Hunting Archives - Page 2 of 3

Dove Hunting Essentials: Ammo and Choke Tubes

August 31, 2021 | 0 Comments

If this is your first time participating in a dove hunt, figuring out what ammo and accessories to use can feel stressful. There are multiple sizes, brands, colors, and more. It’s overwhelming to stare at the laundry list of options, especially if you aren’t sure where to start. Because it can be so daunting to know what to pick, we’ve broken down the best options for your next dove hunting trip. GrabAGun has all of your dove hunting essentials, including dove hunting ammo, choke tubes, shotguns for sale, rifles, and more.

The Best Dove Hunting Ammo

When it comes to choosing shotshells for a dove hunting trip, we understand you want only the best. More often than not, hunters opt for a 12 gauge shotgun, which means you’ll need 12 gauge dove loads. That’s the easy part, but what about the shot size or load for your dove hunting ammo?

Sizing and Dove Ammo Load

For those new to dove hunting, we recommend sticking with the more popular smaller-sized shells: 7, 7 ½, and 8. These sizes will provide a smaller shot pattern, offering more pellets downrange. This equates to a more dense shot pattern, which is perfect for agile birds like doves. What’s more, this range of sizes will effortlessly carry you from the early season through the late season.

The best shot you could use in the dove fields is a 1 or 1 ⅛ ounce load of 7 ½. During the early season, you’ll find some hunters start with an 8 load and follow it up with a 7 ½ for longer shots. That’s why it’s important to stock up on a variety of loads. You never know what you’ll need at the moment. Doves aren’t necessarily the hardest bird to take down, but they are fast and unpredictable. Having the right-sized 12 gauge dove loads can help ensure plenty of successful shots. Options like the Remington Heavy Dove Loads, Fiocchi Game & Target Dove Loads, and Kent Steel Dove rounds are great examples of this. They provide optimal performance, come in a variety of gauges and loads, and you can buy this ammo online at affordable rates.

While there are more sizes, you’ll find that experienced hunters stick with this smaller range, arguing that the 8 and 9 sizes aren’t enough to take down doves. With this in mind, experiment for yourself with 12 gauge shells for sale to find what works best for you. Regardless, it’s not only important to have several boxes of shells with you but also a variety of options.

Browse GrabAGun’s collection of dove hunting ammo online

Picking a Choke Tube

One thing experienced shooters can tell you is that conditions are always changing. You may find yourself moving around a few times just to get a decent shot. That’s why, as part of your dove hunting essentials, it’s necessary to have multiple shotshells with you as well as a few choke tubes.

What is a Choke Tube?

A choke tube is something you can add to your shotgun to change the pattern of shot released. It won’t change the power, but it can help increase distance or accuracy. With it, you’ll be able to specialize your firearm to specific hunts. Choke tubes can be added to bolt action shotguns, semi-automatic shotguns, and even single-shot shotguns. If the barrel is threaded for the tube, then just about any shotgun for sale will work. Doves are notoriously fast birds with unpredictable flight patterns. Even with the best gun and ammunition, you run the risk of missing your shot because of how quickly they can change course. By utilizing a shotgun choke, you can reduce the unpredictability and increase your chances of a successful shot.

Dove Hunting Accessories

To pick the right choke tube, you need to know when you’ll be hunting. Early-season hunters will want something that will aid with shots ranging between 10 and 35 yards and can handle a shot size of 7 ½. Later season shooters may want something that can handle further distances, between 25 and 40 yards, as well as a shot size around 6 and 7 ½. Anyone who waits for later dates to hunt knows that doves tend to be a bit more spooked at that point. They won’t always come to the decoys or food you have out, so you have to prepare accordingly.

Figuring out the right choke is going to take some time. You don’t want to over or under-choke yourself. What you do want are wider and denser shot patterns, which will increase the chances of actually hitting a dove. More often than not, new hunters will use too tight of a choke only to find out, the hard way, that tighter patterns make shots more difficult.

