this one took the cake. These two crazy Dutch knife reviewers pounded, with a hammer, the Terava Jaakaripuukko blade through a cinderblock, wetstones and mild steel tubing. No problem. </p><p>Then, they hammered the tip into hard dead wood and tried to break it off repeatedly. Again -- no problem. </p><p>Finally, the Dutch duo hammered the knife sideways into a log and then the big guy, who is built like a viking, stood on the blade and BOUNCED on it to try and break it. NOTHING. </p><p>Not happy with their results, they then SHOT the blade several times -- NOTHING. </p><p>Finally, they just decided to set it on fire briefly. Again- NOTHING, except some singeing of the rubberized handle. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Here's the video:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="438" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XzDB9SnNpNs" width="527" youtube-src-id="XzDB9SnNpNs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I also found another Youtube video from Austrian Army Veteran Joe X. In the video, Joe agressively tries to break the tip on the Terava but was unable to break it. Check it out:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="434" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nUrfj-jB40c" width="522" youtube-src-id="nUrfj-jB40c"></iframe></div><br />After seeing these videos, I thought "Man, I have to get one of these to test!!" So I contacted Varusteleka and they were kind enough to send me a sample to try out. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The SPECS:</span></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Weight (w/o sheath)</b> <b>-</b> 190 g 6.70 oz</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Total length -</b> 270 mm 10.6"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Blade length -</b> 140 mm 5.5"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Blade thickness -</b> 4.20 mm 0.17"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Edge angle -</b> 23°</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Steel -</b> 80CrV2, 59 HRC</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Street Price -</b> $47.99 USD without sheath, $82.99 with leather sheath, and $87.99 with a kydex sheath</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>LINK TO BUY: </b><a href="https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/terava-jaakaripuukko-140-carbon-steel/63686" target="_blank"><b><u style="color: #3d85c6;">https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/terava-jaakaripuukko-140-carbon-steel/63686</u> </b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The KNIFE</span></b></div><div><br /></div>The Terava Jaakaripuukko Survival Knife is a joint venture between popular Finnish based military surplus internet store <a href="https://www.varusteleka.com/en"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Varusteleka.com</span></b></a> and Finland's leading knife blade manufacturer <a href="https://ragweedforgestore.com/collections/laurin-metalli" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Laurin Metalli</span></b></a>.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Varusteleka has become well known in the American bushcraft community for offering hard to find, high quality European military surplus for less than $10 shipping to the US. </p><p>The origins of the Terava Jaakaripuukko Knife are best explained by <a href="https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/ter%C3%A4v%C3%A4-j%C3%A4%C3%A4k%C3%A4ripuukko-carbon-steel-110-140.1511793/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">this <span>comment</span></span></b></a> from a French member of Blade Forums USA who goes by "Schwep." His explanation is helpful and interesting, which I edited for clarity to account for the French-English language difference:</p><i><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit;">"In Finland, most infantry are called jeager or ranger troops. It's meant to be a general utility knife for conscript soldiers (and civilians) who need a sturdy knife for life in the endless forests to do camp work.</span></i><div><i><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Then, as the army introduced a hybrid knife/bayonet that was actually pretty useful around camp, the soldiers 'lost' them en masse at the end of their training year, so the Finnish army stopped issuing knives or bayonets altogether and instead asked all recruits to bring their own knives. This caused a market for military-styled puukko knives like the </span></span></i><i><a href="https://www.knifecenter.com/item/FINN10470/kellam-knives-finnish-ranger-puukko-m95-fixed-blade-knife-teflon-coated-blade-black-rubber-handle-leather-sheath" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>J.P. Peltonen M95</b></span></a></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">and M07, in uniquely designed sheaths suitable for upside-down carrying on tactical harnesses. </span></span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit;">Surplus shop Varusteleka in Helsinki sold those knives, but due to a very limited production, they were always out of stock so they decided to design their own take on such knives, which were the 110 and 140mm versions of the (Terava) Jääkkäripuukko. Which, in turn, quickly became so popular they they are sold out more often than not. </span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: inherit;">These knives are made by Laurin Metalli, a reputable maker of Puukko blades."</span></i></div><div><div><div><div><br />As you can see from Schwep's explanation, it was designed for soldiers of the Finnish Armed Forces who require a knife that is tough enough to be thrashed on while being nimble enough for wilderness tasks in Finland's "endless forests."</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">FEATURES</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Terava 140 features a 5.5" <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N3x1k0dkqU" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">high carbon </span></b></a><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N3x1k0dkqU" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">80CrV2</span></b></a> blade at a Rockwell hardness of 59. It has</span> full tang construction with an exposed pommel that has a hole in it to accomodate a lanyard. <span style="text-align: center;">The handle is made from a comfortable, non-slip rubber. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZJZxWSKUDA23xk2vd2cU7tzmYMOCujeSnEjlGHYNSzA_-CvFUEFIJrJ-xOk971opWXaVjWA3wqyyv7Uf4_tV1bu5HgfmGKFuRcgbKPD34OL07vZ3MKyduB8hnei72YzOmqv_vrwviKERGR4kZQVtK7K1vxBa987jvTAVymZK_pXDarf5qD5VlyHhmg/s1693/DSC_0820%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1693" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZJZxWSKUDA23xk2vd2cU7tzmYMOCujeSnEjlGHYNSzA_-CvFUEFIJrJ-xOk971opWXaVjWA3wqyyv7Uf4_tV1bu5HgfmGKFuRcgbKPD34OL07vZ3MKyduB8hnei72YzOmqv_vrwviKERGR4kZQVtK7K1vxBa987jvTAVymZK_pXDarf5qD5VlyHhmg/w482-h353/DSC_0820%20WEB.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The blade's design is a Scandi grind with a secondary micro bevel for edge strength.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ8uMAtuHeUQs8Set0GE4dl02_Cjm6YdyEb6jNlzXx6uZa1H_b-H65gOxpl1AtiX7DeHj2g7SjFMaGW1pt9ShPm4voxe2EoPAUqiFyEOalgC2Xu2jHpmkgbil6QCVbRSOdXZZOeql_CVChTi35pyOSmG3TokiLaEJUoB8nCnaKXt-ODNJZRBgU2bL1w/s1838/DSC_0841%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1838" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ8uMAtuHeUQs8Set0GE4dl02_Cjm6YdyEb6jNlzXx6uZa1H_b-H65gOxpl1AtiX7DeHj2g7SjFMaGW1pt9ShPm4voxe2EoPAUqiFyEOalgC2Xu2jHpmkgbil6QCVbRSOdXZZOeql_CVChTi35pyOSmG3TokiLaEJUoB8nCnaKXt-ODNJZRBgU2bL1w/w479-h297/DSC_0841%20WEB.JPG" width="479" /></a></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4B0_cyaLY-Ne_zxBKCDtzQsiec5YjPe4QvEfzTGf2Rap0th3mSpkkDEKPJgp5DvQPUD4OKqIAvUmNqcAlXgWDmCTEp-EgXxeMrCNJmxarI1NJPpJqQzHbKn_mmscYPF9YF_Sb1jHudHnwtBSl4Q8e-8JJHrcaJpC50JmMwuzbItgpUNSlGLnIWeupdg/s1969/Secondary%20Bevel_WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="1065" height="846" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4B0_cyaLY-Ne_zxBKCDtzQsiec5YjPe4QvEfzTGf2Rap0th3mSpkkDEKPJgp5DvQPUD4OKqIAvUmNqcAlXgWDmCTEp-EgXxeMrCNJmxarI1NJPpJqQzHbKn_mmscYPF9YF_Sb1jHudHnwtBSl4Q8e-8JJHrcaJpC50JmMwuzbItgpUNSlGLnIWeupdg/w458-h846/Secondary%20Bevel_WEB.JPG" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The back of the blade is sharpened for striking firesteels and scraping tinder.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPdR7ZXgpfBTiT4UKpoP5E8VVMHNkcAkC6k7pyiInefgxf_6UG9rSeG8aD0eFJ2Gpf3JpJm-_u3N4O4FMPRS6y5L4ogvo2AB8aBv0wD8iieOSR6PRz397nSKtVbjc15qmjTFxrxzunAS4nERbq3NcM_wtdRYdQhUZvV8ttx9R1lHgi4EHs-k_qwngDg/s1810/Spine_WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1810" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPdR7ZXgpfBTiT4UKpoP5E8VVMHNkcAkC6k7pyiInefgxf_6UG9rSeG8aD0eFJ2Gpf3JpJm-_u3N4O4FMPRS6y5L4ogvo2AB8aBv0wD8iieOSR6PRz397nSKtVbjc15qmjTFxrxzunAS4nERbq3NcM_wtdRYdQhUZvV8ttx9R1lHgi4EHs-k_qwngDg/w455-h291/Spine_WEB.JPG" width="455" /></a></div><br />The leather dangler sheath features both stitching and rivets and has a sturdy plastic liner to prevent the blade from puncturing through. It has a unique button snap blade retention system that is very secure but easily disengaged by using your thumb to unlock it.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS3N8K5vu71WWIQT1uIURbi7wrXVvnu0RynDbMQG2QdeQ9R7F-1379TwpevNOcc_mM_Lt5DpCBQUC3zbf9-cRrXgoWQjdkyFUEwuMzz7qIPcQVinqOVj-LH-Qzt_XRl91Pk_2PtpjY4oQAZMfuZ-j3GTg6a5yFm2OedX0wPK2yBxIrAK74KDfPJ6H3A/s1787/DSC_0837%20WEB%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="1173" height="704" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS3N8K5vu71WWIQT1uIURbi7wrXVvnu0RynDbMQG2QdeQ9R7F-1379TwpevNOcc_mM_Lt5DpCBQUC3zbf9-cRrXgoWQjdkyFUEwuMzz7qIPcQVinqOVj-LH-Qzt_XRl91Pk_2PtpjY4oQAZMfuZ-j3GTg6a5yFm2OedX0wPK2yBxIrAK74KDfPJ6H3A/w462-h704/DSC_0837%20WEB%202.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JJ2w1f2_ROEDxbZ8SEtX2U5HkyGX8ZOrsuXIvYqt_nLoQzNtzs8RriOOnd2Mu725YvuPuDGeXLwJ56cc0e6pjOxNkwcoWCSZd11QvW8gtxkE69ehFhq8WvVYQf99lApC4abNcSUgw7ABpX4hYMU4PWWGZZ4YmZohfrgxgg1EsL7e5jJMJiL9nOqozA/s1595/DSC_0834%20(2)%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="1595" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JJ2w1f2_ROEDxbZ8SEtX2U5HkyGX8ZOrsuXIvYqt_nLoQzNtzs8RriOOnd2Mu725YvuPuDGeXLwJ56cc0e6pjOxNkwcoWCSZd11QvW8gtxkE69ehFhq8WvVYQf99lApC4abNcSUgw7ABpX4hYMU4PWWGZZ4YmZohfrgxgg1EsL7e5jJMJiL9nOqozA/w462-h382/DSC_0834%20(2)%20WEB.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E0zDMVAc1Ucm93f3BWpmyu4-Jvn3vIiNKqLVUqZfqcH9OOwI0m75eB8_5PFAWtJ_HsqSG60TxcCJTYNIsD8tmwujcFBHwd3AJaEHRiZ4l3YYmTEJb_iSlhR_WCFmHvkxrdHZHTTW9XfBTQAs8oTCCX_nQqofC6DwRP4wIqwKdbDGXeYIPxjiRIeaaQ/s1527/DSC_0832%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1527" height="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E0zDMVAc1Ucm93f3BWpmyu4-Jvn3vIiNKqLVUqZfqcH9OOwI0m75eB8_5PFAWtJ_HsqSG60TxcCJTYNIsD8tmwujcFBHwd3AJaEHRiZ4l3YYmTEJb_iSlhR_WCFmHvkxrdHZHTTW9XfBTQAs8oTCCX_nQqofC6DwRP4wIqwKdbDGXeYIPxjiRIeaaQ/w460-h415/DSC_0832%20WEB.JPG" width="460" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5_cN8W2nHdSMHYilt3uZoWp3SrNleKbndXh9T5OWj6zF9mRfgt0zAdxbqHZF0QAzmyqTi-8rlsroelrCcRQx58OAyWrzbLI6uEAxyQoZFndIeoIBfY39ld1kVG6xR539lYGoWm6VLlFqtdIij6PpTIySHtD84ZpSgFbi_wOnCz20b2yiI3bMMcSU2Q/s1988/DSC_0828%20WEB%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1988" data-original-width="1054" height="864" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5_cN8W2nHdSMHYilt3uZoWp3SrNleKbndXh9T5OWj6zF9mRfgt0zAdxbqHZF0QAzmyqTi-8rlsroelrCcRQx58OAyWrzbLI6uEAxyQoZFndIeoIBfY39ld1kVG6xR539lYGoWm6VLlFqtdIij6PpTIySHtD84ZpSgFbi_wOnCz20b2yiI3bMMcSU2Q/w460-h864/DSC_0828%20WEB%202.JPG" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">FIELD TESTING & COMPARISON TO THE COLD STEEL SRK</span></b></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;">As noted in the title, my first impression of the Terava was that it reminded me of the original 1990s era Cold Steel SRK in Carbon V. The Carbon V SRK was one of the greatest mid-size survival knives ever made in my opinion. It had a stout tip and blade, simple but effective sheath, comfortable rubberized handle, great all around blade shape, and best of all, steel that was tough yet very easy to sharpen and held a good edge. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of my old Carbon V SRK's:</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjX9-00BglTNpJcVVNZdYZfXRbN_s8QE0Ob-hKZ1tmu6i6aWuuIWQjxnXFKRVuFO_kbGemH2AYQvJaIaIVNLiscOansxPr6cszSQ4Nm0jqUdIYtXRinYYzVMOQS5vcU4uaKIoAGqY9E1ZftTLCX74LI83Cr6S6rthsJ00eFMMlr0th9kMEVSDSxqOVw/s905/Cold%20Steel%20SRK%20Carbon%20V%20%231%20%202%20WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="817" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjX9-00BglTNpJcVVNZdYZfXRbN_s8QE0Ob-hKZ1tmu6i6aWuuIWQjxnXFKRVuFO_kbGemH2AYQvJaIaIVNLiscOansxPr6cszSQ4Nm0jqUdIYtXRinYYzVMOQS5vcU4uaKIoAGqY9E1ZftTLCX74LI83Cr6S6rthsJ00eFMMlr0th9kMEVSDSxqOVw/w455-h505/Cold%20Steel%20SRK%20Carbon%20V%20%231%20%202%20WEB.jpg" width="455" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2009 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>At this point you may be thinking "But Cold Steel still makes the SRK, including one made from High Carbon SK5 Steel. Why is the newer SRK not as good as the original Carbon V?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fHPGCbZf8lubdzmF-xjTKBaBoVFX-MzYBP8oW4OztKqitlkyQ7E4CENHEasvXDdW5WjutLqf1MH1uytrenS6X0_96Sh4TvaE_HUu0MImZ5t89gtivtDFaGvpl2el1BWAX3l0-x-2TM51_aKIDwHzqekbPrOtBgVMPcLrolBD9kKA9f9NH6gymj54Tw/s2548/Cold%20Steel%20SRK%20Carbon%20V%20%231%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2548" data-original-width="1784" height="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fHPGCbZf8lubdzmF-xjTKBaBoVFX-MzYBP8oW4OztKqitlkyQ7E4CENHEasvXDdW5WjutLqf1MH1uytrenS6X0_96Sh4TvaE_HUu0MImZ5t89gtivtDFaGvpl2el1BWAX3l0-x-2TM51_aKIDwHzqekbPrOtBgVMPcLrolBD9kKA9f9NH6gymj54Tw/w455-h650/Cold%20Steel%20SRK%20Carbon%20V%20%231%20WEB.JPG" width="455" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bushcraft, ©2009 All Rights Reserved</span></div><br />Plainly speaking, the newer SRK in SK5 is just not as robust as the original Carbon V or as easy to sharpen. It has a thin tip (see the comparison further below) that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2S2ewAVORs" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">breaks too easy</span></b></a> and the steel, although decent, is harder to sharpen and does not take as fine of an edge in my experience. The AUS8 version of the SRK is better (I've owned two of them) than the SK5 version, but it is no longer made. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By comparison, the Terava has all of the features of the original Carbon V SRK, so I wanted to do a direct comparison before commencing field testing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Terava 140 vs the Cold Steel SRK</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div>Unfortunately, I no longer own any of my Carbon V SRK's, so I substituted one of them with a newer <a href="https://www.coldsteel.com/srk-sk-5/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">SRK in High Carbon SK5</span></b></a> steel for the comparison. </div><div><br /></div><div>Comparing the two, although the blade styles are different, they have a lot in common for their intended purpose of military use and survival tasks -- thick, rugged blades, beefy rubberized handles, and highly secure sheaths that are capable of safely retaining their blades in the event of a fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Terava's blade is slightly shorter at 5.5" vs the SRK's 6" length. The SRK has a bowie shaped blade with a sabre grind and the Terava has a Scandinavian grind with a small secondary bevel. The Terava has a full tang with an exposed pommel. The SRK has an enclosed stick tang that runs the length of the handle. </div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwluksCeC36l-dY9C5Agae-Dft5ptaBHCEgoTeCGaYnS9KHReEjr6uJr6vq_2ddZJPq_rRxO3p6XCfIcDBu_OU2txIzHC9cc3o6_Dk-fWOJQfUZ9lm5CWBtj1U2qTzdo50kczw4yRxtdwYI6F4JN3bjnV9zdPLFONlyHVoYDI_lIb9z41AlKpnRa8uQ/s2120/IMG_0208%20WEB%20SMALLER.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="2120" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwluksCeC36l-dY9C5Agae-Dft5ptaBHCEgoTeCGaYnS9KHReEjr6uJr6vq_2ddZJPq_rRxO3p6XCfIcDBu_OU2txIzHC9cc3o6_Dk-fWOJQfUZ9lm5CWBtj1U2qTzdo50kczw4yRxtdwYI6F4JN3bjnV9zdPLFONlyHVoYDI_lIb9z41AlKpnRa8uQ/w497-h231/IMG_0208%20WEB%20SMALLER.JPG" width="497" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> The Terava's tip is noticeably thicker than the current SK5 version of the SRK. The original Carbon V SRKs had much thicker tips (like the Terava). It is important to have a stout tip on a survival knfe because you may have to dig with it or pry things in an emergency (i.e. prying grubs from rotten logs, popping open a locked fuel door on a vehicle to get emergency gas during a disaster situation, etc). </div><div><br /></div><div>The Terava's spine is also sharpened for striking firesteels whereas the SRK's is not.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGz89pTwseP8EZ1OknALZVAqlJ1RvPCM0kUtYovUQO42ZuG_ju2ColaLpjdjw_caBdTQdpNAY76ZsB4-z6eGjgyDbl72yQfodOLFqKOwVwHlXz0VATsLgMlNprbm9sOJo4vMVM5iDXl9thZv6yOmYFhcV6SM_kUvFGVw9RBeWDGhDfIAfttlN59n8pw/s1763/IMG_0221%20(2)%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1534" height="557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGz89pTwseP8EZ1OknALZVAqlJ1RvPCM0kUtYovUQO42ZuG_ju2ColaLpjdjw_caBdTQdpNAY76ZsB4-z6eGjgyDbl72yQfodOLFqKOwVwHlXz0VATsLgMlNprbm9sOJo4vMVM5iDXl9thZv6yOmYFhcV6SM_kUvFGVw9RBeWDGhDfIAfttlN59n8pw/w485-h557/IMG_0221%20(2)%20WEB.JPG" width="485" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>Both knives have excellent sheaths for soldier duty or wilderness survival. The SRK's plastic Secure-Ex sheath is lighter and comes with slots to wrap extra cordage through. The Terava's leather sheath is heavier but quieter and does not have slots in it for wrapping extra cordage. The Terava's leather sheath definitely exudes a higher level of quality than the SRK's Secure-Ex sheath: <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznZPj4Ah2SoEnJHmXv23lbnS1UyFOYrO96gR6inA1iQiBdaHvFjasdXcryLqRkDKk9blWrGF07U03MpgI6Ff68bLEyXBy37m9AmKh2ka0ZyWDkpJHnXN8liVlV8CIestC_Nn92n37ziBBNhHdO09gtyU2sxbRnBTCBWdsETyuhxZKRFR-1AErZYT8pw/s616/IMG_0223%20CUSTOM%20WEB%20SMALL.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="425" height="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznZPj4Ah2SoEnJHmXv23lbnS1UyFOYrO96gR6inA1iQiBdaHvFjasdXcryLqRkDKk9blWrGF07U03MpgI6Ff68bLEyXBy37m9AmKh2ka0ZyWDkpJHnXN8liVlV8CIestC_Nn92n37ziBBNhHdO09gtyU2sxbRnBTCBWdsETyuhxZKRFR-1AErZYT8pw/w455-h660/IMG_0223%20CUSTOM%20WEB%20SMALL.JPG" width="455" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">FIELD TEST</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;">To see if Varusteleka's Terava knife would live up to its description, I took it high up into the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, an unrelenting and harsh environment, to test its abilities. </div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7nfQX8I8IWy41R0NhKklQ80ytMSgpRkoD_j4tkAgg7gNEciJ5DMHh7AU07JelUqtZv5zDni38XNlcwk0Ji8XP2mozweH1qJ8cOZyDGX7uorvWmZGbI5sP1sTlajwnP5OSVH6CRY-R6egqwhpxSRYELKuaAzwvcvbQ8_hyrBKpVCW7_RinZT8IqDAcw/s960/High%20in%20the%20Rockies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7nfQX8I8IWy41R0NhKklQ80ytMSgpRkoD_j4tkAgg7gNEciJ5DMHh7AU07JelUqtZv5zDni38XNlcwk0Ji8XP2mozweH1qJ8cOZyDGX7uorvWmZGbI5sP1sTlajwnP5OSVH6CRY-R6egqwhpxSRYELKuaAzwvcvbQ8_hyrBKpVCW7_RinZT8IqDAcw/w489-h367/High%20in%20the%20Rockies.jpg" width="489" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Batoning</span></b></div><br />To test the batoning capability of the Terava, I selected a piece of very twisted Cottonwood and split it into kindling. This piece was extremely difficult to split and some of the pieces literally broke off rather then just splitting. The Terava performed excellent during this task. Although it's a Scandi grind, from a splitting perspective, the way the Terava is ground is similar to the SRK's Sabre grind which helps to wedge the wood open as it passes through the log.</div></div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF0Yn8IbSZKDigdcwWtKLGdSadkYIi5ERgE3UOeZZ8c9oR3SmOzWQy_evDg3x3fveE86VMs5zvt3_MSzslhSimH_bgIuxfHFJwV7zzvNeequEtMVTauCyE848YPt5lRne8dqd88LAOItMrI9n5Zz0tRNyJzciEGIuiAyvdiIkE-g_Ma8bffdCK65AZQ/s1449/IMG_0211%20CUSTOM%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="1446" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF0Yn8IbSZKDigdcwWtKLGdSadkYIi5ERgE3UOeZZ8c9oR3SmOzWQy_evDg3x3fveE86VMs5zvt3_MSzslhSimH_bgIuxfHFJwV7zzvNeequEtMVTauCyE848YPt5lRne8dqd88LAOItMrI9n5Zz0tRNyJzciEGIuiAyvdiIkE-g_Ma8bffdCK65AZQ/w489-h490/IMG_0211%20CUSTOM%20WEB.JPG" width="489" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-J6ZfRf-dWpBb1ADHjjDHJNLfEAjttaxKHwYS6aMJja-lk3yJZErMsgAAeM0vcmkHp33DvrHAmxVcd3T6N6_pEyJSbDX_bsutLMV-bX2WyRqEQ993F-dSqlI2wsq3Riz0ja_xonymWVgteAEo5woKk7UZqO5irjNnZQ1llbrht4_MhNynxF5Sja4xw/s1549/IMG_0212%20WEB%20CUSTOM%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="1549" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-J6ZfRf-dWpBb1ADHjjDHJNLfEAjttaxKHwYS6aMJja-lk3yJZErMsgAAeM0vcmkHp33DvrHAmxVcd3T6N6_pEyJSbDX_bsutLMV-bX2WyRqEQ993F-dSqlI2wsq3Riz0ja_xonymWVgteAEo5woKk7UZqO5irjNnZQ1llbrht4_MhNynxF5Sja4xw/w478-h418/IMG_0212%20WEB%20CUSTOM%202.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />I also split several other small logs and large branch sections off camera and had the same results (i.e. excellent). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Fine Carving</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Although the Terava's tip doesn't have the finesse of a thin Mora knife, it gets the job done for making bow drill divots, etc:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k-Zjk-ZE-QItoTnR7b_MHYwqnPmIcGG4ceiLHkfXLk8t6eVFa9TGYh3C34mzpZklrSWZgtaAVdR1pg_IU2h3-G_4E05ZiHrppFZnCNQb99Pb-Y-jNjYYXSU8n7NP-OLF7nGbTHj_A6OQE_agEyTggMaiB9N7w_Yj72iQhwydcHI_QiIabmCKBXow3g/s1684/IMG_0217%20WEB%202%20SMALL.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1684" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k-Zjk-ZE-QItoTnR7b_MHYwqnPmIcGG4ceiLHkfXLk8t6eVFa9TGYh3C34mzpZklrSWZgtaAVdR1pg_IU2h3-G_4E05ZiHrppFZnCNQb99Pb-Y-jNjYYXSU8n7NP-OLF7nGbTHj_A6OQE_agEyTggMaiB9N7w_Yj72iQhwydcHI_QiIabmCKBXow3g/w479-h354/IMG_0217%20WEB%202%20SMALL.JPG" width="479" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wood carving- this is were the Terava really shines compared to the SRK Carbon V and any of the newer SRK versions. For such a stout knife, it carves almost as well as a Mora:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKNtOzUkkRKIb4Kjb6E3lIxBfWtYY0SCeZHyjy2p4tYgRY9Yf5gOSgrk5cKVwCD-SGC_aFciIQTuLLDJxWPDy6KZcE-4p9-UNjEYKl_Z36I6vvbPX-I0EOZ7_uIB5nyKLpkCV7dyBcn7UVSWGFi9CP59_vt72RMeMHK0KoOM4XY6_cIYQGjgetVZAWQ/s2829/IMG_0214%20CUSTOM%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2012" data-original-width="2829" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKNtOzUkkRKIb4Kjb6E3lIxBfWtYY0SCeZHyjy2p4tYgRY9Yf5gOSgrk5cKVwCD-SGC_aFciIQTuLLDJxWPDy6KZcE-4p9-UNjEYKl_Z36I6vvbPX-I0EOZ7_uIB5nyKLpkCV7dyBcn7UVSWGFi9CP59_vt72RMeMHK0KoOM4XY6_cIYQGjgetVZAWQ/w472-h336/IMG_0214%20CUSTOM%20WEB.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've owned 6 SRK's over the past 2 decades. Although they cut well enough for a survival knife, they are definitely not great for fine carving tasks. The Terava really ups the ante in that it is a super tough survival knife that can handle fine carving tasks with ease. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Spine Test for Scraping Tinder and Striking a Firesteel</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unlike the SRK, the Terava 140 has a sharpened spine that is capable of making fine tinder shavings or to strike a firesteel to start a fire. Here, I used the Terava's spine to scrape a pile of pitchwood shavings from a <a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2012/11/rocky-mountain-tree-identification_19.