Inside Out Outdoors

Random Video of the Week - 1st Edition

6/13/2012

I've been wanting to get more multimedia on the site for a while now and after finally getting around to doing so (also known as not being lazy), I've decided that a weekly thing would be a good thing to bring to our readers. With that said, from now on, Wednesdays will see us bringing you the video of the week. Either something Inside Out Outdoors has put together or a video we found online that we really think you would like to see, hopefully you'll like what you see. And if not, as always, leave us a comment on the blog post and tell us what you DO want to see from us. Also, be on the lookout on Friday's for the picture of the week. The same idea as the video of the week, it'll be a picture that either we've taken or found online and want to share with you guys. Up first for video of the week is a quick little clip of our buddy Chris and myself shooting our bows last summer that I put together while bored and working on the road earlier this year. Oh, and be ready to feel like you are in the 1910's as this clip has no sound (if only it was the next Casablanca!).

-C.B.

Skeet, ARs, Rugers - OH MY

5/25/2012

A few weekends ago I was finally able to get out and do some much needed shooting after a long few months of being cooped up at work. Needless to say, it felt great to hit the field and shoot up a couple of boxes of skeet! I also got to break in the new Ruger 10/22 Take-down that I purchased a few weeks ago. Keep an eye out for a review of the Ruger in the coming week(s) as I have to say it is a pretty sweet little gun!

Now back to the skeet shooting: I set a personal best this past weekend and was able to successfully hit 3 skeet launched at the same time using my Benelli Super Black Eagle II!!! I'm pretty good at doubles (if I must say so myself) and decided to stack another one on the launcher and I was beyond excited when I was able to hit all three of the targets. This just goes to show how valuable it is to practice in the off season and get comfortable with your firearm. Hopefully this can translate over to this coming waterfowl season and I'll get my first triple! I also had the chance to do some shooting with a Bushmaster AR, which turned out to be quite a bit of fun; it was only my second time getting to shoot an AR type weapon and it's cool to say the least!

I hope everyone finds some time in the next couple of months to get out and keep their shooting skills sharp! If anyone is looking to do a few rounds of skeet or trap locally let us know and maybe we can set something up with a group of folks!

-Paul Nicolucci

Finger on the Trigger: Browning BPS Takedown Videos

4/13/2012

As I talked about before, I have a Browning BPS that I've been wanting to get some trigger work performed on. I've finally found some time to get the trigger assembly out of the gun and thought I would share a little of the experience with you, starting with a couple of videos online that I wanted to share as they were pretty informative. The one below is the first in the series; there are two other parts by the same guy which can be found on his Youtube page. Now that I've gotten the trigger assembly out of my gun, I'll be sending it off off to Precision Sports this weekend. Once I have it back and have had a chance to do some shooting I'll report back to you guys about the newly (hopefully) improved trigger!

-Paul Nicolucci

For All You Zombie Hunters

4/5/2012

If you've read our blog before, you may remember this entry on Hornady's Zombie ammo from a few months ago. Well now thanks to Leupold you can take out the undead using this specially designed scope. Based on their famous VX-R platform this scope brings the clarity and quality of Leupold glass to the forefront of zombie extermination, making all those headshots a walk in the park!

Photo from www.nchuntandfish.com

-C.B.

SHOT Show 2012

3/27/2012

This year's SHOT show took place January 15-18 in
Las Vegas, NV. There were some pretty cool and interesting new products revealed this year that we wanted to share with you in case you have yet to read up on or hear about them. If you are not a member of Guns and Ammo it is a worth while magazine to get as it keeps you updated with the latest firearms. Being that they were at the SHOT show this year and reviewed many of the new products, I've linked to the ones I think our readers would be most interested in.

1) Savage Arms Hog Hunter & Leupold Pig-Plex

2) XS Sight Systems Offset Tactical Sight

3) Legacy Sports International Escort Shotguns
- The Escorts are available in left handed models as well for all us Southpaws!