Find a choke tube for dove hunting at GrabAGun today

Dove hunting essentials can be found at GrabAGun

Dove Hunting Done Right with GrabAGun

Dove hunting is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. New hunters that want to do well need to make sure they have everything ready to go. Whether you are looking for a hunting shotgun, 12 gauge shells for sale, or any other item, GrabAGun has you covered. We are your one-stop-shop for all your dove hunting essentials.

—Kellie Krevosky

5 Things You Should Know About Shotgun Hunting

February 26, 2018 | 0 Comments

A hunting shotgun is a versatile part of a hunter’s collection. Not only is a shotgun a great addition to your home-defense strategy, it’s also an excellent gun for beginners, it comes at a variety of price points, and a 12-gauge shotgun is ideal for sport hunting a wide range of game, both big and small.

What You Can Hunt

With the versatility of ammunition, you can hunt any bird, including dove, quail, grouse, pheasant, geese, duck, and turkey. Birdshot in either a 12- or 20-gauge model gives you a deadly shot, and because they shoot a spread of pellets, shotguns are perfect for birds in flight.

You can also hunt small game like rabbits and squirrels, or load your shotgun with buckshot to pursue big game like deer or feral hogs at close range. If you use slugs, your shotgun is capable of hunting the same big game, or perhaps bigger, at longer ranges.

Range and Specs

The range of a hunting shotgun varies depending on the ammunition. Pellets are an adequate shot at about 40 yards, and slugs at about 75 yards. The reality is that shotguns will always be less accurate than rifles, however, because they can fire multiple projectiles, shotguns are ideal for small, fast-moving targets.

The two most common gauges are 12 and 20. The gauge refers to the diameter of the barrel, and the higher the number, the smaller the barrel. A 20-gauge shotgun is slightly smaller than a 12-gauge, is lighter weight, and has less recoil.

Ammunition also comes in gauges rather than caliber, which classified ammo for rifles or handguns. There are several different kinds of ammo you can use to load a shotgun. A shell is a self-contained cartridge loaded with multiple metallic pellets. Buckshot is the same is birdshot, but the spherical projectiles are bigger, so it does more damage and can be used to hunt bigger game. Slug is the term used for a shotgun bullet. It’s one solid lead projectile and is the most powerful ammunition you can buy for a shotgun.

How It Compares to Bow Hunting

Experienced hunters use both a gun and a bow regularly. However, for beginners, or anyone wanting to gain proficiency, it’s best to choose one firearm and practice consistently. Focusing on a smaller set of skills enables mastery of those skills more quickly.

The outdoor hunting experience is entirely different from shotgun to bow. Hunting small game with a bow is very challenging, and you’ll be largely unsuccessful unless you have exceptionally good aim with moving targets.

Big game is also hard to shoot with archery unless you’re within thirty yards of your target. Stalking within archery range of elk or deer requires a lot of practice, skill, and sometimes luck. In most cases, a shotgun promotes more frequent success if your goal is to bring home dinner.

Seasons, Tags, and Regulations

Outdoor hunting regulations are complex, and they vary from state to state. Check local rules for where you can hunt, how to obtain tags, and how long the season is. When factoring in some of these things, bowhunters tend to have more of an advantage.

Some land is designated archery only, and many local landowners will only allow bowhunting on their property. If you know someone with land, hunting on private property can be cheaper, so gun hunting tends to be more pricey if you want the exclusivity that private property provides.

Over-the-counter tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis but are the best bet for beginners because you don’t need points to be competitive. More experienced hunters have a better chance at a lottery for obtaining the tags they need.

Archery season is usually longer than gun season. You may also want to consider whether the seasons overlap because many archers don’t enjoy sharing the woods with gun hunters due to a significant disadvantage. It can also be dangerous to have bowhunters and gun hunters in the same area at one time, although incidents are rare, especially if you practice appropriate safety techniques.

Archery season usually precedes gun season, meaning that if you hunt with a rifle, you’re already at a disadvantage before you even begin. Guns often scare off animals, so once gun season starts, it can be hard to bag your limit. However, the earlier in the season it is, the warmer it is, so gun hunters do have a weather advantage later in the year.

