GearExpert

Streamlight TLR’s- Blinded By The Light!

Mar 4 • News • 10069

Imagine this, the sound of glass breaking wakes you up in the late hours of the night. You immediately open up your safe next to your bed and retrieve your gun (in my case a Glock 19). As you make your way to where the noise originated, you realize that you can’t see a darn thing. Your adrenaline starts to kick in and you can feel your heart pounding as you slowly move through your house, stumbling over everything . When you finally get to the area where the noise came from, you continue to tread slowly because it is pitch black in your home. You eventually find a light switch and discover that Bernard, your cat, has knocked over a glass vase. Had this been a real break in, walking through the house in the dark would have been a huge liability. If you had a Streamlight TLR series weapon light on your gun, things would have went differently.

The Streamlight name has been a staple in the flashlight world for decades. Many of my friends and family members in Law Enforcement have been trusting their lives with Streamlight weapon lights for longer than I can remember. This is because the Streamlight TLR series of weapon mounted lights are built to the highest standards, here in the USA. The name Streamlight is known in the industry as a light that is going to do what the product says it will do, no matter the situation.

The TLR series of weapon lights include several different models, the TLR 1, TLR 2, TLR 3, TLR 4, and TLR VIR. The TLR 1 weapon light is the flagship model of the line, perfect for a rifle, shotgun, or full size handgun. It features 300 super bright lumens, 2.5 hour run time, one meter submersion, and 50,000 hours of life. In the TLR 1 line there are models such as the TLR 1 HL and TLR1 HP. The TLR 1 HL is my personal favorite out of all the TLR’s. It features 630 lumens, a strobe function all in the same size as the original TLR 1 and only a slight increase in price.

Streamlight TLR 1 HL

If you’re looking for a model that is a little more compact, you could not find a better light than Streamlight TLR 3. It makes a perfect addition to any firearm with a rail but looks right at home on a compact or subcompact pistol. With a price tag of a little more than what it costs for dinner and a movie these days, the TLR 3 could save your life. I dont know about you but to me that is a steal considering the 125 lumens, 1.5 hour runtime, 1 meter water submersion resistance, and 2.3 ounce weight.

Streamlight TLR 4

Do you need a weapon light that has it all? No problem, Streamlight’s TLR 2 and TLR 4 include a laser. In order to simplify things, the TLR 2 is a TLR1 with a laser and the TLR 4 is a TLR 3 with a laser. The really great thing about having a laser on you pistol is the ability to quickly and accurately put shots on target. This may not be an issue in the controlled setting of a gun range, but when stress enters the scenario, every bit helps. The great thing about the TLR 2 and TLR 4 is that you can choose to turn the laser off and still use the light. Laser sights in general are very beneficial when you cant necessarily get a “textbook” grip on the firearm. I am a firm believer of having options, the addition of a laser sight on the TLR 2 and TLR 4 gives you that extra peace of mind.

I am not the end all be all expert of clearing a house or what to do in a home invasion. In my case, protecting my loved ones would be my utmost concern. A weapon light allows you to get to your kids or spouse without having to remember to grab an additional flashlight. If you’re serious about safeguarding your family, then it is time to get serious about a weapon light. If the boys in blue trust their life with one, then you too can count on a Streamlight TLR.

Let me know what weapon lights you’re running on your guns or any other questions you have. As always guys, shoot em straight and be safe!

Jeremy L • No Comments on Streamlight TLR’s- Blinded By The Light!
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Stalked In Darkness: Preparing for Next Year

Mar 3 • News • 5179

When the dark consumes the woods and you can’t even get a little moonlight to help guide your way, it’s extremely easy to get turned around. Darkness falls on the woods and confusion follows swiftly after. This can happen to anyone, regardless of your knowledge about the lay of the land. To get to some of my favorite spots, I have to scale rock faces and navigate through steep ridges. Crevices often serve as my only way in or out of these spots, and when there is no ambient light for my eyes, finding that single entry point can become a very difficult task. Sure, I COULD walk in and out of hollers tripping on sticks and rocks while I attempt to grid the entire rock wall, but I also like to get back to the campfire before midnight! Hunting over the years across several different geographic areas and topographies has taught me a few things, and one of the most important things I have learned is that you never know what is around the corner, or what you might run into out there – especially at night. Some things can be planned for and proper measures, when taken in advance, can limit the effect of external factors on your hunt, but some things just cannot be predicted or foreseen.