4) Mossberg FLEX 500/590 Modular Shotgun System

5) Trijicon Adds Smaller Red Dot Sight and Serious Tactical Scope

6) Thompson Center Dimensions Modular Bolt Action Rifle System

Let us know if you saw any other revealings that you think our readers would like to read up on as these are just the ones that caught my eye!

-Paul Nicolucci

Shotgun Trigger Job

1/27/2012

As I've stated in previous posts, I own a Browning BPS that I use specifically for deer hunting. Although I love the feel and function of this gun overall, the trigger is one aspect that leaves something to be desired! My other white-tail firearm that I use is a CVA Accura that has a very good trigger, with a pull around 2 lbs I believe; it's a very light trigger! From what I have read, the BPS has a trigger pull that approaches the weight of the gun, coming in somewhere between 6-7 lbs.

This heavy trigger gives me some trouble and I'd prefer a lighter one. I've done some looking and I've heard a lot of good things about Precision Sports, so I contacted them and they replied with the following:

"If you send us the trigger assembly, with a tag on it with your name address and phone, along with a check for $70 which will cover return shipping we can get to it as soon as possible."

This is another upgrade I plan to make to the BPS in the off season. For the cost, I find that having a trigger around 4lbs or less would be much better shooting than the heavier trigger that came stock with the gun. I'm going to try and get a trigger pull gauge and do a before and after and as well as write a review of the work they do. Also I'll try to get a few photos of how to get the trigger assembly out if anyone is interested in this on a BPS. I'm looking forward to getting this work done and getting the BPS out to the range and putting some rounds through it with the new trigger!

Has anyone had any work done by Precision Sports in the past? I'd like to hear any stories you have about the work you've had done.

-Paul Nicolucci

Genius Ammunition Marketing

1/11/2012

Now I'm not sure how many of our readers keep up with the most current ammunition on the market but I'm sure many of you do. I was looking through some of my most recent catalogs and I came across Hornady's Zombie Max Ammunition. This is a new ammunition that Hornady has said is proven to stop Zombies and only Zombies in their tracks! They offer a wide selection so that folks worried about the Zombie Apocalypse are prepared, with everything from handgun to rifle to 12-gauge shotgun shells available. This to me is one of the most brilliant marketing profiles in a long time as far as ammunition is concerned! I've talked to some of my friends who work for Bass Pro Shops and they have told me that they can't keep this on the shelf at their local stores.

I'm sure this is going to stir up some of the anti-gun freaks out there, but hey, next time I'm shopping and I see some I'm gong to pick up a couple of boxes just to have it as a cool collectors item in the future! Hornady does post the following disclaimer on their website:

"Hornady® Zombie Max™ ammunition is NOT a toy (IT IS LIVE AMMUNITION), but is intended only to be used on…ZOMBIES, also known as the living dead, undead, etc. No human being, plant, animal, vegetable or mineral should ever be shot with Hornady® Zombie Max™ ammunition. Again, we repeat, Hornady® Zombie Max™ ammunition is for use on ZOMBIES ONLY, and that's not a nickname, phrase or cute way of referring to anybody, place or thing. When we say Zombies, we mean…ZOMBIES!"

So just remember this is live ammunition and should only be used on Zombies if there is ever a need! I just wanted to share this with everyone as it caught my eye and made me smile!

Has anyone picked up some?

-Paul Nicolucci

Lightfield Slugs - Product Review

8/24/2011

When I purchased my Browning BPS about two years ago I wanted to take full advantage of the rifled barrel. Having never used a rifled barrel on a shotgun before, I started to do my research. I talked to friends and family who use sabot slugs as well as did a ton of reading online. I settled on Lightfield slugs. I wanted to be able to reach out to 100+ yards and still have great knock down power.
I decided to try the Hybred-Elite 3" sabot slug and I have never looked back! One of the great things about Lightfield is they list their ballistics on their website and the box, which allows you to sight in your slug gun more easily. For the Hybred-Elite 3" slugs, it is recommended that you sight-in at 50 yards and ensure that you are shooting about 2.5 inches high at this distance. Once you have 50 yards set it will ensure that you are dead-on accurate at about 125 yards!

