In this review, I tested the Cold Steel Cheap Shot broadhead.
It’s a real value price head that’s advertised primarily for small game because it’s made out of plastic.
Plastic?
That’s right, plastic. So, obviously I was excited to test it!
I did not test the Cheap Shot head in all the ways that I normally test big game broadheads, because they market this as being a cheap head (hence the name, Cheap Shot).
The Cheap Shot Broadhead Up Close
The Cheap Shot broadheads by Cold Steel cost about a buck each.
That’s right, one dollar!
They say they’re for non-trophy animals. So, you wouldn’t want to shoot at a deer with these, but could try these on small game animals or maybe hogs.
Let’s see how it performed!
So here, you get a good look at the Cheap Shot. It’s a little over 3 inches in length. The cutting diameter is 1 and 5/16″, so just a little bit over one and a quarter inches. You can see the serrations that they have here, which is going to aid in its penetration and its edge retention. Since this head is plastic (they call it space-age polymer), it’s not going to have the edge retention that steel would, but you can make up for that with really good serrations.
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03/07/2024 07:43 am GMT
MDF Penetration Test
Next I shot the head into MDF. Check out the pictures below…
Here’s the head and the hole that it made in the MDF. It’s a decent size hole there.
As you can see, it broke off at the ferrule and left the threading portion of the ferrule inside my arrow. So I had to work a little bit to get that out.
Here you can see in this picture the distance that it penetrated through the MDF. It didn’t even make it all the way through but it did make it most of the way through.
I mean, I’d much rather use an old broadhead or a field point with a judo point or something like that. I just think there are a lot better choices for small game.
But for something fun to try, yeah, I think it’s worth a look for that. So check out the scores. The score sheet is a little bit different because it’s not the typical kind of broadhead that I test. And also, check out my Lusk grade for it.
Technology has changed almost everything about how we do things and carry on our daily lives. It makes tasks at home as well as tasks at the workplace more efficient.
And, as primal as it can be, hunting is no exception.
If you are a hunter, you understand how it is crucial to prepare yourself for your hunting trip. After all, making sure you have the equipment and supplies you need is part of a successful hunting trip.
There are several “hi-tech” hunting items that can make your next hunting trip safer, more enjoyable and more efficient.
However, as technology continues to progress, there are many reliable hi-tech hunting supplies that a dedicated hunter can use to make the process easier. So, let’s jump straight to the list of items to consider in the world of modern day hunting!
Mountain Bikes (hunt quietly)
Electric hunting bikes have taken the advantages that mountain bikes can provide hunters to a whole new level.
Sometimes hunters must go to great lengths (literally) to have the best shot at harvesting the game they are after. So, when a long journey deep into the hunting woods or public land, where gas powered vehicles are either not allowed or are too noisy, mountain bikes can be the answer.
Technology has made even the mountain bike take strides (or pedal strokes) forward.
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03/06/2024 08:05 pm GMT
Now, while you can’t fit it in your backpack, hunters can utilize an electric hunting bike, which, due to its electric motor is easier and faster to use than traditional mountain bikes, to more quietly go to places where vehicles are not allowed.
Electric mountain bikes are environmentally friendly hi-tech hunting gear and can add an extra dimension to the hunting experience.
So, if you are looking for a more efficient way to get you and your hunting gear to your final destination, an electric hunting bike could be worth considering.
While predator hunting can be done at night using various thermal and night vision products, the hours before and after a daylight hunt can require the use of a flashlight.
And, while flashlights are helpful for getting to and from your deer stand or hunting blind, they can be difficult to manage when carrying a gun, bow or other hunting gear.
This is where headlamps are a great addition.
When it’s dark, using a headlamp during your entry and exit to your hunting location can prevent unwanted noises, and keep you on your feet.
A headlamp that you can attach to your head or hunting hat can help prevent injuries that result from falling while walking in the dark through the woods or over rough terrain.
Some hunters will choose not to use artificial light because they are concerned that it will alert game animals to their presence. However, headlamps can also help add to your stealthy advances by lighting the way to prevent unwanted noises caused by falling or from hunting equipment getting tangled or hindered by vines and branches.
