You Can’t Bear Being Wrong – the right rifle for hunting big game

You know that you are going to be hunting big game on the next trip. The next thing that you need to decide is which rifle you should use. What makes a perfect big game hunting rifle? Let us start with the most obvious factors. The first thing that makes a rifle perfect is its durability and light-weighted. After all, you are going to be carrying it around. The second characteristic that such a rifle should have is the ability to handle large calibers without a high degree of recoil. Lastly, it should also be able to deliver long distance accuracy. Keeping the qualities mentioned above in mind, here is a look at some good ones:

.243 Winchester

This gun made an appearance in the 1950s as an improved version of the .308 Winchester. If you are going big, then this cartridge is what you will need because of its versatility and effectiveness. It is popular, if not better, than the less obscure 6mm Remington, as well as, the .243 WSSM. What makes it so popular among hunters, you ask. It could be the fact that it can drive an 80-grain bullet at 3,300 fps. Decrease the fps to 2,800 fps and it can drive a 100-grain projectile. Black beer, deer, or antelope, no matter what you are hunting, the .243 should be your first choice.

375 Ruger

One of the things that has become synonymous with the Ruger rifles is how dependable they are. The .375 Ruger, both Hawkeye and Hawkeye Alaskan, are no exceptions. Their controlled-feed actions make them the rifle perfect when hunting brown bears. With these rifles, you get ballistics that will remind you of the .375 Ackley but with a shorter case than the .375 HH has. If you are looking for a weapon that works like the high-end rifles do but in a standard long action, then the .375 Ruger is the right choice. Lastly, the set of iron express sights come in handy during defense.

Browning BLR Lightweight 81

If you are looking for the most versatile rifle within the Browning BLR Lightweight series, then this is where your search ends. One of the things that recommend this weapon is that it also comes in a takedown version, which makes it really easy to carry while traveling. Another feature is that it comes in both straight- and curved pistol-grip versions. Yet another thing that recommends this gun to its users is the different types of calibers that it can make use of. These include 270 WSM, 308 W, 300 WM, 358 W, 30-06, and 450 Marlin.

Marlin Model 338 MXLR

This accurate version lives up to its name when it comes to excellent long-range accuracy. It adds to its charm by allowing a lesser degree of recoil than most similar rifles.

If you are looking for the riflescope that is just right for your new rifle, then go here. MDS Optics will always have the last word when it comes to good quality riflescope  at affordable prices!

Posted on Categories Uncategorized
What to bring on a Fall Hunting Trip

A good hunter does not hunt sans a fanny pack or a backpack. They also have an exhaustive list of items within that backpack and are used to lifting 10-15 pounds of extra weight due to that baggage.

Here are some of the things that should be in your backpack while on a hunting trip:

Accessories

These items should be in your backpack:

GPSHunting knifeFlashlightLighter/MatchesBottled waterEnergy/Granola barsFirst aid kitMosquito Repellent UnitBinocularsRopeGlovePrescription Meds

What goes into the backpack will need to be customized, based on your needs and preferences.

Clothing

When it comes to clothes, you should start with safety first. That means, the first thing to go in the pack is your hunter orange clothing, including a hat and mesh vest. If you’re picking up new clothes for a hunt, then it is better to have them washed and worn a few months in advance to get used to them. The same goes for any new boots that you buy. If the nights are going to be cold, then you would also need some warm clothing, such as wool that will keep you warm, even if it gets wet.

Hunting Licenses

Do your research and read up on the hunting rules and regulations before you leave, especially if you are going to another state. Talk to the state and local agencies for the hunting information, fees, and licenses that you will be needing. For instance, you will need to purchase a special license in most places. There are states where your name is entered into a non-resident lottery and you only get a hunting permit if you win! The rules will be different for each state, as well as, especially if you’re hunting on private land owned by family or friends.

Meat Carrying/Storing Essentials

You also need to pack stuff that will take care of the animal once you have achieved your ultimate goal. The animal hunted will need to be quartered so you can carry back to the camp. For that, you will need to pack sharp cutlery, a sharpening stone, and plastic bags. A bear proof cooler to seal the meat in and dry ice to pack it with will also be needed. Since dry ice will wreck many regular coolers, you would need to buy the Frigid Rigid or Yeti cooler. They will be more expensive but they will also stay in usable condition for a long time!

