7 Guns and Hunting Items I Regret Buying

[@-G-Mac-]

I would love to see your 7 favorite pieces of hunting equipment (knife, flashlight, first aid kit, boots, etc.) and why you like them so much.

[@beautanner8409]

I love this channel so much - it has saved me so much money. I appreciate the fact that while Jim appears to be quite successful, his feet are firmly on the ground, adamantly stating things like "You don't have to spend $250 on pants"... which runs counter to a lot of the messaging out there.

[@backfire]

Thank you! Appreciate the kind comment.

[@Laughinghawg]

@@backfire In terms of ear pro, have you tried Tetra? If so, your thoughts?

[@Bdalb5]

Spot on with the Camo. Heck I’ll even say this as a majority bow hunter: this September I elk hunted in AZ right during the rut and had several close calls. One day I got right in them and had several cows and small bulls right around me. I was wearing some tan hiking pants I got from Costco, a gray polyester shirt I got from Old Navy, a Mossy Oak hat, and a Tenzing Camo day pack I bought at Costco. I realized that as long as I stayed downwind and in the shadows, the elk would still get well within shooting range if they were at ease. So much of the hunting clothing industry is extremely overrated. I’d splurge on nicer clothes for like an expedition backcountry hunt or an Alaska hunt but otherwise you don’t need to drop much on clothing at all. Just make sure it’s comfortable.

[@DUKEisALIVE]

Yeah most of the Camo is just made for human eye marketing. Granted there are some species that you need good camo for like waterfowl and crows. Most ungulates dont care what camo you are wearing as long as they can't smell you or see you moving.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

How Ironic

[@thegamingfish547]

@@DUKEisALIVE only thing around here extreme camo is essential for is Turkey. Turkey are insane with spotting hunters

[@jcarry5214]

Well put. The high quality of some of the clothing that happens to be camo is alluring, but they either see you or they don't. I lived with horses for a long time (similar vision and senses) and I've been hunting elk for two years now. It's much more about acting like you live there too. The only camo that I believe works at any distance is large-pattern stuff that actually grabs your outline and pulls it into light and dark in the background, breaking up your shape. If you're in lush green thicket with shots ten and under it might be a different story, but even in the east where I learned to hunt not a lot of folks can use that effectively. Again I think it's either pure stillness using broken cover or it's moving through the habitat like you own it: not tromping, not sneaking. I've scared the literal poop out of my own horses by accidentally mimicking their movements and walking up to them in clear line of sight. If you don't give them a reason to care you stay invisible to their brain whether they can see you or not. I've done much the same a couple times with cow elk and mule deer. I'm sure bulls are tougher because they simply care more, but seeing other hunters in the environment during bow season I'm confident that camo has nothing to do with anything except a hunter's confidence. If they see you they see you, just like if they smell you they smell you. I don't have a lot of experience so I'm open to coaching but that's what i've seen so far. I shot a huge buck wearing black and orange in a snowy forest last weekend. He saw me at 45 yards. He just didn't care.

[@jsol4477]

When I hunted in the 70’s and 80’s we wore what the color of the terrain was and packed a weather proof jacked usually black. But like everything else now, it is all about marketing for sales. If you want to hide your scent put your clothes outside with some dust or tree branches and once your are stalking step in some of your preys poop.

[@terrylandis6831]

Amen to the Mossburg Patriot!! I bought a 30-06 and had the same results. Thanks to you, I bought a Bergara. In 300 Win Mag no less. Thank you for that. What an awesome rifle!!!! Sometimes you get what you pay for and I went cheap with the Patriot.

[@waynemensen4252]

Should have gotten a 7mm rem mag. 😉

[@wedge308]

I have owned a few of these and fixed even more. The issue is going to be one or both of these things. The front action screw is too long and mashed the barrel threads before reaching proper tourque. Easy fix, file down the front screw. To confirm this is your issue, simply remove screw and shine a light down the hole. If the threads are mashed, screw is too long. Other issue applying too much tourqe to the rear action screw. 25"lbs is the max, usally 23"lbs seem to be the sweet spot. The mag well cracks which is also the rifles bedding block. Mossberg usally send one to you for free and often the come with an extra mag.

[@joecitizen6046]

Great Video and very informative. As far as clothing for hunting, I used to wear my leftover camo from the military. Once I outgrew them, it was just jeans and flannel shirts. I layered with t-shirt, flannel shirt, and some form of field jacket. The product that I was willing to spend good money on was my foot wear. Good socks and boots are the most important product for me. Herman Survivor boots were my favorite. Gun that I regret buying...I love Henry lever action rifles. They are smooth, accurate, and reliable. I bought a Henry single shot in 357 Magnum for short range hunting on our property. That was the biggest disappointment in a firearm I have ever experienced. The trigger pull was in the 9.5 pound range. I took it to a gunsmith and the best he could get it down to was about six and a half pounds and it cost me about $75.00. I sold that one pretty quick. By the time I got the base, rings, and scope, I was into this rifle about $700+. It was a big disappointment. I did end up buying the Henry lever in 357 with the new sideload gate. Loving that one!!

[@JEJAK5396]

Military Surplus is where it’s at if you need camo, and if pattern and color aren’t important to you, a lot of Military Surplus gear is still good to go, base layers, mid-layers, beanies, gloves, mittens, soft and hard shells, boots, sleeping bags, canteens and canteen cups, and more.