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Ponderosa Pine</b></span></a> branch and ignite it with a firesteel:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGStubv_u6Heu1kyU4cYT-Z3eerCHEca_Mz3UKt7gp6BBDXIKr_ysSJjJ7mKcfdRNCRTnKE5TtyAwqMeJJ-7Vvd3yDvv7pxWrA0VyOenBx0xHg6G8eA7LxKYhs2jtjZCT_btlSaoK_xokw_ZFodhKsCgFj-f-JEg9NBnA3YSCWrrhXSiSz_8-wcRQ2w/s1645/IMG_0322%20WEB%20CUSTOM.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1645" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGStubv_u6Heu1kyU4cYT-Z3eerCHEca_Mz3UKt7gp6BBDXIKr_ysSJjJ7mKcfdRNCRTnKE5TtyAwqMeJJ-7Vvd3yDvv7pxWrA0VyOenBx0xHg6G8eA7LxKYhs2jtjZCT_btlSaoK_xokw_ZFodhKsCgFj-f-JEg9NBnA3YSCWrrhXSiSz_8-wcRQ2w/w469-h363/IMG_0322%20WEB%20CUSTOM.JPG" width="469" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Side note/survival tip- Blue medical gloves are great for keeping frostbite away while doing tasks requiring fine dexterity in extreme cold weather. They are super compact so its good to keep them stashed in your pocket and in various kits while you're out in the backcountry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Preparing to strike the firesteel:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMHqKo26wu5kMjq_gmFWjC0A3PxfVWXW3V06H5oQXSRLfiJdThTbZZppTJfIPZzRlqVdyiRynGSzI1rD-J7OT1ILUoYw-cfNdgtEo-K5p7GVDM0N7Xts60ttBgfuZ6vxpBaS27DUiEFBQwd2yNr2lkXDUbYI4y8x7WEOGGvOtvh8CSmlqNpn9nWhORg/s1583/IMG_0323%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1583" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMHqKo26wu5kMjq_gmFWjC0A3PxfVWXW3V06H5oQXSRLfiJdThTbZZppTJfIPZzRlqVdyiRynGSzI1rD-J7OT1ILUoYw-cfNdgtEo-K5p7GVDM0N7Xts60ttBgfuZ6vxpBaS27DUiEFBQwd2yNr2lkXDUbYI4y8x7WEOGGvOtvh8CSmlqNpn9nWhORg/w467-h391/IMG_0323%20WEB.JPG" width="467" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaG5Wf6ny0s6fPrGJielF2ZVOokcTnikwcJX1XRuSf3EBUGWqxCdZjn_yALDnoZpsfPCeS4h-a-ftPBHbe0_342HgM8ruSIzLPYLCtoqoqgFwVtaYgsIpyzCOJYKdqs-jnz_UcJDwaaduN1bnl4h7Sm-0F2K12Vb3dnDCE5s-fRkHPrzUYRBzJFwsmA/s1666/IMG_0350%20(3)%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1666" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaG5Wf6ny0s6fPrGJielF2ZVOokcTnikwcJX1XRuSf3EBUGWqxCdZjn_yALDnoZpsfPCeS4h-a-ftPBHbe0_342HgM8ruSIzLPYLCtoqoqgFwVtaYgsIpyzCOJYKdqs-jnz_UcJDwaaduN1bnl4h7Sm-0F2K12Vb3dnDCE5s-fRkHPrzUYRBzJFwsmA/w469-h354/IMG_0350%20(3)%20WEB.JPG" width="469" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Success!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHVZ5WeQIh3tRWKmprQbAchBlPt6Ciadf6IRXdJdHcLAOugSaqqO4a7VM019XDkoaldbK7aW8l4M9ta8V-0IcFgeTLqQ-JTh63Hzx_sZmo64ZmcRkb_W7f1lFajAmUvY7dVFRKRse17KOaMrVNb8cJIdYrjGXo8We5zlCrnZWUtohogZI-Zyeto5HrQ/s1461/IMG_0363%20CUSTOM%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="1435" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHVZ5WeQIh3tRWKmprQbAchBlPt6Ciadf6IRXdJdHcLAOugSaqqO4a7VM019XDkoaldbK7aW8l4M9ta8V-0IcFgeTLqQ-JTh63Hzx_sZmo64ZmcRkb_W7f1lFajAmUvY7dVFRKRse17KOaMrVNb8cJIdYrjGXo8We5zlCrnZWUtohogZI-Zyeto5HrQ/w464-h472/IMG_0363%20CUSTOM%20WEB.JPG" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is important to note that I did quite a bit of off-camera field testing of the Terava 140 before posting this review. This includes taking it with me to <a href="https://www.rabbitstick.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Rabbitstick 2022</span></b></a>, where I assisted my friend and knife guru Lex Rule to teach a bushcraft knife sharpening course there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I gave the Terava to Lex to try out to see what he thought of it. I won't beat around the bush -- Lex is very hard to impress when it comes to factory produced knives. But after Lex spent some time using it and then resharpening it, he pronounced "I think this is one of the best production survival knives I've used -- great steel and edge profile!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also used it during a one week camping trip in the Uinta National Forest in Utah on the way back to Colorado from Rabbitstick and it proved to be a great general purpose camp knife. During this time, I got to use the Terava on some harder wood like Hard Rock Maple and Scrub Oak (White Oak). The edge on the Terava held up perfectly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">CONCLUSION</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>So is the Terava Jaakaripuukko 140 the modern day successor to the original Cold Steel Carbon V SRK? I think so. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Terava has a different blade style than the SRK, but in every other way, they are similar in features and in real world use. And despite my fondness for the Carbon V SRK, I think Terava has actually improved upon it with its superior wood carving ability. </div><br /><div>The Terava's 80CrV2 steel holds an edge as good if not even better than Carbon V, and it is just as easy to sharpen. My experience with 80CrV2 being better than Carbon V were confirmed by Youtuber Cedric Outdoors, a popular knife sharpening and steel testing channel. In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N3x1k0dkqU" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">his video</span></b></a>, Cedric tested a Terava in 80CrV2 and found that it held its edge better than most 1095 steels and as good as a high quality <a href="https://knifeuser.com/o1-tool-steel-review/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">O1 Steel</span></b></a>. That's impressive.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Terava's tip is easily as stout as the original Carbon V if not even stronger. The Terava's handle is as comfortable, and its leather sheath is as secure as Cold Steel's Secure-Ex sheath and exudes an even higher quality. </div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, one of the cool things I found I could do with the Terava's sheath was to turn it into an effective strop. I rubbed Flexcut Gold onto the backside and then stropped the blade back and forth on it. The shape of the sheath along with the plastic liner and quality/thickness of the leather made it an excellent platform for stropping:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsaFGXoJebuNrjdmqYop5cVLcqCjCel6c0-HiV04zCfRWzc08UEQkO4XkCYqUe31unU30g_p6OBzQDbmgr0mSJwEmVoWOMeAQP7vLLXFg5OmSr5yADFSsP_ey0NlgKYgJHLQBJnfLyM06oID6RGH-JayiE8j4TRRQOsIU0HrPd6Ilc4fhjClw02S3rw/s1619/Sheath%20Stropping_WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1610" data-original-width="1619" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsaFGXoJebuNrjdmqYop5cVLcqCjCel6c0-HiV04zCfRWzc08UEQkO4XkCYqUe31unU30g_p6OBzQDbmgr0mSJwEmVoWOMeAQP7vLLXFg5OmSr5yADFSsP_ey0NlgKYgJHLQBJnfLyM06oID6RGH-JayiE8j4TRRQOsIU0HrPd6Ilc4fhjClw02S3rw/w490-h488/Sheath%20Stropping_WEB.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><br />I was able to quickly bring the Terava back to hair shaving sharpness using this method -- pretty cool! <div><br /></div><div>Improvements? Yes, two -- 1) Add a firesteel loop to the sheath, and 2) Bring back the stainless version of this knife as an option for those who do a lot of canoeing, live near the ocean, or just want a maintenence-free knife for their bugout bag. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA5VxR3oJOb6BG_JF0GXZQFSOv02aeada050J4qmdbSRf8W6B25uKKglxZUmxwX-FD1pEnWsa1QyEm0qq5Gbzmkskx2pS40xvlYTR56iTNe8bUNM7QPQY6690zJGNMlAQSnut1Dd4MDqqpzBrzVYiq6mcyX_fq1ChlLRar3dZ7AkazmxQU3CRqLWFkw/s1708/DSC_0845%20WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1708" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA5VxR3oJOb6BG_JF0GXZQFSOv02aeada050J4qmdbSRf8W6B25uKKglxZUmxwX-FD1pEnWsa1QyEm0qq5Gbzmkskx2pS40xvlYTR56iTNe8bUNM7QPQY6690zJGNMlAQSnut1Dd4MDqqpzBrzVYiq6mcyX_fq1ChlLRar3dZ7AkazmxQU3CRqLWFkw/w490-h353/DSC_0845%20WEB.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So if you want one knife that can perform nearly any task -- soldiering, urban/suburban survival, search and rescue or even bushcrafting, check out the Terava 140 by Varusteleka. I believe it's not only a worthy successor to the Carbon V SRK, but it has actually improved upon its concept. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>4.5 Stars of out 5 Stars (Highly Recommended)</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" /></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is a US Army Veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/edible-survival-plants-of-the-rocky-mountains-jason-schwartz/1129988021" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains </span></a><a href="Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is an Army veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains Pocket Guides. Jason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for The New Pioneer and Backpacker Magazine Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pocket Survival Guides</span></a></b></i></span>. J</span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">ason has taught at the Rabbitstick Primitive Skills Gathering in Idaho and at the Winter Camping Symposium in Minnesota. In addition, he has written articles on bushcraft and survival for</span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><a href="https://www.backpacker.com/byline/jason-schwartz-rocky-mountain-bushcraft/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Backpacker Magazine</b></i></span></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewPioneerMagazine/posts/1138258732868978" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>The</b> <b>New Pioneer</b></i></span></a>. </div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)</span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-65006700510238759892022-02-17T01:29:00.007-07:002022-02-27T18:03:43.538-07:00"Made in the USA" Gear Review: MSR XGK EX Multi-Fuel Backpacking Stove- Must Have Preparedness Item<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZr7Bc_RJKzzN3TYkD9hBM3GOCSLz8hKUU7QMDtXlwEP5Hk90qzvCswe5L5sS1zgANmRWZbKbS-yszLDN99Zj1iGMgZKSsA3L7qYu-syE_uSAetXI7bP0CD_cKNHCLG1xcYsg0NeRCFbR/s1600/IMG_6478_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZr7Bc_RJKzzN3TYkD9hBM3GOCSLz8hKUU7QMDtXlwEP5Hk90qzvCswe5L5sS1zgANmRWZbKbS-yszLDN99Zj1iGMgZKSsA3L7qYu-syE_uSAetXI7bP0CD_cKNHCLG1xcYsg0NeRCFbR/w527-h311/IMG_6478_3.jpg" width="527" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2012/2022 All Rights Reserved</span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Long popular as a high altitude backpacking and </span>mountaineering stove, <a href="https://www.msrgear.com/stoves/liquid-fuel-stoves/xgk-ex-stove/11043.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>MSR's XGK EX Universal Stove</b></span></a> is also a great choice for preparedness kits or as a cold weather bushcrafting stove.<br />
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The ability to run on almost any liquid fuel, including Diesel, Unleaded Gas, White Gas (Coleman Fuel), Jet Fuel, Kerosene, or Aviation fuel, makes the XGK infinitely flexible and economical to boot. The high heat it produces, needed to melt snow for drinking water quickly in freezing, high altitude environments, also makes it highly efficient for boiling large amounts of water for cooking in less extreme environments. This is an important feature if you're relying on Ramen Noodles for the majority of your camp or preparedness food arsenal!</div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: x-small;">Using the </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">XGK to b</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: x-small;">oil Ramen noodles </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">at my base camp:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLPDBdWEfQo/UXN7uaBKSmI/AAAAAAAAGPI/Rgvq5hw5Lws/s1600/IMG_6704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLPDBdWEfQo/UXN7uaBKSmI/AAAAAAAAGPI/Rgvq5hw5Lws/s400/IMG_6704.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN">The XGK's ability to use many different fuels would be a huge asset in a disaster situation. Literally any vehicle, lawn mower, tractor, train, or aircraft could be pilfered for a source of fuel to power the XGK in an emergency.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN">This same fuel flexibility also makes it a great companion to take along on backpacking trips to Third World countries, where diesel and unleaded gas are common, but high quality white gas can be difficult to locate.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><b>Amazing Efficiency </b></span></div>