Best for Beginners

A shotgun is one of the most versatile guns and performs nearly all functions that a rifle does, with few exceptions. Its ability to shoot a wide range of ammunition makes it useful for almost anything. Small game, large game, and home defense are a few potential uses already addressed. Shotguns are effective at both short and long range.

Shotguns are also relatively inexpensive, so they’re not a huge investment for those wanting to learn. Because of their intended uses, they also circumvent some legislation where handguns and rifles are concerned, making them easier to acquire.

It’s easy to transform a shotgun to a home defense role or make it a bird-blasting gun for the field. With an endless line of aftermarket accessories, you can tweak a shotgun to make it comfortable for anyone.

If you’re looking to take up outdoor hunting, shotguns are well-suited to the sport. When shopping shotguns for sale, you will find a versatile selection, with plenty of options for comfort, size, and ammunition . Check out the complete selection of shotguns, accessories and ammunition available from Grab A Gun.

The Ultimate Checklist for Handgun Hunting

October 27, 2017 | 0 Comments

Not all hunts are the same. There are some vast differences between hunting bears and hunting elk. But it isn’t always the type of game you are after that defines your adventure. The firearm you use can completely change your hunting experience. Increasing numbers of hunters are choosing to explore the challenges associated with handgun hunting. There are several reasons why. The challenge of handgun hunting from a distance. The thrill of being close to your prey. The ability to draw your weapon quickly. Not being loaded down by a sling. Whatever your reason, handgun hunting is a thrill unlike any other.

Tips For Handgun Hunting

Exercise your trigger finger.
Perfect your trigger squeeze so that it flows perfectly and uniformly every time.
Keep a firm – but not too tight – consistent grip.
Plant yourself before you shoot.
Reduce anticipation and get rid of your flinch.

Each of those tips will help you be a better shot while handgun hunting. But before you rush out into the field with only an insatiable desire to take down your target with your .44 Mag handgun, you will want to do a little research on what you should have with you to increase your enjoyment and your chances of actually having a successful hunt.

Find The Right Handgun

First and foremost, you need the right handgun. There are a wide variety to choose from, though not as many calibers as rifles have for actual hunting. Four particular handguns are especially good for hunting: the .480 Ruger, .460 Smith & Wesson Mag., .44 Remington Mag., and the 10mm Auto. There are plenty to choose from, but starting with one of these four will help you get a good feel for your specific handgun style.

Your Grip

After your weapon, the second-most important aspect of handgun hunting is your grip. Something that you should consider essential for every handgun hunting trip is gloves. They may not sound essential, but your grip drastically changes your handgun hunting accuracy. A good set of tactical gloves will do so much for you, from helping with your grip, to keeping your hands warm, to protecting them while shooting.

You’ll also want to have a few specific pieces of equipment with you on the trip to help you become a better handgun hunter. These are two specific hunting accessories you will want to have as part of your hunting gear.

Hunting Accessories

Leupold FX-3 Silhouette Scope

The ever important scope is doubly significant when handgun hunting. One of the best you can find for this style of hunting is the Leupold FX-3. This scope is made for everyone who wants a traditional and functional fixed power scope. This scope is widely known for being durable, exceptionally clear and bright, and very simple to operate. You can’t go wrong have those qualities backing all of your shots.

Peltor XF4 Safety Glasses

Eye protection is vital to being able to hit your target. If you can’t see, you aren’t going to shoot with any sort of accuracy. Shooting glasses are your best choice out in the elements. These adjustable safety glasses are both stylish and effective. If you are able to block debris from interfering with your eyes than you have a better chance of taking home the trophy. But don’t let the toughness of this eye protection make you think that they are not comfortable to wear. They are contoured to fit snugly on your head, and they come with soft nosepieces so they will rest easily on your nose for extended periods of time.

Follow the tips, get the gear, and enjoy the hunt. Get all of your hunting handguns, 10 mm ammo, .44 mag ammo for sale, and other accessories from GrabAGun for a price you will love!

The Best Camo Gear for Hunting

August 25, 2017 | 0 Comments

Plenty of ink has been spilled and words have been uttered about what is vital to take on a hunting trip. That’s no surprise, considering the number of products available and all the places you can find them. Hunting gear can be found online, in department stores, and in specialty stores.