[@TerryGilsenan]

Nothing comes close to Decibullz Custom molders Percussive Filters. They are easy to mold, fit perfectly, and they work, they just work. No batteries so they have none of the drawbacks of electronic devices. They don't block natural hearing, just the percussion. Conversations are easy and normal. I find that I feel the recoil and don't hear the retort. I have two sets now. One in my range bag, and the other in the case with my .300 Win Mag. I am not affiliated with them, but I cannot praise them enough. I spent a bunch of money of other stuff that never seemed to be quite right.

[@danielcurtis1434]

I’ve never had any issues with the jet boil. I was using a Napatha stove while my mom had a jet boil. By the end of the backpacking trip I wasn’t using my stove because it only took 40 seconds to boil my water with hers!!! The speed of the heating still is quite efficient. So I think it’s a good product. Not best for all applications. However for 1-3 people it’s perfect!!!

[@009013M3]

Regarding rifles and accuracy: I recently bought an FR-8 with a refinished stock and a barrel that, upon my inspection, appeared never to have been fired. Cool, right? Shot about a foot wide group at 25 yards. Not so cool. So it turned out that there were some significant imperfections in the fitment of the stock. So I relieved the receiver cutout to ensure there were no high spots causing flex on the receiver or trigger group, epoxied the rear action bushing in place for a precise repeatable fit, and stoned down the back side of the action screws until the lock screws fit them perfectly at my ideal torque. Then I did a really quick and dirty freefloat job on the barrel and the metal collar at the front of the stock and hit the front sight with some orange paint. It was down to shooting about a 5" group at 200 yards on iron sights with almost any ammo I could feed it, save for Malaysian L2A2 ball which still shot about two feet low at that range. Point is, wooden stocks are iffy under good circumstances and they are *not* to be trusted on a surplus or budget gun. If you are buying a cheap gun, be prepared to do a little bit of hand fitting. It's not bad.

[@vincegordon6830]

Great video Jim! Always enjoy your perspective. I agree with your motto - Buy once, Cry once-. It is easy to get caught up in the consumer cycle and thus it pays to really ask yourself, do I NEED this or do I WANT this.

[@johnnyrc9304]

Good info about the LabRadar, I found that shocking. Will stick with my simple Chrono with the bluetooth to my phone. Latest thing I regret- Magpul Bipod. NOT stable, way too much flex, and you can't "Load" it like more sturdy bipods for accurate shooting. I sold mine and bought an Atlas. Before that, I regretted buying a Bergara Premier rifle, it did not hand load reliably. I ended up selling that and getting a Fierce, reloading issues disappeared.

[@backfire]

Thank you for this comment. I was planning to buy one this week.

[@DyrewulfNV]

my set up for heating water/food is an off-brand pocket stove like your Coleman, with a Stanley $15 pot with lid and two nesting cups from Walmart, all in a MOLLE pouch. Spent maybe $35 on the whole thing including a can of fuel, in 25' weather it boils 12-16 oz of water in about 2.5-3.5 minutes depending on if you can put it out of the wind or not.

[@danielmaine45]

Spot on about the jet boil....with a lightweight backpacking stove you can boil water and cook other types of food.

[@CB-zx3jn]

Thanks for your passion, and keep up the good work!. Just a word regarding camo. I saw a bowhunting video from Chuck Adams (inarguably the most prolific and successful bowhunter of all time) and in the video he mentioned that you should make sure to break up your pattern to help avoid detection by game. His suggestion was to make sure you wore something like a PLAID SHIRT with your jeans!😂. Just sayin'... In my own experience, the best camo I've ever used was a pattern called ASAT. I have had a deer walk directly up to me, without having clue I was there, until I whistled at him (he looked to be about a 2 1/2 yr old buck, and of course the wind was in my favor). I absolutely LOVE that pattern of camo, but it seems to be hit-or-miss as far as availability and types of clothing utilizing the pattern.

[@JustaPerson01234]

I wasn't looking to this video for this, but I ordered a Garmin Xero and was sent a Lab Radar. Didn't even open the lab radar box and shipped it back. Thanks for the reassurance, not that I needed it, the Garmin is fantastic.

[@kodywoodward]

I also have a Swagger bipod that I regret buying, I don't use it, I use my tripod most of the time. Also my Axil G2's I had were amazing but broke the 2nd time I used them and Axil stood behind their product and warranted my G2's. I highly recommend Axil.

[@scottsorensen8490]

I run a Swagger bipod on my 22-250 for coyote hunting and love it. It’s very versatile for most terrain/scenarios types. I haven’t been on a hunt where it’s done me wrong (a couple dozen hunts). Can’t be happier with it.

[@davidransom4476]

I still use the old skool 3M ear plugs, the yellow foam ones that you roll thin and insert in your ear. Got some key chain pill containers off Amazon that two of them fit in.

[@gsp2west]

When I first started shooting from a tripod I purchased a carbon fiber tripod, ball head and clamp. The ball head and clamp weighed almost as much as the tripod !! Now I have a carbon fiber tripod with a 75mm leveling head and arca- swiss clamp. No more ball head and clamp, getting rid of almost 4 lbs. Putting the rail on my rifles was a learning process but now that I've done 4 rifles its easy and I didn't pay someone else to do it. The accuracy I get from the tripod is great..

