Vortex, Rifles, and The Future Of Hunting: With Ryan Muckenhirn

[@emmanuelcalderon1982]

No way you got Ryan on for a video! Edit: just finished the video. Nothing better than hearing my two favorite personalities in the space collab! Please do this again sometime! 🙏

[@von3550]

Ryan and Ron are my two favorite people to listen to. Keep it up guys and thank you for all that you do.

[@canuckmagnum5841]

Really enjoyed this one Ron. I regularly watch Ryan, Mark and Jim on the Vortex Nation Podcast. Great collaboration!

[@SveninColorado]

No adjective fits better than sublime. Two of my favorite hunters, broadcasters, apologists for the art of pursuing game discussing what makes hunters tick. More please!

[@balaton1]

Ryan Muckenhirn is amazing and I love the Vortex Nation Podcasts when he is on. Long story short, I bought a Strike Eagle (a big upgrade for me), and just sent Vortex some questions about how to understand it better. Ryan himself emailed me asking what I was doing. He responded "do this, then this, then this and let me know how you are doing." I did what he asked and responded back that things have improved a lot. A day or so later I got a call from a strange phone number. I was bored so I answered. It was Ryan, just checking in. We talked for maybe 30 minutes then i realized our time zones were different and I said something like "Doode, you need to leave work." And he said something like "I can enjoy this conversation a few more minutes". This guy is the real deal "good guy". I hope his parents see what a fine man they have raised. As Mark Twain said "Kindness is the language the deaf can hear, and the blind can see." This is a fine young man.

[@MSHunts]

What a great guest appearance. One of my favorite podcast personalities, Ryan Muckipedia! Great talk guys!

[@jasonwebb4871]

Love when some of my favorite podcasts/people collide. Would be amazing for Paul and Ron, too. They have more stories and experiences in their pinky fingers than I ever will.

[@kentuckywindage222]

Late to the party but Ron Spomer is at the pinnacle of these types of channel's. Excellent content as per usual Ron. Keep'em coming!

[@michaelsmutko6203]

2 of the greatest outdoorsmen of our time

[@sjuels]

Two generations, and two of my favorite people in this realm - always a real treat to see anything you all produce.

[@joeltgardenier]

It's so hard for me to listen to a whole podcast but I could listen to Ryan and Ron talk all day I would love to have a chance to have a chat with both of them together

[@aaronlakanen4041]

These are the two gents I’ve wanted to see together! Well done!!!

[@45-70Guy]

The older we get the more we enjoy just being out In the field and less we worry about tagging out on the first day.

[@sylviajones3355]

Exactly. I get joy out of hanging out with friends and family and watching birds and other wildlife. As I get older and have accumulated a wall full of trophies, tagging out has gotten to be almost if not totally secondary.

[@edeldridge36]

What an awesome episode with Ron and Ryan! Two of the most knowledgeable, likeable, and well-spoken men in the gun world! 🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯

[@Joeatsaco69]

Fantastic. My 2 Favorite podcasts came together. You are both my favorite podcasts to watch. Ryan is very humble. He is an expert at Vortex. Very well done.

[@Freeeeeeeedoooooooom]

I love that you two came together for this video. I'll reiterate what others have stated. Two of my favorite personalities together in one video is really outstanding. This video has also reinforced for me, my choices in hunting rifles and cartridges. 243 and 308, traditional hunting stock, 3-9x40 scope. I'm not a very experienced hunter however, common sense, research and insight provided by gentlemen such as yourselves can get individuals to the equipment that fits them for their specific needs and save us all a great deal of time and money. Thank you fellas.

[@jamesbruce8749]

I have found most of the guys that have been hunting the longest keep telling me the same thing. A good .308 rifle is all you would probably ever need out here. British Columbia has a lot of game here from small to VERY large. Moose, Elk and Bears, serious dangerous game like Cougars, Wolves, Black Bears and Grizzly's. They say the versatility of rounds you can get for the .308 is why it's all you would need.

[@Judahcruzer]

What a great collab! I love listening to Ryan and the whole Vortex nation podcast!

[@theworkshoparmory5600]

I’m not even 5 minutes into the video and I’m smashing the like button!

[@johnsinfield5968]

Never loose the feel of the hunt. The respect for nature. I started with a remington rolling block. And still use open sights. Respect the technology but never forget the history. Stay safe stay free..

[@TerryRoten]

Ryans, old school.. And knowledgeable to boot.

[@completesystemfailure4669]

Always to each their own . But this kind of fellowship keeps us all united as sportsmen and patriots . Excellent session y'all , thank you .

