I picked up a Bore Snake at Cabelas. I have to say its one of the best inventions for a quick cleaning of a shotgun at the end of a day. I’m not suggesting that it is a substitute for a thorough cleaning, but rather that its a great way to keep a gun clean during a hunting trip.
Its really simple to use, one run through the barrel and the shotgun is pretty well clean. I’ve seen folks use some Hoppes #9 on the end to loosen things up. Its great for in the field cleaning. Comes in several gauges and the best part is its washable – though I’d be sure not to washing any other clothing with it as the little brass brushes would surely make a mess out of them.
I finally found a pair of nylon Wick Chaps. I think I’ve been searching for these things for a few years now. I really like that they are durable, have a zipper on the sides that make them easy to get on over jeans and a quick clip mechanism that lets you hook them over your belt.
They fold up nicely and are easy to clean up.
I was up on the UP hunting grouse with a buddy and our dogs this past week. Saw a lot of birds. Also saw a great movie about the UP, deer hunting, and family. “Escanaba in the Moonlight“. Jeff Daniels film, a comedy, and I’m not doing a review – just recommend it if you hunt.
Anyways, in the movie, one of the characters had a nice brass compass that pinned to his hunting jacket. Took me a little bit of time to find it but it turns out it is a Marbles Compass.
I’ve ordered one for when I’m hunting unfamiliar ground.
IÂ 
picked up a new 20 gauge recently on the notion that my youngest is going to start hunting soon and he’ll need a gun of his own. Â I was talking with some of the guys in the barber shop (yes that still happens!) and Bob, one of the barbers, was keen on Stoeger and the overall value. Â I checked out some of the guns at Galyan’s and it seemed well made and light enough. Â The Condor is made in Brazil by E.R.Amantino. Â I went with the 26 inch barrel on this one.
Update: Â So I took this gun grouse hunting and I really fell in love with it. Â I have to say that I like shooting it as much, if not more, than my Beretta. Â Maybe it’s because I’m getting older but I like the size and weight and I seem to hit what I want to.
I treated myself to an early anniversary present and bought myself a Beretta Over-and-Under 12 gauge with a 28 inch barrel. I’ve always wanted an O/U and finally pulled the proverbial trigger. Black matte finish, a meat and potatoes sort of gun. Ok well, perhaps a New York Strip and Potatoes Lyonnaise at the price point, but not something I’ll be afraid to ding up a little in the field.
Update: Â The gun is a very nice one. Â It shoots well, I tend to shoot poorly. Â My 14 year old son borrowed it for part of opening day and was hitting doubles when we shot some trap after lunch. Â Got his first bird in the afternoon. Â Â All in all a good day!
I found this great upland vest at Orvis. Oilskin cloth with just the right amount of orange. Pockets are roomy for shells and the main pockets have the traditional elasticized strips that hold about eight shells. Hand warmer pockets that I can stuff my gloves in or big enough to hold my collar remote. I think the material will age well.
