Best Gear of 2017
With each passing year comes advancements in #gear for #shooters, and 2017 was no exception. From #gun care to reloading, range toys to optics, there is something to tickle every trigger-pullers fancy.
All good hunters and shooters take care of their weapons, and Flitz makes that job a breeze. The Gun & Knife Care Kit includes 1.7 ounce units of Tactical Matte Cleaner, Polish Paste, and Gun & Knife Wax Protectant along with a 16×16-inch microfiber polishing cloth. We’ve shined up stainless, nickel, brass, and hot blued firearms with stellar results.
Ultrasonic cleaners have quickly become a must-have item for reloaders and shooters. RCBS is proof that sometimes bigger really is better, at least when it comes to ultrasonic cleaners. The new-for-2017 Ultrasonic Case Cleaner-2 makes significant changes from the previous model, with a capacity 100 percent larger, though that’s not the only change. This new version is built with a second ceramic heater and transducer to more quickly and thoroughly clean both brass cases and gun parts. The LED display features touch-buttons and is easily programmable with a timer that can be set for up to 30 minutes of continuous cleaning.
Nikon is not the first to the rangefinding binocular party, but they are the best. The 10×42 magnification pairs well with the advertised rangefinding capabilities of 10-1,900 yards. A rubberized exterior is durable and practical. The ID (Incline/Decline) technology is necessary on the majority of hunts for accurate ranging in hilly terrain or from hunting stands, and also works well on the shooting range.
Now that Hornady has acquired Snap Safe, the number of interesting security products for shooters has grown. While they specialize in modular, put-together safes, we prefer Snap Safe’s specialty line, including this Two Gun Keypad Vault. Not only is it small enough to hide in nearly any cupboard, closet, or cabinet, but it is also large enough for two handguns plus ammo, mags, documents, and valuables.
We’ve been wearing the Scout model in Mossy Oak patterns for several months now, and they’ve become as much fashion as hunting and fishing tools. Skeleton Optics utilizes polarized Zeiss lenses with what they call “Tri-pel” coating that resists everything from salt water to mud, sweat, and oil. Like the Scout, many of the models are unisex, and I enjoy the Mossy Oak Winter frame color with Bronze Titanic lenses.
Reactive targets are all the rage, and with good reason. There’s nothing more satisfying than audible and visual confirmation of successful, accurate shooting on the range. With AR500 steel gongs and squares in a variety of thicknesses ranging in price from $14.95 to $39.95, they make quality steel for any shooter. The company offers hanging mounts as well, though it does not take much creativity to fashion your own.