[@Godfryness]

Ryan is the man. I meet him at the hunt expo in Utah this year. Super cool guy

[@chrisaerts6489]

Ron and Ryan. This will be good.

[@davidruppel1216]

The last couple of elk seasons ive been using a open sighted Henry single shot in 45-70. Cool way to hunt!

[@davidheath2427]

I have just acquired the cva single shot in 35 wheelen (better learn how to spell that ). So looking forward to hunting some red with that big girl .

[@davidruppel1216]

@@davidheath2427 You will enjoy the challenge!

[@1980poormanshooter]

Ron and Ryan y’all nailed this episode love listening to both of y’all keep up the good work thank yall again

[@mickeydoodle6014]

Two of my favorite podcasts in one! Wonderful collaboration!

[@cliffdiymech3996]

Great information! Ron and Ryan are two of my favorites. Fantastic that they were able to get together for this chat😁

[@Sandz_]

Another great video, Ron. Thanks so much.

[@gumbyybumg]

The collab of the century! Ron pretty please with a cherry on top, tell Ryan to make more lead balloon episodes

[@pedrogonzalez4441]

Thank you both Ron and Ryan. I follow your channels from Spain and this was a total pleasure.

[@timothyvanorden2799]

Ron - Great podcast! Thanks for bringing folks like Ryan and Joseph to a "different" audience. Like someone else said, your podcast and Vortex Nation are two of my absolute favorites for great gab and information!

[@KenRen-hw8uv]

Holy smokes, the two people I have learned the most from (outside of personal experience) in the same video! Incredible, thank you both for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@Grizzwalker]

Starting video now but know it’ll be awesome listening to these two gentlemen!

[@straxstrax2980]

That was a really enjoyable listen. Ryan and Ron are a wealth of knowledge in the hunting/shooting world

[@scottharrison5942]

Always great to hear from Ryan. Thank you Ron for a wonderful production and information sharing! I always go away from your videos with another topic to consider.

[@wolfgangvonmueller6895]

Fantastic interview with Ryan. And like both of you, I'll stick with my "fud" rifle stocks (most are Mark V's) and I still get the jitters every time. Thanks for a great hour of info!

[@thedirtygot9570]

As long as it is done legally, have at it boys and girls!!

[@normankaster917]

Loved the show Ron, thanks for bringing Ryan on to talk to us about this, that and the other. I do believe their is a internal switch that gets turned on in the fall that says it's time to gather.

[@SwedishCook1]

Thanks so much for this therapy session! I needed it very much! 😊

[@bradbo3]

Im a vortex fan….products and the podcast ….10 minute talks never under 20 minutes LOL. Best episodes are the spaghetti shootouts. Funny and good opinions. They should have a bigger following…very informative and quite entertaining….almost as much As Ron’s.

[@timlott5778]

This guy is a gem. I’ve seen every video he’s on. Thanks Ron!

[@chrisowen5497]

Great video! I watch the human encyclopedia on the Vortex channel a lot, too. I love the commentary, too.

[@Dream-season]

Ryan is the man!!

[@davidheath2427]

What a great talk . Thanks enjoy both of you on a regular basis.

[@mlwardssa]

Great podcast! One interesting observation about Ryan's comment regarding having a biological compulsion to hunt: we (i.e., humans) were hunters long, long, long before we became agrarians, meaning that hunting is something that is arguably still in the DNA of every living human being and probably will be for a long time to come. A good popular account of that is in the first chapters of Grossman, Miller, and Cunningham's work, "On Hunting." It's worth the time to read, especially if you don't want to wade through all of the "Man the Hunter" academic books and papers that have been published over the years. Thanks, Ron, for having Ryan on as a guest. (Mike in Florida)

[@jackalpunisher726]

Thank you both for this video.I am a Professional Hunter from South Africa,I think wood does look better than fiber and plastic 😂😂❤

[@Freeeeeeeedoooooooom]

You are so right. I find myself looking past rifles with synthetic stocks. The wood stocks are eye catching for me.

[@CasperEngineering]

My two favorite hunting personalities chatting together and the discussions are reinforcing the decisions I have made is awesome. I will go against the grain a little as I have yet to find any traditional rifle that fits my large (6'8") frame. I have found the AR patterned rifles to be the best compromise to give me good ergonomics and have chosen a 16" Bolt Action AR10 (Uintah Precision) in .308 Winchester topped with a 1-10 LPVO as my go to rifle. Looking forward to listening to you guys for years to come!

[@redtiller1975]

Fantastic content. It was great to see you both working together. Thanks

[@sgttech7931]

Ron, not only do I enjoy your podcasts but I really like that shirt! Keep up the great work

[@ronhimmelreich238]

Ryan, You will LOVE that 338Fed. Do a podcast on it please!