[@jake9705]

The worst gun-related purchase I made was a pair of those bright orange, single piece, around-the-back-of-the-head ear protectors you always see Hickok45 wearing. Saw him wearing it and wanted a pair of my own. Turns out those things are garbage as they lay on your neck and act like a antenna, picking up every vibration and turn of your head, then broadcasting those movements as sound into your eardrums. Very, very frustrating. Second worst purchase: CMMG .22LR conversion kit for AR15. Lasted about 300 rounds of Remington Thunderbolt then the firing pin snapped in half. $200 down the drain 😡😡😡

[@imperfectlump6070]

Can you fix it? I had a cheap pistol break it's firing pin and I made a new one myself.

[@rustytaylor7708]

Do you give up on everything that breaks? Minor repair fix it or contact manufacturer.

[@jake9705]

@@rustytaylor7708 -- Minor repair 😂 Yes, I'll just get my tiny hammer and anvil and bang out a new, 1/16" diameter stainless steel firing pin. Should fix things right up! And CMMG did not honor their warranty 😑

[@rustytaylor7708]

@@jake9705 my bad I assumed you could get the part from manufacturer or somewhere like Brownells and replace it. Some people with a little skill can do minor repairs. Others couldn't pour piss out of a boot with the directions on the heal.

[@ryanhigdon2343]

Mine is buying a custom C&H precision rifle. It shoots great but not any better than my factory Bergara’s. One was $5000 and the other were about $1100.

[@harleycriswell8504]

I tried axil and I couldn't get them to fit comfortably they did work just got uncomfortable after an half an hour or so. 700 to 900 rifle with a good 150 to 250 scope will definitely work for your lifetime it's worth saving and buying once

[@4mrholsterco981]

Get the Walmart brand “ozark trail” version of a jet boil. Always works, doesn’t use a lot of fuel.

[@jsol4477]

I really like the Axil GS Extreme 2.0, once you get the buds fitting down they work very well especially in open fields or outdoor ranges. For indoor ranges I use Howard Impact Pro,bulky but it really lowers the shot noise and being electronic you can still hear every body.

[@J.Young808]

I’ve had trouble fitting the Axil’s in my ear. Indoors I have to double up my ear pro. I use silicone industrial style with my Walkers indoors because of the sound bounce.

[@bluewave18ft]

@@J.Young808 Axils would fit me either and the Isos he mentioned are absolute crap

[@jtotheshua885]

Are the axils Bluetooth?

[@DSMattitude]

I was torn between the magneto speed v3 and the lab radar. I got the magneto speed and instsntly regretted not buying the lab radar instead... until my friend bought a lab radar. Now we both love my Magnetoapeed.

[@funkla65]

Yeah, the reviews on the ISOTunes Caliber have been kinda mixed. If you liked the Axil GS, maybe ISOTunes would let you swap the Calibers for their Advance. I haven't hunted with my Advance much, but I've been shooting registered trap for about a year with my set, and been pretty happy with noise cancellation, Bluetooth performance, and awareness of what's happening on the range around me.

[@gutshotaz2805]

labradar --- use external battery pack for $20 and it lasts days. Use recoil trigger over internal sound trigger. Only complaint is that it is about 100fps faster than what the drop suggests. It measures my 6.5 creedmoor (43.3gr h4350 behind 143 eldx) at around 2820, but the trajectory matches that of the 2700fps. I use it more to verify the consistency of my load and if I am at a node. I have the sig kilo3000 bdx, similar to the fury. I love the ranging and ab capabilities in the field. I do lug my slc 15x56 around at the same time for majority of glassing and filming. After I find game I start filming and move to the sig kilo. Optical quality is inferior to the slc, but sufficient. Of course that's two sets of gear to carry.

[@pjoffrion]

I bought a Weatherby sa-08 20 gauge compact for my daughter. It uses 2 interchangeable valves for light/heavy loads which are not hard to change. I shoot it now with a slip on pad to extend lop. LOL. Cheap and useful.

[@TODinWY]

IMO the best camo on the market is ASAT or Predator. Works every time under any condition, including snow. Great vid.

[@kevinorr4444]

I bought my niece a mossberg patriot in 243 winchester and it shoots just over 1/2 moa with loads I worked up for it. Very pleased with the rifle and so is she

[@wildernessmaster5946]

1. Pack - I have developed an "almost one" pack (system). I own a Kuiu icon pro pack in 4000 ci and then bought their 2800 just pack. Its way easy to run either and when I am in for multiple days I drop the bigger pack in camp and quickly attach the 2800 for a day pack (actually a perfect day pack). The upside is I have a super (one of the lightest) pack system that is also a load hauler at all times. 2. Ditto on the Vortex binos - but mainly because mine didn't work below 17 degrees and vortex acknowledges this as a problem. You and I need to start a "we didn't like" junk store... I have tons myself.

[@nopenope134]

about the cheap rifles, it's always an option to buy a $600-800 rifle used for $300 at a pawn shop, like I did! Very happy with my Savage model 11.