Checklist

Sleeping Bag with a 0 degree or lower rating

GlovesBoots (weather/water proof)Jacket/CoatShoesFlannel ShirtsJeansWool PantsWoolen SocksUnderwearInsulating Long JohnsSoapTowelsGortex JacketShaving/Hygiene kitWater BottleBear SprayHunting KnifeLicensesFlashlightBatteriesSunscreenBinocularsRifle and AmmunitionCamera and FilmFlorescent Gear

Find everything that you could need for your fall hunting trip here at discounted prices!

Posted on Categories Hunting
Toys for the New Hunter
Game Cameras

If you know the area where you will be hunting well and the animals that inhabit it, you could come home successful after each hunting trip. One gadget will help if you want to familiarize yourself with both when its not your full-time job. That gadget is of course, a game or trail camera. With it, you will not only know the area where you will be hunting but also be able to predict the animal’s movements. Another advantage of capturing the footage of animals with a trail camera is that it will let you know that you are in the right area. Moreover, with the help of game cameras, you would also know how big an animal is and what gender they are.  MDS Optics currently has game cameras on sale at some pretty good prices.

ATV

ATV stands for All Terrain Vehicle and its use is gradually becoming acceptable during hunts. The reason for their newfound acceptance has to do with how helpful ATVs can be during hunting. Not only will they make it easier to track your prey but they also make it possible to haul big game, such as elk, moose, and bear. Since the price of an ATV will vary depend on the features that it has, you will need to decide how much to spend will. You can also make additions to your ATV to improve the hunting experience. A few such improvements include a gun boot that you can use to store your firearms and equipment. Other things that you can add to the ATV are two-way radios and GPS mounting brackets for your GPS device.

Hunting Backpack

A good hunting backpack has the following qualities:

It is made of the right kind of fabric that is strong enough to suit your needs. That means the first thing you need to look for in a hunting backpack is that it must be made of synthetic fibers that make it waterproof. It should also be made of a material that is not too noisy when it brushes against objects. Most importantly, the backpack material should be lightweight so that it can be carried around while you’re on a hunt.

It needs to be larger than a daypack if big game is what you are interested in since you will need room to stuff the meat. The backpack should be expandable from the upfront or have an expanded area. For an even weight distribution, get a backpack with an external or internal adjustable frame.

Riflescopes

Riflescopes offer the following benefits to their user:

Better sight of your target, which makes it easier to shoot.Increase the range of the rifle range and you will be able to target distant objects.Allow for consistent better shooting. When you shoot better in a consistent manner, you are more likely to keep on practicing and thus becoming better and better. Soon you would have started to shoot at objects that are at a much long range than you could before.

For a wide variety of riflescopes and the best hunting backpacks, visit MDS Optics right now!

Posted on Categories Hunting
Things to Consider when Buying a Rifle
Budget

While multiple factors need to be considered before one buys their first rifle, one of them is the cost of optics. This issue matters or you could end up with not enough money to buy a scope after having bought a rifle! Different people have different methods when budgeting for optics. Some hunters will pay as much for the scope as they have paid for the rifle. Then there are hunters who think a scope should cost half as much as the cost of a rifle. The important thing is to do your research before purchasing anything. Another thing to keep in mind is to take the information present on any forum with some degree of skepticism.

Type of Game

before purchasing a rifle, you need to consider what you intend to hunt with it. The type of hunt you will be using it on might require a particular kind of firearm to hunt effectively. If you are into hunting small game, such as rabbits, then you won’t want to do so with a high caliber weapon. For that you will need a rifle that has a caliber of .22 or .223. For the medium to larger sized game, such as bear or moose or bear, a high caliber rifle will be required. Some examples that might suit you include .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, or .270 Winchester ammunition.