[@Ugh_its_dat_guy86]

Love Ryan and it's awesome you got him Ron.

[@Ben-ry1py]

I got in to guns in the mid 90s by taking apart my buddies surplus rifles and seeing how they work. I bought quite a few low cost surplus rifles back in the heyday of military surplus. Over the years I have gravitated to modern firearms because of the functionality and practicality of common chamberings. I found myself with all new guns, and have been wanting a taste of the older. I wanted a lever action with wood furniture. I was stopped by the price tag of a good lever action, but kept it near the top of my wish list. Yesterday I was helping my brother clean out his storage closet and found a rusting model 94 in 30-30 in a plain wooden box. I didn't even know he had it. It used to be my deceased uncles gun. My brother inherited it maybe 15-20 years ago and never took care of it or even shot it. I immediately offered him $200 for it as I felt it needed rescuing and wanted dearly to bring the old rifle back to life and take a deer with it. I know, when I was a kid, I ate some venison that was harvested with that rifle. All this is to say, I can relate to, having access to modern sporting rifles, I am most excited to use this family heirloom to harvest some game. I intend to remove the cheap scope mount and scope and use this gun with the original iron sights. I love keeping up with the industry, but at the end of the day, the connection to nature, my own hunting nature, and a weapon that can get the job done, but requires my to be more intentional and skilled to achieve success in the hunt. Seeing Ron and Ryan shoot the breeze about this age old sport is a pure joy. Thank you both Ben

[@kountzer0]

I'm with you on the anticipation and joy of just being there in the great outdoors in and amongst these animals. I have not yet lost the fascination. Every Elk I have taken is a gift in my mind. That even applies to doves and fish for me, at least. Even when my plan goes "by the numbers" and I am entirely confident that the game will be there and likely present a shot, I'm still astonished. I lose it, all shaking, exuberant, and humbled. I'll stop hunting and fishing if I lose that connection to the wild.

[@JohnSanders-p7o]

Finally!!!

[@theodorepolanowski5359]

Ryan’s podcast are great and full of great info it’s a must watch

[@RandyBeretta-db5bg]

Always enjoy Ron Spomer.! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍

[@daveknowles3055]

This may be my favourite podcast you have ever produced. The hour went by much too quickly and I found myself wanting more. I have both MSR and conventional rifles and enjoy them both for what they are. I couldn't see myself taking my MSR into the field, I will stick with conventional firearms for that but for sure shooting pleasure at the range the MSR chassis rifles can not be beat. Again great podcast and I hope you do more podcasts with other great guests.

[@FredHenry1850]

Boy, this interview was fantastic. Now, I want to see Ron Spomer interview Gunblue490.

[@Nicoli-bg8lp]

Was waiting for your reaction when he mentioned the .308! 🤣Another great episode!!!!

[@Freeeeeeeedoooooooom]

LOL ! Me too. I thought for sure I would at least see a disapproving look on Ron's face ha haaaaa !

[@bobtheaccountant2534]

I have 8 vortex scopes from the razor down to the strike eagle. All are great and serve me well. I have yet to find a reason to buy anything else. I started off listening to Ryan’s and Vortex’s podcasts.

[@galenhisler396]

Let's not forget 2A is not for hunting, but without it, we wouldn't have guns .that said great show

[@Kwagga29]

@26:25 This was something that I had to learn the hard way too. Also an Adult-onset Hunter :-) and I thought that bigger is always better. A 5-25x50 scope on my 7x57 Mauser for African Bush Hunting caused more problems and difficulty than good. Even for open plains, the magnification was needlessly big and all the turrets and knobs were just bothersome. I scaled down to a 4-12x40 scope and I mainly keep it at around 6X. Except for simplifying my setup, I shaved a bit of weight as well - now everything works together perfectly. But I agree that we fall into the "trap" of wanting the biggest and best toys very quickly. I therefore now listen to my father-in-law on these topics. He has many, MANY years of hunting experience and his advice has saved my a lot of stupid mistakes (and a fair bit of money) along the way.

[@dave_1958]

Awesome episode!! My old self is 65 and I do like the new technology but when it’s time to go hunting I’ll more than likely grab my 40 yr old model 70 in 30.06 that I know from experience will always get the job done 🙂

[@COREYDEER]

I’d love to share a coffee, conversation and day on the range with Ryan. The knowledge is just impeccable. Would probably channel my inner mark and ruffle his feathers a bit too for fun haha. I find in the hills and plains or Saskatchewan that a 4-16 is the way to go for me. Our shots range from 80-400 yards but most are taken 150-300. That being said for the times I do find myself in the bush for deer I have a 30-30 that will be getting a red dot.

