Sunglasses seem like a simple concept, but once you are standing in front of the counter looking at hundreds of options, picking out a pair can become a daunting task.  Most people naturally try on a few options to determine which frame looks the best.  However, It is important to remember that there is so much more to picking out shades then just what looks best.  For all sunglasses and sunglass companies, there are a few universal concepts, such as polarization and lens color.  The two major lens colors are Gray and Amber, with several other niche lens colors filling other possitions.

 

Polarized lenses are particular sunglasses that have had a polarizing film placed in the lens.  What this does is cut out horizontal, reflected light, also known as glare.  Glare makes it harder to see, and causes a large amout of eyestrain.  Polarization has nothing to do with the mirror coating on the lenses themselves.  Mirrioring is another way to cut down glare without polarizing the lenses, because some find polarized lenses to be headache enducing.

 

For most companies, the darkest lens is going to be a Gray, or a Blue Mirrored Gray lens.  Sometimes known as a Smoke or Green lens, the Gray is going to have the lowest light transmission and be the darkest and offer the most protection from glare and bright lights. This makes them the best choice for open water and off shore fishing.  For most consumers, it is a safe bet to offer the Gray lens, becuase it also preserves a natural color.

 

Amber, Green Mirrored Amber, or Bronze lenses are going offer a higher transmission of light, making them ideal for darker situations, such as early in the morning or later at night.  These lenses offer a higher contrast between objects, which is useful in in shore fishing as well.  The major downside to Amber/Green/Bronze lenses is how they make the world seem brown or yellow.

 

From there we have other niche lenses that are not as popular, but the most common types are Copper and Yellow. Copper or rose lenses work best for gray, rainy days and driving, and have a warm reddish tint to them that is not as noticable as the brownishness of Amber or Bronze. Yellow lenses are very popular for shooters because they brighten up the world, and add a high contrast, making them ideal for night driving.

 

-Luke in Spanish Fort

 

 

People often think only of guns when you mention buying a safe, but remember: more things than just guns may be stored in them. Valuable documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, social security cards, and those old and irreplaceable family photographs can be stored there, too. Bottom line: if you have anything valuable that needs to be kept safe and out of unauthorized hands, a safe is what you need.  If you have guns that need to be kept out of untrained hands not under your immediate supervision, then a safe is the only guaranteed way to ensure it. Do you need to secure them from your kids? What about from the friends of your kids? You may not always be able to be home when they are there. The corner of the closet may not be enough to keep them hidden or out of reach.

 But, how big a safe do you need to buy and just how big does it have to be?  From our easily concealable biometric single handgun safe to our massive 44-inch wide 56 gun capacity vault Bass Pro has just the safe to fit your needs. The associates in the hunting department will be glad to show you all that are available and help you to find one to fit your specific needs.  Some of the larger ones have enough capacity to hold your present gun collection and even give you a bit of room to grow. Some also have on-door rifle and document storage as well as zippered pouches,  which work great for holding and securing jewelry and other small but valuable items.

Do I really need a safe with fire protection? Most of us have more to worry about in the way of home break-ins and home invasions, which currently are on the rise, however, fires in the home are a huge source of concern. A safe will keep your guns and documents secure no matter the emergency, but it is not much help to return home to find your guns and documents still in the safe but now nothing but charred embers. Even though the contents are out of the direct  fire, the temperature inside can rise to almost as high, and for as long as it takes to get the fire put out. Meanwhile, everything inside the safe suffers the full effect of the heat. It is a bit like the difference between having sun shades in your vehicle windows on a hot summer day and not having them: it offers some protection, but the inside can still get very hot. So yes: get the fire protection. It is worth the extra cost.

Also, take this piece of advice that I hear over and over from customers coming in to buy a second safe: don’t buy one that is just big enough for your needs now, because, like most gun owners, you will fill it up surprisingly quickly and find yourself in need of another one. Buy one big enough to allow a bit of growth. You will also soon be surprised at what you may find yourself choosing to put in it. With many natural disasters showing up recently in the news, and maybe even at your home, a safe may be just the bit of peace of mind that you may need. While they are not waterproof, many are sealed and so offer just that much more assurance that the things most precious to you will still be there when you return to your home, and in the same condition as when you left them.

A safe is always a good idea for the homeowner, and a safe with fire protection an even better idea. No matter what you choose to put into them, safes guarantee that what you put there will still be there when you return … and the family may be the safer for it, too.

Written by Paul H. Alburl, Hunting Associate

Fall is an exciting time for hunters. It's when a lot of hunting seasons open up across the country and you need to make sure your camouflage is just as ready for hunting as you are. There are many patterns out there and choosing the right one for your surroundings is paramount in your success in taking home the game animal you are after. The big four here in the south when it comes to camouflage are RealTree AP, Mossy Oak Break-up Infinity, RealTree Max-4 and Mossy Oak Duck Blind.

First let's start with saying you were going to get geared up for your fall deer season. RealTree AP is a widely used pattern here in the south and features a light grey neutral base but also has dark contrasts like shadows to really help blend in. RealTree AP also has mixed pines and dark hardwoods which really covers a wide range of forests. Say you are looking for a little bit of a darker pattern for where you hunt though, Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity would be your camo of choice. Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity has a soft brown base with highlights of grey, tan, and green thrown in to really break up an hunters silhouette. One great product that comes in both of these patterns is the Scent Blocker Super Freak jacket. The Scent Blocker Super Freak Jacket features SPF 60 Scent Blocker Cold Fusion technology, DWR water repellent fabric, and a safety harness slit in the back which are all features for a good all round hunting jacket for deer hunters whether they are in a tree stand on a pine tree or down in a river bottom hunting behind a ground blind. Another great product that could be paired with the Super Freak Jacket and also comes in both patterns is the Browning Hell's Canyon pants. These pants are quiet, windproof, and also feature Browning's OdorSmart technology for true stealth in the woods whether you are stalk hunting or watching a green plot from a ladder stand.
 