Now you might say "125 yards? That's it?". Well remember we are talking about a slug gun here...sure, modern day rifles shoot well over that distance, but where I do a lot of hunting in Upstate New York you can't use a rifle so you have to get the most of your shotgun! Remember traditional slugs out of a smooth bore shotgun barrel are most effective inside of about 60-75 yards; Yes you can take longer shots and many have been successful, but your accuracy starts to deteriorate.

Back to the Hybred-Elite slugs: I've used these for two seasons now and have had great success. These slugs are very accurate, I can shoot 1 inch groups at 50 yards and they perform the same at 100 yards and beyond. Also, as advertised their knockdown power is unbelievable; the best I've seen in a slug yet. They expand and do maximum damage to the game you are shooting.

Now I'm not done yet!!! Lightfield has also developed what they call Same Site Accuracy. Same Site Accuracy allows you to sight your gun in with the Hybred-Lites and they guarantee that you can shoot two other slugs and have the exact same performance! That's one sight-in session and three slugs to choose from for your different hunting needs. They have this available for 12 gauge and 20 gauge slugs! Now even though some of the slugs have lower velocities, where one goes the others will go as well. The slugs available are : Hybred-Elite 3", Hybred-Lites - which are reduced recoil and the most accurate out of rifled choke tubes, and the Hybred Exp which is the standard slug in 2 3/4".

Let's talk price. The Hybred-Elites run about $14 a box, Hybred-Lites $13, and the Hybred-Exp come in at $13 as well. These are by no means cheap slugs but they really do perform as advertised. Lightfield also has another line of ammunition they call the Commander IDS Plus Series. These slugs are available in 12 and 16 gauge and are a high velocity, stable slugs that are made for larger game at long distances. They offer one of the only available 3 1/2 inch slugs on the market (whoa!).

Ok, so now I'll get off my soap box, but I honestly do recommend these slugs to anyone looking for a good sabot slug for their rifled shotgun! Now I do need to give a bit of a warning: Although the knock down power of the 3" slug is great, it does pack quite the punch to the shooter in the form of kick when shooting these bad boys! The kick is not unbearable and I never notice it while hunting, but if you are planning to shoot multiple boxes in the back yard during a sight-in or practice session, you might get a sore shoulder.

Has anyone used these slugs before?

-Paul Nicolucci

The Blaser R8 Rifle

5/6/2011

I've been in the market for a rifle since moving to North Carolina a couple of years ago. I've been looking for a multi-purpose rifle for a left-handed shooter. After much searching, I believe I have set my eyes on a rifle. I'll detail my findings and rationale for wanting to make the Blaser R8 my next firearm purchase.

I'm not positive, but it seems as though this German firearm has just started gaining popularity in the US. You can find their products here. Some of the unique features of the R8 are the following:

1) The R8 is one of the fastest shooting bolt-action rifles available. There is no upward lift on the bolt needed, just a straight pull back and a push forward is all you need to cycle another round.

2) The R8 is also a modular system. There are a variety of barrels that can be purchased. Each caliber has a caliber group, meaning you can switch from one caliber to another caliber in the same group by just switching the barrel. If you want to move a caliber in one group to a caliber in a different group then you'll need to purchase a corresponding bolt head. Each of the barrels comes with the correct magazine insert that is needed. This feature allows a hunter to purchase one rifle and use it for multiple species of game, making this the perfect all-around bold-action rifle. For details on the modular system see the information here.

3) The magazine is located in the trigger assembly. Doing this cuts down on the length of the rifle; it's a pretty slick design if you ask me!

4) The R8 saddle mount is a scope mounting system specific to the Blaser line of rifles. This allows the scope to be attached and detached from the rifle very easily, all without any need to zero the scope after removal and attaching of the scope.

5) These rifles are available in left-handed models so this is perfect for left and right-handed shooters!

Now the only thing that has stopped me from purchasing one of these rifles right now is the hefty price tag. From all of the reviews that I have read, the rifle is well wroth the money in every way. You can purchase a R8 Profession Package which include the rifle, case, scope, scope mount, flash light and a hunting knife for about $3600. I believe I'm in love with the rifle so I've started saving to make a purchase!