[@crockbrown5316]

Could be, but at the same time gotta be more suspect of used. I love fixing up cheap guns from the receiver up, and have found some amazing deals, but sometimes the barrels rifleing is shot, scope mount screw holes are stripped, ejection issues, etc

[@007josiah]

Where do you people find cheap guns at pawn shops? My pawn shops are crooks trying to rob us of every dime we have. My only solace is knowing there is a special place in hell for such evil men

[@BigT27295]

@@007josiah Lol , hell yea brother.

[@crockbrown5316]

@@007josiah not as much pawn shops, but local gun stores typically have decent prices, like sub $300 on used firearms. Typically see a little over half retail for used in sub-decent condition, oh yea, and I’m in NY. Lol

[@nopenope134]

@@007josiah I noticed a gun that looked unfired to me, and was about $300. I knew the gun with a scope easily sold for twice that. Just luck I guess? I find some gems at auctions on proxibid sometimes.

[@ralphbuoncristiani2941]

Agree with you completely on the LabRadar. Great product but menu system is non-intuitive. Get the external (recoil) trigger. Solved all of my triggering problems. There is a Bluetooth connection for your phone which helps on the setup/menu system. I got a cheap red-dot to aim it. When you arm the device, it's easy to disturb its aim. Can be controlled with a phone ap. You can lay your phone on the shooting bench, arm/disarm, start new series, etc. easily BUT, if the phone goes to sleep it loses BlueTooth and you need to re connect. PITA! LabRadar needs to address that. That being said, still the best solution for the public range with the recoil trigger and the ability to reposition without waiting for a range break (needed for optical sensors you shoot through.

[@backfire]

I’ll check out that trigger. Sounds promising.

[@canadapreston5452]

Regret selling might also be fun. My regret buying was a Mini 14 prior to the barrel changes. Beautiful gun, reliable and shot terrible for accuracy. Also the cases exited about 1000 FPS.

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

I've had multiple mini 14s new ones and older ones none of them have been reliable or worth the price.

[@cs51207]

7:42 yeah what he starts to talk about here is the way I'm going. Ruger American seems like a great entry level rifle, but the magpul hunter stock is the way I'll be going to get that extra little bit to really make it worth it until I'm ready to go $1,200+.

[@THall-vi8cp]

If you want the Magpul Hunter stock, get a Ruger American Hunter. Comes in either 6.5 Creedmore or .308 Win, has a heavier barrel, and comes with a muzzle brake.

[@JaronActual]

I have some ISOtunes Sport Advance. They're okay for basic shop work, power tool protection. Hardest problem I've had with electronic hearing protection buds is getting a good seal in my ear. The cheap disposable foamies, you can roll them down tight and have a good 10-15 seconds to get them in your ears right before they expand and conform to your ear canal. The foam on all the earbuds I've tried expands almost instantly and I can't get them situated properly in my ears to get any decent protection.

[@Drakehilt]

I have several of these products. Wasnt a huge fan of the axil ear pro. The thick foam buds don't fit in my ear and the top layer of paint on the parts pealed off, but still works. I have the cz 712 (the 12 gauge version that isn't a youth model) and it's a great shotgun. I've never measured the trigger pull on it but it certainly isn't 8 pounds. You may want to adjust the trigger spring on yours. I also have a mossberg patriot in 6.5CM and it shoots groups that are literally just 1 hole

[@dansherwood9851]

After 40 years of hunting and several years of doing a lot of prairie dog hunting and needing to wear glasses to see my custom scope turret I found going from a handheld rangefinder to range finding binos was the way to go and it works for me in all hunting situations. I use a big 15x60 Dr optic binos for glassine and once within 100-800 yards the range finding binos work great for me. Just my opinion.

[@rangetime6779]

Thanks for the information. I agree with the Lab Radar...I love hate mine.It's still the best for gathering data. Get the external pellet rifle to make it work with quiet shots and the external battery is a must.. Lets hope for version 2 as the interface is awful. I always have to use the quick guide to refresh usage

[@nebraskaman8247]

On the pack mounted rifle holder I learned my lesson. Huge mule deer buck, and had no quick access to my rifle. Now I carry the rifle or use a slogan outdoors sling. You’ll never have to worry about your sling falling off your shoulder if you buy one. It is rubber, and some say it has an odor. I personally just hung all three of mine up, and let them air out over time. Odor free now. Got one on each of the two shotguns we use a lot, and one for whichever rifle I’m using at the moment.

[@montuckyman4982]

Odor isn't going to matter at all! If they smell rubber, they already smell YOU!

[@chadperry4021]

My worst gun purchase was a marlin xl7 VH or in English a 26” bull barrel 308 on a cheap plastic stock. The trigger is great, bolt feel great, the groups any between 3-4 inches. I’m eventually putting a Boyd’s stock on it and getting the thing professionally bedded. The only reason I haven’t sold it is because it weighs 10.5 pounds and is very comfortable to shoot for a 308. Also it has a 1:12 twist so most real match ammo is to heavy.

[@leonardcavaretta905]

My problem with camo is, I'm a big guy and it's very hard to find anything in 4X or bigger anymore. Used to be easy to get, but now I can't find a pair of bibs to replace my old worn out pair

[@pjhhermans]

That’s the deal with camo, you shouldn’t be able to find it🙃😉

[@tacticalmattfoley]

Amen to that!!!