 

Next let's say you are getting ready for the upcoming waterfowl seasons. A widely used waterfowl camo is the RealTree Max-4. RealTree Max-4 features plant life such as cattails, cornstalks, sunflowers, oak and maple leaves, and cedar and oak limbs. This camo works great with waterfowl because they simply just ignore those things, it blends whether you are sitting on a river bank waiting for ducks or you are sitting on the edge of a corn field watching a pond for geese. Another great waterfowl pattern is the Mossy Oak Duck Blind. Mossy Oak Duck Blind starts out with dirt colors with different shades to show both wet and dry ground and then is covered with elements of millet, wild oats, corn stalks, Johnson Grass, soybeans and other grasses. These elements really create a 3-D feel and a sense of depth to completely blend in with the background you are using to take down waterfowl. One jacket that can be bought in either of these patterns is the Under Armour Skysweeper Jacket. The Skysweeper has a comfortable styling so it is easy to wear over waders, it features magnetic storage pocket, slash hand warmer pockets, 100% waterproof fabric, shooting shoulder and an adjustable/removable hood. One other great product that can be found in both these camo patterns is the RedHead Bone-Dry Canvasback insulated bibs. These bibs feature a Bone-Dry membrane for 100% waterproof performance while still remaining very breathable. The bibs also feature 150 gram thermolite insulation, plenty of pockets on both front and back, and also have reinforced seat and knees with ripstop honeycomb fabric.

  

All of these products can be found at your local Bass Pro Shops store or online at basspro.com. Thanks for reading and stay safe hunters.

Ethan Aycox
Bass Pro Shops
Camo Pro Staff
Spanish Fort, AL

 

By Paul H. Alburl, Hunting Dept.

Most people do not realize that the AR-15 has been around in one form or another since 1959. It was first used by US military troops in 1963 and was formally adopted as the standard military issue weapon in 1969. Initially plagued with problems due to political interferences, the AR-15 has come full circle:  from front-line military weapon to fully accepted sporting and competition rifle with widespread use in the varmint hunting community, it is a fast-handling, fast-shooting, low-recoiling, quickly reloaded rifle that just about everybody seems to be making now. Buy a lower receiver and you can swap out upper assemblies on it that will enable you to do just about anything you need to do. The rifle can be had in the original direct gas-impingement system or the cooler running, cleaner, and more reliable piston-drive mode of operation. Most frequently chambered in 5.56mm/.223, the AR-15 can be found in many different calibers. Choices ranging from 5.56/.223 to .50 Beowulf make it useful for anything from plinking to serious hunting.

From the Colt Match Target HBAR heavy barrel precision rifle with 20” barrel (http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtRifles/ColtMatchTarget.aspx ) to the Remington R-25 camo hunter in .308 (http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-r-25/model-r-25-rifle.aspx ), Bass Pro now has something for just about everyone. We stock the 16” barrel Colt Sporter, the Remington R-15 VTR Predator (http://www.basspro.com/Remington-R15-VTR-Predator-Rifle/product/10218475/62923) with 18” or 22” barrel and with either a fixed A2 type or adjustable telescoping 6-position stock as well as the Bushmaster 16” carbines with adjustable stocks and in optics-ready models . Also available is a lightweight carbon fiber model with removable carry handle and a picatinny railed upper (http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_carbon15_az-c1516m4FT.asp ).

Smith & Wesson also manufactures a bewildering array of AR-15 models (www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757785_-1_757784_757784_image ) and we stock many of them. One of the more popular models available is the M&P-15 Tactical with MBUS backup sights, MagPul PMag polymer magazine (which you can leave loaded long-term without worrying about magazine failure), 1 in 8” twist 16” barrel, and a 10” aluminum quad rail for mounting lights, lasers, and whatever else you might need. Other models include the OR (“Optics Ready”) flat-top with telescoping stock, the “X” model with quad rail and 1 in 9” twist barrel, and the MOE model  with full MagPul stock and forearm package. These are all 5.56mm/.223 caliber models. S&W also makes a real AR-15 in .22LR which breaks down like your 5.56/.223 AR and uses the actual charging handle to activate the bolt. This is an outstanding training aid since your controls are the same as your 5.56/.223, muscle memory can be trained and ingrained, and you can shoot all day for comparatively nothing. If you want to keep training but can’t afford to spend your entire check to do it, then this is the rifle for you!

Other models available include the Sig Sauer 556 with 16” barrel and a charging handle which can be swapped to the left side of the weapon for the lefties out there who are tired of running a right-handed rifle (http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductList/rifles-sig556.aspx ). Sig also makes a California-compliant model with a non-telescoping stock.

Come to the hunting department and see what we have for you in the area of AR-15 rifles and accessories. Our AR-15 accessories line is growing by the day and I am sure that we have something here to fill your AR-15 hunting and shooting needs.

        What could be worse than zombies? Most would say not much. If you're an outdoor sportsman you'd probably say the mosquitos, you might even say mosquitos are the zombies of the outdoors. Mosquitos are everywhere and they're hard to get rid of. 

        The good folks at Sawyer Products Inc. did the next best thing to get rid of them. They invented the Sawyer Premium Insect Repellant for clothing, gear, and tents which is an odorless permethrin spray that lasts for 42 days. This spray repels and kills ticks, chiggers, mites, mosquitos, and zombies (not really just kidding about the zombies). This spray is not to be sprayed on skin, this is a clothing and gear treatment.

        When using this product you must make all applications outdoors. This product must not be applied to clothing while being worn. Under no circumstance should bare skin or clothing on the body be treated. You lay out the clothing you are going to wear and with a slow sweeping motion you lightly moisten the fabric, while holding the pump 6 to 8 inches away. Then let the clothing dry for at least 2 hours. One pump bottle will treat 4 outfits. Clothing should be retreated after 42 days or after the 6th time you wash the outfit. 