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Another outstanding feature of the XGK is its efficiency. If you have to camp out to survive during times of economic hardship or SHTF, the XGK is much more efficient and cheaper to run than stoves that use pressurized propane/butane or alcohol. I was able to boil a large pot of water three times a day for two weeks straight, on just 0.43 cents of diesel. How's that for efficiency?!!</div>
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<span lang="EN">Fill'er up! Filling an MSR bottle with cheap unleaded gas to fuel the XGK:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5WUFXRg5i4/UXOmC7rdnWI/AAAAAAAAGPQ/0G70j7dtIZo/s1600/IMG_4475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="447" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5WUFXRg5i4/UXOmC7rdnWI/AAAAAAAAGPQ/0G70j7dtIZo/w389-h447/IMG_4475.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The first thought that comes to mind when mentioning the word "diesel" is "dirty!," but in actuality, the XGK runs so efficient that the flame leaves virtually no soot on the bottom of your pot. The only time the flame is "dirty" is during the priming and shutdown operation. Since the pot is not on the burner during these operations, it doesn't effect it.
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Diesel fuel burning hot, clean, and efficient in the XGK EX Stove:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFoDDts-9ovZlXb5zChejNvlk2svGlYPSMHsVk7_amb7lovbmL17VsELX1AI4jSR2E0B_VQnEfFojFXrFld9sEIE-8ZcekhmiaXKcZMfK3BkehdFpdj0IwOiRbqRUrmkle0EG8hn7dNs3IIqHtypKug23mj_GH8ZbuziMd4atASgx3g91e4GLUrOQe5A=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFoDDts-9ovZlXb5zChejNvlk2svGlYPSMHsVk7_amb7lovbmL17VsELX1AI4jSR2E0B_VQnEfFojFXrFld9sEIE-8ZcekhmiaXKcZMfK3BkehdFpdj0IwOiRbqRUrmkle0EG8hn7dNs3IIqHtypKug23mj_GH8ZbuziMd4atASgx3g91e4GLUrOQe5A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: large;"><b><b>The SPECS:</b></b></span></div>
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<br /></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><b>Proven:</b> No. 1 choice on expeditions worldwide.</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><b>Multi-Fuel:</b> Reliably burns more liquid fuels than any other stove.</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><b>Dependable:</b> Easy to field maintain; Shaker Jet™ cleans fuel jet with a simple shake.</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><b>Compact:</b> Flexible fuel line allows stove to fit in a 1.5-liter MSR pot.</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><b>Superfast:</b> Boils 1 liter of water in just 2.8 minutes (using kerosene fuel).</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><b>Extra-Stable:</b> Retractable legs and pot supports provide a secure platform.</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><b>Includes:</b> Fuel pump, windscreen, heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions, and stuff sack. (Fuel bottle not included.)</div></div>
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<b>Minimum Weight-</b> 13.2 oz / 374 g</div>
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<b>Packed Weight-</b> 1 lbs 1.2 oz / 489 g</div>
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<b>Can use these fuels- </b>White Gas, Unleaded Gas, Diesel, Kerosene, Aviation Fuel, Jet Fuel</div>
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<b>Burn time (white gas) per 600ml / 20 oz.</b> <b>of fuel- </b>109 minutes</div>
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<b>Burn time (kerosene) per 600ml / 20 oz.</b> <b>of fuel-</b> 98 minutes</div>
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<b>Burn time (diesel) per 600ml / 20 oz.</b> <b>of fuel-</b> 170 minutes</div>
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<b>Boil time (white gas), 1 liter-</b> 3.5 minutes</div>
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<b>Boil time (kerosene), 1 liter-</b> 2.8 minutes</div>
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<b>Boil time (diesel), 1 liter-</b> 4.5 minutes</div>
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<b>Country of Origin-</b> Made in Seattle, USA<br />
<b>Street Price- $189.95</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">ACCESSORIES</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The XGK EX comes with a carrying bag, instruction manual, fuel pump, aluminum wind screen and ground protector, and a basic maintenence kit:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibCZ7iPgCbe37HrlQ9jlGUxdK8EDywlvFbpxjYhhbQsg8_HwA6DoiJy8Rnp1ptP7sqpnzIb6ymYLT7QPqTKpLgkJXItcqn3xwhMODpPUxvpPmzVviYBL9GpV7yKLs9612XgkqzP_MxrnqcIsdhYoD36yrdA6vZnQH-f2VgepIN6KC0UgTpYlUpdDSAmA=s1987" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="1987" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibCZ7iPgCbe37HrlQ9jlGUxdK8EDywlvFbpxjYhhbQsg8_HwA6DoiJy8Rnp1ptP7sqpnzIb6ymYLT7QPqTKpLgkJXItcqn3xwhMODpPUxvpPmzVviYBL9GpV7yKLs9612XgkqzP_MxrnqcIsdhYoD36yrdA6vZnQH-f2VgepIN6KC0UgTpYlUpdDSAmA=w400-h311" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic4DyC_wpbqrYatArH-wRJZG9uM7jMo2hVBKhXCznjuBcBM1tIakNwyvMIR1Z2oYaHliYaJZ4j7YDa83CPPGkt_PO94nmXVwlVnN7xpZQgnTR3CW1Zd5XwWHxcEjI4tpzoJskD4a-rGZeEP_Kj_DqkxfODH2dc4G3CDYXNZ8YPEs9h7qx9pkqWkwwxYg=s2273" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2273" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic4DyC_wpbqrYatArH-wRJZG9uM7jMo2hVBKhXCznjuBcBM1tIakNwyvMIR1Z2oYaHliYaJZ4j7YDa83CPPGkt_PO94nmXVwlVnN7xpZQgnTR3CW1Zd5XwWHxcEjI4tpzoJskD4a-rGZeEP_Kj_DqkxfODH2dc4G3CDYXNZ8YPEs9h7qx9pkqWkwwxYg=w400-h343" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN">FIELD TESTING</span></b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN">Since my testing began many years ago, the </span>XGK EX has been used heavily on <a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2013/02/longs-peak-trail-winter-backpacking.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">backpacking trips</span></a> and at my old <a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2012/06/blog-update-off-grid.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">extended base camp</span></a> for boiling large amounts of snow for drinking water, boiling pasta, Ramen, heating water for washing dishes, etc. Over the course of this testing, the XGK EX has been dead reliable using many different kinds of fuels. The only problem I had was when I rushed the priming sequence once and fouled up the jet. Letting the stove cool and shaking out the jet easily fixed the issue, and the stove was immediately back up and running within minutes.</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsJI0LNZXZ9so7QhKYKsJqjSVysIHI8QGS_tTA5pRoZwkWjQnOH12nMTKqKtbT6-S0D7dJhOUNzbqvtVriwGjCjJNrNTh0Gq5VP5kQfnqdupsnjlrfHZ5JtiWHFBJVgj8uq3st0SnSq-WICAteuyIXhfPMSYLFemCT1gLhuQti1w3cR44ewOAtdiOT3g=s1820" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="1652" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsJI0LNZXZ9so7QhKYKsJqjSVysIHI8QGS_tTA5pRoZwkWjQnOH12nMTKqKtbT6-S0D7dJhOUNzbqvtVriwGjCjJNrNTh0Gq5VP5kQfnqdupsnjlrfHZ5JtiWHFBJVgj8uq3st0SnSq-WICAteuyIXhfPMSYLFemCT1gLhuQti1w3cR44ewOAtdiOT3g=w363-h400" width="363" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bears Beware-- the XGK "747" is ready for take off!</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN">Once the </span>XGK EX is warmed up and running, it is loud compared to other backpacking stoves, sounding almost like a miniature 747 jet plane readying for takeoff. It especially gives this effect when running on Kerosene. Kerosene and Jet Fuel are pretty similar, so the XGK will burn noticeably hotter and louder when using it. Between the roar and the "jet-engine" like smell, it really gives the whole airport tarmac experience when this thing is going full blast!<br />
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A positive thing about this jet-type noise is that it seems to keep bears away when I am cooking with it. My guess is that if they happened to come by when the XGK is running, they might think they accidentally ended up at Denver International Airport!<br />
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Now that I've scared you into thinking this stove is going to blast your ear drums out, it's actually not that bad. In fact, after I used it a couple of times, I didn't even notice the sound. It actually became a bit of a companion on dark, moonless nights at my base camp, when I could hear bears roaming in the area and I'd need to boil water for tea. The bears never came near when the XGK was running. Once you're used to it, you hardly notice.<br /></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyMVYqpkLRdAmOp6aECw_MOoJQAysfFd6b4jIjXcBJdsS8ln0hQIvGhuZd5uHul4gIXhHvlbT_xq1HjTNVBywWJC_x0-IM9Vofvaq95tjGu16p_oHbRbsgzEpWLbOL-HJdoICGq9-8S-6cGiYrMYbuvfnrjd6ZXv5jpYD-AGe8pz3Xw0v_TyYIRWhZ9g=s1266" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1266" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyMVYqpkLRdAmOp6aECw_MOoJQAysfFd6b4jIjXcBJdsS8ln0hQIvGhuZd5uHul4gIXhHvlbT_xq1HjTNVBywWJC_x0-IM9Vofvaq95tjGu16p_oHbRbsgzEpWLbOL-HJdoICGq9-8S-6cGiYrMYbuvfnrjd6ZXv5jpYD-AGe8pz3Xw0v_TyYIRWhZ9g=w496-h481" width="496" /></a></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Criticisms?</span></b></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>Yes -- just one. The XGK EX is not adjustable to simmer. It's an all or nothing affair with this stove. But that is why it is so dead reliable -- minimal parts to break. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I compensated for this by using empty (steel) cans of Bruce's Yams and Great Value Roast Beef from Walmart and cutting both ends open (the Roast Beef has a pull tab on one side so you only have to cut open the bottom). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The cans sits perfectly flat on the inner ring of XGK's pot support legs. They raise the pot high enough over the flame to perform slower cooking and simmering. The Roast Beef can is a bit lower and Yam can is higher, allowing for different styles of cooking and heat intensity. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Steel Roast Beef can from Walmart turned into a riser for my XGK EX:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoGix1U_dlK81MEUsQEfrmRtQY2zAq7e93gxP3V31jX-6gPHF4s-QRFOiDAe1cNSVa5d07psQ5QIk6yF3cfK4UOXX1yAQbLJep-KKiIYyWEmMY-IJ5owsqNVS8s5-zfBPy4SwusiHnGLqsJSc1cTPwQkPpZ1joeqrGcxP_dfNeUgXI5nPhbCdlfm04hg=s2076" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2076" data-original-width="1832" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoGix1U_dlK81MEUsQEfrmRtQY2zAq7e93gxP3V31jX-6gPHF4s-QRFOiDAe1cNSVa5d07psQ5QIk6yF3cfK4UOXX1yAQbLJep-KKiIYyWEmMY-IJ5owsqNVS8s5-zfBPy4SwusiHnGLqsJSc1cTPwQkPpZ1joeqrGcxP_dfNeUgXI5nPhbCdlfm04hg=w413-h468" width="413" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A can opener on a Leatherman or Victorinox works well for this task but be careful not to cut yourself -- wear leather gloves!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN">CONCLUSION</span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">Whether you're prepping for a natural disaster, globe-trotting to less developed countries, or just want a backpacking stove that's flexible, reliable, and cheap to run, the XGK is an excellent choice. Plus, MSR still makes this wonderful stove right here in the good' ole USA.</span></span></div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>5 out of 5 Stars (Highly Recommended)</b></div>
