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Gear Of The Year (part 1)
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 300
Winchester Short Magnum
Winchester made big news at the SHOT Show with the introduction
of its first sporting-rifle cartridge in 20 years. The 300 Winchester
Short Magnum, or 300WSM, is a beltless magnum with a short,
fat case that’s designed to burn powder more efficiently.
The result is a cartridge with velocity and muzzle energy exceeding
that of the famed 300 Win Mag. The short case also makes this
cartridge ideal for lightweight rifles looking for magnum punch.
For 2001, the 300WSM is available in a 180-grain Fail Safe bullet
(U.S.$25.58), a 180-grain Power-Point (U.S.$33.28) and a 150-grain
Ballistic Silvertip (U.S.$44.74). Both Winchester and Browning
will chamber rifles in the 300WSM calibre this year.
Winchester Ammunition, 427 North Shamrock
Street, East Alton, Illinois 62024; (618) 258-2000; www.winchester.com |
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 CTC
30x75
Many hunters say they’re only as good as their optics.
With Swarovski Optik’s new spotting scope, then, they’ll
become even better, especially those who need the benefit of
a comfortable, long-range optic. The CTC 30x75 ($1,200) is a
compact, telescoping spotting scope that measures just 12 inches
long when collapsed and 19 inches when extended. Its technical
specifications include a magnification of 30X, a 75-millimetre,
light-gathering objective lens and a field of view of 123 feet
at 1,000 yards. The unit weighs a reasonable 42.3 ounces and
comes equipped with a rugged, protective housing and end caps
to prevent scratches on the glass surfaces.
Kindermann (Canada), 361 Steelcase
Road West, Unit #3, Markham, Ontario L3R 3V8; (905) 940-9262;
www.swarovskioptik.com |
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Optimus Nova
 Long
known for its portable stoves, Optimus has taken portability
and efficiency to new levels. Weighing less than a pound, the
new Nova (U.S.$139) can burn virtually any liquid fuel and bring
water to a boil in about three and a half minutes. It also has
a new burner design that primes quicker and burns more efficiently.
Plus, the Nova has an ingenious jet cleaner that operates by
passing a magnet under the burner. And because this is a one-piece
stove, there are no parts to lose in the bush.
Brunton Canada, 6-637 The Queensway,
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7J6; (705) 749-9327; www.optimususa.com |
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CamoFace
Face Paints
Raven Sun Designs has developed an ideal alternative for hunters
who want face camouflage, but don’t like camo masks because
they’re hot and can obstruct vision and breathing. CamoFace
Face Paints (U.S.$6.99), which come in lipstick-sized tubes
for easy application, are water-resistant and guaranteed not
to crack, peel or run in the most extreme weather. Face Paints
come in packages of three—green, brown and black—and
wash off easily with soap and water.
Raven Sun Designs, 5374 Chiswick Circle,
Orlando, Florida 32812; (407) 816-1135; www.camoface.com |
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Model 710
 The
new Model 710 (U.S.$359) from Remington is the first new bolt-action
developed in recent memory with the entry-level or casual rifle
hunter in mind. When creating the 710, Remington strove to reduce
cost without sacrificing reliability or utility, resulting in
innovations like the unique bolt that locks directly to the
barrel instead of the receiver. And though inexpensive, the
710 still has a number of desirable features, including a 60-degree
bolt throw, a detachable four-shot magazine, a factory-installed
integrated bolt lock for added safety, and a four-pound-trigger
design based on the renowned Model 700’s trigger foundation.
The rifle also comes equipped with a factory-installed Bushnell
3-9x40 Sharpshooter scope. For 2001, the 710 is available in
.270 Win. and .30-06 only.
Remington Arms Company, 870 Remington
Drive, P.O. Box 700, Madison, North Carolina 27025; 1-800-243-9700;
www.remington.com |
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Sure Shot Shooter’s Bench
Finally, a portable, stable shooting bench for sighting-in or
checking the “zero” on your rifle. San Angelo’s
new Sure Shot Shooter’s Bench (U.S.$129) weighs 35 pounds,
and folds to 24 inches by 40 inches by 5 inches for easy transport.
The Sure Shot’s top and seat are weather-resistant, as
is the treated steel frame. The bench, which also has a detachable
arm extension for cradling the rifle’s fore end, can accommodate
both right- and left-handed shooters.
San Angelo, 4954 Space Center Drive,
San Antonio, Texas 78218; 1-800-531-7230; www.all-luminum.com |
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Gunslinger
Corral
Your most important hunting tool is often the most inconvenient.
Namely, your rifle can be a chore to carry, and that’s
where the new Gunslinger Corral rifle holster (U.S.$49.49) comes
in. This fully adjustable belt/sling system allows hunters to
carry their rifles in the middle of their backs, freeing up
their hands for other tasks. A tug on the quick-release strap
and the rifle is free to be drawn. And by supporting some of
the rifle’s weight, the Gunslinger Corral helps reduce
shoulder fatigue. A universal attachment also allows the holster
to be mounted on the side of a backpack.
New Frontier Products, P.O. Box 70087,
Eugene, Oregon 97401; 1-888-900-8678; www.gunslingercorral.com |
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Gerber Gator
 The
Gerber Gator has been a fixture in the hunting-knife world for
10 years now. Known for its solid design and strong, yet soft
and tacky grip (even when wet), the revolutionary Gator line
has expanded for 2001 to include three inherently stronger,
fixed-blade models: a shallow drop point (U.S.$70), a clip point
(U.S.$54.60) and a gut hook (U.S.$64). The three-blade styles,
each featuring the famous Gator handle, will accommodate any
big-game hunting need. All come covered by Gerber’s lifetime
warranty along with a sheath constructed of ballistic nylon.
Gerber Legendary Blades, P.O. Box
23088, 14200 Southwest 72nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97281;
1-800-950-6161;
www.gerberblades.com |
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 Grand
Slam Riflescopes
One of the great brand names in riflescopes has made a comeback
in recent years, and in 2001 it’s introducing its best
scopes yet. Those who remember Weaver as the biggest name in
rifle glass will welcome the new Grand Slam series. Featuring
fully multi-coated lenses, these scopes are available in six
power options. At the low end of the scale is the 1.5-5x32 model
(U.S.$382.99), which is ideal for hunting in close confines
with a rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader. At the high end, meanwhile,
is the 6-20x40 model (U.S.$452.99), which is ideal for the varmint
shooter. In the popular range of variable magnifications, the
Grand Slam is available in 3-10x40 (U.S.$336.99) and 3.5-10x50
(U.S.$408.99) models.
Weaver, 201 Plantation Oak Drive, Thomasville,
Georgia 31792; (912) 227-9053; www.weaveroptics.com
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| Read
more on the best gear of 2001: |
| Part
1 | Part 2 | Part
3 | Part 4 |
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