        When treating your gear such as tents or backpacks, spray the exterior surface only. Be sure to select a well-ventilated outdoor area that is protected from wind. Spray over the article then let hang dry for at least 2 hours. Again, do not retreat gear more than every 42 days.

        Where can you get this product? You can get this amazing insect repellant at your local Bass Pro Shop. Bass Pro Shops' camping department carries this and a variety of other bug repellents. This particular repellant is $14.99 for a 24 fl oz. spray bottle. For all your insect repellant needs come by a store near you or online at www.bassproshops.com or www.sawyer.com. If it's zombies you are worried about and not mosquitos, Bass Pro carries Zombie pepper spray in our camping department. This spray is also good on living humans too. If somebody invents a zombie repellant you bet Bass Pro Shop will carry it.

 

 

Beth Broyles

Spanish Fort, Al

Store 41

" Water,water everywhere and not a drop to drink said the Ancient Mariner,stranded in the ocean on his ship..." from Coleridges' poem. 

        If you're stranded, lost, back packing, kayaking, or even on the run from zombies, you're going to need water. In most situations, as mentioned above, you don't always have bottled water with you, you should, but things happen. In the cases where you don't have any water with you, the next best thing is the "Sawyer Hollow Fiber Membrane Filter", sounds complicated, but it's not. It's simple squeeze filtration system makes water from lakes, rivers, streams, U.S. and foreign faucets, and foreign bottled water safe to drink. This water filter is guaranteed to filter one million gallons.

        Let me take a few moments to explain why you should choose this filter. First off it's convent. This filter requires no pumping, chemicals, waiting, or worries. All you do is fill the pouch or an empty water bottle, put on the filter cap and drink. The whole filtration system weighs 3oz depending on which squeeze pouch you chose. Next comes safety. Just how safe is this system? All of Sawyer water filters exceed EPA recommendations. Sawyer Biological Filters remove 7 log (99.999%) of all bacteria and 6 log (99.999%) of all protozoa. Finally, the flow rate of this filter is extremely good. Flow rate is the rate and capacity at which you can treat field water. It is very important to your experience and survival in the outdoors.

        Now that I've explained why, I'll briefly explain how to use it. There are 7 simple steps: 1) Unscrew cap from squeeze bag/filter, 2) Fill bag with water, 3) Screw back on cap/filter, 4) Wipe off dirt from bag, 5) Open push-pull valve on cap/filter, 6) Squeeze bag and dispense or suck on push-pull valve to drink, 7) Close valve. It doesn't get any easier than that.

        Finally, I'm going to tell you why you should purchase this filter. It's simple; you never know when a good situation can go bad or a bad situation can go worse. For all the reasons I mentioned before and more this filter could mean the difference between life and death. According to Scientific American Experts Magazine, "the average human in the best of conditions can survive without water for 5-7 days." According to National Geographic, "a human can survive in bad conditions without water for 3 days." If you happen to be stranded near a water source without a filter it could still have consequences, such as bacteria and viruses that lead to extreme sickness or even death. That's why everyone should have the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System. Come check it out at your local Bass Pro Shop or online at www.bassproshop.com. It could mean the difference between a bad situation or a worse one. Also be sure to make this water filter system apart of your hurricane preparedness kit. To see how this filter is changing the world go to www.sawyer.com.

 

Beth Broyles

Spanish Fort, AL

Store 41

Kenny's Costas are here!

Costa Del Mar has continued its partnership with Kenny Chesney, releasing several special edition frames, and a portion of those precedes will go to benefit the Coastal Conversation Association (CCA).  Last year's models raised over $50,000 towards costal repair and protection efforts by the CCA, and this year is shaping up to be even bigger!

This year's frames are the Caballito, Hammerhead, Hammock, Maya, and Switchfoot.  There are several special edition colors for these frames, including Ocean Blue Caballito, Sand White Hammock, Bay Green Maya, and Coral Pink Switchfoot.  The real kicker to these is the specail edition cleaning cloth, neoprene strap, carrying case, and hat, which are included with the glasses, for the same price as a regular pair of Costas!  Lens options for the Kenny Costas are limited however, with only the 400p, 400g, and 580p available, with no 580g options.  These come with the same limited lifetime warranty that all Costas have, against parts and manufacturing.

These are selling fast and we won't be getting more in until next year, so don't wait and snag yourself a pair before they're gone! 

Luke Farabee

Sunglass Department

Spanish Fort, Alabama

IT'S FINALLY HERE!! SNAPPER SEASON!

On the eve of one of the most fun fishing seasons of the year we are very busy setting everybody up for the 2012 Snapper Season! The dates, as of now, for Snapper season are June 1st - July 11th, so you have about 40 days of great times.

Just a few basics for this years Snapper fishing trip:

By Law you must carry:

Fishing License - Current (See Bass Pro Shops Customer Service Desk)

Venting Tool- Used for reviving Snapper or Grouper (Bass Pro Website Link)

Dehooker- Making it easy and harmless to the fish to get them off the line (Bass Pro Website Link)

Non-Stainless Circle Hooks- Stainless hooks are not allowed for Snapper fishing (Bass Pro Website Link)

Your Choice of Bait:

Live Bait:

Croaker / Penfish / Menhaden / Pogies / Butterfish

Cut Bait:

Squid / Dead Fish Chunks

Lures:

Freestyle Jigs (Bass Pro Website Link)

Diamond Jigs (Bass Pro Website Link)

Rigs:

Snapper Rigs (Bass Pro Website Link)

Natural Bait Rigs (Bass Pro Website Link)

Sabiki Rigs for Bait (Bass Pro Website Link)

Snapper Size Regulations for Alabama:

Red Snapper:   16" TL and 2 Per Person

Come gear up and visit our Fishing Experts at the Spanish Fort Bass Pro Shops!