[@propertypreparedness6846]

Holy freaking Ryan! Would have never guess you got muckipedia on here!!

[@peterzachariasmartens2756]

Good podcast i enjoyed it

[@BNU30C]

Well this was a good pairing! Now I kind of want to see Ron behind a lightweight chassis gun with a carbon barrel and a titanium action…..just once 🤣

[@peterconnan5631]

Now that was a great episode! Thanks Ron and Ryan. Jist for interest's sakes, my average shot distance must be well under 100 yards. My shortest was just the other side of a raisin bush. Probably about 5 yards.

[@Joeatsaco69]

I agree on lower power. My first Nav scope was a 5-20. I should have gotten the 3-15. I missed many Texas hogs because at 5x I couldn’t find the animal.

[@johnscheffler1514]

Nice video guys.

[@sbacsigadget]

As an overall firearm enthusiast I use a range finder to verify my guestimate of range, then a scope of high quality and of appropriate magnification for the terrain. Thick brush Iron sights, rolling hilly terrain with forest I like 1.5x5 scope, open range 6.5x25 for varmint and target I like a 10x35. please note that these aren't specific in magnification. since I shoot at such differing range that's why I like a good range finder so I can get used to visualizing distance.

[@BillLloyd-ew6rd]

Ron and Ryan

[@gimpyRW]

Vortex are pretty much the only optics allowed on our rifles. Last Thursday I thought that I was going to have to return my newest holographic sight because I could not gat the optic to line up right with either of my two bore sighters. Thank God I found out it wasn't the vortex or the bore sighters, it turns out that one of the last strokes I had messed up my non dominant eye. Everything is now a ok and I'm just waiting to get out and use it for getting rid of pests that keep hanging around the yard.

[@YOUneedJESUS1]

What future of hunting. The government released gray wolves in Northern WI years ago. Their population exploded, and now I have them on trail cam near the Illinois border. The deer population is about 1/2 as it used to be just 5 years ago. I went from seeing 5 to 10 deer a night. To seeing 1 to 2 deer every other night. In 3 years when my kids are hunting age, I fear there won't be any deer left.

[@Freeeeeeeedoooooooom]

The mismanagement of the wolf population seems to be an ongoing problem in several areas. Sometimes I get conspiratorial and think antigunners and antihunters have gotten biology degrees and infested the state agencies to create this issue quite purposely.

[@tomvawter4531]

This was a great discussion between two intelligent hunters! Ryan, I think you work for the wrong company. You belong over at Weatherby! 👍

[@ronladuke7235]

Noticed a mule deer in my back yard today antler on one side, the other side shed.

[@tonymills7883]

Enjoyed this very much.

[@Joeatsaco69]

My low end is the 243 and my high end is the 7mmMag with a 6.5 in the middle. All depends on range and animal type.

[@dannymcdaniel1652]

My favorite weapon is 3006 Remington pump

[@jfess1911]

I suspect that Vortex will soon have a scope with a "disturbed reticle", typically a dot that communicates with a rangefinder and moves on the reticle to the correct elevation and maybe windage. Vortex is already building an advanced fire control like this for the US Military's new rifles and machineguns, so I suspect a simpler version for civilians. They might even make one that communicates with their Impact rangefinder instead of an all-in-one like the Burris Eliminator series.

[@Jonsoh811]

As a new European hunter, 36 years, sturdy frame so to speak. What calibre and optics would you start with in Europe for mostly Roe deer, but also wild Boar now and again? I’m undecided between a few and wondered what the expertise here would say.

[@mrcz7575]

Don't worry when things get too easy those people will get bored and move on to other things.

[@shanerhodes925]

It's the only thing I'm good at also. Guns and ammo arey life. My father has a small gun shop in VT. I've been in that business since I was 12. I would love to work in the firearm industry but time.

[@brockpearson3267]

Howdy

[@jimdavis3150]

I have no use for Vortex anymore. I've had the crosshairs on two Diamondback 4-12x40 break on me. Both of them were on my custom Ruger no.1. 35 Whelen. The first one lasted 5 shots and the second one lasted 12 shots before the crosshairs broke. I sent the first one back and within a week I received the second one and the same when I had to send the second back. I never even mounted the 3rd one I traded it for a Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10x40 and never had a problem after that. I will say Vortex was great to deal with and they have a great warranty. But I don't think they have a very good product especially after having the same thing happen with 2 scopes.