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<div class="ecxMsoNormal"><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" /></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is a Service-Connected Army Veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/edible-survival-plants-of-the-rocky-mountains-jason-schwartz/1129988021" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains </span></a><a href="Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is an Army veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains Pocket Guides. Jason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for The New Pioneer and Backpacker Magazine Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pocket Guides</span></a></b></i></span>. J</span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">ason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for</span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><a href="https://www.backpacker.com/byline/jason-schwartz-rocky-mountain-bushcraft/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Backpacker Magazine</b></i></span></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewPioneerMagazine/posts/1138258732868978" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>The</b> <b>New Pioneer</b></i></span></a> </div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)</span></div></div>
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Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-83489290372674815612022-02-16T20:14:00.016-07:002023-08-10T18:49:07.950-06:00Review: Elite Survival Systems Liberty Gun Pack- A Discreet Way to Carry Your Pistol on and off the Trail<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1tHqu7XCyXWsa6r9CdeP4u7M0Tveagevd9VqzAM9LC0RK4xRofmMJQvZd1Jl3uGSItqZPddjB-YY-chyphenhyphenEYHKyUTo85y4XasGlIzQ0H0eiXXOJmzj5J0kTcZ27S38hpHoY-Tg9olJTi-C/s1600/DSC_1018_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1tHqu7XCyXWsa6r9CdeP4u7M0Tveagevd9VqzAM9LC0RK4xRofmMJQvZd1Jl3uGSItqZPddjB-YY-chyphenhyphenEYHKyUTo85y4XasGlIzQ0H0eiXXOJmzj5J0kTcZ27S38hpHoY-Tg9olJTi-C/w513-h406/DSC_1018_WEB.jpg" width="513" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Mikhail Merkurieff/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2016 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elite Survival Systems sent me their cool <a href="https://elitesurvival.com/products/liberty-gun-pack" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Liberty Gunpack</b></span></a> a while back to test and review. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been using this pack on and off since then for my <a href="https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g29-gen4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Glock 29</b></span></a> 10mm Mountain Pistol, and it has been a great piece of gear. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I like most is that the pack has an inconspicuous appearance:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyd8C_4u3kjtvhI8Jo3cy82yxI-fZ1TlgjnzDSX9oCaob-sGSCmDUZ-ouOExCvqyOMrw5yyy1qyRstdWMMxGuTRFmmwxHJTmMiVybdjPHDkLBf-FEx2xaUTWz6hWBAjcSVZTxpGBRaLW4/s1600/DSC_1014_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="1600" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyd8C_4u3kjtvhI8Jo3cy82yxI-fZ1TlgjnzDSX9oCaob-sGSCmDUZ-ouOExCvqyOMrw5yyy1qyRstdWMMxGuTRFmmwxHJTmMiVybdjPHDkLBf-FEx2xaUTWz6hWBAjcSVZTxpGBRaLW4/w419-h399/DSC_1014_WEB.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Mikhail Merkurieff/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2016 All Rights Reserved</span></div><br />It has extra pockets for a cell phone, pens, spare mags, keys, flashlight, ID cards, etc:</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAeYYshBPyT03XQtZakfVp9Xgzz_CsmSLR3k1DozLlIIszFG52iokeYsuXf-OLCiSpsIa2od0z74ly33ntC-yGQUXzsMAgBOCWdoQJp0nmGYjl4r8o_3VkxA4ooPi2llS2zydgPno5XeB/s1600/DSC_1026_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAeYYshBPyT03XQtZakfVp9Xgzz_CsmSLR3k1DozLlIIszFG52iokeYsuXf-OLCiSpsIa2od0z74ly33ntC-yGQUXzsMAgBOCWdoQJp0nmGYjl4r8o_3VkxA4ooPi2llS2zydgPno5XeB/w487-h476/DSC_1026_WEB.jpg" width="487" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQNLAcdvb9UOj9MAkh9R3UztOWK8DaLNtx19ocowKke1-s5LkXCAe4veretZXWs2Acve6k4nRqMfe9LBcEZ8OaWJ96IPLQqvDxiGtIkQwMZOg4oAOOdkdkJkd7MG_fberkpjQmQeM41Es6oqJLHwR5n9WzoYPrPCzK4TiVO3DZTLFgG7vpond45rC3Ew" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="400" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQNLAcdvb9UOj9MAkh9R3UztOWK8DaLNtx19ocowKke1-s5LkXCAe4veretZXWs2Acve6k4nRqMfe9LBcEZ8OaWJ96IPLQqvDxiGtIkQwMZOg4oAOOdkdkJkd7MG_fberkpjQmQeM41Es6oqJLHwR5n9WzoYPrPCzK4TiVO3DZTLFgG7vpond45rC3Ew=w488-h465" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2016 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuykrVfy6G1mAWywcl3yf1BlUjezoLE_4CLz9XyXnXbAzJXi6qhqUaFnZs19533HTLcwptPVJI1n9klcE4_fPMcnA8sN_siCIvPn8nnMxuI7sMUX5Kv69h5OlwlW7E7eiBwO_JOh-6Dvq7/s1600/DSC_1030_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuykrVfy6G1mAWywcl3yf1BlUjezoLE_4CLz9XyXnXbAzJXi6qhqUaFnZs19533HTLcwptPVJI1n9klcE4_fPMcnA8sN_siCIvPn8nnMxuI7sMUX5Kv69h5OlwlW7E7eiBwO_JOh-6Dvq7/w490-h377/DSC_1030_WEB.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits: Mikhail Merkurieff/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2016 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The pack has a four-way belt loop on the back so that it can be worn vertical or horizontal, as well as Molle attachment points for mounting on your pack:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC_6ibwrIc_dxwcHQV9dzPxIovfCwwxZAcz-iC76j0nMd2LMQGIT1CB_D9HCuydqgKPvz0-bZNYkccnOIaeP61c96b26EfSKPyPCYN3mVGORVbX2isFFCb-k2mvUKBik-a2KfYphV-ZfcJpcYefMZb0ADSnucbHM-KH2ydkl_bbuZxLPEO8FgoMiAHbg=s2212" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2212" data-original-width="1904" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC_6ibwrIc_dxwcHQV9dzPxIovfCwwxZAcz-iC76j0nMd2LMQGIT1CB_D9HCuydqgKPvz0-bZNYkccnOIaeP61c96b26EfSKPyPCYN3mVGORVbX2isFFCb-k2mvUKBik-a2KfYphV-ZfcJpcYefMZb0ADSnucbHM-KH2ydkl_bbuZxLPEO8FgoMiAHbg=w395-h459" width="395" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2022 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKUOw1Uc_25uEeIAjNyd6ejPQ5KTHsK4YlGo4aNgoLqO87w-ljMFe76qz3lQ3s8Ax4Jxl4_4vNkhKyLVmTNXJycF6ElH-wIA_5bpy9oeCXkyITBnraxLbzUiyCgept40EtuVwMmo9PRhESKej6mFeFA8JvOOhxy87zogdJsFgNEV8UQHV_UgpQb4s8cQ=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKUOw1Uc_25uEeIAjNyd6ejPQ5KTHsK4YlGo4aNgoLqO87w-ljMFe76qz3lQ3s8Ax4Jxl4_4vNkhKyLVmTNXJycF6ElH-wIA_5bpy9oeCXkyITBnraxLbzUiyCgept40EtuVwMmo9PRhESKej6mFeFA8JvOOhxy87zogdJsFgNEV8UQHV_UgpQb4s8cQ=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of Elite Survival Systems</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The belt loop is large enough that it easily attached to the waist belt on my <a href="https://www.kelty.com/redwing-50/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Kelty Redwing 50</b></span></a> backpack:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWNLpGat9_teVefv_cnz_yZ03vHAou0oCTSq34xYMIxbdWiqzAR7WYJRKelaLZAHO9Pj7oY4og-PUCIV-u-Cusms-Shl6ko_nCSEb9dv5xz-Y2fp9g1J2Of6qpj24bCe_ZrWpSaQ9bfiC/s1600/DSC_1011_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWNLpGat9_teVefv_cnz_yZ03vHAou0oCTSq34xYMIxbdWiqzAR7WYJRKelaLZAHO9Pj7oY4og-PUCIV-u-Cusms-Shl6ko_nCSEb9dv5xz-Y2fp9g1J2Of6qpj24bCe_ZrWpSaQ9bfiC/s400/DSC_1011_WEB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Mikhail Merkurieff/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2016 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Gunpack has a pull tab on each corner to facilitate rapid opening of the gun compartment. This makes it quick and easy to open and then draw your pistol for self defense against dangerous predators.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsiXu0O02oUpd_4Ll0zm6speA4H-929l1A4slWCLR1FN8wRiw4t7gf7uxnPKrcbe43T4hy_S26BPIA1RFPYLTazm2zfrBWOTYIHdxWSD8EVNsyD2PaRP1ubU3dZyW056KZpqLUJbJ5cED/s1600/DSC_1016_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsiXu0O02oUpd_4Ll0zm6speA4H-929l1A4slWCLR1FN8wRiw4t7gf7uxnPKrcbe43T4hy_S26BPIA1RFPYLTazm2zfrBWOTYIHdxWSD8EVNsyD2PaRP1ubU3dZyW056KZpqLUJbJ5cED/w442-h343/DSC_1016_WEB.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfh05XeDUXzt1VebnvAWOMphBsu4RABHkXLTLTR1T6GUlO9aEQ4zaTszQRuWtoKVSsyAvrijoGVPZsS7-lUg8e1f9lgJ634lId9DF_IBaG4_2nslkmNFCS4L3Gxxc261lxvup5wVSQHz2/s1600/DSC_1021_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfh05XeDUXzt1VebnvAWOMphBsu4RABHkXLTLTR1T6GUlO9aEQ4zaTszQRuWtoKVSsyAvrijoGVPZsS7-lUg8e1f9lgJ634lId9DF_IBaG4_2nslkmNFCS4L3Gxxc261lxvup5wVSQHz2/w444-h306/DSC_1021_WEB.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ18GPcryvqgI3B3VZHU16C7c_SOECdLAGwxMrEK3Qvy97KLX17yP77H9qrZmsD455swfAyq-5OW1VRHt3JuJywgjqn2YaxtDKFyagdawC4_m5xm88q7JNTmiigisGK1O_kJuXM1xweK930AbCU7PbXMHJnPToTekE2fxcptGcved1-OORajRz8tcMpQ=s2523" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2523" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ18GPcryvqgI3B3VZHU16C7c_SOECdLAGwxMrEK3Qvy97KLX17yP77H9qrZmsD455swfAyq-5OW1VRHt3JuJywgjqn2YaxtDKFyagdawC4_m5xm88q7JNTmiigisGK1O_kJuXM1xweK930AbCU7PbXMHJnPToTekE2fxcptGcved1-OORajRz8tcMpQ=w452-h359" width="452" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits: Mikhail Merkurieff/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2016 All Rights Reserved</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The pack also has the ability to carry a spare mag inside the main gun compartment:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAZbZkxIAB8dU3F9wRqk_yWsB44QJUsRv17A4SB6b4GHjI7nDccCFlZBDb00VVbNs95izi3xMAuXhOj1jNusfbzmJlQvWNZsqzYAKxW45Ow4kVu57alUuYgFkpMX0gfQwCfJbO8PXf6Kg4jG62AcU1OtBgsU6MRVbESJ60DB9GUMBQ4iV2pCwKcQFvNw=s1247" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1247" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAZbZkxIAB8dU3F9wRqk_yWsB44QJUsRv17A4SB6b4GHjI7nDccCFlZBDb00VVbNs95izi3xMAuXhOj1jNusfbzmJlQvWNZsqzYAKxW45Ow4kVu57alUuYgFkpMX0gfQwCfJbO8PXf6Kg4jG62AcU1OtBgsU6MRVbESJ60DB9GUMBQ4iV2pCwKcQFvNw=w485-h389" width="485" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of Elite Survival Systems</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I use the Liberty to carry a bulkier Glock 29 10mm, I've found that it's a bit too cramped to carry a spare mag like this and instead, use the front outer compartment to hold the spare mag. But for those with typical 9mm CCW pistols such as Glock 43's, Sig P365's, Smith & Wesson Shield's, etc, the spare mag carry in the main compartment works well. </div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Final Thoughts</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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I've found the Liberty Gunpack to be a great CCW companion when walking or hiking in populated areas and around town, where the ability to be discreet is important. I've never gotten a second look from passerbyers while wearing it. The quality of the pack is high and the zippers have held up well to steady use. I think it is a great "Wilderness to Street" gunpack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>5 out of 5 Stars (Highly Recommended)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>EDITOR'S NOTE: </b>I would like to thank my friend <b>Mikhail Merkurieff</b> of <b>Emberlit Stoves and Camp Ware</b> for his assistance in taking the photos used in this review. Mikhail's titanium stoves, flint strikers and survival fishing gear are top notch. Please stop by and check out his website at <a href="https://emberlit.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>https://emberlit.com/</b></span></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks! Jason</div>