However, before deciding to purchase a long-range scope, be sure you have done your homework to ensure that the scope you are considering is not only a good choice for your rifle, but that your rifle itself is capable of harvesting game at the distances you will be hunting.
Rifle type and caliber, as well as terrain, distance and type of game are all important considerations here
The use of a long-range rifle scope allows you to “get closer” to your prey without getting too close.
Solar Wrap (a sun tan may help those other gadgets)
Technology can certainly add new elements to hunting, but can also add inconveniences as well. One of the most significant of those inconveniences is that all that hi-tech hunting gear can run out of power.
So, whether it’s GPS devices, headlamps, smartphones, or other hi-tech gadgets, a hunter needs a way to keep re-charging items that will not hold power for long periods of time. After all, no one wants to cut their hunting trip short.
Solar wraps can be the solution.
A solar wrap stores energy from the sun, which can be used to recharge portable electronic devices via a USB connection.
A solar wrap is a device that comes in handy when you have other technological devices that require constant recharging. It uses a portable solar panel to absorb the suns rays and can charge any device, as long as it’s chargeable using a USB connection.
You can keep a Solar Wrap in your hunting bag or backpack so your can give your phone and other hunting gadgets a boost when needed.
Satellite Phone (When the cell phone is down and out)
Let’s face it, part of the fun of hunting is calling your friends and family when you have successfully harvested a deer or other game.
However, with all our technological advances, their are still many areas in the hunting woods or on public land where you can’t get a signal to use that invention called the smart phone.
So, if you’re going to be in one of these areas, especially on a long trip, a satellite phone is a great piece of hunting tech to have in your backpack.
A satellite phone is a great thing to have when hunting, so that you can call EMS, friends or family to help in the event of an emergency. A satellite phone will always get through, regardless of whether there is a cell phone network connection or not.
Also, if you are lost or seriously injured, emergency personnel can track you, using your satellite phone’s location.
Pocket Chain Saw (hunting “technology” that really cuts it)
If you are backpack hunting and will be setting up a camp site, the ability to cut firewood or shape trees and wood is a must.
While you might use a pocket knife or a machete, there is a tool many are not aware of that can make these tasks more efficient.
If you are hunting on an overnight trip, the ability to cut wood for a campfire is critical.
A pocket chain saw comes in handy for all your cutting and chopping needs. While it is not electronic per se, this hunting tech is like a handsaw, which uses human power.
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03/07/2024 01:30 am GMT
Despite its simplicity, a pocket chainsaw can help significantly when you need to cut down limbs or trees to use for firewood.
Many brick and mortar retailers, as well as online shops, sell pocket chainsaws. Some come with spare parts, while others will require you to buy the parts separately. The pocket chainsaw is an invaluable piece of hunting “tech,” whether you are building a shelter or simply building a fire.
Let’s face it, watches have come a long way in recent years. What used to be a simple wrist watch for telling time has become a smart device in itself.
Some of these watches can even monitor your heart health in case you begin showing signs of atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats irregularly.
Watches from manufacturers likeFitbit have potential life-saving features like heart rate monitoring.
While no one wants to think about an enjoyable outdoor activity like hunting turning into an emergency situation, it’s nice to know there are tools out there to warn you of signs of trouble regarding your health.
While many think of the use of trail cameras as “hunting tech,” the above hi-tech hunting gear list may have opened you eyes to how much you may have been missing when it comes to hunting in the 21st century.
Always be sure to check reviews before purchasing any of these tech items for hunting.
Many things make a good hunter, and having the right hunting rifle is up there on the list.
Using the perfect rifle makes a massive difference in your hunting experience. So, lets take a closer look at some of the best hunting rifles of 2021.
But before that, let’s quickly go through some of the factors we considered when coming up with this list.
Hunting Rifles Buying Guide
Below is a list of things you should consider before buying a hunting rife:
1. Type Of Gun Stock
There are generally two types of rifle stocks to choose from: Synthetic and wooden stocks. Each comes with its own pros and cons, so it’s all a matter of picking your poison.
The advantage of synthetic stocks over wooden ones is they are usually lighter, so the rifle won’t be as cumbersome. Synthetic stocks are also more resistant to harsh hunting conditions.
Rifle stock can be wooden or synthetic and each has its own pros and cons.