The hunting gear market is flooded with so many options that picking the right choice for you can be harder than it needs to be. So let’s discuss how you make decisions about the hunting gear you purchase and then look at some of the best options available . But first, let’s answer some common considerations when determining what gear to bring along on your hunting journey.

Think About What Works For You

You know yourself better than anyone else does. Think about the qualities you like or prefer in equipment, and search for products that fit those criteria. There is no point trying to fit your needs to accommodate what someone else likes. Find the gear that works best for you.

Why Buy Camo Gear?

Simply put, camouflage is essential to hunting. Ironically, the ultimate accessory for remaining unseen just happens to be everywhere you look these days. But it’s popularity is certainly merited. You will have the best luck against your target when you cannot be easily seen by your prey. Camo comes in a variety of patterns, allowing for numerous environments to be reflected on your hunting clothing. Oftentimes it is seasonal. You’ll find everything from camo shorts for warmer temps, to camo print jackets and coats, with patterns and colors representing the Alaskan winter or fall in Appalachia.

What Hunting Apparel Do I Pack?

Depending on where you are hunting and what type of game you are going after, your gear needs will change drastically. However, most hunters look for the best lightweight gear to lighten the load and alleviate additional stress on their bodies. Another aspect they look for is functionality. When your hunting gear can fulfill several purposes, it allows you to reduce the amount of equipment you need to bring. Durability is the final universal factor hunters consider when choosing hunting gear and apparel. You want gear that can withstand the often difficult rigors of the hunt. With these three characteristics in mind, let’s take a look at some gear that will improve your next hunt.

Top Hunting Gear Picks

Browning Hells Canyon Speed Jacket

There’s no question that a good jacket is a hunting essential. Browning Hell’s Canyon Speed Backcountry-FM Gore Windstopper jacket hits all the essentials. It’s warm, durable, and lightweight. The outer shell is designed to be both wind and water-resistant, and the sleeves have elastic cuffs to help make sure the elements do not get to you. This jacket is designed for the wearer to be more mobile. Finally, its unique camo pattern sets it apart, making this a must-have hunting jacket.

Tactical Vest

A functional vest is another necessity when it comes to having a place to easily store and access many hunting accessories. Many vests can keep all of your essentials expertly positioned for when you need them most. They can be adjustable to fit several body types. There are three detachable sections: heavy duty belt with pouches, three-section pistol magazine/flashlight pouch, and a draw holster.

Waders

Waders are another great accessory to have, whether you’re cold water hunting or fishing. And Lacrosse Boots Wetlands Waders are a great choice. These waders feature a high-back design so you can venture further into the water than with other pairs. With both adjustable suspenders and a waist belt, these will fit nearly everyone. The durable design also helps protect your feet even when you can’t see your footing in muddy or fast-moving water.

Hunting Gear at GrabAGun

Each of these items on our list come with the three major characteristics you want: durability, functionality, and a lighter weight. Supplement these with a few other great products to optimize your next hunting trip.

Now that you know what you need for your next hunting adventure, you might be asking yourself where is the best place to find hunting apparel and equipment? In addition to offering a wide variety of firearms for sale, GrabAGun.com supplies hunters with all the gear they need for a successful hunt. From jackets, to carrying cases, to chairs; if there is gear you need, GrabAGun.com is ready to provide you with all of your hunting, fishing, camping, and firearm needs.

A Quick Guide to Hunting Guns

June 16, 2017 | 0 Comments

If you are interested in the popular sport of hunting, then you’ll want to learn all you can to find the hunting firearm that’s best suited to your needs. If you’ve spent any time at all vetting hunting guns for sale, you’ve likely discovered that there are many different types available.

All these options can be overwhelming. But ultimately, the hunting firearm that is best suited to your needs will depend on a handful of factors. First, you’ll want to consider the type or types of prey you’ll be hunting. From there, you can narrow your search based on the size of the gun, the speed and energy of the shot, and the level of accuracy required to be successful in your hunting quests.