For a more detailed review check out the RealGuns review.

If anyone has any personal experience with these rifles please post your comments!

-Paul Nicolucci

Firearms for the Southpaw

5/3/2011

I was born left-handed and have shot right-handed firearms most of my life. A couple of struggles for a left-handed shooter shooting a right-handed gun are the following:

- If you are shooting a semi-auto gun, then you find that your eyes take a beating from debris from the ejected shot. Also, the expired shell can sometimes come back to land on your arm (ouch if it's a rifle shell and you are shooting in short sleeves ).

- The reach around is uncomfortable! Now get your mind out of the gutter, I'm talking about the safety...jeez. Especially in those quick off hand shots where you only have moments to acquire a target and make a successful shot, that difference in a second to reach around to the other side of the gun to click the safety off is sometimes all it takes to make you miss that shot or miss your shot opportunity.

- Shooting a right-handed bolt action gun left-handed is very difficult and making a follow-up shot almost impossible without taking your eye off of the target.

Through my years of struggling I have done in-depth research and have found and bought a couple of guns that have solved these issues for me.

Shotguns:
1) The Browning BPS - I bought one of these about two years ago. I purchased the 3" model with the cantilever barrel and mounted a Nikon 2X7 scope on it after purchase. The gun is also covered in Mossy Oak camo.

Pros:
    - Multiple configurations and options available including additional barrels
      and camo options
    - Bottom load and eject very similar to the Ithica back in the day
    - Moderately priced at around $650
    - Top mounted tang safety, making this a true ambidextrous gun

Cons:
    - Can't buy a configuration with a slug barrel and a 3.5" chamber. You will need to purchase the 3.5" version and then a 3" slug barrel in addition if
      you wish to have a dual-purpose 3.5" gun.

2) The Benelli Super Black Eagle II - I searched high and low to find a good semi-auto shotgun before I ended up purchasing the Super Black Eagle II. Benelli has a good selection of semi-auto shotguns in various configurations. You can research the different models here.

I settled on the 3.5" model in Black Synthetic. These usually run between $1500 and $1600 at your local firearms dealer. I've used this gun for multiple outings for duck and crow hunting as well as countless outings for skeet and trap.

Pros:
    - A true left-handed semi, including left-handed safety and ejection
    - Multiple aftermarket options including barrels and chokes
    - Very reliable in the field
    - Strips down easily for cleaning; the barrel goes all the way to the start of the
      stock, fully exposing the bolt for easy cleaning and removal
    - Cycles all shells reliably


Cons:
    - The price tag can be scary, but if you think about the amount of use you'll get
       out of it, it's not so bad after all.

3) Remington Model 870 - Remington also makes a left-handed model, making their trusty and proven Model 870 in a left-handed configuration. I have not had the chance to shoot the left-handed version personally but I have a great deal of experience with the Model 870 in their right-handed configuration, so I'll talk to that as it's the same gun just with the safety and ejection port on the left side of the firearm.

Pros:
    - The proven reliability of the 870 that has been around for years
    - Many aftermarket options including chokes, stocks, forearms and barrels
    - The cheapest price tag yet, about $450

Cons:
    - Only a 3" chamber. So for those of us looking to shoot 3.5" turkey or goose
      mags we are out of luck with this one.

Rifles:

You might be thinking by now: "What about a rifle for the lefty??" Well, I don't have any first hand experience but I have a few on my radar.

1) Savage

2) Blazer - Another post detailing these firearms in the days to come. They have a unique bolt design and allow you to switch calibers pretty easily!

3) Tikka T3

4) Weatherby

5) Remington - Remington has an entire section of left handed firearms on their website.

6) Browning

Handguns:

I've started researching handguns as North Carolina is a carry state and I'd like to pick up a couple in the next year or so. I'll share what I know so far.

1) Beretta PX4 Storm - Many other manufactures offer ambidextrous slide catches, mag releases and safeties that can be converted for a lefty. It's really just takes some talking to a knowledgeable dealer.

Any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments section.

-Paul Nicolucci