[@randallreiners3703]

I really love my custom AXIL with custom amp. Use them for sporting clays but they are awesome for hunting with the amplification!!!

[@That_Guy5575]

As someone who is currently wearing Axils, I’m intrigued what you mean by a custom amp. Can you elaborate?

[@randallreiners3703]

They will custom mold the ear plugs. They will also give you a gearing test and customize the electronics to not only cut off loud noises but also amplify the sounds AND correct for any defects like a hearing aid does.

[@mikedoyle7020]

I LOVE my Labradar. Sooo much better than a traditional shoot through chronograph and Magnetospeed has its own set off issues. Is it perfect? No, but I still feel it is the best available currently. Use the Bluetooth feature to your phone/tablet and no guessing on the menu. Also use a Piet trigger and you will never miss another shot regardless of what you are shooting including bows and air rifles.

[@HondaRiderX17]

I got that same pack and hate it. The scabbard sounds like a cool idea until you try and sit down, to many specialty pockets and the thing is way to heavy when empty. I find myself leaving things out that I would otherwise bring on an elk hunt to cut down the weight.

[@barneygo2010]

Thanks for the honesty and straightforward approach!

[@danielzawacki9838]

I would say my most regrettable purchase would have to be a Henry 4570. The stock design carried the energy right into the shoulder and accuracy was not acceptable for me. I predominantly hunt whitetail in Ohio of which we are only allowed to use straight wall cartridge rifles. Definitely would be interested in watching a review on straight wall cartridge rifles.

[@backfire]

Ooh. Good to know. That’s the gun highway on my buy list right now.

[@yep-sb4uf]

I picked up the henry 45 70. I love it. Bust a milk jug at 100. Good enough for the does I shoot.

[@waynemensen4252]

350 legend, I think, was designed just for the straight wall case laws. Check out the ballistics. I'm sure you can find a buyer for the 45-70.

[@blackhawk7r221]

I would do .444 or 350 Legend before a overkill 45-70.

[@yep-sb4uf]

The 45 70 pales in comparison to a 1 oz slug from a rifled 12 g. Overkill sure, but it's dealers choice free for all in the deer woods. To each their own. Some say a 9mm can blow a lung clean out of a body.

[@reloader0883]

So I agree with most everything you said, except the Eberlestock bag. I recently purchased it, and found it to be exactly what I needed. (Now, I'm sure you hunt way more than me, but I would consider myself the "average hunter". While I can definitely see the points you make for it, and agree with you, I feel you give it a bad rap for "you" and not the average hunter. Most hunters don't hunt with suppressors, and I find the scabbard works perfect for my rifle. And per Eberlestock, the extra bag is for when you have to pack meat out, but don't need a huge amount of space getting to the game. While I love the video, I think that one got a little harsh rap on it. Otherwise, great info and it does give me ideas on some products I have looked at in the past, for future purchase. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@greasemonkey4god]

My sons axis had a 6lb trigger from the box. We had to change the spring to make it shootable.

[@sstrongman1667]

I love Savage, but if you want a good trigger and don't like their accutrigger, definitely better options.

[@greasemonkey4god]

@@sstrongman1667 didn’t have accutrigger. It was a cabelas special… I think 299 a couple years ago. We couldn’t figure out why the groups were so bad but it was because the trigger pull was so high. MCarbo makes a kit and the pull is 2.5lb now.

[@Coosawfisher]

Jim, with regard to your jetboil: An excellent, compact lightweight solution is a Pocket Rocket ($50 from REI) and a Camping Moon kettle (less than $20 from Amazon). Have used both for years on the trail.

[@1234MegaDylan]

Lab radar sells a ultra sensitive corded trigger instead of the internal one. I just lay the cord over my gun and it picks up almost 100% of my shots, even suppressed.

[@lanebecker2294]

If you click that button above the legs, the bipod the legs go into the holes and it’s a ton more steady. I love my swagger bipod.

[@CS-xg2xh]

I wanted a Labrador but settled for a Magneto Speed because of price and regret it. The Magneto Speed changes my point of impact and group size on every rifle I own. I can't shoot groups and get velocities at the same time so load development takes 2x as long and uses 2x the components. I hope the AndiScan is reliable, easy to use and comes down in price. $900 seems crazy for a chronograph.

[@backfire]

Fine point. Hadn’t thought about that.

[@cobjread]

Or, for $100, you could get the Caldwell? It doesn't affect point of impact for groups, and still, gets a reading. Another youtuber was comparing it to a Magneto Speed, and they were very consistent. I did have lighting issues once at the range, but I found a hack, where you can tape/attach cheap harbor freight led lights to the diffusers, and that worked really well for me.

[@CS-xg2xh]

@@cobjread I had a Beta Chrony I used and it worked fine when I had my own backyard range. Now I shoot at a busy public range and need something I can set up and use from the bench. Can't be standing 10' in front of the firing line making all the adjustments, running back, looking through the scope, running back, repositioning the chronograph... I've got nothing against traditional chronographs other than they are difficult to get setup at my range.