[@dinoquintana4319]

Im an old hand in the hunting field. 50 +years .i love ryan,he reminds me of my favorite ,ross Seyfried. Hes very knowledgeable and ethical. The question on hunting with primitive arms .they should be primitive. A inline muzzleloader capable of shooting 1000 yds is not primitive. Ditto a crossbow.so unfair to both the real bow and muzzle loader guys.unfair to the riflehunters also ,much better seasons ,areas.i respect both of you tremendously. God bless you both

[@dinoquintana4319]

This has been the best episode of Ron spomer/vortex that I've seen..you guys are great.i have cal rifles from 223 to 9.3 x57. 708 and 3006 included. Great job guys

[@McDanielRanch]

Two of the best powder burner of are time. Love hearing what u guys always have to say! Can I ask u guy a fav? Iam just a Podunk rancher and when I ask Browning and Henry to chamber a gun they blow me off. But u guys have the gun makers ears, so I was wondering if u could push to get a 22 creed in a lever gun.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast]

We'll try, sir. Given the accuracy I've seen from Henry's Long Ranger in 223 Rem., I'm betting they could make the 22 Creedmoor quite accurate. Ditto Browning.

[@McDanielRanch]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast thank u Ron. Having a long range coyote saddle gun like that would fit my needs just right.

[@paultimmerman326]

because we can .leaves a question can i do it with A ; bow/ crossbow /or even a spear. the chalange is the hunt to go back is to go forward. can you do it is your own question

[@WoodandSteel]

I lament about black stocks. By the time I noticed them wood was Olde fasion.

[@sheridanblackley9394]

I agree that these things are awesome but the day I have to get my phone out to make my scope work and take a shot is the day I go back to iron sights or slingshot

[@johnl5974]

Everyone has their own ethics. To me, too much tech interferes with my concept of fair chase. Vortex has incredible warranty support.

[@jeffreywilson690]

Practice long Shoot as close as you can

[@louiskins8008]

a low power scope for me was more to find a clean shot through the trees and brush.

[@GAlanRoss]

Teaching an AI how to gather, interpret, & utilize targeting data is a VERY Bad idea!! 'Those who don't remember are doomed to repeat' Think "Terminator". On a more serious note; ain light of the growing popularity of slower, heavier, suppressed bullets, I suggest a video with several guests reviewing suppressed 4 bore & even 2 bore rifles. If you're gonna go big you can't get much bigger! I'm sure Betsy will enjoy recording the various reactions at the range, and I'm sure many of us viewers will contribute in the event of medical bills. One final thought: considering my experience with older brittle bones, you may want to let the youngsters like Joseph Von Benedict & Ryan Muckinhirn be the shooters/guinea pigs. Ron, your work is always fun & informative. Thank You again.

[@davidbezuidenhout5939]

This discussion is music in my ears. All arguments nowadays (on chasing best BC, less wind drift, high scope magnifications etc) are pushing people towards long range target shooting (shooters), and not experiencing good old ethical hunting in the bush (hunters).

[@stephencooper5040]

13:54 y’all it’s not just hunters that use vortex optics and rangefinders, or riflescopes in general. There are some SERIOUS guys that do some SERIOUS work, and use riflescopes and rangefinders on the daily. Where their “quarry” is not something they are going to put in the freezer, but another bipedal creature that is a danger to them (the shooter) and his friends/colleagues.

[@abbeybremner4162]

A 3x9 suits me personally to 300yds. I find im more accurate on 4x at 200yds than 9x. High zoomies it feels like I cant miss…. But I do

[@josephpeterson7109]

The desire to shoot rather than hunt is also manifest by the clothing modern folks wear. The very quiet wool of years gone by has been replaced by synthetic fabrics that are so loud I can hear them walking from many yards away- and I have decades of shooting hampering my hearing. They carry a monster cordura pack with enough gear to supply a small sporting goods store. My uncles all wore a red wool coat with a game bag to carry a thing or two and large pockets with room for a sandwich and Snickers bar. As a guide I carry a pretty big pack because I am responsible for my hunter but when hunting alone, minimal gear is called for.

[@tomcurran8470]

I woke up one day and realized that scopes had become more expensive than rifles. Vortex is my go to scope. What would Jack O' Connor do? On the other end, more people are hunting with primitive bows and traditional muzzleloaders. See Clay Hayes, duelist1954, et al. A local guy killed an elk at 1000 yards. His brother told me that that is sniping not hunting. This guy shoots at Hawk's Nest in Wilkes County, NC, which is a 1000 yard range, so the elk shot was ethical in his mind because he knew he would hit it in the right place. This even occurs in bow hunting where some use traditional/primitive bows, recurves, some compound, and some crossbows with a scope. Is only the traditional and recurve bow hunter the more ethical hunter?