Evaluating Different Types of Hunting Firearms

Hunters love the thrill of their pastime. They also love the firearms they use while on a hunt. There are plenty of different firearms that can be optimized while hunting. Though, some are better for certain situations than others.

From rifles to shotguns to handguns, there is a place for each depending on where and what you are hunting. A closer look at these three firearms will help determine which gun is right for you in your hunting environment. Below are a few pointers about the main types of hunting guns people regularly use.

Hunting Rifles

Perhaps the staple of all hunting firearms, rifles are powerful and easy to reload. They are all built based off of the same design, and are versatile by nature, with barrels that can accommodate different calibers of ammunition. There are also different types of rifles, including semi-automatic rifles and lever action rifles.

That makes rifles very accessible to hunters of a variety of different game animals. They can be used for faster prey like deer, feral hogs, and boars. Hunters of exotic game (such as rhinos, tigers, and leopards) as well as those hunting larger North American game (elk and bears) are also avid rifle users. But rifles are also well-suited to hunting smaller prey like rabbits, foxes, and coyotes. The rifle is an adaptable firearm that can be used in many hunting situations. GrabAGun has a many different brands of rifles for sale including Ruger, Remington, Mossberg, and Winchester.

Hunting Shotguns

Shotguns are also a versatile hunting firearm due to the variety of shells they can use. They can be loaded with ammo that is better for fowl or other birds, or they can be loaded with rounds that are better suited for larger animals. Shotguns are generally pump action firearms, but are also available as more tactical lever-action shotguns or semi-automatic shotguns.

Hunting Handguns

While handguns aren’t always a hunter’s firearm of choice, there are some handguns for sale that come in a variety of sizes and calibers, making them versatile enough for hunting. One thing to keep in mind if you’re looking for a handgun is that most have a limited range accuracy, and are not ideal for ranged shooting. The amount of recoil and kick you are able to handle will also dictate which handgun you will be able to accurately shoot.

Which Firearms Work Best for Different Sizes of Game?

Now that you have a better understanding of the most common firearms used in hunting, we can cover which firearms you should take with you based on what type of animal you are trying to hunt. This will be a basic overview, as the range of firearms available for your needs could fill books.

Smaller Animals

For hunting smaller prey such as rabbits, squirrels, and other tiny creatures; you’ll need a firearm that will not completely destroy them when it makes contact. Smaller caliber rifles are the most common gun used for this game. A .22 caliber cartridge is the ideal shell you want to use. Be careful when you choose your bullet, though. Some are designed for quick expansion and are only intended for use on varmints (animals you do not intend to eat and that are a nuisance). For animals slightly larger than these, you will want to use a more powerful caliber.

Medium-sized Animals

Hunting medium-sized animals — those that range from 51 to 300 pounds — requires more energy from the firearm and bullet. At impact, the bullet should be at least 800 ft. lbs. Bullet sizes range from .24 to .40 caliber, depending on the size of the animal.

Larger Animals (Big Game)

Big game animals range from 301-1,000 pounds in weight. If you are a big game hunter, you are after animals like elk, musk ox, wildebeest, zebra, kudu, and moose. Because of their size, you will need premium bullets in order to achieve the right amount of impact for a successful and ethical shot. The range you should target if you’re hunting big game is .27 to .375 caliber.

Shop at GrabAGun

While the information provided here is a great place to start, there is a lot more to being a skilled, knowledgeable, and responsible hunter. Picking out the right gear is an absolute must and GrabAGun is the right place to find everything you need.

New Game & Trail Cameras of 2014

February 7, 2014 | 0 Comments

Game Cameras of 2014

Have your game cameras and trail cameras been going missing? We now have a solution. Some feature smaller than average size reducing visibility helping to deter the growing theft of game cameras. There has also been advances in features that may provide the face of the thief, increasing the chances of recovery.

There are a large number of game cameras new for 2014 and a large many of them are smaller and even wireless. The following are a few with good potential to evade all but the sharpest eyes thieves.