Rifle Action

The way a rifle ejects a used cartridge and then loads a new one is known as rifle action. As expected, there isn’t just one choice when it comes to choosing a rifle based on rifle action. Some examples of rifle action available in the market are bolt- and lever- actions, breach loading, and semi-automatic. If you are going to base the choice of rifle on the rifle action, then you will have to make two decisions. The first decision will depend on if the rifle of your choice should fire one or multiple shots before it will have to be reloaded manually. Once you have made that decision, the next thing you need to think about which of the following types you want to go for:

Picking the multiple shot option would mean that you can choose semi-automatic rifles. Some of them will keep firing until the magazine or clip runs out of ammunition.Single-shot option could mean that you can choose from breach loader, trap door action, or bolt-action rifles.Scope

A good riflescope makes a good hunt, just as it is important to have a good rifle. If you are opting for good quality glass, then you might have to indulge the price tag that comes with it! Here are a few tips that might be helpful when looking for the right riflescope. Stay away from scopes that have been made in China. There is rarely one that is good enough for you to consider. Instead, look for a local reputable scope brand, which is also affordable, such as Leupold or Burris and Bushnell. Variable scope magnifications will mean varying power that could be as low as 3 or as high as 9x. With low magnification, close-up shots can be taken in field view while longer distances will require zooming out.

Click here for the best deals on leupold riflescopes or go here to find out which riflescope would be best for you!

Posted on Categories Rifle Scopes
Know Your Riflescopes

Why do most hunters use an optical sighting device on their guns?

The reason why hunters are opting for riflescopes is their simplicity. If you want to avoid the complication that is lining the iron sights, then use a riflescope to aim through. Additionally, line up the crosshairs with your target and subtract most kinds of frustration when hunting. Following are some things that you need to know about riflescopes before purchasing one:

Basics

If you are new to the world of riflescopes, the least that you need to know about them includes how to read what magnification they are. Inscribed on the accessory itself are two pieces of information, magnification level and diameter of the objective lens, respectively. In order to read the two separately, look for an “x” that is between them. If you want to understand what magnification is, then think of it as the number of times your target will be magnified when viewed through the scope. The dash between two numbers for the magnification indicates an adjustable magnification range.

Power

If you are buying a scope, then the first order of the day should be to figure out how much magnification you will need. That is because the magnification level will determine how useful that scope is going to be for you. If you were going deer hunting, then a 32x scope would mean that you will be returning home empty-handed! It is also important to keep in mind that lower magnifications, such as 4x or 6x, mean you will be able to shoot faster and more intuitively. Such magnifications will also make target tracking better.

Coats

If you are going to spend on a riflescope, then you should make sure you do so on one that is also resistant to certain things, such as effect of water, shock, and fog. This is where buying a scope that comes with a coating on the optical lens comes in handy. Not only will such a coat keep your lens protected from scratches, it will also maximize light transmission, reduce light lost to reflection, and reduce glare. Misadventures during hunting make it a good idea that you protect your investment and buy a scope that comes with a coating.

Parallax

If a riflescope falls in a medium-high variable power range has a parallax correction between 100-150 yards, then here is what you need to know. Set the scope at 100 yards, and then turn up the power on high power. Next, make sure that the crosshairs falls on a target at 25 yards. When you move your head while looking through such a scope, you will see that while the scope itself is stationary, the crosshairs will move away from the bull’s-eye that you had set. That indicates lack of proper focus. To solve this issue, you will need to make external parallax adjustments called side focuses.

Want to know more about which kind of riflescopes would be best for you? Simply, click here and you will be taken to the MDS Optics page where you will find the best deals in high quality discount rifle scopes.

Posted on Categories Rifle Scopes
Packing Heat and Other Things – What to Carry in your Hunting Pack when going Big Game Hunting

The essentials, which are as follows:

Survival kitCompassLighterChapstickBandanaSwiss Army knifeKnife SharpenerMapHunting LicenseHunting TagsZiploc Bags

Aside from the things mentioned above, here is what else you should be packing while hunting big game:

Water

It is a good thing to have lots of water and you can make that possible by carrying a quart military canteen. However, that single canteen could get lost or misplaced and you should be carrying several collapsible ones in anticipation of such an event. A collapsible canteen won’t weight too much and still be available, if you need to carry more water. All you’d have to do is open them and use them. Throw in a sport bottle that also has a built-in water filter, just in case.

Bags

If you are going big game hunting, then you need to be carrying gallon contractor trash bags. The bigger ones can easily be used for emergency shelter. Of course, you will also be needing them when you pack the meat that you have hunted. Moreover, you can also split a bag and use it as makeshift tarp while butchering.