Thanks For Reading and Good Luck Snapper Fishing!

Clark Brownlie-Carey

Fishing Dept.

Spanish Fort, AL

We all want to get the most value for our hard-earned dollar. We want the best we can get for what we are willing to spend: so how does one know when one is getting the most for one’s money when it comes to guns? For what characteristics does one look? Here are some factors that contribute to accuracy and are easy to notice if one knows what to look for.

One of the first things to look for is a smooth, tight action. If it is a bolt action rifle, check to see if the bolt works smoothly and easily or if it is hard to cycle throughout the full travel of the bolt. When fully extended, does it go back into the receiver in a straight line or does it bind as you push it back into battery? A bolt that works smoothly will work more quickly when a follow-up shot is needed and is a sign that the bolt fits the receiver well and that both are machined correctly. If it is not a tight fit, it will not be as accurate as one that is tightly fit. If the firearm you are shopping for is a semi-auto handgun, then ensure that the slide is tight against the frame and slides smoothly and easily for its full range of travel. If the firearm is a revolver, ensure that the cylinder locks up tightly into the frame, with no side to side wobble, and that the action does not feel gritty or loose: the parts should slide smoothly across each other with no looseness or roughness to your touch. A gritty feel to the interplay of the parts suggests a firearm which is not as well finished internally as one which feels smooth throughout the movement of the parts.  It will not be as accurate as one that is internally well-finished.

For rifles, the next thing should be the mounting of the receiver and barrel into the stock of the rifle. Does the stock touch the barrel at any point past where the barrel comes out of the receiver? A rifle whose barrel is “floated”, meaning that the barrel is able to move freely after a round is fired, will be much more accurate than a rifle whose stock touches the barrel for the entire length of the stock. Why does this matter? It matters because anytime you fire a round through a barrel a vibration travels through the length of the barrel; this vibration is called a “harmonic”. When this vibration is undisturbed the next vibration will be exactly the same as the one before it, causing the bullet to go into exactly the same place as the last bullet fired. This is accuracy defined: placing the next round exactly where the prior round went. If everything occurs in exactly the same way for each round fired, then they should all go into the same big hole, which is ultimately our goal.

Perhaps this illustration will help. Think of a coffee cup full of water. If you dip your fingertip into it, you will see circular ripples circulate out from the point where you touched it: think of this as your barrel harmonic. This pattern should always be the same. Now dip your fingertip at several different places while this ripple effect is moving outward. You will see the circles intermix, disrupting the form of the original harmonic: this is what occurs when the stock of the rifle touches the barrel when a round is fired. Any bump under the barrel that touches the barrel causes stress on it and disrupts the harmonic, causing the round fired to be deterred from its originally intended course. This is inaccuracy: Bullets traveling everywhere but where we intend them to travel. Anything that disturbs the harmonic disturbs accuracy and your ability to hit your target where you intend it to be hit. Avoid this problem by buying a rifle with a “floated” barrel.

 There are two ways to tell if your barrel is floated. One way is to look along the edge of the barrel where it curves down to meet the stock: if there is a gap between the barrel and the stock, then it is probably floated. The second way to tell, if you are still unsure after method one, is to take a dollar bill and wrap it width-wise around the barrel. Holding the two long ends of the dollar bill, slide it down the length of the barrel until it stops. If it stops in front of the receiver, then the barrel is “fully floated” and this will lead to your best accuracy since the barrel can freely vibrate and keep the harmonic undisturbed. If the bill slides down part, but not all, of the way then it will still be a more accurate rifle than one which is not floated at all, but probably not quite as accurate as one which is fully floated. Rifles having fully floated barrels right “off the rack” are the Tikka T3, Winchester Model 70, Thompson Icon, Weatherby S2 (Series 2 Sub-MOA), Thompson Venture, and some of the Savage rifles, to name a few.  These are all at least “minute of angle” or “MOA” rifles right out of the box and will shoot at least 3 rounds into an inch at 100 yards.

The third thing to look for in a rifle is a “bedded” receiver. This means that, while the barrel is free to move, the receiver is locked down into the stock. “Bedding” a receiver keeps the entire action in line with the barrel and provides a rock-solid launch pad for the round fired. This contributes to accuracy as much as does floating the barrel and is especially important in a rifle with a stock made of wood. Having originally been a living organism before being cut down and shaped into a stock, wood is inherently affected by temperature and humidity. This is why your unbedded rifle, which you sighted in at the range during 95 degree heat and 98% humidity, missed the target you shot at on a 28 degree morning with 30% humidity: wood cells swell in hot weather and shrink during cold weather, causing your receiver to move enough to skew your shot. Bedding the receiver takes this variable out of the shooting equation and keeps all factors the same, resulting in a more accurate shot and putting the game down with one round. A rifle with a bedded receiver will be inherently more accurate than a receiver which is not, which is why snipers, benchrest shooters, and precision shooters of bolt action rifles always have their receivers bedded. Receivers of semi-auto rifles like AR-15’s are a bit different, but tightness of parts fit, smoothness of operation, and barrel floating are still of prime importance. Rifles available with bedded receivers are the Winchester Model 70, Thompson Icon, Weatherby S2 (Series 2 Sub-MOA), Thompson Venture, and some of the Savage rifles. Rifles capable of shooting MOA (minute of angle) are capable of placing 3 shots inside 1” at 100 yards; the Weatherby S2 is capable of sub-MOA groups measuring less than 1” at 100 yards … and retails for $499! Most rifles claiming sub-MOA performance easily retail for three times that price.