Browning Strike Force and Dark Ops

Browning claims its Strike Force and Dark Ops Trail Cameras are the smallest game/trail cameras ever made, with a size of 2.4 × 3.8 × 4.3 inches. The small size provides a definite advantage in deterring thieves, as well as escaping the notice of sharp eyed game. They are powered by 6 AA batteries they are capable of capturing up to 10,000 images in a single set. The Strike Force/Dark Ops also supports SD cards up to 32GB, includes a silent image feature, and has the ability to record HD video with sound. The trigger speed is .67 second with a 2.1 second recovery time. Get these Browning trail cameras from GrabAGun for the best price today!

Minox DTC 700 Trail Camera

Minox has tailored the DTC 700 to best suit your needs. The Minox modular camera housing makes it incredibly easy to install the camera. The innovative feature is that the camera module can be quickly and easily removed from the protective housing. The REALTREE Camouflage coated housing can be permanently mounted at any desired location.

Game & Trail Cameras at GrabAGun

GrabAGun offers an variety of trail cameras. Visit our site and check out the fantastic savings on trail cameras, guns for sale, supplies for hunters, and much more! GrabAGun’s great prices and our willingness to locate any available firearm is part of the GrabAGun advantage. Give us a call. We will be happy to assist you.

An Alternative to Hunting Guns – Hunting Bows

January 28, 2014 | 0 Comments

Archery for Hunting, Pleasure, and Self Defense

While it is true that an arrow has little chance against a bullet, don’t discount the hunting bow as an unworthy weapon. Proficiency in archery played a vital role in mankind’s survival for thousands of years. The skill of archers often determined the fate of kingdoms, societies, and countries. Ancient man even depended upon the bow for food and protection. As a sport, target archery is very popular and has had a place in the Olympic Games since 1972. Many hunters have taken to hunting bows in place of their usual hunting shotguns or hunting rifles.

History of the Compound Bow

The invention of the compound bow in 1966 by the late H. Wilbur Allen of Missouri created a more efficient bow for hunting. It is very popular due to its being easier to handle at full draw as well as providing a greater velocity arrow, which results in better penetration than recurve or long bows are capable of.

As a defense weapon, a great number of ‘preppers’ have bows in their arsenal. Not only is it useful in hunting and fishing, but it provides an almost silent weapon. Under cover, an archer can strike without the smoke and noise of guns. Today’s graphite and alloy arrows do not bend and are shatter resistant. They also attain a higher velocity and flatter trajectory than older arrows.

The Science Behind Bow Hunting

There are many factors to consider when a novice begins with archery. Any novice can do well to take archery instruction. It is easier to learn proper form and habit than to ‘un-learn’ improper habits. Here we will look at just a few of the factors that influence becoming a more accurate archer, and will enable the novice to realize that there is a science behind archery.

To become an accurate archer, spine is something to take into account. Spine is the stiffness of an arrow shaft and must be compatible with the archers bow weight. The reason for this compatibility requirement is a phenomenon called the Archer’s Paradox. When the arrow leaves the bow it does not fly straight toward the target, rather it actually deflects around the bow. A properly released arrow of correct spine will stabilize itself, whereas one that is too stiff or too flexible will create target acquisition problems. The use of improperly spined arrows will cause an inconsistent grouping of arrows. Your individual arrow length and grain, as well as arrow point type and weight, are important factors to be considered as well.

If you do not already know your individual arrow ‘fit’, your best option is to request it at an archery pro shop where professionals can provide the correct arrow. Archery pro shops are not the same as your local sporting goods store which generally will not know the grain of arrows or how to determine your proper length so make sure to find a place that will do fittings.

Types of Hunting Bows

Modern hunting bows include the compound hunting bow, crossbow, long bow, and recurve bow with the compound bow being the most popular. Hunting bows have higher draw weights than target bows. Hunting draw weights are determined by state and wildlife regulation, but generally are established at a minimum of 40 pounds. The crossbow generally has a higher draw weight minimum of 125 pounds. The higher minimum draw weight ensures adequate penetration for taking down game. Most experienced bow hunters will use even greater draw weights. Check your states requirements under bow hunting rules and regulations to ensure your compliance with the rules in your area.

GrabAGun stocks bows, arrows, shafts and points, and archery hunting supplies. Go to GrabAGun.com to check out our extensive stock of guns for sale, gun parts, and hunting accessories.