[@kylemartin832]

A leather Bianchi holster for my Smith 629 that doesn't cover the trigger yet has a snap break over the hammer. Was $85 and never used it ugh

[@jertexjertex7880]

After using Pro Ears predator gold active over-the-ear for 11 years, they finally gave out on me and I decided to try their in-ear, Bluetooth ear buds and they just didn't work well and I couldn't get them to stay in my ears, no matter what I tried. I even tried getting some Radians silicon, mold-able custom ear plugs and that actually worked OK as far as comfort and keeping them in my ear, however the right one stopped working altogether after only about 8 or 10 uses at the range, which didn't bother me too much because they just didn't work well anyway - static, poor sound quality. I just ordered a pair of the Axil GS Extreme 2.0s since they're on sale right now at a pretty reasonable price and I added to 3 yr extended, no questions asked warranty since I know there's a good chance I'll damage them. I'll still probably double up with an over-the-ear set of active ear pro when shooting high-powered rifle and magnum revolvers, and probably order another set of Pro Ears for that purpose, but hopefully these Axils will be the in-ear solution I've wanted w/o spending over $1,000 for a custom set.

[@yo2stix]

I’ve been running jet boilers for 20 years without a problem. I have three or four of them. Backpacking mountaineering rock climbing hiking fishing hunting camping I’ve never had one problem. Unfortunately I think it’s user error for you. and I’m used to high-quality synthetic clothes for all my activities and I can tell you what Kuiu makes great products just wait till they’re on sale.

[@Jk-wh4ds]

I agree on everything you mentioned other than the JetBoil. I've used mine for 10 yrs and it works every time.

[@grantschuehler2959]

When I was buying my first hunting rifle a few months ago I used a lot of your videos for reference, ended up going with the Ruger American chambered in .308 (I was pretty dead set on .308 for whatever reason, mainly versatility and affordability). My dad has the Mossberg Patriot chambered in 30-06. After zeroing my rifle at 100 yards barely being able to hold like maybe a 5" group I shot a few through his (granted, 50 yards this time instead of 100) and it was dead on. Not sure what it may have been but I definitely don't see any advantage of accuracy from the Ruger American, though I would say I do enjoy the ergonomics and overall feel of quality of the rifle vs. the Mossberg Patriot. Just my experience.

[@nicholas6552]

If you’re shooting 5 inches at 100, something is seriously wrong or broken. Check your scope isn’t malfunctioning and your ring torque.

[@steveb9496]

Have similar experiences with some of the items listed. I had a Just One pack and found it to be way too heavy for what it did. There are much lighter packs available that hold up just as well. I looked at the Swagger Bipod and after reading the reviews did not buy one. I use a tall Harris bipod and it works great. I own a Lab Radar and agree, when it works, it's great, but it is not intuitive.

[@mopardoctor9966]

I’ve had great experiences with the Camp Chef Stryker 200 stove. Runs on butane and propane. Got mine for $64 at Wally World. Now they sell for $120.

[@marksalm5323]

I bought a motion switch for my Lab Radar. Game changer for use with suppressors. Can't remember who makes it, but it wasn't expensive.

[@backfire]

I’ll check it out

[@waynemensen4252]

Eric Cortina put it about a foot ahead of the suppressor to make it work. I hope I spelled his name right. Great guy.

[@Mrjaspgu]

The external trigger is made by JKL PRECISION. I use it and have never had an error. It's a gamechanger with the labradar!

[@marksalm5323]

@@Mrjaspgu Only "issue" I've had with it is forgetting to disarm the lab radar and having it trigger when I drop the bolt. More of a user error.

[@austinconant8476]

I’ve got a 720 youth 20ga for my son to use. He’s 10. He’s loved it and had no issues whatsoever with the trigger. Just my 2¢

[@stagesmith]

458 Socom. Useless Cartridge. I tried 2 uppers. 2 bolts, and 3 barrels. And every bullet powder combo possible. Best I ever got was 8 MOA. Horrible. Switched to 450 Bushmaster and immediately got 1.5 MOA

[@waynemensen4252]

I am sick of getting wet, so I broke down and bought a set of Sitka pant and jacket. I always wear a large brimmed hat, so the rain doesn't get on my glasses or down my neck. I hate rain while hunting. Snow is different, I've bagged a lot of deer when it was snowing.

[@mangrumpyold1871]

The hunting item I regret is the folding Gerber Vital knife. I bought it on the recommendation of a hunting personality and used it on he first elk I ever killed. I broke 2 blades and the 3rd blade kept coming loose. When it is dark and your alone in bear country the last thing you need is your knife to fail you. I use the outdoor edge knife now I believe it is better.

[@tyj1234able]

That was my experience as well except it was 5 blades and I couldn't risk skinning the animal out with the 6th. Went to an outdoor research knife with much more support of the blade.

[@DJ-kg6zq]

Thanks for the heads up guys! I’m definitely just getting a really nice fix blade now with some Japanese sharpening stones!😆

[@frankmccarthy2624]

Appreciate honest assessments and good advice!

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Lol

[@leroyskinner4206]

My regret buy was a Baikal SxS in 30/06. I never could get it regulated appropriately. That was too bad since it fit me well and came up to my shoulder quickly. Thankfully I sold it for what I paid for it.

[@Albertdavis113]

Badlands is a super underrated camo company they're middle of the road price wise extremely well made and functional plus unconditional lifetime warranty

[@Freezer003]

I agree... too bad their pattern looks like something the dog threw up.