Buying an accurate rifle or handgun is easy. Remember that what a firearm looks like on the outside (fit of the outside parts, finish on the exterior parts) will tell you a lot about what quality of work on the inside is like, especially on a handgun. Buying an accurate rifle is easy if it is bedded, floated, and the weapon works smoothly as a whole. An adjustable trigger is also a huge contributor to accuracy since the harder you must pull the trigger, the greater the chances of pulling your sight picture off of the target. Accurate rifles are not necessarily expensive anymore, thanks to CNC machining and some pretty significant technology leaps in the past few years. There is no longer any reason to wait  to shop for that new rifle with so many excellent choices out there.

By: Paul Alburl, Hunting Associate

It seems that on every shift I work there is at least one lady who comes to the counter looking to buy her first CCW (concealed carry weapon). For most, this will be their first handgun; others will be looking to upgrade a handgun that was found to be not powerful enough when they needed it. So, what to buy? There currently exists a bewildering array of choices, ranging from the miniscule shirt-pocket-sized .380s to the more sizeable, but still big-enough-to-grip semi-autos in .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Let’s look at some of the choices out there and maybe we can help.

 First, let’s look at the old stand-by: the “snub-nose” .38 Spl., commonly called the “38 Special”. This is generally a 5-shot revolver with about  a 2” barrel. Older models are offered in steel frame, but newer, more updated ones, are made in stainless steel, lightweight alloys such as scandium and even titanium.  Steel frames are still offered by Taurus in the Model 85 http://www.basspro.com/Taurus-85--38-SpecialP-Small-Frame-Stainless-Steel-Revolver/product/10218678/80487 and by S&W in their Model 60 http://www.basspro.com/Smith-&-Wesson-Model-60--357-Mag-Revolver-21/8-Barrel/product/10218526/130530 a lightweight .357 Magnum but is more sized as a slightly large .38. These are heavier than the “ultralight”  ones, which will discuss in a minute. The extra weight allows you to shoot +P (hotter, more powerful & effective .38 loads) with less discomfort than when shooting them in the ultralight models. In a combat situation (and if you have to draw your weapon it IS a combat situation) the harder hitting ammunition is the most effective ammunition, so +P loads are the best in a .38 Spl. Like the .380 and the 9mm, the .38 Spl. is not an especially powerful self-defense cartridge, so very careful ammo selection is a must.

  

 

 As far as ultralight revolver choices, several manufacturers offer .38s in scandium, titanium, and even polymer frames.

These are extremely lightweight, and seem to weigh almost nothing when you pick them up. Taurus offers their Model 85UL frames in forged aluminum alloy, lightweight magnesium, and even the Protector series in a polymer frame and in .357 Magnum, in which you can also shoot .38 +P  or .38 Spl loads. Ruger offers lightweight choices in .38 and .357 Mag in their polymer-framed LCR, an extremely lightweight revolver with a larger rubber grip that is easy to hold on to http://www.basspro.com/Ruger-LCR--38-Special-Revolver/product/10218583/37413 . S&W offers the Bodyguard http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766382_-1_757893_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y , in a polymer frame about the same size as the Ruger, but with an integral laser mounted just under the barrel. The laser aids in aiming when you cannot see your sights (yes, you must still aim the gun) and adds no real weight to an intentionally lightweight handgun. You will have to be careful when shopping for a holster for a handgun with a laser. The holster will need to be cut to accommodate the extra bulk of the laser on the frame. The Bodyguard is also offered in a .380 semi-auto format and also has an integral laser; it is even more compact than the revolver.

Revolvers are easy to use, have no external safeties to push off or to deactivate, and are pretty much “point & click” interface. They suffer from two major weaknesses, however: they are bulkier than semi-autos and they are very limited on ammunition. The ones we just mentioned generally hold no more than five rounds of ammo, a specific liability when used against someone heavily clothed (heavy coat, etc.) or of heavy enough weight that the first rounds or rounds might not penetrate deeply enough to reach a vital organ, or if there is more than one attacker. You’ll need to carry speed loaders and practice at using them very quickly and reflexively.  I find that most people are not willing to do this and are better served with a semi-auto, whose extra magazines generally carry more ammo, take up less space in your pocket or on your belt, and are more easily handled when your inevitable adrenaline dump causes you to lose your fine motor skills and leaves you with only your gross motor skills. (We’ll talk more about this in another article.) 

Semi-autos, when compared to revolvers, are flatter, easier to conceal, faster to reload, and are relatively easy to manipulate (I can hear the groans in the background)... Yes, they are! If you don’t believe me, then I dare you to come to the gun counter and I will teach you just how easy it really is. Choices for lightweight semi-autos seem almost endless: everyone seems to build a small-frame lightweight semi-auto these days. Probably the most popular of late has been the diminutive Ruger LCP .380 ACP http://www.basspro.com/Ruger-LCP--380-ACP-Compact-Pistol/product/10218498/40958. For those with a sense of humor or are just getting ready for the coming “Zombie Apocalypse”, Ruger offers the LCP in the “Zombie Slayer” model. Both LCPs weigh a scant 9.4 ounces; add a couple more for the version with the integral laser. If you already have an LCP without a laser, then fear not, we have a Crimson Trace laser for the LCP and it is easily installed. Taurus makes the TCP http://www.basspro.com/Taurus-738-TCP--380-ACP-Compact-Pistol-w/Stainless-Steel-Slide/product/10218666/73028, same size as the Ruger LCP, and the Taurus comes in stainless steel finish as well as black.  Taurus also offers the Model 709 Slim http://www.basspro.com/Taurus-709-Slim-9mm-Compact-Pistol-w/Stainless-Steel-Slide/product/10218712/387097 chambered in 9mm, which is a more effective stopper than .380 and the 709 is only slightly larger than the TCP.

 Ruger also offers the LC9 and the BSR9C, both chambered in 9mm and both also only slightly larger than the LCP.