Packs

If you have packed everything that you will be needing on your hunt, yet have failed to pack it in a proper pack, then all that prep will be worthless. Imagine having to lug around such a backpack throughout your hunting trip. Now that we have your attention, here are the types of bags that you should be carrying, depending on the type of hunt you are on:

If you going on a hunt that will last for several days, then you will need a backpack to carry your gear in the wilderness. Look for ones that have an external frame and you can’t go wrong.If the hunt is going to be an all day long event, then you should opt for a daypack. Such a pack should be sufficient, even if you want to leave the camp. Look for a mid-sized accessory that will let you pack lots of food, water, clothing, and rain gear.Fanny packs are good when you are looking for a bag that is easy to carry around. This is because a suspender design in such packs prevents sagging and keeps the weight divided evenly between shoulders and hips. These are suitable for shorter hunts.Ursine Deterrence

You might want to think your plan out clearly, if you are going moose- or elk-hunting in grizzly country. The trouble with hunting in such areas is that if you dangle that much meat in front of a bear, then they are likely to come knocking at dinnertime! If you are not leaving your camp immediately, then it might be a good idea to hang the meat sacks 100 yards or more away from the carcass. For extra protection, you can also hang a can of bear spray nearby. If a bear does come looking for the meat, then it won’t catch you unawares!

MDS Optics offers the best deals when it comes to hunting accessories, such as backpacks and riflescopes. Grab one of each for yourself today!

Posted on Categories Hunting
Deer in the Crosshairs – the Best Riflescope when Deer Hunting   

The problem with buying a scope is that if you want one that performs smoothly, then you will have to pay for it, literally! Nevertheless, there are scopes that are also high quality and yet affordable for the average hunter. If you are going whitetail hunting, then you will need a riflescope that is not just good but great.

Leupold

When it comes to riflescopes, you cannot go more American than Leupold! If deer hunting is a favorite sport in our country, so are choosing the Leupold riflescopes to do it. These scopes are counted amongst the finest.

Sightron S III

Most hunters will choose the Sightron SIII, if what they need is a riflescope with a serious reach. Another feature that makes it a hunter’s favorite is the fabulous touch power that it has. Additionally, if you hunt in rough terrains and need a high-powered scope, then you should definitely invest in Sightron S III. The Sightron S III is a good scope because it features 10-50 power magnification. Yet another thing that makes it amazing is the oversized 60 mm objective lens. The result is a scope that only allows precise and superior shots in places where it was previously impossible.

Elite 3500 3-9 x 50

A Bushnell Banner rifle scope product that might also have the most expensive optic but makes up for it by its amazing performance. It weight almost 20 oz, making it one of the largest and heaviest scopes. It is almost 16 inches long and has a mounting length of 6.1 inches. You will find its optics behave flawlessly, especially during the daytime. With its highly positive clicks, if you are looking for a riflescope that is worth when it comes to overall ergonomics, then the Bushnell Banner’s Elite 3500 3-9 x 50 is the right choice for you.

Dusk Dawn 3-9 x 40

Another Bushnell Banner product, which is also a hunting equipment that can add value to most weapon collections! One of the things that endear this product to most hunters is that its optics are as good as those found in more expensive scopes. It is also highly affordable. If you are thinking of a riflescope that offers you clarity of vision along with the qualities mentioned before, then the Bushnell Banner Dusk Dawn 3-9 x 40 is the scope that you have been looking for!

Simmons

Most of us have spent almost all the cash that we have painstakingly to buy a good rifle. By the time, we think of buying a good riflescope, we realize that not only can we not afford a big money scope even a medium one might be out of our reach! If we are to go deer hunting, then we cannot compromise on the quality of a good riflescope. That is when you can turn to Simmons rifle scopes. With their reputation of only producing good quality products, they sound perfect due to their budget friendly prices.

Looking for the riflescope that is just right for you? One that works perfectly with your rifle but isn’t too expensive? Then you need to visit MDS Optics immediately. Click here and find what you need!

Posted on Categories Rifle Scopes
Franklin Armory AR15 Binary Firing System Trigger Pack

The revolutionary Franklin Binary Firing System will be appreciated by three gun competitors, tactical shooters, and recreational enthusiasts. It features a three position selector that allows the user to switch from Mode 1 for Safe, Mode 2 for traditional Semi Automatic Mode, or Mode 3 for Binary Mode. In Binary Mode, the firearm will discharge one round with every function of the trigger whether a pull or a release. A user can negate the round that would otherwise be fired during the release function by simply moving the selector back to Mode 2 and then safely releasing the trigger.

MDS Optics currently has these triggers on sale in their store.  You can buy yours here.