[@Albertdavis113]

@Brian Adair the patterns I have look great, closest to sitka I have seen and blend in to the environment extremely well but everyone has there own preferences and taste

[@rudolphferdinand3634]

Here’s what your problem may be, too many funds burning a hole in your pocket. I bought a Savage 110 model, and the barrel was accurate, but I cleaned the bore to my surprise the barrel chattering marks deeply possibly high pressure. Gone the factory barrel installed Criterion barrel match grade.

[@jcarry5214]

That's wierd aboutbthe jetboil. I dislike its general limitations but as far as function it has been absolutely bombproof. One-click light in any conditions.

[@walterlarsson5714]

About the binoculars. Buy Swarovski or Zeiss. They have the best optical quality out there

[@mikemcreynolds6236]

don’t forget Leica

[@buzby80]

Have to disagree about the jet boil. I’ve had mine for over a decade with heavy use. It has been flawless. The igniter has never failed. Yes, you can get cheaper stoves. But the jetboil is a whole system.

[@1776carpediem]

I’m a huge Kuiu fan. Have spent waaaaay too much on their stuff. Bottom line, I love how it feels and fits and I use it ALOT. However when friends ask, I tell them the same thing.. find something that you like and it isn’t a must. Watch your wind, be quiet and be smart and you’ll have success.

[@definit1on119]

I like Kuiu too. I don’t buy there clothing but I have one of there packs. Works really for my mobile saddle hunting set up

[@definit1on119]

I also love there bino harness. Good stuff

[@DJ-kg6zq]

Kuiu is sweet but the synthetic shirt isn’t breathable and they’re merino wool is very very thin on the 125 😬

[@DJ-kg6zq]

I should add that the 125 merino wool shirt I have is the most comfortable shirt I own lol!

[@1776carpediem]

@@DJ-kg6zq I agree man, I’ve spent a ridiculous amount on Kuiu gear and there is a fair amount that I was disappointed in. I didn’t like the merino shirt, the 210 strong fleece jacket, and their zip thermals all suck. I wish I would have bought an Axis jacket instead of my Guide. It’s just better in every area. However I love my pack, my full bino harness setup (marisupial is a tad better tho) my gaiters, all my pants, and my super down jacket and gloves/hat are phenomenal. Not a must by any means. Overpriced? Maybe. But I love em and will have it for life

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

I’ve been using Caldwell stereo “Mickey mouse ears” for years. They work well and go on sale at Midway often for around $25. They also keep your ears warm! Have to admit that the Mossberg has the nicest looking stock of the cheap rifles. I’d consider re-barreling it.

[@portdog761]

on the swagger push the botton when the leg are deployed and it seats them in the hole and it become ridged

[@Extra_Ordinary_Gary]

Skre camo/gear is awesome, but their sizing is so janky. So make sure you have a large window of time to return a few times. Also recommend Badlands for lifetime warranty gear/clothing. The thing about camo, I know it doesn't matter much... But I love the patterns. I look like a mismatched hunting catalogue in the woods because I piece meal all my gear

[@tomthoelke8343]

I do the same thing. My 15yr old son makes fun of me because I let him pick his own camo out and he had to have a specific pattern and the pants, hoodie and coat just HAD to match. He went with the Kings Camo XK7 color for here in Western Montana

[@zacharylancon1126]

For camo I normally just wear normal type camo cargos from goodwill with a green or mid to dark grey shirt and then toss over a Mossy Oak pattern comforter when I get to my stand or post I find I have pretty good luck with it but I'm also on my rifle pretty much the whole time I'm set in with good firing lanes.....but I don't think you have to spend beaucoup bucks on camo as long as you have something that will break up your form and not stand out against the rest of the environment your in you should be good

[@pens87668]

You definitely don’t need to spend a fortune on camo. I buy all of my stuff from Dunhams. Masking your scent is more important than camo in my book.

[@zacharylancon1126]

@@pens87668 better not to leave much scent a cold water bath before with no product works great if your just going to be out early morning but 100% agree I can't tell you how many times I've been watching some does in the summer and the wind blows the wrong way never made a sound they still don't see me but they know exactly where I'm at and they're scanning

[@colbykinney5633]

My shooting sticks are sticks tied together with para cord. They are the right price and customizable to length with limb clippers.

[@reapergrim76]

Great to know! Thanks!

[@RespectTheIndian]

Tetra Hearing is the best hearing protection I have ever used. On the expensive side but as you said, you only get one pair.

[@romerobinson8279]

Thanks for videos like these. This helps me not to waste money!

[@smoothdahustla9729]

I whole heartedly regret my first rifle. It is a Ruger M77 Hawkeye in 7mm Rem Mag. It was manufactured in 2006 and apparently Ruger outsourced their barrels out to a third party vendor and they made the barrels with not so great dimensions. On top of that the barrel profile is so skinny at the muzzle that after the 2nd shot it gets too hot to get a good group. I can't get it threaded for a suppressor or muzzle break for the same reason. I'm very disappointed with the rifle, I've only put 42 rounds through it. The length of pull is also to long for my short ass. I want to get rid of it but I bought a Hornady AP loader to reload ammo for it, it didn't help, still a crappy buy. I like my reloaded but now I never have time to shoot and when I do I just buy ammo for 5.56 and 300BLK. I would get rid of the rifle but I feel bad because it was my first rifle also, I've had a small collection...that I unfortunately lost in a boating accident. 😕

[@guppy1911]

Hit the front button on the swagger bipod it sucks the legs in and makes it more stable.