 

       

Glock offers subcompact models of their wildly popular polymer frame semi-auto in the Model 26 http://www.basspro.com/GLOCK-G26-9mm-Subcompact-Pistol/product/10217980/116208chambered in 9mm, their Model 27 chambered in .40 S&W, and their Model 30 chambered in .45 ACP. These are accurate, reliable, and easy to hold on to, and I don’t believe that a 5-year-old could tear one up (no, kids should not have guns; Glocks are just that tough).  Along that same line, Springfield Armory offers the excellent XD in subcompact versions in polymer frames in 9mm and .40 S&W. Kahr offers stainless small-frame semi-autos in 9mm, .40, and .45.

 On a slightly larger frame, Beretta offers their excellently accurate PX4 Storm http://www.basspro.com/Beretta-PX4-Storm-9mm-Full-Size-High-Capacity-Pistol/product/10218250/93582 in both compact and subcompact sizes in 9mm and .40 S&W. The PX4s are smooth, accurate, and feel good in the hand. Beretta also offers the very compact Nano in 9mm; it is about the same size as the Ruger LC9.

 On the higher end of the price scale are the H&K SK subcompact and the SIG P238. The H&K comes in 9mm and .40 and the SIG P238 comes only in .380 ACP. If you want to feel what a shrunk-down 1911 feels like, come in and hold the SIG P238. If you liked the old Colt Mustang, then you will love the P238!

These are just some of the choices now available to ladies for a concealed carry weapon. We will help you find one that fits you, not just one that seems like a good idea or that everybody else thinks you should buy. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced and will be glad to help you choose the one that is best for YOU.

 

By: Paul Alburl, Hunting Associate

Hello All,

If your gearing up and practicing your marksmanship for the upcoming upland bird seasons, then don't forget about Bass Pro Shops for all your hunting and marksmanship needs.

Camoflage

The proper camouflage and hunter's orange is always something to consider before you begin your hunt. Bass Pro Shops carries several different brands when it comes to hunter's orange clothing so you're seen by other hunters. One great product is the Browning Upland Canvas Vest. This vest has 4 large pockets for calls and ammunition on the front as well as one large pocket on the back for holding any birds taken while hunting. The vest also has pockets in the shoulders for Browning Reactar recoil pads. These pads are sold separately but are a great addition when considering shooting all day.

Another great product to consider when going bird hunting is a quality pair of briar pants or snake chaps which can also be found at Bass Pro. Bass Pro carries several different styles of briar pants made by Browning and RedHead. The Redhead pants give several different patterns to choose from such as blue jean with khaki front, a solid brown pant, or a full mossy oak break up pants. Next would be a pair of quality snake chaps, because I have run across a few rattle snakes in the field also. The snake chaps made by WhiteWater are of great quality and are made of a very tough polyester fabric, they really are a lifesaver when your eyes are focused on the air for the birds and not on the ground where the snakes are. Bass Pro carries snake chaps in either a RealTree AP camouflage or just a tan color. The snake chaps as well as everything else mentioned above can be found in the camo department at your local Bass Pro Shops.

                                              

Best Regards and Safe Hunting,
Ethan Aycox,
Bass Pro Shops,
Camo Pro Staff,
Spanish Fort, Al.

Fishing has never been easier it seems this year. Every day I am hearing fish tales of thousands of oversized fish caught in secret spots from Dauphin Island all the way to Clearwater FL. Inshore fishing has taken off with the schooling reds and huge specks but what could be the best catch of the year are the cobia. Cobia, also known as ling and lemon fish, like to stay near the top of the water and hang out around buoys, wrecks, oil rigs, grass beds and other floating structures. They have seemed to come in early with the great weather and will be here to stay for a good while. So for all the newbies out there or a seasoned veteran, here is something to try.

Cobia Jigs, also known as stand-up jigs are exacly what you need! Cobia tend to be picky eaters so what you will need are brightly colored jig heads as well as feathers and hair attached to the back for maximum attractant. The jig heads come in different sizes and shapes from squid head to round head.

 

They are offered in multiple colors so come check our selection out! They are located in the Saltwater section of our fishing department and ask one of the associates for assistance choosing a perfect size for your needs.

Or visit our website or click here for the direct link to see what we carry ; Cobia Jigs

Thanks for reading!

Clark Brownlie-Carey

Fishing Dept.

Spanish Fort, AL

 

We often hear an associate say, “a rifle is guaranteed to shoot a minute of angle out of the box”. However, what does this mean, does it matter to a hunter or shooter and if it matters, then how?

 “Minute of angle” or “MOA” is a way to describe and measure the accuracy of a firearm. MOA is consistent with distance and grows consistently as distance to the target increases. Remember all cartridges initially shoot flat until overcome by the force of gravity, making them fall to the ground. When “sighting in” a firearm, the sights are adjusted to tip the end of the barrel up in order to fire the bullet to the target at precisely the range it is sighted in for. 

 Draw an angle on a piece of paper and notice as the legs get longer the amount of the angle becomes larger. Think of the bottom as the line of sight looking through the sights of a scope. The other leg of the angle will is the angle the sights tip. Therefore, tipping the end of the barrel up enabling the bullet to reach the distant target. Draw several evenly spaced arcs through the angle and label them 100 yards, 200 yards, etc. on through 1000 yards.  Remember MOA is consistent at each distance on the diagram: at 100 yards it equals 1 inch, 200 yards equals 2 inches, 300 yards equals 3 inches, 800 yards equals 8 inches and 1000 yards it equals 10 inches. A firearm shooting “a minute of angle” will shoot groups at 100 yards within a 1” group, 400 yards within a 4” group and 1000 yards within a 10” group. This is shooting “minute of angle” and it will continue to show consistent accuracy. A rifle shooting “sub-MOA” will shoot a group in less than 1” at 100 yards, etc. and shows to be extremely accurate (Tikka T3 http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&searchTerm=Tikka+T3, Winchester M70 http://www.basspro.com/Winchester-Model-70-Featherweight--3006-SPG-Rifle/product/10218572/159697 ). Usually only precision rifles, such as sniper rifles and Camp Perry target rifles shoot sub-MOA. However, some hunting rifles which claim sub-moa accuracy (Weatherby Vanguard S2). “Sub-MOA” denotes a firearm capable of extreme accuracy, provided it is mated with a scope of like quality and the shooter practices good shooting skills.

