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Trapr.Swonson

Hunting Handgun Bullet Alternative

My first experience with hardcast handgun bullets on medium game left me disappointed. I double-lunged a pronghorn with a .512 caliber 465gr. WFN bullet and had to shoot it three more times.

Fifty One, Fifty….Hunting Handguns!

The 50’s as they are termed, are two different animals of the same family. The original Fifty of modern times the 50BMG, uses bullets of .510 diameter.  This is where some of the confusion begins.

Hunt vs Shoot

If inches of bone or antler is what you need to feel successful in your hunting, then perhaps hunting isn’t for you. If shooting an animal from long range and calling it “hunting” is what you need, then perhaps you should try something else… maybe try actually HUNTING.

Hot for Nilgai

One thing is for sure, long-range shooting is not required for Nilgai, and a good bullet placed properly will still kill even the hardiest of animals.

The All-Purpose .41

To me and many others, the .41 is no longer the “Middle Magnum” or “Forgotten .41”. It is and has always been the All-Purpose .41. 

Holsters for Sportsmen

I never realized how important top-quality leather gear or holsters were until I needed to wear a gun around all day long, riding horses, doing chores, hunting wearing a pack, sitting in a vehicle, crawling through brush, and competing while performing rough and tumble activities.

6.5 Grendel,….Little Giant!!!

The Grendel has been used for a variety of purposes, including long-range competitions, practical competitions, hunting, and for tactical use.

Loch Ness Roe Deer

My hunt for Scottish Roe deer…It was unknown to me but we would be hunting the highlands surrounding Loch Ness of all places. This detail added considerably to the memory of the hunt.

Handgunning Hogs: 357’s & 41’s

This is going to be a 3 part article of calibers suitable for handgun hunting feral hogs and we will deal with those calibers that are typically used in revolvers.  I will attempt to cover each group of calibers sufficiently and provide some good examples and information.

Wyoming Handgun Antelope

Handgun hunting tends to make every animal a memorable trophy. Although I personally prefer to take my handgun game at more sedate or reasonable distances. Knowing that the XP is capable of making solid hits on game at rifle distances allows me to carry it as a backup for those rare instances where getting closer isn’t possible.

The Handgun Hunters Competition – Report

The Handgun Hunter’s Competition is a shooting match that stresses practical handgun hunting scenarios. The match took place in Newcastle, Wyoming. 2021 was the inaugural event, but with the interest it garnered from participants it should be around for many more years.

Review: Burris Thermal Imagers

Burris has brought 3 different thermal imaging products to the market and considering the price point and what you get, they’ve got a winner.

Bear Spray! In 500 Linebaugh

Let me be clear, this is NOT about a pepper spray that you might carry for protection against bears. Bear Spray, is the name my gunsmith decided to use for this project.

Knives for the Outdoorsman

Fixed blade or a folding knife? 5 inch blade or a 10 inch blade? When it comes to choosing a knife to venture outdoors with here some things to consider.

Lessons Learned: Premium or Standard Construction Bullets?

Bullets have evolved considerably since their first use from homogenous pure lead to homogenous copper and brass. Along the way, velocities have increased from a few hundred feet per second (fps) to a few thousand feet per second. For the most part, hunters have strived for complete penetration on whatever game animal they are pursuing.

DIY Colorado Elk: My Experience

This hunt area doesn’t allow any motorized vehicles so you either walk, bike, or horseback it into your area. The area is very much a DIY and muscle power area.

Taking Hogs: Exit Wounds

Even though they’re pigs, they still deserve a humane death, besides, the less time you spend looking for a hit pig is more time spent looking for more pigs!

Baits and Lures for Feral Hogs

Pigs are not the dumb animal many think they are, but they are creatures of habit. Find the areas or foods they like and use it to your advantage. Change up the baits you use to lure them in and it can lead to more pork in the freezer.