Like something stalking you in the dark.

Hunting for me is more than the thrill of the kill and getting my freezer full. It’s about blending in with Mother Nature to the extent that nothing is aware of presence. Sometimes I become too involved and sit well past the sun has set and the darkness consumes the woods. I have seen far more wildlife as a result of staying put in the dark, which is always beneficial for scouting and tracking purposes. Of course, no matter the benefits of using the dark as your natural cover, things can go wrong.

Early Season Bow Hunt

Recently, for the first time in my life, I was followed through the woods in the early morning darkness by a creature that was circling me and my hunting partner about 10-25 yards away from us. For a good 30 minute stretch, as we moved, so did the animal – in a slow, methodical circle. We knew that whatever the animal was it was large, the few branches it would break as it circled like a shark -were not the light snaps of breaking twigs made by deer or coyotes.

Through multiple pauses and attempts to stop and get a visual on the animal, we grew more and more concerned as nothing was revealed. Moving and stopping began to give us the feeling that we were being hunted by a greater predator than us. At this point in time, I knew there was a definite issue at hand and that my plan thus far needed modification immediately. Whenever I walk into the woods with another hunter, I make sure to alter my pace and steps so that we can walk together and appear to sound as one animal, not two. In an effort to sound more than just one animal and frighten this unwanted guest away, I broke this protocol. Our footsteps out of sync, we continued on.

The thicket blocked the beam from the flashlight so much that we finally gave up on trying to gain a visual and pressed ahead, armed only with bows our bows. The ever so slight sounds of the animal circling us just grew more repetitive, as though the circles had increased in speed around us. As we would continue to stop and take measures to gauge the silent hunter’s position, we would hear deep breaths from the darkness. We pressed on until I placed my hunting partner in one of my favorite spots where there was very limited access and he was off the ground – high in a rock face and not in a tree. I then moved into the darkness and back towards the direction we had came, hoping to lure our dark passenger into the depths of the woods with me and leave my friend out of the equation. The animal did just that, watching me, I fearfully knew, the whole time.

Ridges Behind Me Ridges in Front Of Me I Get Limited Light

I climbed trees. I sat still. I threw things – all in an effort to confuse the animal and provide me with visual proof of whatever was stalking me. All to no avail. I sat that entire morning trying to focus on the hunt, but the entire time, I was the hunted one. The animal never seemed to depart the area as there was no exit noises, and that morning a pin drop could be heard for miles. Not a breeze to be had, not the light tapping of morning dew dripping off the trees – the only sound was that of my heart and the crinkling fall leaves that serve to alert the woods to the smallest animal’s presence. Sitting in the dark for the remaining hour or so before daylight, I knew very well the animal hadn’t left me. There were no squirrels to confuse as deer; the birds chirping with the rising sunlight were non-existent; the usual suspects in the woods apparently knew far more than I. Everything was hiding or had fled the area. Thankfully, we made it out, and after a bit of research and tracking, I discovered that mountain lions are undoubtedly moving into the area.

So I have decided that next year, instead of this ever happening again or relying on a small trail marker, shotgun shell, or old arrow placed in a tree, I’m going go high tech with the OPMOD Carson DNV 1.0 Mini Aura Digital Night Vision Pocket Monocular. This thing is perfect for serious hunters. Why, you ask? Have you ever snuck into the woods in the wee hours of the morning before first light, only to realize that the last thing you wanted to do was hit your flashlight? Every needed to find your way home, or lost your trail, or misplaced your blind in the dark? This lets you see all and far beyond the singular beam of the flashlight.

Small? Yes, your palm or pocket make the perfect fit!