Why is MOA important to hunters and shooters? The accuracy of the firearm is detrimental to the precise impact of the bullet. Without accuracy, the hunter may miss a shot at the biggest buck they have ever seen or a shooter may lose the competition of a lifetime. Extreme accuracy is the ultimate mark to hit and understanding MOA is essential in precision shooting.

    

Beach weather is just around the corner!  Everybody knows when you head down to the beach you bring your essentials; sun block, beach towel, radio, snacks , and of course great friends.  This time instead of grabbing your five year old pair of flip-flops, you know you have some, because I know I do, give your feet a break and wear something more supportive and just as lightweight as a flip-flop.

Let me introduce you to the " Aquamesh," by Rugged Shark. First off, for those of you unfamiliar with Rugged Shark, they have raised the bar for high quality,comfort, and design for the 21st Century boat and water shoe.  They take pride in leading the industry with its' latest advances.  Just as Bass Pro Shops takes pride in making Rugged Shark shoes easily available to you.  The " Aquamesh" is one of the latest shoes made by Rugged Shark.  If you're headed to the beach this summer or down to the docks or maybe even sailing away the "Aquamesh" is the perfect shoe for you.  It is very lightweight, weighing only 7 oz., which is lighter than most flip-flops.  If you're planning on doing a lot of fishing this summer it's perfect for you as well.  It is a great water shoe with a very comfortable insole.  You also receive a great deal more support in this shoe than you would expect to find in a water shoe.  The " Aquamesh" has a removable insole which makes for easy cleaning. The insole is also padded for extra support for long days out on the boat. If you happen to be boating all day the outer sole is non-marking so it wont scuff up your boat. You don't have to worry about shoe laces you just pull this water shoe on and off  with ease.

All in all the " Aquamesh" is a great summer water shoe.  It is very durable and flexible to adapt to whatever your big summer plans may be this year. So if you're planning to head to the beach , go fishing, or hit the seas be sure to wear a pair of these.  Stop by Bass Pro Shops and try on a pair or check them out at: www.bassproshops.com

P.S.  Remember this summer to give your old flip-flops a break and give the " Aquamesh" a try.

By: Beth Spanish Fort, Alabama

 

                

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, Yo-Zuri lures have been on top of the Saltwater competition which continues still today with there newest addition to their hard-bait series. The Crystal 3D Shrimp is a Ultra Premium Hard Shrimp Lure with very realistic attributes. The 3D enhanced frame, quivering arms, and 3 1/2" body makes it the most realistic Shrimp copy the Red Fish and Speckled Trout have ever seen! It is amazingly effective in shallow salt water and could also be used as a Crustacean imitator in freshwater. Coming in a variety of colors and glows, you have a large selection to best fit your waters!

Holographic UV Chartreuse Purple, Holographic Ghost Shrimp, Holographic Olive, Holographic Hot Pink, Holographic Pearl Blue, Holographic UV Rootbeer, and Luminescent Aurora Chartreuse are the colors out today.

Come visit our Spanish Fort Bass Pro Shop for our low price of $13.99 and check out our very knowledgeable fishing staff.

Shop online with our direct link : http://www.basspro.com/YoZuri-Crystal-3D-Shrimp/product/10215425/231836

Also check out our Yo-zuri Crystal 3D Minnow Deep Diver for similar results with a larger variety of sizes and styles!

Thanks,

Clark Brownlie-Carey

Bass Pro Shops Fishing Dept.

Hey Y'all,

We are quickly approaching spring and all the great springtime weather! It's a great time to plan a trip you have been wanting to do for awhile and explore your state or even go on an adventure to a foreign country! Either way you might be looking for some new luggage and we have just that!
               

Bob Timberlake Luggage ranges from all shapes and sizes with a variance of different affordable costs. Being crafted of a heavy-duty 22-oz cotton canvas or of a Top-grain oiled pull-up leather you know it will have the look and durability you need. Starting as small as your personal Toiletry Kit climbing all the way up to your 42" Drop-Bottom Wheeled Duffel you can pack everything you need and travel with leisure and style! 
                             
For all of you business folk that choose Bob Timberlake Luggage for daily use we have a large variety for you as well! The Standard Briefcase is handy, roomy, and also very professional as well as it will last you for years to come. We also carry the Wheeled Attache` which includes a computer case and a removable accordion file folder perfect for travel from home to the workplace! Bob Timberlakes' leather only looks better with age and stays durable through almost any weather.

Take a look at some of our luggage when you search "Bob Timberlake" from the Basspro.com website.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to visit our store soon!

Regards,
Clark Brownlie-Carey
Bass Pro Shops
Camping Dept.
Spanish Fort, AL

Bowfishing is the practice of shooting fish with a specialized bow and barbed arrow with a a special line and reel connecting the two.

Bows Most people use the traditional long and re-curve bows to fish, but more and more are beginning to use the compound bow. Crossbows can also be used. Sights although not common can be used. Most look down the arrow in a line-of-sight shooting style.

Arrows Bowfishing arrows are heavier and stronger than regular hunting arrows. They are made out of fiberglass, solid aluminum, carbon fiber, and carbon fiber reinforced fiberglass. You don't use fletchings on bowfishing arrows because they are not needed for the short distance shots, and they can cause the arrow to flare off when they hit the water.