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<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" /></a><div><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is a Service-Connected Army Veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/edible-survival-plants-of-the-rocky-mountains-jason-schwartz/1129988021" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains </span></a><a href="Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is an Army veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains Pocket Guides. Jason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for The New Pioneer and Backpacker Magazine Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)" style="color: #dd7700; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pocket Guides</span></a></b></i></span>. J</span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">ason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for</span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><a href="https://www.backpacker.com/byline/jason-schwartz-rocky-mountain-bushcraft/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Backpacker Magazine</b></i></span></a><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13.2px;"> and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewPioneerMagazine/posts/1138258732868978" style="background-color: #333333; color: #dd7700; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>The</b> <b>New Pioneer</b></i></span></a> </div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 13.2px;">Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)</span></div></div></div>
Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-69160531670112341222021-11-15T18:53:00.004-07:002023-08-10T18:49:37.173-06:00The Doug Ritter RSK® Mk5 Altoids Can Survival Knife is back for 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaTOBZ70lH2c0D6QQelRAnh6h0qaqjKj-5R2vN9FK58VDHfCnakqaNbTw0lKHkm8XwnfxO3ZqX2_XwiyFdbVreuibe6w_A4UAVDyZbHrEu-_3jz0lmPgDoP5HZjwKX-Zr4I2bvA51dmyL/s1200/RSKMk5-G2_tin_1200w_EDITED.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1200" height="501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaTOBZ70lH2c0D6QQelRAnh6h0qaqjKj-5R2vN9FK58VDHfCnakqaNbTw0lKHkm8XwnfxO3ZqX2_XwiyFdbVreuibe6w_A4UAVDyZbHrEu-_3jz0lmPgDoP5HZjwKX-Zr4I2bvA51dmyL/w522-h501/RSKMk5-G2_tin_1200w_EDITED.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of DougRitter.com</span></div><div><br /></div>Hey friends, cool knife buy alert! <p>A couple of years ago, CRKT stopped production of the Doug Ritter RSK Mk5, a cool little "Fits into an Altoids Can" survival knife. </p><p>For 2021, Smoky Mountain Knife Works has managed to <a href="https://www.smkw.com/doug-ritter-neck-knife-satin-sfo-drmk5" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>bring them back into production</b></span></a>. According to Doug Ritter, the knives are still made in the same factory as the original CRKT versions using the same exact steel, so the quality is identical. </p><p>However, these knives now retail for HALF the price of the original CRKT versions, with a street price of just $11.99 at Smoky Mountain Knife Works as of this writing. </p><p>You are not going to find another purpose built, Altoids Can sized fixed blade knife like this for even close to price. </p><p>Ritter and his associates put a lot of work into developing this little knife for real world survival use back in the day, which can read about at this link- <b><a href="http://www.dougritter.com/rsk_mk5.htm"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://www.dougritter.com/rsk_mk5.htm</span></a> </b> </p><p>I've owned the CRKT version for many years and love it. </p><p>Aside from the fact that this knife is such a great accessory to your micro-survival kit, buying one also helps fund Doug's <a href="http://KnifeRights.org"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>KnifeRights.org</b></span></a>, which is on the front lines battling for your right to own and legally carry knives around the country. </p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Jason</p><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is an Army veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2016/08/edible-medicinal-survival-plants-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains </span></a><a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2016/08/edible-medicinal-survival-plants-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pocket Guides</span></a></i></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">. J</span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">ason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>The New Pioneer</i></span></a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">and</span> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Backpacker Magazine</i></span></a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)</span><br /></div>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-10267108502721526412021-10-29T02:42:00.006-06:002023-08-10T18:50:31.494-06:00REVIEW: Winchester AA 12 Gauge International Target #7.5 Birdshot Shells- Ultralight Shotgun Shells for Survival Guns<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueqCwvoJnp3yj4O3md0bOnuetC8qRUKjgHWm_LqwILDye3yVeSU9MJpBfHCObhdoD3WiNVmoInBT1iu18Q0BzZECELAduZr3gS24fSp34byXGahIP6loTtxewavI7rExLJqFsMImYzlYi/s1024/aanl127-boxshot_RMB.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="959" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueqCwvoJnp3yj4O3md0bOnuetC8qRUKjgHWm_LqwILDye3yVeSU9MJpBfHCObhdoD3WiNVmoInBT1iu18Q0BzZECELAduZr3gS24fSp34byXGahIP6loTtxewavI7rExLJqFsMImYzlYi/w376-h401/aanl127-boxshot_RMB.png" width="376" /></a></div><br />Back in March of 2017, I <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">reviewed</span></a> Aguila's Ultralight 12 Gauge #7.5 Mini Shells shotgun shells as an option for survival use.
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Aguila's Mini Shell is basically a shrunken down 12 Gauge shotshell (only 1 3/4" long) that is extremely light (as light as a 410 shell), yet still throws excellent patterns. </div>
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As great as the little Mini Shell was, it suffered from one major drawback -- price. At roughly $20 for a box of 20 shells, Aguila Mini Shells are more expensive than most 12 Gauge High Brass loads. </div>
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For the budget-minded backcountry trekker, this could be a real deal breaker, especially if you want do a lot of target practice with them.</div>
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So I set out in search of an alternative that would give similar performance to the Mini Shells without breaking the bank.</div>
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After a bit of searching online, I came across Winchester's <a href="https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2900175823?pid=559584" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>12 Gauge AA 2 3/4" #7.5 International Target Load</b></span></a>, which is essentially a 7/8 ounce version of Winchester's popular AA Super Sporting Clays 1 1/8 ounce load. The Winchester AA International Target loads are generally $11-$13 for a box of 25 when you can find them online, so they are roughly half the price of the Aguila MiniShells. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aZNqI-PrP0wQO01Opc9MWmC2UA18JeZgVIC0904oEdNqpBFryBmRChP7cWM1rbY5pn3ZCTGyG3fmEbZEWmMOEudIZHwrlaOXVJJ_kWJuHl9tZouSVfpGoXy3bfb3J6zXYfuxaMjLDvG4/s2048/DSC_0327_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1665" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aZNqI-PrP0wQO01Opc9MWmC2UA18JeZgVIC0904oEdNqpBFryBmRChP7cWM1rbY5pn3ZCTGyG3fmEbZEWmMOEudIZHwrlaOXVJJ_kWJuHl9tZouSVfpGoXy3bfb3J6zXYfuxaMjLDvG4/w450-h554/DSC_0327_WEB.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Winchester's AA International loads are used mainly for international skeet and trap competitions. Moving at a blazing 1,325fps, they feature hardened shot, a high strength hull, AA wads for improved pattern performance, reloadable brass shells, and what Winchester claims is the best in class primer and powder for reliability in the field. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Winchester AA International 2 3/4" 12 Gauge Target Shells <i><b>vs</b></i> Winchester AA 20 Gauge Super Sport 7/8oz Shells</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>At only 26.1 ounces per 20 shells, the 12 Gauge AA International Loads are nearly as light as 20 shells of Winchester AA #7.5 20 Gauge Super Sport Shells - impressive.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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20 shells of Winchester's AA International weighs only 26.1 ounces:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurQEgFu1rBEhFdkhhqS0CYsaV6YLBgjr_IMS8dCNznV5Z2WokldqDRVkH9GzX7AeD_whclY1FXSLKgh1RxjjUP-E8QSNzEIki5djxIlCIS0WWLE4SKq77uzVLKJ5iJwr0ewiZY0TmpAWn/s1600/AA+Inter+20+Shells_WEB.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1470" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurQEgFu1rBEhFdkhhqS0CYsaV6YLBgjr_IMS8dCNznV5Z2WokldqDRVkH9GzX7AeD_whclY1FXSLKgh1RxjjUP-E8QSNzEIki5djxIlCIS0WWLE4SKq77uzVLKJ5iJwr0ewiZY0TmpAWn/w401-h437/AA+Inter+20+Shells_WEB.JPG" width="401" /></a></div>
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That is only once ounce more than Winchester's 20 Gauge AA 7/8th Ounce Shells:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhne8gOni1dEpiOOEoqlzjIc7w7WFLYhs5K4wUThAoHq3f2MKyJgeAbPiuYD_rrtC9ebPybt8ms2FDM-iYyceSIZFZJNRZZ0wqQvw1bGEMOh2KqV6BqYy4k313rEV9IaSxMoWbwQ8DOTJ1/s1600/IMG_2083_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1247" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhne8gOni1dEpiOOEoqlzjIc7w7WFLYhs5K4wUThAoHq3f2MKyJgeAbPiuYD_rrtC9ebPybt8ms2FDM-iYyceSIZFZJNRZZ0wqQvw1bGEMOh2KqV6BqYy4k313rEV9IaSxMoWbwQ8DOTJ1/w366-h471/IMG_2083_WEB.jpg" width="366" /></a></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The real question is, how well do they perform? Light loads often mean thin patterns, so I was curious to see what the patterns looked like on some rabbit, squirrel and turkey targets.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">FIELD TEST</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">25 Yards from an H&R/NEF Pardner Single Shot Shotgun with a Modified Choke on a rabbit target:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7PZsXfxcMvlmqg00Vp2d3MN5nNT9W2HHuQU_N62kWX4Y7eBMZg96vJchm8DgyehmGgiWpA7SZnZuMovRnQIbxWgHwaFE9kG2WpQ-Jri43MoIOkrIFwVHTldpYbjyaGihcrn68lIT2__r/s1600/DSC_0334_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1469" height="585" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7PZsXfxcMvlmqg00Vp2d3MN5nNT9W2HHuQU_N62kWX4Y7eBMZg96vJchm8DgyehmGgiWpA7SZnZuMovRnQIbxWgHwaFE9kG2WpQ-Jri43MoIOkrIFwVHTldpYbjyaGihcrn68lIT2__r/w535-h585/DSC_0334_WEB.jpg" width="535" /></a></div>