Posted on Categories AR15Leave a comment on Franklin Armory AR15 Binary Firing System Trigger Pack
Patriot Ordnance Drop-In Trigger 5.0lb Pull

First looks.  Nice drop in unit that makes installation easy.  Just take off your grip, the selector spring, detent and the safety selector.  Then using a punch, knock out the pins for the existing trigger and hammer.  Remove them.  And you are ready to install the unit.  To do that, you just drop it in and install the KNS anti-walk pins.  Then install the allen screws to secure the pins.  We found that reinstallation of the safety selector was a little too snug.  So we removed the pins and then put the selector in before putting the pins back in.  Then everything fit like a charm.  Put back the selector detent and spring, then the grip and you are good to go.  The whole process took about 20 minutes.

Trigger pull is very crisp and the reset is very good.  We found that we could tighten up our groups using this trigger assembly.  It is a very definite improvement over the standard milspec trigger.  Now for the technical stuff.

This single stage, non adjustable, drop in trigger boasts a solid 4.5 pound pull weight and is pre-assembled in hardcoat anodized aluminum housing (complete with rubber urethane feet) for immediate competition, hunting and tactical applications right out of the box. Carved from American a2 steel, the trigger, disconnect and hammer are all nitrate heat treated to 70 Rockwell case hardness for ultimate strength and corrosion resistance.

MDS Optics currently has these POF triggers on sale.  You can get yours here.

Posted on Categories AR15Tags AR15, drop in AR15 trigger, tactical trigger, triggersLeave a comment on Patriot Ordnance Drop-In Trigger 5.0lb Pull
Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4 x 20 mm Rifle Scope

1.     Product Description Performance

The Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-420 mm Illuminated Riflescope has so many features that recommend it. Besides the perfection that it offers, it has a sleek design and is equipped with illumination even during the day. The motion sensor technology that the Leupold comes with will turn the scope off automatically, if it is left unused for more than five minutes. Moreover, if the sensor detects movement, it will reactivate in an instant! The Leupold requires a CR-2032 battery that is not only easily available in the market but also has a remarkable runtime. There is no need of a control module that depends on an eyepiece either due to the presence of a fiber optic light pipe.

2.     Advantages

The VX-R Patrol, as its name suggested, is an ideal fit when it comes to AR-type patrol rifles. This makes it a good choice for law enforcement officers. Nevertheless, the VX-R is certified for 5,000 cycles of 750-g recoil, making it suitable for rifles of all kinds. In addition to that, it has a FireDot SPR reticle that will make it easy for shooters to hit targets at both close- and extended-range. Using the ring that can be found on the reticle, the range and holdover for distant targets can be adjusted.

The FireDot ensures that the reticles remains brightly illuminated even at the maximum intensity where others often get fuzzy. It is also easy to activate the FireDot – all it takes is one push of a button situated on the left side of the saddle. You will also observe consistent click repeatability regardless of the level of adjustment. Additionally, the scope zero will stay where you set it at all magnifications.

3.     Specifications30 mm diameter of tubeThe click value is 1/10 Mil and adjustable. All you need to do is clickTurrets are exposed and completely finger adjustable. They can also be reset to zero once you are done sightingThe eyepiece allows quick focusThe lens is covered with multiple coatings and is durableComes with a lifetime warrantyVariable power from 1.25x-4xReticle is not only glass-etched, it also has a FireDot SPR, and is illuminated, allowing you to shoot no matter what the lighting outsideCR2032 batteryHoldover reticleMatte finishingWater/Fog/Shock- proof, which only increases the durability and gives you the best value for your moneyThe objective and ocular bell diameters are 30 mm and 40.64 mm, respectivelyOffers generous eye relief i.e. 4.2-3.8 inches and exit pupil diameter of 13.3-5.1 mmAllows you to make adjustments for elevation and wind i.e. 90 MOAWeighs about 12 ouncesAllows fields of view between 74 for 1.25x and 30 for 4x at 100 yards4.     Purchase Details

Order your Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4 x 20 mm Matte Black Rifle Scope online right now by clicking here. At MDS Optics, you will only get the widest range of high quality products in a user-friendly setting!  Leupold rifle scopes come with a generous discount.

Posted on Categories Rifle ScopesTags Leupold rifle scope, Leupold scope, Leupold VX-R Patrol, rifle scopesLeave a comment on Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4 x 20 mm Rifle Scope