Line Bowfishing line is braided nylon, Dacron, or Spectra. 80-400lb test is the more common weights used. 600lb test is recommended for shooting sharks and alligators.

Reels There are three types of reels used in bowfishing. A hand-wrap is a custom made spool that sits on the front of your bow that allows your line to free spool off after a shot. You have to wrap your line back on the spool by hand.  A spin-cast is a big version of a push button reel on the front of your bow. Make sure that before you shoot using a spin-cast reel that you "Push the Button" so that the line releases from the reel. The retriever is a reel made specifically for bow-fishing. It allows the line to come freely out of a bottle when shot. It also has a stopper to stop or slow down the line being pulled out of it by a fish. This type of reel is recommended for big fish.

Glasses in night time or day time a pair of polarized sun glasses to cut the glare, from sunlight or halogen light, off the water is essential.

Boats Any boat that is made for shallow water or has a platform for shooting can be used for bow-fishing. Air-boats, Jon boats, and Canoes are typically used for freshwater bow-fishing.

Aiming When bowfishing you are shooting in water. The water refracts light. This makes it seem like the fish is higher in your field of view than it really is. But no worries, by using the aiming tip you will become a more successful shooter. Aim 4 inches low for every 10 feet of lateral distance you are from the fish, and add 3 more inches for every foot of water in depth the fish is in. This might be difficult to pick up at first, but practice makes perfect, and shooting is the fun part.

Fresh water Bowfishing Species
Common Carp, Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, Grass Carp, River Carpsucker, Longnose Gar, Shortnose Gar, Spotted Gar, Alligator Gar, Paddlefish, Threadfin Shad, Frog, Bigmouth Buffalo, Smallmouth Buffalo, Freshwater Drum, Catfish, Tilapia, Snakehead, and American Alligators.
Saltwater water Bowfishing Species
Southern Stingray, Cownose Ray, Bullshark, Barracuda, Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead

Check with you local marine police or game warden to see what species is legal to shoot in your state.

Some key items to checkout are:
Bow-Bear Archery Super Grizzly Recurve
Rest-AMSBowfishing Wave Bow-fishing Arrow Rest
Arrow-Muzzy Carbon Mag Bowfishing Arrow with Carp Point, Safety Slide and Uninock
Line-Muzzy Extreme Bowfishing line
Reels-Bohning Bowfishing Reel (Hand Wrap), AMSBowfishing Retriever Pro Bowfishing Reel (Retriever), Zebco 808 Bowfishing Reel(Spincaster).
Kit-AMSBowfishing Fish Hawk Compound Bow Bowfishing Package
Glasses-Sea Striker Sunglasses
Boat-Grizzly 2072 Jon

Remember have fun, be safe, and may God lead your way.
Richard Justin Louhier

Hello Readers,

 Last week was opening week of the 2011 Spring Turkey Season here in the great state of Alabama. Turkey hunting is truly a passion of mine and has been since my dad introduced me to the sport as a small boy in the southern part of the state. I have chased the elusive "Thunder Chickens" for some time now. However, for the past few years, my outdoors experiences have been limited to a few school holidays and select days away from work. Being a full time student and also working at Bass Pro Shops, I do not get to spend the amount of time in the woods I would obviously like to.

This past week I was lucky enough that my spring break happened to fall smack on opening week of the season. With a quick check with the boss, I was off to the hunting camp for the entire week. The week was a total blast, and had some good times making memories with family and friends. We were lucky enough to take several birds, catch a few fish, and still find time to relax.

All of my hunting gear was from Bass Pro Shops.

• The turkeys fell to NEW Knight & Hale® Prosecutor™ Diaphragm Turkey Call , and a Zink Calls LCD Lifelike Collapsible Decoy - Feeder Hen Turkey Decoy.
• I wore Realtree AP camouflage, and Ol' Tom® Dura-Lite™ Time & Motion® Camo Turkey Vests for Men.
• The turkeys were downed with Indian Creek Black Diamond Strike Choke Tubes , a Remington 870 Supermag, chambered with Hevi-Shot® Hevi-13® Turkey Loads .

"It's spring time turkey hunters, Gobble Gobble Gobble!"

Hello Kayakers!

Last week, we received the next generation of Ascend Kayaks and I am proud to say they have shocked the Gulf Coast in ingenuity and comfort! With 2 separate sizes of Kayaks and 5 colors to choose from these new kayaks are awesome for sport, leisure, and fishing!

Structure and Design

Both the Ascend™ FS12 Sit In Angler Kayak  and the Ascend™ D12 Deluxe Sit In Kayak  are both built with a brand new Custom crafted tunnel hull design, enabling the kayaker enough stability to stand. The hull provides a solid directional tracking system for easy paddling and higher speeds. All the storage compartments are located within reaching distance from the seat and are made to store milk crates, five gallon buckets and a battery recess. Max Weight 350lbs. Size 12'L x 29"W; 75lbs.

Accessories
Making a Kayak stand out above the rest is a difficult feat when you have so many brands to compete against but accessories help the cause. I have shown many customers the new seat installed in the Ascend 12 footers and I have to say its the greatest part! First off, its removable so you can take it out and sit on the beach with it! Made of neoprene and mesh, its comfortability is awesome.
Other great attributes of the new model are its dry bag storage and the sealable compartments in front.
On the FS12, Ascend installed an anchoring system including a Sea-Lect Folding 5lb Galvanized Grapnel Anchor Kit and 20ft of flotation line.

I cant wait to get my FS12 and hit the water myself! Its perfect for any novice or experienced kayaker! Come take a ride in one of them in our kayak pool arriving in May!

Respectfully,
Clark Brownlie-Carey
Bass Pro Shops
Camping Staff
Spanish Fort, AL