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<div>25 Yards from an Stoeger Double Barrel Coach Gun Shotgun with an Improved Choke on a rabbit target:</div><div><br /></div></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIr9N6W3i8LL6LPalcnKMRnp5Mi0LEd8ziua8wNqHE7i6wdGZeOkV6ksvhAsdzzEAu6MFcN0EwPu4EzAw37JCYc0r6bTO7r6rFO7mdYQtYKdeGjcnq2Yhszdb_QMhGekJVTG5YmjiWU1u/s1600/DSC_0336_WEB_CLOSER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1533" height="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIr9N6W3i8LL6LPalcnKMRnp5Mi0LEd8ziua8wNqHE7i6wdGZeOkV6ksvhAsdzzEAu6MFcN0EwPu4EzAw37JCYc0r6bTO7r6rFO7mdYQtYKdeGjcnq2Yhszdb_QMhGekJVTG5YmjiWU1u/w535-h561/DSC_0336_WEB_CLOSER.jpg" width="535" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><span style="text-align: center;">35 Yards from an H&R/NEF Pardner Single Shot Shotgun with a Modified Choke on a Birchwood Casey splattering squirrel target:</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvrjgOd7i-F760rax7aExF7PxzNYBbOGYjOXblYOECYGZTytvZ7uFrmGQYDfRet6IM5o5wkgIbmq2RI7ubdGTOTIEHh5VXh0-CfBiTjvWoqNvbazkbuT_fvVCWKOnF-WXUEuiFmy1HAGY/s1600/IMG_3874_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1522" height="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvrjgOd7i-F760rax7aExF7PxzNYBbOGYjOXblYOECYGZTytvZ7uFrmGQYDfRet6IM5o5wkgIbmq2RI7ubdGTOTIEHh5VXh0-CfBiTjvWoqNvbazkbuT_fvVCWKOnF-WXUEuiFmy1HAGY/w522-h549/IMG_3874_WEB.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">35 Yards from an Stoeger Double Barrel Coach Gun Shotgun with an Improved Choke on a Birchwood Casey splattering squirrel target:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkgnpNf4RKHvR5Z5kXo4OVSMKw6GtWUdQhT6VIzTHqD2xLtc9sduODTmFs6JJsvsDgLSY0t7Khc_PA5AJUOv99sF3y-L1p5Oi9xCWSRuZHf7hygPPSORmQg5qZzUZisBNR0MKGHPHVuip/s1600/IMG_3877_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkgnpNf4RKHvR5Z5kXo4OVSMKw6GtWUdQhT6VIzTHqD2xLtc9sduODTmFs6JJsvsDgLSY0t7Khc_PA5AJUOv99sF3y-L1p5Oi9xCWSRuZHf7hygPPSORmQg5qZzUZisBNR0MKGHPHVuip/w524-h520/IMG_3877_WEB.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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Even at 50 yards, the AA International load still produced enough of a pattern out of the H&R/NEF Single Shot to have multiple hits on this squirrel target:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6qgMds-gGCe79Sq22FH4XSVVRS9KauJKghNJ3IF3k6NhmScOlgLejgwigZ_YJUWLGjvWAVJvJ_Im9QBJRSLfSr9f_M792POjmBGcEuGxTX0tYnPVLVB7jquJn_4L5VelnekZOCNuZHdk/s1600/IMG_3882_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6qgMds-gGCe79Sq22FH4XSVVRS9KauJKghNJ3IF3k6NhmScOlgLejgwigZ_YJUWLGjvWAVJvJ_Im9QBJRSLfSr9f_M792POjmBGcEuGxTX0tYnPVLVB7jquJn_4L5VelnekZOCNuZHdk/w518-h518/IMG_3882_WEB.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">35 Yards from an H&R/NEF Pardner Single Shot Shotgun with a Modified Choke on a Birchwood Casey splattering turkey target:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSolmRsZngEthyphenhyphenwaCSwXE8TVDbKVTz0ZsxT3ve5T4shOP7TYXYD-fAkpVJQBnkJ3ESlXBPwgITsbe-jgSRwu5NniVEJE54jH54n6hLzf6Ico0IlzLF7w0Mg1SwLXsXe1kTCOv_xM5tXqEq/s1600/IMG_3883_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1422" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSolmRsZngEthyphenhyphenwaCSwXE8TVDbKVTz0ZsxT3ve5T4shOP7TYXYD-fAkpVJQBnkJ3ESlXBPwgITsbe-jgSRwu5NniVEJE54jH54n6hLzf6Ico0IlzLF7w0Mg1SwLXsXe1kTCOv_xM5tXqEq/w518-h584/IMG_3883_WEB.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>FINAL THOUGHTS</b></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As shown in the field tests above, the Winchester AA International 12 Gauge Shells performed excellent. They give up very little in pattern density to heavier 1oz and 1 1/8oz shells. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Although not as super ultralight as the tiny Aguila MiniShells, whatever they lose in weight advantage to the MiniShells, they make up for with superior velocity and harder, deeper penetrating shot. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvwDh4Y81LEvjPbeJYSYzNnNX4tVgM5JYNFHqtB8XAVQsJDegtz0xIJh5oMwoNFd5AL6O_YOvmhYrP53X8xcbswloHutOMIW3PYDYqKj1J0MbNx6WSw2UTljGMVTQ_nEelEVXky_0Frpo/s1600/DSC_0324_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1464" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvwDh4Y81LEvjPbeJYSYzNnNX4tVgM5JYNFHqtB8XAVQsJDegtz0xIJh5oMwoNFd5AL6O_YOvmhYrP53X8xcbswloHutOMIW3PYDYqKj1J0MbNx6WSw2UTljGMVTQ_nEelEVXky_0Frpo/w417-h457/DSC_0324_WEB.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This makes Winchester's AA 12 Gauge International Target Shells an excellent ammo choice for bush pilots, snowmobiler's, ATV'ers, canoeists and other backcountry adventurers who like to pack a shotgun and keep their pack weight to a minimum. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>5 out of 5 Stars (Highly Recommended)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is an Army veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2016/08/edible-medicinal-survival-plants-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains </span></a><a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2016/08/edible-medicinal-survival-plants-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pocket Guides</span></a></i></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">. J</span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">ason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>The New Pioneer</i></span></a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">and</span> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Backpacker Magazine</i></span></a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)</span><br /></div></div>
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Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-7008227274290924212021-10-27T05:41:00.003-06:002021-10-27T05:55:29.433-06:00Wilderness Survival: Eat Crow Readers!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFCHMYGIO48Bp9sqi5x3OqmqzApG5LwwjY33xcEiJ1VwKsGLCNhcKvIeZfudjFbAwfBIFLTJbhHNUYWP90HGBeOHhMWum0QxsCtL2UMw8rqNyjVwYjryY4YJw6s4X_YSyYAcU5Z9y4jVw/s1600/IMG_5425_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFCHMYGIO48Bp9sqi5x3OqmqzApG5LwwjY33xcEiJ1VwKsGLCNhcKvIeZfudjFbAwfBIFLTJbhHNUYWP90HGBeOHhMWum0QxsCtL2UMw8rqNyjVwYjryY4YJw6s4X_YSyYAcU5Z9y4jVw/w490-h371/IMG_5425_WEB.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you ever eaten a crow? I have! Back in 2014, I decided to put my money where my mouth is so to speak. I wanted to know -- if Crow were the only meat available in a survival situation, would it be barf-o-rama, or would it be tolerable? So....in the spirit of educating myself in order to share the experience with you, I ate crow.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUac6y6RLiq4DvHHqYobXGTGZjYCZ8d83GlWho1rNl8HLxoYL-AjTH1oSVQoAbW3ypUyRWscENpPaR-mBY7vWWC27MGNvvtYBVMse0UEtKHzLUFJMlX2iJbW1mMRo2FNO3wDTs9NUAJNT/s1600/IMG_5423_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUac6y6RLiq4DvHHqYobXGTGZjYCZ8d83GlWho1rNl8HLxoYL-AjTH1oSVQoAbW3ypUyRWscENpPaR-mBY7vWWC27MGNvvtYBVMse0UEtKHzLUFJMlX2iJbW1mMRo2FNO3wDTs9NUAJNT/w508-h466/IMG_5423_WEB.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Into the pot it goes - yuck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFCHMYGIO48Bp9sqi5x3OqmqzApG5LwwjY33xcEiJ1VwKsGLCNhcKvIeZfudjFbAwfBIFLTJbhHNUYWP90HGBeOHhMWum0QxsCtL2UMw8rqNyjVwYjryY4YJw6s4X_YSyYAcU5Z9y4jVw/s1600/IMG_5425_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFCHMYGIO48Bp9sqi5x3OqmqzApG5LwwjY33xcEiJ1VwKsGLCNhcKvIeZfudjFbAwfBIFLTJbhHNUYWP90HGBeOHhMWum0QxsCtL2UMw8rqNyjVwYjryY4YJw6s4X_YSyYAcU5Z9y4jVw/w490-h371/IMG_5425_WEB.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Crow are carrion feeders, so I had to boil it for 30 mins straight to ensure that no bad microbes remained. Shown here is the Crow after it had been fully cooked:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpagzfr5ODadi6D8D6pRtN5r11voEgdKoISnBjQi5MQ9FHpOwF9165lUa3yj1OmClcmOdHhc02PA1BK8kAkHnG8VPQyW5_ClJ_tZFQC8gVoLhs1fjQRsLC1Y4RMP3lH3StPS16oEGXOiy/s1600/IMG_5534_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpagzfr5ODadi6D8D6pRtN5r11voEgdKoISnBjQi5MQ9FHpOwF9165lUa3yj1OmClcmOdHhc02PA1BK8kAkHnG8VPQyW5_ClJ_tZFQC8gVoLhs1fjQRsLC1Y4RMP3lH3StPS16oEGXOiy/w491-h365/IMG_5534_WEB.jpg" width="491" /></a></div>
<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Unfortunately, a huge thunderstorm rolled up and a dropped a ton of rain right after I took this photo, so I had to huddle up in a tent and eat the Crow and was not able to take any more photos. Suffice it to say, I was quite surprised by the way it tasted!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><b>About the author</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJjClRVJOuc/VmPz3Dpm-OI/AAAAAAAALjk/kNDonkTHm3I/s1600/IMG_9542_BIO_5_25%2525.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Jason Schwartz is the Founder and Senior Editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is an Army veteran, former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and the author of <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2016/08/edible-medicinal-survival-plants-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Edible & Medicinal Survival Plants of the Rocky Mountains </span></a><a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2016/08/edible-medicinal-survival-plants-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pocket Guides</span></a></i></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">. J</span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">ason has also written articles on bushcraft and survival for </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>The New Pioneer</i></span></a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">and</span> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Backpacker Magazine</i></span></a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)</span><br /></div></div>
Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-10345793861622673212021-05-03T18:02:00.001-06:002021-05-03T18:04:18.988-06:00Buck Knives releases S35VN version of the Classic 119 Special<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSQtgd_bC6z7PKkIIuwfyeOUNn9htkAud6vwW0g66XW8tlYOtcys6o8z6i1FJzvASmWov2lhUjYdjzT_vkSBe5Y3P-RaakLCKm8rXMR-rYlo7s_B_DhbU2c5zHDb3YdpKIyMVXk_cXRiB/s1440/Buck+119+in+S35VN_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1440" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSQtgd_bC6z7PKkIIuwfyeOUNn9htkAud6vwW0g66XW8tlYOtcys6o8z6i1FJzvASmWov2lhUjYdjzT_vkSBe5Y3P-RaakLCKm8rXMR-rYlo7s_B_DhbU2c5zHDb3YdpKIyMVXk_cXRiB/w526-h372/Buck+119+in+S35VN_1.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Buck Knives ©2021</span></div><p></p><p>Buck Knives has just released a super groovy version of their classic 119 Special in S35VN Supersteel. Called the 119 Special Pro, the knife includes an eye-pleasing green canvas micarta handle, black leather sheath, and a polished nickel silver guard and pommel. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWcYB54FQaIdmpu91uFL3DJl1DkBczNx5yU8cbaRMe3uFUha0m106c1qTRh6Xp_r9dxIpl92IOsD91xE5bus7ZrrYaj4bzFBTNLUvDNoxkFTOCGaZC5VPHs_FwvD-Ik7zSSGMBclOnS4B/s1800/Buck+119+in+S35VN_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWcYB54FQaIdmpu91uFL3DJl1DkBczNx5yU8cbaRMe3uFUha0m106c1qTRh6Xp_r9dxIpl92IOsD91xE5bus7ZrrYaj4bzFBTNLUvDNoxkFTOCGaZC5VPHs_FwvD-Ik7zSSGMBclOnS4B/w512-h640/Buck+119+in+S35VN_2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrUStU4ATE70iZLJXJlihEoRxUVq3r6g4anr3YwhQ88yvLvBP845vhRIxJFiX5ZGIIr1DxvXuFX8cedRIAIPT5rpQFJHn6wOJ77LC7EOSPWvmRAHEiAp-xNIGBFHhnDfPJroZSBLjMJhy/s1800/Buck+119+in+S35VN_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1182" height="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrUStU4ATE70iZLJXJlihEoRxUVq3r6g4anr3YwhQ88yvLvBP845vhRIxJFiX5ZGIIr1DxvXuFX8cedRIAIPT5rpQFJHn6wOJ77LC7EOSPWvmRAHEiAp-xNIGBFHhnDfPJroZSBLjMJhy/w512-h780/Buck+119+in+S35VN_3.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits: Buck Knives ©2021</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>For more information visit: <a href="https://www.buckknives.com/product/119-special-pro-knife/0119GRS1-B/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">https://www.buckknives.com/product/119-special-pro-knife/0119GRS1-B/</span></a></b></p>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-38874024757019699242021-04-12T18:20:00.005-06:002021-04-13T16:52:49.985-06:00Photos missing from certain posts<p>Hey friends, Jason here. Just an FYI that during my absence, Google blogger removed or disabled some of my photos from certain reviews. These are photos that are copyrighted to me, so it does not appear that they were removed because of a perceived copyright violation, but because Blogger is an older program that has some bugs in it. As such, I am going to have to spend time re-uploading many of these photos to fix the issue. </p><p>Thanks for your patience!</p><p>-Jason</p>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-31508101751877022172021-04-11T19:20:00.000-06:002021-04-11T19:20:34.137-06:00 So where has Jason been?.......Friends, it's great to see you again and thank you for continuing to support RMB with your comments during my long absence. Unfortunately, I got a bit sidelined after some of my military injuries caught up with me. So I had to spend some time at the VA getting evaluated/service-connected as well as doing some physical therapy/exercises before I could come back to Rocky Mountain Bushcraft.<div> <br />I am more limited now in what I can do because of my service injuries, but the good news is, as long as I stay within those limitations, I can return to sharing my adventures with you about wilderness survival skills, bushcrafting, tips & tricks and knife reviews. In fact, I am looking forward to figuring out how to do more with less gear, doing it on a budget, and sharing all of those juicy details with you.</div><div><br />Stay tuned!</div><div><br />-Jason</div>Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-51617901208578450132018-03-04T20:31:00.000-07:002018-03-04T20:43:32.893-07:00Reader Email: Pistol Scope on a Chiappa Double Badger 410/.22LR Survival Rifle, Great Versatility <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>(This email was recently sent to us from Gene in Wisconsin. Gene wanted to share his experience with his <a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-chiappa-double-badger-folding-22.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Chiappa Double Badger 410/.22LR folding survival gun</span></a> and how he mounted a scope on it):</i><br />
