Planning a hunt? Need some help? Check out some of the best new items for sportsmen showcased at this year's Shooting, Hunting and Outdoors Trade Show, better known as the SHOT Show, in Las Vegas. For links to the entire 2017 Military Times New Gear Guide, click here.
The Stinger Shooting Rest (firearm not included)
Photo Credit: Manufacturer photos
STINGER SHOOTING REST
What: Many people own a version of the Caldwell Lead Sled, but this Caldwell Stinger Shooting Rest is a new breed of cat, with a design that easily accommodates extended magazines or lever-action rifles. This rest is about stability and not so much managing recoil. The front elevation system features a spring loaded, height adjustment knob allowing for fast, easy, fingertip adjustments. Molded front and rear supports protect the gun's finish. The basic frame is a heavy-duty metal. Another winner.
Note: Quick cam locks let you slide the Stinger's front rest forward or backward to achieve the proper length.
MSRP: $120
Online: www.btibrands.com/brands/caldwell/
Tipton Ultra Gun Vise (weapon not included)
Photo Credit: Manufacturer photos
TIPTON ULTRA GUN VISE
What: This product works with firearms, including AR-styled rifles, as well as bows and crossbows. It has a modular chassis design with a rigid steel frame. The five main modules include height-adjustable front and rear clamps and solvent resistant tool trays. Each module is easily moved, removed or rearranged along the frame rails. The steel tube structure allows full access to any firearm or crossbow.
The modular design lets you clamp components, such as AR upper assemblies, without needing to have them attached to the lowers. Or, with break action firearms, clamp the forward/barrel while leaving the rear to swing open. Each of the four feet has a leveling mechanism.
Note: Over-molded rubber contact pads throughout prevent damage to guns.
MSRP: $180
Online: www.btibrands.com/brands/tipton
Ameristep Supernatural Blind
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
AMERISTEP SUPERNATURAL BLIND
What: Many portable ground blinds employ material that sometimes shines or looks unnatural against its background. Hunters have used burlap for years – it never shines, and the texture helps it better blend in. Ameristep calls its burlap-like blind material "Naturshell." It's a custom, dual-layer exterior shell with a proprietary fabric with natural fibers.
The blind is finished in Realtree Xtra camo. I like the irregular window shapes. Deer and turkeys often notice the straight edges and 90-degree angle windows of many blinds.
A new "daisy-chain window curtain closure system" operates silently; no zippers or Velcro. Window openings have replaceable shoot-through mesh camo window screens. Two rows of sewn-in brush pockets above and below the windows let you add natural vegetation. Great new blind!
Note: Measures 59-by-59 inches, with a height of 67 inches. Weighs 20 pounds.
MSRP: $249.99 gets you the blind, a carrying case, stakes and a tie-down rope.
Online: www.ameristep.com
MAD Spin-N-Strut Motion Decoy
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
MAD SPIN-N-STRUT MOTION DECOY
What: Movement can mean everything in getting wary gobblers to approach. This decoy should do that well, plus it's legal in states where motorized decoys are banned.
The decoy operates off a simple, string-operated cam device. A pull on the string initiates a 90-degree turn. Further tension raises the fan up to half, then full strut. It comes with a high-definition, photorealistic fantail, but savvy hunters will swap that out for a real turkey fan for added realism. The body is made of foam with a detailed, molded head.
Note: Includes pull string, handle and steel swivel stake.
MSRP: $152.99.
Online: www.flambeauoutdoors.com
