It happens every season: We miss a crossing grouse, whiff on a flushing pheasant or blank on a covey of quail, and we promise ourselves that we’ll do better next year. We pledge to get to the range during the off-season and practice by busting clays. Will this be the year that you invest the time and effort to groove that gun mount and work on that swing? The following items may inspire you to get out there and break some targets.
HOWARD LEIGHT IMPACT SPORT
In-ear hear-through protection with amplification
Howard Leight’s Impact Sport In-Ear Hear-Through Protection with Amplification offers the best of both worlds: It lets you hear what’s going on around you, and it protects your ears from sudden loud noises. When turned on, the electronic ear plugs, which have a Noise Reduction Rating of 29dB, default to a safe 85db sound level. However, should high-impulse sounds like gunfire exceed 85db, the internal technology automatically compresses amplification. There are eight volume-control increments to optimize hearing of ambient sounds while providing up to six times sound enhancement. There are three different foam ear tips (small, medium and large) and moldable ear hooks for a customized fit. The rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 50 hours of run time.
Color: Olive Drab Green.
Price: $120.
When you return from the range and need to clean your gun or do some maintenance or repairs, a great tool to have on the bench is the Real Avid Master Gun Vise. Made specifically for working on guns, the vise features reversible stainless-steel jaw plates, reversible Gun-Fit sleeves (one side grooved, semi-rigid nylon, the other padded for a compression fit and to protect wood stocks), a leveling knob with six degrees of micro adjustment, an articulating ball-and-socket joint with locking lever (for repositioning a gun without having to remove it from the vise) and a quick-adjust crank. A Torq-Lok pin locks the ball-and-socket joint for applying heavy force.
Price: $300.
BOB ALLEN SYNTHETIC WARM WEATHER SHOOTING GLOVES
When shooting in the summer heat—or any time—it’s important to maintain a good grip on your gun. Bob Allen’s Synthetic Warm Weather Shooting Gloves can help secure your hold when the temperature rises. These soft, lightweight and breathable gloves have microsuede palms, two-way-stretch polyester on the backs and spandex panels between the fingers. Hook-and-loop adjustments at the wrist offer a custom fit.
Color: Dark Brown.
Sizes: S through 2XL.
Price: $40.
KEVIN’S CANVAS & LEATHER RANGE BAG
If you’re looking for a rugged and eye-catching way to carry shells and accessories, Kevin’s Canvas & Leather Range Bag is your tote. The bag is made of twill cotton canvas and has leather trim and brass hardware. There is a large main compartment, two zippered side pockets and two zippered front pockets. There is also a cotton-webbing handle and shoulder strap.
Dimensions: 16” (l) x 11” (w) x 11” (h).
Colors: Tan and Vintage Brown Camo.
Price: $129.
Designed for the high-use demands of a large club or commercial ground, the Promatic Kodiak Trap has heavy-duty components, a high-torque motor and upgraded electronics. The trap also has a greater capacity, with different models able to handle 400 or 500 standard 108mm or 90mm targets. The Kodiak can tilt right or left 35°, has a maximum elevation of 70° and is able to throw clays more than 100 yards, with a 1½-second re-cocking time. The 44-amp motor is powered by a 12-volt battery (not included). There are also specialty-target versions and a left-handed model that uses negative curl to throw a completely different flight profile.
Price: $2,895 for 400-clay capacity, $3,095 for 500-clay capacity.
UPLAND BESPOKE CONTENDER SPORTING CLAYS VEST
For the woman who wants to take targets and look good doing it, Upland Bespoke’s Contender Sporting Clays Vest is stylish range wear. The vest has gusseted front pockets; a zippered chest pocket; mesh in the front and back for breathability; an Ultrasuede shooting patch; and a Silhouette Cinch in the back, creating an elegant sweep. A monogram or custom logo can be added for an additional fee.
Sizes: Small/Medium and Large/Extra Large.
Colors: Navy & Red with Sand Ultrasuede trim and Grey & Neon Yellow with Navy Ultrasuede trim.
Price: $285.
Buy This Issue!