This year, I will take out the element of darkness, in case I’m not the only hunter in the woods…

Alex P • No Comments on Stalked In Darkness: Preparing for Next Year
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OPMOD Edge ZRG+ Shooting Glasses

Feb 25 • News • 8360

The human eye has more than two million moving parts and is one of the most sensitive parts of our body. Protect those precious round things that sit to the left and right of your nose with the OPMOD Edge ZRG+ shooting glasses. It is rare in life for the words “quality” and “affordable” being used to describe a piece of gear. I can tell you from firsthand experience that these glasses are high quality and definitely won’t break the bank.

When it comes to shooting glasses, there are two important things that they have to do: protect your eyes and feel nice on your head. If you spend a lot of time at range then you’re probably used to getting pelted with brass from every direction. The difference between “okay” glasses and glasses that are quality is whether or not they can take a direct hit from shrapnel. The OPMOD ZRG+ shooting glasses meet the ANSI Z87.1 2003 safety standards, meaning that the lenses can withstand a hit from a quarter inch steel ball traveling at 150 feet per second. It is safe to say that flying brass has met its match.

OPMOD Edge ZRG+ Inside

One of the problems with eyewear is finding glasses that fit our heads and face right. This is because no two people have the same face and head. Actually, this is one of the hardest things for eyewear companies to figure out! The guys at OPMOD and Edge did a lot of research and have come out with a pair of lenses that are so universal, they can fit almost any shape. This is extremely important if you’re on the range as long as I am.

If you’re an avid shooter or you love the outdoors, then you know that looking good is half the battle. I have taken these OPMOD ZRG+ shooting glasses with me everywhere. I’ve used these while mountain biking, hours at the gun range, cleaning my guns, and even working under my car and the glasses looked good no matter the scenario. I’ve grown so attached to them that I constantly worry when they fall or hit something, but every time they come away without a scratch. The anti-scratch coating on the ZRG+ glasses is no joke; I challenge you to scratch these during normal use.

OPMOD ZRG+

If you’re looking for shooting glasses, the basics are simple: fit and protection. The OPMOD Edge ZRG+ shooting glasses do just that, but give you added benefits like anti fog and an anti-scratch coating (plus they just look really good). You would be hard pressed to find a pair of shooting glasses like this at this price. Let me know what you guys think of these awesome glasses!

Jeremy L • No Comments on OPMOD Edge ZRG+ Shooting Glasses
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“Rolling, Rolling, Rolling Get those Walleyes Rolling” Walleye Run 2014!

Feb 24 • News • 4469

Spring is close, I am being told, and although the temperatures aren’t showing it – the calendar swears it’s right around the corner. As I move from shed hunting and the never ending task of land management, I always start thinking about the “Ice Off” and when it’s going to hit this year. Shortly after pondering the receding ice and the accessible open waters, it’s almost immediate that my stomach rumbles and I can smell the walleye and potatoes cooking up for the shore lunch.

Beautiful Northern Lakes

There is nothing like hitting the water for walleye opener. The air is still cool and the de-thawing pine trees throw the most wonderful and fresh smell across the entire lake – the water so cold that the bugs don’t exist yet. The lake has been covered in ice for months and months, and that monster fish from last year is still down there and he’s very hungry. Somehow you are fortunate enough to have the first shot at that lunker. This is the brief period of pure heaven called the “Walleye Run” that will send thousands upon thousands of anglers and families north to the great woods of the northern US and Canada.

Sometimes you have to go deep to find the big ones!

These delicious and extremely fun fighting fish are something every angler drools about during those long winter months. If you are lucky enough to be in an area where you can pull up a few walleyes through the auger hole, I have to say, I’m jealous. For the rest of us, we’re checking lines and re-spooling by the start of March, prowling the shelves looking for that exact jig, and that one special color from last year. The whole time, we’re all dying to once again feel that really light “Ting-Ting” on the other end of the line.

I love fishing for Walleye on extremely light gear with a stiff back spinning rod that also has a responsive and sensitive tip. Walleye hit very different from a Bass or a Northern Pike. The Walleye is a very gentle and meticulous fish, actually inhaling food towards its mouth, making a successful landing and hook set somewhat difficult. But a good braided line on a good stiff back rod with a semi-soft tip will provide you ample strength when that 30lb Northern Pike cannot resist that minnow or jig any longer and nails it like a freight train!