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Dear Rocky Mountain Bushcraft,<br />
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This is my set up. 22LR/410.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz11qxIRLlSfxOQgNnTm8yYVpjfFLeExzDoOnkSUhNcsI2tAW-8GGFr07vQr_ho_AURu85BKgdxtVC4ccxyOpn3SK1Z5b4TXqRRDELQhLdtz9mrBul6l21vl-C2zlCNpUTiPZS34UoAMI9/s1600/Photo_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz11qxIRLlSfxOQgNnTm8yYVpjfFLeExzDoOnkSUhNcsI2tAW-8GGFr07vQr_ho_AURu85BKgdxtVC4ccxyOpn3SK1Z5b4TXqRRDELQhLdtz9mrBul6l21vl-C2zlCNpUTiPZS34UoAMI9/s400/Photo_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I bought one of the first ones and found Savage mounts at Walmart that were a perfect fit. I have a Simmons pistol scope mounted on see-through mounts and this setup is awesome.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uzknbfBJ9igKHbe9wteUqZUmbXKeIMzBOnG9ptiYSuSlycJdy2clJJg8eBCMhBtIen1eCyhbHU7tWUaSxbxX7peklsSwqaQp6kwSCYOXi7rX0f1YzZOkepVVRnM-9y5ZgWtrVyl-QAHM/s1600/Photo_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="876" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uzknbfBJ9igKHbe9wteUqZUmbXKeIMzBOnG9ptiYSuSlycJdy2clJJg8eBCMhBtIen1eCyhbHU7tWUaSxbxX7peklsSwqaQp6kwSCYOXi7rX0f1YzZOkepVVRnM-9y5ZgWtrVyl-QAHM/s640/Photo_2.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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I own a hundred guns, and if I could only own one, it would be this one. Here in Wisconsin, this is the gun I use for everything except deer hunting. If it was legal to use the .410, I would use it for that as well. In a survival situation, I definitely would.<br />
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I can get 1 inch groups at 50 yards with the pistol scope if I do my part. I have found that using .22 Shorts are very accurate and for small game hunting, they are great because they are so quiet.<br />
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With this setup, it is still under 6 lbs. Out of all the combo guns I’ve had, this is the lightest. My Savage Model 24 .17 HMR over 20 gauge was over 9 lbs, and I had a Baikal .22 Mag over 410 and that was 7.5 lbs. For me, the double triggers makes this the best set up over all the other combo guns. No switches to fumble with, with just pull and shoot.<br />
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FYI - 1/2 of the Ruger 10/22 scope mounts are a perfect fit, so I went to Walmart with that half and matched them up with a pair of Savage mounts that worked perfectly.<br />
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I also took the rear peep off and replaced it with a notched Williams Fire Sight. I’m just not a fan of peeps.<br />
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Very versatile gun with .22 Shorts, Longs, Long Rifle, and CB’s. In the .410, Birdshot, Buckshot, Slugs. Pretty much a gun that will take any game in the USA.<br />
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Love reading your web page.<br />
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Gene<br />
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<b><i>EDITOR'S NOTE-</i></b><i> Great information- thanks Gene!</i><br />
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<i>If you would like to check out RMB's original review of the <b>Chiappa Double Badger 410/.22LR Survival Rifle</b>, click <b><a href="http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-chiappa-double-badger-folding-22.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">HERE</span></a></b>. </i></div>
Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-67290337274843560082018-02-28T14:45:00.001-07:002023-12-18T16:17:36.685-07:00The Italian Army Wool Officer's Blanket vs Regular Italian Army Wool Blanket<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc59_wkeGOfXWUu9Lh67sBwDWNjqj9nc0k6zE4PDerTT5fRJjqyMpua_jQ-CXQe7-tV0tWWmA0661D8pbdDA714liowTGPlPcF4fNfpW3Hsu75Nz1HNPXugywXXZW_IXLfs4Vm-qQBg0s1/s1600/DSC_0438_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc59_wkeGOfXWUu9Lh67sBwDWNjqj9nc0k6zE4PDerTT5fRJjqyMpua_jQ-CXQe7-tV0tWWmA0661D8pbdDA714liowTGPlPcF4fNfpW3Hsu75Nz1HNPXugywXXZW_IXLfs4Vm-qQBg0s1/s400/DSC_0438_WEB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Left: Italian Army Officer's Wool Blanket. Right: Standard Italian Army Wool Blanket (the dark black markings on both blankets are faded maker's marks) Photo: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">©2018 Rocky Mountain Bushcraft</span></div>
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Bushcrafters LOVE wool blankets for their versatility in the field. One of the blankets they particularly like for this role are the surplus Italian Army Wool Blankets.<br />
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The Italian Army Blankets were available for many years from surplus stores for dirt cheap prices ($10 a piece in some cases). Weighing in at roughly 5 to 5 1/2 lbs, constructed of 100% wool, tightly woven, and built like a tank, they work great as a general purpose field blanket.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Italian Army Standard Wool Blankets in use circa 1985:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://nikemissile.forumfree.it/?t=39822680&st=720"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://nikemissile.forumfree.it/?t=39822680&st=720</span></a></span></div>
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Unfortunately, the supply of these blankets, like most quality military wool blankets, has dried up over the years and have become more difficult to find. The Italian Army blankets in particular have become highly sought after, fetching upwards of $100 to $200 per blanket on eBay and online forums.</div>
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As rare as the Italian Army Wool Blankets are, the Officer's version of the Italian Army Wool Blanket is even more more difficult to find.</div>
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The Officer's Blanket has a distinctive star on it (see main photo above), is generally lighter in color, is longer than the standard army blanket by 10" to 15", and noticeably heavier. Dimensionally, my one Officer's blanket is 96" X 67", and the other is 98" X 66". How much heavier are these blankets? One weighs 7lbs 12oz, and the other is 7lbs 14oz. That's nearly 8lbs of pure wool! </div>
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By way of comparison, a large 4 point Hudson Bay Wool Blanket generally weighs 6 to 6 1/2 lbs:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2018</span></div>
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So the Italian Officer's Wool Blanket, at 1 1/2 to almost 2lbs heavier, is one serious field blanket!<br />
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Despite its weight, the Officer's blanket actually packs down much smaller than a Hudson Bay because of its dense, tightly woven construction. To give you an idea of just how small it will pack down, here is one of my Officer's Blankets next to a smallish 100% Wool USGI Army Blanket:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Left: <span style="text-align: center;">Italian Army Officer's Wool Blanket. Right: USGI 100% Wool Blanket</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2018</span></div>
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That's a seriously small package for nearly 8lbs of wool! My rolled up Hudson Bay blanket is twice this size. </div>
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As cool as these Officer's blankets are, they are extremely rare unfortunately. In fact, they are so rare that I could hardly find any information about them, even on bushcrafting forums. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKZPKSheOP9EHVHtauHefuBgd4FpcGSq-YfZODObli2pIPkJLNvAUecqEtyEtU2vooH60pIJMZ4GiAuw5sTMgeBN1SMdXq-90iPCLH3PYzTLSI3D5AlC6h8lPwvkYf4PkD1oiO2SKoYVr/s1600/DSC_0442_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKZPKSheOP9EHVHtauHefuBgd4FpcGSq-YfZODObli2pIPkJLNvAUecqEtyEtU2vooH60pIJMZ4GiAuw5sTMgeBN1SMdXq-90iPCLH3PYzTLSI3D5AlC6h8lPwvkYf4PkD1oiO2SKoYVr/s400/DSC_0442_WEB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Jason Schwartz/Rocky Mountain Bushcraft ©2018</span></div>
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To add to the confusion, it seems that a lot of people think that the regular Italian Army Wool Blanket is actually the Officer's model. As you can see from the main photo and from the differences in their size and weight, they are actually quite different. </div>
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Hopefully, this post will help clarify these differences in case someone should run into one of them at a yard sale, estate sale, online, etc.</div>
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If you happen to own one and can add to this information, please leave a comment below. </div>
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Cheers,<br />
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Jason</div>
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Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-42842619576034236352018-01-28T22:12:00.001-07:002023-12-23T15:30:08.747-07:00Review coming soon...... Barco-Kelly "Perfect" Felling Axe<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr3q6ILuXSbh2CXKUAxHBqr1DiUlRi-j2TSd_QeyMrfXl0FfWGO3akg0AoeGOLw-rS5weF-F1_YPH1kfQ7iK9J4n12yOtQFnP0TpEPy_X-EnyBd9ZxR_ZGEYXfDIGdRsbcBs-Zi74I6t3/s1600/IMG_4234_WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr3q6ILuXSbh2CXKUAxHBqr1DiUlRi-j2TSd_QeyMrfXl0FfWGO3akg0AoeGOLw-rS5weF-F1_YPH1kfQ7iK9J4n12yOtQFnP0TpEPy_X-EnyBd9ZxR_ZGEYXfDIGdRsbcBs-Zi74I6t3/w518-h430/IMG_4234_WEB.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>EDITOR'S NOTE-</b> Hey friends, sadly, it has come to my attention that Barco-Kelly went bankrupt recently and was not sold to another company to continue their legacy. This is unfortunate because their Kelly "Perfect" Axe was actually a great axe after I did some profile work on the bit. I still plan to post a review of it for historical purposes, but sadly, they are no longer available to buy except on the secondary market. So if you own one of these fine tools, hold on to it! It's now a collectors item:)<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Jason
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Rocky Mountain Bushcrafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937550302603041228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994509998330113425.post-34236037445289163812018-01-28T22:09:00.000-07:002018-01-28T22:09:51.898-07:00Rocky Mountain Bushcraft now has 4.7 Million Pageviews- pretty cool!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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