Shotguns for Sale: The Truth Behind the .410 Shotgun

January 17, 2014 | 0 Comments

The Reputation of the .410 Shotgun

The .410 shotgun is the smallest of the traditional shotguns for sale, but seldom receive the respect it deserves. Known best for the very low recoil, those who consider these shotguns generally think of them as guns suitable for beginning youths or “squirrel guns”. The .410 shotgun also has the reputation of being difficult to hit a moving target.

Neither of these is true. Having used a .410 for over 30 years leads me to believe that the shooter and not the gun is behind the claims of a .410 being difficult to hit moving game. The question of its ability to take down game is directly related to the distance constraint of the .410. The .410 bore is typically patterned for 25 yards. However, some .410s will indeed provide greater distance with a solid accuracy.

Accuracy and Reliability

The shot pattern of a .410 provides great patterns in its range. Being the smallest of shotguns does provides a longer shot string, and therefore the pellets retain less energy in the longer shots when compared to a 20 gauge shotgun for example. The .410 shotgun provides what it is manufactured to perform and often exceeds expectations.

Through the years and the use of two .410s, two things have become apparent. First, the .410 when used appropriately is a reliable and effective firearm that is fun to shoot and has never failed to put meat on the table. Second, 3 ½ inch shells provide significantly greater recoil but the gain in performance is minimal. Due to the increased recoil, recovery for follow up is difficult. Sticking to 3 inch shells will keep you in the game.

The .410 Chambering

The .410 bore shell has resulted in some unique applications. For example, a .410 bore shell will fit into a .45 Colt chamber. Shotguns for sale today have a minimum legal length, yet pistols are not defined as shotguns even though shotgun shells can be chambered in them. This is because a pistol has a rifled barrel, whereas a shotgun has a smooth barrel. Numerous brands of pistols are now available in both derringers and revolvers with extended cylinders.

In addition, shot slugs can increase the firepower in the .410. Brenneke provides the best performance and less deformation of the slug with a 35 yard shot (Magnum 3 inch) and a 50 yard shot (Close Encounter 2 ½ inch) available.

Shop For a .410 at GrabAGun

Overall, any .410 shotgun for sale provides a lot of fun as well as being a very reliable firearm to use. Being light weight and having low recoil allows the youth or the elderly who are intolerant to severe recoil the ability to join shooters and hunters alike. It is also great for a long session of shooting practice without the need for recovery between shots when used with 3 inch shot and has never failed this writer in bringing in geese, pheasant, squirrel, rabbit, and a wild boar down with a slug. The 410 shotgun is great for its intended uses and deserves greater respect than it generally receives.

Shop GrabAGun for quality guns for sale. You will find our extensive inventory includes shotguns, rifles, concealed carry pistols, AR-15s for sale, and AK-47s. We offer the additional service of providing any firearm available on the market even if we don’t carry it in our stock. Just let us know what you are looking for and we will locate it and provide the great GrabAGun price.

Staying Warm on the Hunt

December 31, 2013 | 0 Comments

Chemical hand warmers work great to help a hunter stay warm, but if you hunt a lot sooner or later you are likely to run out on the coldest day of the hunt. Through the years I have learned to be innovative with what I have when an hour or more out in the wilderness.

There is an alternative to chemical hand warmers that is reusable over and over again. If you have ever had a back ache you may have used heat to relieve the pain. Heating pads are okay but bulky and tend to slip for some areas of pain such as knees and between the shoulder blades. I searched the shelves in drug stores and retailers and found some alternatives that you heat in a microwave for my lower back pain and unlike a heating pad they were portable. I decided to try them in hunting season one frigid week at bear hunting camp utilizing a fellow hunters camper generator powered microwave.

Wrapped in flannel or a towel they hold heat for hours and are a great solution for cold weather hunting. Available in various sizes (depending upon where you shop) the smaller sizes are great to slip into pockets for hand warmers, just heat them up before leaving home or in the camp microwave if available.