[@mitchellsnyder5782]

When it comes to the trigger pull on the CZ, just bring it to a smith to lighten up the trigger pull. I know it sucks to have to do that on a new gun, but it’s fixable without buying a new gun or new parts

[@jeffgenchi5863]

I agree with the lab radar on interface. I use it for my ammo loading and archery arrows builds. I recommend buying their microphones. They sell one for archery and I believe one for air guns. The air gun one would work well with suppressors. They are tricky. I wish they had a Gen 2.

[@Fivegunner]

Jet boil cannot be compared with that cheap burner. In high winds it will be a light year ahead of it. And mine works great.

[@samgoral4]

I will say I have a bunch of Sitka, the early season stuff isn’t worth the money, it’s still thick and hot, but hunting in wisconsin during gun and even the rut the heavy weight stuff has been worth the money for me. Nothing else has kept me as warm, just my two sense

[@jayscott1380]

Staying dry and warm is worth whatever money it costs. Whether it's the perfect camo pattern or not means nothing.

[@montuckyman4982]

EXACTLY! The lightweight kuiu pants have been fine for me, but where the high end stuff shines is in the more extremes. Like for late season mountain hunting, it's hard to beat kuiu guide or axis pant or the Forloh one. They are 1/4 the weight of my old wool pants and don't get heavier as day goes on. Sheds snow right off etc...And the giant Sitka Kelvin WS puffy and Skre Ptarmigan puffy pants are so incredible glassing in 12 degrees and 22 mph winds like last week! Wool clothes as warm would have filled a wheelbarrow!

[@wedge308]

Jim, I'm guessing you never tried my fixes for that Patriot. It's either the front action screw is too long and mashing barrel threads or the mag well, which is also the bedding block is cracked. 25"lbs is the max for the rear screw.

[@kensmith8832]

Appears you have too much money and no experience. Usually we start off with cheap and simple then work up to advanced items like a benchrest. I started off with corn bags. Then I made my first benchrest. The problem with some shooters is they rely on the rest to hold the gun steady, so when the rest allows the gun to pivot the shooter has a very hard time adjusting. Items I regret buying: electronic predator call, 454 Casull, a custom unlimited benchrest rifle, and a predator call that I couldn't test(plastic POS). The electronic predator call has a gun-like trigger for on and off, so it is too easy to set off the rifle/pistol while using the call.

[@HockeyDad6631]

For me, the Alaskan Guide Bino Pack was the piece of gear that disappointed me the most. I LOVED the concept but it was too bulky and the lid arrangement always seemed to be in the way. Eventually I upgraded to the Marsupial rig and it's for sure a better design for how I like to use it. MUCH less bulky and the lid uses magnets to keep it out of the way.

[@redleg84]

I regret buying my exwife an engagement ring.. Gun wise I sometimes regret the labradar, the magnetospeed is probably what I stuck with. The swagger bipod never made any sense to me, always seemed overhyped and expensive.

[@brianseals9511]

Love the honest reviews like this

[@toddturnbaugh4451]

Love my jet boil, I cheaped out and didn't get one with an igniter and saved some money, from what I hear and your experience that was the way to go.

[@borisptitsyn2130]

spot on with the labradar. the only reason it's well reviewed is because it's too expensive for people and the buyers have to validate themselves.

[@Freezer003]

I agree with you on a bunch of stuff. I've seen some horrible Mossberg rifles, I've never seen an erbelestock pack worth a dime, camo patterns are way over rated. The jetboil though, jetboil is overrated, get and MSR. Those pocket rockets are not nearly as fast or even possible in the wind. Great video. Now do a "7 favorites"

[@FamilyMedicineDoc]

For the LabRadar - buy a remote trigger from JLK Precision. No more missed shots. In addition, use the app on your phone to run it and ignore the interface on the unit. This will improve your experience immensely.

[@tetonrecon]

Yep! Recoil trigger and app makes the Labradar EASY!!!

[@Lettusfarm]

Really appreciate your honesty

[@cjmeyers2926]

I agree with the fury. I was disappointed with its clarity and the focus knobs would move way too easily

[@scotteger6271]

If I can second the recommendation for Skre camo…it performs as well as Sitka or Kuiu but doesn’t have the cult following price tag…excellent stuff sold consumer direct. They have an entire line of stuff including excellent merino wool under layers. I’m not associated with them at all…just a fan after buying an using some of their stuff.

[@drummerdavemax]

Hey man, with that Swagger bipod you can push the button in after the legs are out how you had them and they will move into the plastic piece a little farther kind of eliminating the spring action and making the legs more rigid. ✌️

[@bretthensley8420]

The patriot is very disappointing. Wonder how their new long range hunter is. Had a 308 as well in the predator edition. Could never get the grouping down either. Lucky if it could hit a broadside of a barn. Loved the feel of it and the fluted bolt and fluted barrel

[@waynerash6729]

Me too**