On the flip side, the synthetic stocks are nowhere near as aesthetically pleasing as a nicely finished walnut stock.
And, while wooden stocks are usually more beautiful, they tend to be heavier and more sensitive to scratches, cracks, and discolorations.
So, you should consider how much value you put on the aesthetics of a hunting rifle before deciding.
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2. Barrel Length
Shorter barrels are a favorite of most hunters since they usually make the rifle lighter and more maneuverable. On the other hand, longer barrels may make a gun cumbersome, but they typically provide better velocity.
Some people would also argue that longer barrels are more powerful.
Barrel length (like on this Weatherby Vanguard) can affect maneuverability, velocity and rifle weight.
Weight is a crucial factor in rifle selection, since it directly affects your ability to operate the gun. Different people will have different preferences based on their level of fitness and other factors.
As we’ve already pointed out, the type of stock and length of the barrel you choose will also affect the overall weight of your gun.
If you want a lightweight rifle, look for something with a short barrel and synthetic stock.
Unless you are an experienced hunter with an acquired taste for the iron sight, a scope is an investment you cannot overlook. Scopes magnify the target to increase your precision.
There are many scopes to choose from. To ensure you are getting the right scope for your rifle, consider factors like reticle, magnification, size of lens, turrets, and the minutes of angle or MOA.
You should know that scopes will add some weight to your rifle, and some of them may not work very well under certain weather conditions.
The Nosler M48 Mountain rifle was first introduced in 2019. This rifle is made using lightweight materials for better handling while delivering exquisite performance, making it one of the best guns for hunting, and the 2021 version of the gun has seen an introduction of two new chamberings.
The rifle is built around the Nosler M48 action, integrated into a carbon-wrapped barrel for insane sub-MOA accuracy.
The mountain hunter stock is finished in an elegant granite green, while the steel surfaces are covered in tungsten grey, giving your rifle long-term protection against harsh weather conditions.
The gun weighs only 6 pounds and is perfectly balanced for enhanced maneuverability.
The Weatherby Vanguard is the affordable alternative to the famous Mark V from the same manufacturer. Don’t mistake its affordability for weak performance, though. The rifle guarantees considerable power coupled with sub-MOA accuracy for the ultimate target hunt down.
The rifle is built using lightweight polymer stock. The material does a great job of handling tough hunting surroundings and extreme weather to give you an excellent feel and performance for years to come.
The barrel is 24 inches long for non-magnum and 240 Wby Mag, which is just enough for most hunters.
This is without a doubt the most innovative hunting rifle we’ve come across in 2021.
It may look like a regular bolt action gun, but there is nothing regular about the speed of the follow-up shots it provides.
Savage has utilized the Hexlock straight-pull action to reduce the time it takes to make subsequent shots. This makes the Impulse Big Game one of the most instinctive hunting rifles on the market.
The rifle is built with a medium-contour fluted barrel to balance the weight. It’s available in different mags, including the .243Win, .300 Win Mag, .308 Win, and .300 WSM fed through a flush-fit detachable box mag. A sleek hazel green cerakote covers the metal surfaces.
At 8.8 pounds, the Impulse Big Game is heavier than the two rifles discussed above. However, its ingenious design achieves a remarkable balance that makes operating the gun feel effortless.
The Ruger Mini-14 Ranch rifle is an excellent option for anyone looking for a versatile semi-automatic gun. The action is based on the M1 Garand and the M14, but it is scaled down to make the gun easier to handle and use.
There are multiple calibers to choose from here, including the .300 blackout and the .223 Remington. It comes with an intuitive iron sight, but there is also the option of mounting a scope.
Remington 700 SPS Varmint is a budget-friendly hunting rifle that performs well where it matters the most. Besides predator and varmint shooting, the gun is also great for long-range tactical shooting.
This rifle comes with a non-reflective barrel and receiver for perfect concealment and a blind mag to increase reliability. The fore-end of the contoured barrel is ventilated for better heat dissipation. It’s also drilled for easy scope mounting. The Model 700 SPS Varmint weighs around 8.5 pounds.
That’s pretty much it for the best hunting rifles for 2021. These guns tick all the boxes from accuracy and power to durability, and that’s why they are highly recommended to both beginners and seasoned hunters.
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