If you have access to a microwave in camp, whole shelled corn or rice in a sock works for a couple hours worth of relief for sore muscles. For the average tube sock half-full start at 30 seconds and check. Add 15 seconds until you have the heat you desire for stiff & sore muscles. I don’t advise this for hand warmers as corn and rice provide a moist heat, which can ultimately cool you down. The moist heat sure feels good on sore muscles though. Be aware though, that corn and rice heated too long will burn!

Self wicking socks are unsurpassed in performance. Field tests indicate self wicking socks can stay dry as long as 3 days without changing. For those die hard hunters who refuse anything other than wool socks carry extras and change when sweating makes the feet cold. Just be sure to bring a Ziploc bag to store the ‘old stinkers’ in when you change.

Insulated coveralls can’t be beat for keeping the body warm. But let’s face it, sometimes things happen like a spill in the creek, or forgetting to ensure they still fit before packing for the trip. A trick this writer has used in such situations was wearing sweat pants under outer pants. This may require a larger size of pants but works well, and are comfortable if thermals make you itch. When sweat pants are bit more extra insulation than is needed, flannel pajama bottoms worn under pants are a more light weight alternative to sweat pants. Though these alternatives won’t match your coveralls performance, they aren’t a bad substitute in a pinch.

When the weather is frigid and the fur lined hat doesn’t keep your head and ears warm enough, slip a toboggan on before donning the hat.

Wilderness camp sometimes requires a little innovation when you forget to pack all the essentials or the unexpected happens. Use your imagination and take stock of what you have to use as a substitute and keep on hunting!

Get all your hunting essentials online from GrabAGun! Shop hand and foot warmers, scents, feeders, game calls, and hunting accessories.

Family Hunting Trips

December 22, 2013 | 0 Comments

The morning was cold but the sun was shining bright. Steam rose from the frost as the sun began to warm that December day when I was 8. The frost hadn’t reached the forest floor and the leaf litter was damp, enabling us to move through the forest on quiet feet. Daddy carried his hunting essentials which included an old .22 ri fle and his hunting vest with the deep pockets for small game, while I carried the saw.

We were officially on a Christmas tree hunt, but daddy had wanted to first hunt some squirrel. In a stand of oak trees we heard a squirrel begin to fuss and a moment later an acorn hit me in the head. I stepped back as another acorn came down and daddy took the squirrel. White oak acorns are fairly big compared to live oak acorns and hit squarely in the head I was sure my skull was cracked even with the cushioning of my toboggan.

Daddy placed the squirrel in his hunting vest and we proceeded on through the tall trees. In those days logging wasn’t as commonplace. In the 1820’s most of the big timber had been cut as settlers moved in. The year was 1967 and these trees were 2nd growth, and were very large.

Predominately pine and hardwood growth in those days of my youth, the forests were healthy, with little underbrush. This was in the days before the 2nd growth was cut, and pine beetles moved in.

I thought it magical how the sun’s rays slanted through openings in the tree canopy. Another squirrel sounded off and I backed away before a barrage of acorns could come down. Again, daddy was able to place another squirrel in his hunting vest.

We hadn’t gone over 200 feet when an acorn thrown from the trees struck my nose accompanied by the angry chatter of a squirrel. Blood ran down my face from the cut and tears poured from my eyes. Daddy took that squirrel and laughed so hard he leaned against a tree. Handing me a handkerchief and telling me to apply pressure he felt of my nose to ensure it wasn’t broken.

After a while I noticed the sun was on our opposite side and asked daddy if we were lost. He replied no and asked why. I told him and he replied ‘Good girl’. By the time we came out of the forest and into a field full of cedar trees daddy had enough squirrel for supper. We cut down a Christmas tree and dragged it a short distance through a forest trail to his truck. My nose was no longer bleeding but throbbed and was stuffy. I commented that I never knew squirrel were armed which sent daddy laughing again.

That night we ate fried squirrel with gravy and scratch biscuits. To the child I was, it was an adventure and to this day I still recall the stinging nose and the scent of the cedar tree during this family hunting trip. Daddy is long gone now, but my memory of that day survives with the golden hue of a time long since passed, as I recall the time when I was 8 and went hunting with daddy.

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