Beautiful Afternoon for Some Fresh Fish for Lunch

With the recent advances in braided line, I have found a new love for Walleye jig fishing. The braided line is sensitive and responsive due to its complete lack of stretching, so you can feel every inch of the bottom. And as most walleye anglers know, feeling is crucial when fishing for these delicious and fun fighters. Walleye tend to stack up in “holes” or “schools,” and through the use of braided line, I can jig my lure exactly where I want it and know exactly when it will fall off that rock/tree into the fish. The zero stretch aspect of the braided line also means that if that fish buzzes my drag and pulls me through thick cover, my line will not break, and I will land that fish. This non-stretch aspect of braided line has given me more ability to fish extremely thick cover and not worry about fraying or snapping.

So now that you’re thinking about those big white eyes flashing around the boat, What new techniques are you using this year? Any new baits or rigs out there? Be sure to remember after you spool on that new line, drag it behind the boat as you run to your favorite spot. This will make sure you take care of all that twist and prevent another lovely birds-nest!

Alex P. Getting Ready to Hit The water!

Alex P • No Comments on “Rolling, Rolling, Rolling Get those Walleyes Rolling” Walleye Run 2014!
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Nikon Long Range Optics-One Shot, One Hit

Feb 21 • News • 9913

The last few years, shooters across the country have been hit where it hurts the most – their wallets. With the rollercoaster ammo prices that we’ve seen and continue to see, it is far more difficult to celebrate our favorite pastime of shooting guns. This is especially true for long range shooters and hunters. When prices for match grade rifle ammo are pushing $30 and more for a box of .308, it is more important than ever to hit what you’re aiming at. Nikon long range optics are here to make that box of 20 last longer than you ever could’ve thought.

Nikon makes a slew of products all designed to make that one shot count. If you’ve ever been hunting, then you know once you take that first shot, whatever animal you’re shooting at doesn’t stay put. This makes follow up shots increasingly difficult. Why not have the right gear to not only spot your target but also be able to range it and then put a bullet in it dead center. Nikon’s long range optics make this possible by offering series specific binoculars, rangefinders, and rifle scopes.

Nikon Prostaff

New rifle owners and hunters alike will appreciate the Nikon Prostaff line of rifle scopes. The Prostaff series allow shooters quality features like multicoated lenses that boost light transmission while leaving a little extra money in your pocket to buy other essentials. One of the greatest selling points for me on the Nikon Prostaff 4-12 X 40mm scope is its waterproofing and fog proofing. This is perfect for rifle setup if you plan on hiking through wet terrain to get to your hide. You can’t forget about the BDC reticle that Nikon offers in majority of their rifle scopes, the convenience that it offers is truly is a game-changer.

Nikon Monarch 5 Binocular

What I am really fond of is Nikon’s Monarch series binoculars, riflescopes, and rangefinders. As soon as you grab ahold of the Monarch 5 20×56 MM binocular, you notice the tough rubber exterior and how light it is considering the size, quality of glass, and slick features. The whole Monarch line is chalk full of features normally found in optics that cost nearly twice as much. Features like spring adjusting adjustment knobs and the ability to custom order turrets that match you specific cartridge load are unbelievably useful if you want to hit your target.

If taking a single shot hundreds of yards out and hitting it is important to you, then Nikon’s long range optics are the answer. The game changing BDC reticle offered on many of the Nikon rifle scopes makes guessing your bullet drop and missing your target a thing of the past. Now is the time to pick one of these rifle scopes, binoculars, range finders and spotting scopes up – that is, unless you like taking multiple shots to take down game. If you’re in the market for some new optics, do not pass up on the instant rebate promotion right now at OpticsPlanet.com. It is seriously the lowest price you’ll find on the Nikon products above as well as many more. As always guys feel free post your questions about Nikon’s long range optics or anything else.

Jeremy L • No Comments on Nikon Long Range Optics-One Shot, One Hit
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