man with green night vision equipment

Color Is Key | Why Is Night Vision Green?

Over the last couple of decades, our lives have changed rapidly. The technological leap humanity has made is truly impressive if you consider how many different once unthinkable technologies are now deeply rooted in our everyday life.

Night vision devices may not be as mainstream yet as smart phones and the internet, but even if you have never had experience using them, you are likely somewhat familiar with them. Video games and movies have firmly rooted in our imagination this magical green glow, which is closely associated with the ability to see in the dark.

But why is that? Why is this glow green, and what technology made it the perfect solution? Well, let’s take a closer look…

Night Vision and The Reasons for Green

The main reason for using that familiar green color in night vision devices is the unique structure of the human eye.

human eye up close

Due to the presence of rod cells in the retina, the visual system better perceives the different shades of green in the dark. This makes this color an ideal option for displaying images on night optics displays.

Guarantees High Image Clarity

In most cases, night vision optics are used in conditions where they have to capture every photon of light. This is the only way to create a high-quality, valuable image for the user.

night vision deer

As mentioned earlier, human eyes perceive the most shades of green. So, this also helps to create a visually brighter and clearer image, in which the user can see all the small details.

Less Eye Strain

The compatibility of human vision with the color green makes it the safest option. It creates strain on the eyes than red, blue, yellow, orange, and other colors. This protects the human visual system from functioning at the limit of its capabilities and reduces the likelihood of eye pain and other various problems like lacrimation, decreased visual acuity, etc.

person seeing in the dark

If you were to use another color, discomfort would increase, and prolonged use of night optics would be a potentially unsafe activity.



Presence of phosphor screens in the design

Another reason for using green was the presence of a phosphor screen in the design of many devices. This screen It is an integral part of night optics, which operates on the principle of light amplification.

night vision city

In the design of NV glasses, binoculars, monoculars and sights, the phosphor screen caters to accelerated electrons. When they hit it, a flash of light with a wavelength of 500-550 nanometers occurs. This flash of light corresponds to the green color that users see.

Traditionally Green

Because green has been the standard color for night optics for years, some manufacturers continue to adhere to produce many models with that familiar glow.

Now, that doesn’t mean that manufacturers have stopped searching for alternative options. Nevertheless, green is still the most popular and continues to drive the demand.


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Options for using green night vision

Because green is the most popular night vision color, the slaes of night vision goggles, thermal monoculars, and other night vision equipment utilizing this color allow for higher manufacturer revenue.

So, in essence, the color green produces more “green” for the manufacturers!

night vision binoculars military use

In everyday life, green night vision is also used in 24-hour video surveillance cameras. Its use allows for quick identification of strangers, and detection of various problems, like fires. It also great for enjoying moonlight entertainment, and the observation and even hunting of predators.

What other types of night vision are there?

Thanks to the development of technology, alternative night vision colors are available, and each is effective in particular scenarios.

Black and White Night Vision

The so-called white phosphor night vision devices are gaining popularity most quickly. They allow you to get a black and white image on the display, which some people may perceive better than green. Its main advantage is its natural look. The image looks similar to that of old films, which is more familiar than a picture in green tones. Also, the black and white version provides excellent detail.



Multi-Color Night Vision

Multi-color night vision (not to be confused with thermal) is another popular way to get good visibility in the dark. It is used exclusively in modern optics models, which are often very expensive. In these devices, different shades are obtained through special image processing algorithms.

Green Still Great In Night Vision

A green image on the screen of night optics has been the standard for years, and has come to be known mainstream as “the night vision color.”

Even though modern devices will now allow you to see a black and white or even multi-color image, green still rules the day and will be a favorite of millions of night vision users for years to come.

popular shotgun types

The Ultimate Guide to Shotgun Types

Prior to the mid-19th century, all shotguns were muzzleloaders. But, the invention of cartridge ammunition made it possible for several shotgun actions to emerge. Self-contained shotgun rounds encouraged innovation in gun design and made repeating actions and breechloaders possible.

Shotgun types are categorized by their gauge and their action, which functions as its operating system. Every gauge and action type has benefits and uses both on the range and in the field.  

Let’s take a look at some popular types of shotguns and what makes each unique.

Overview of Shotgun Types

The 5 most common types of Shotguns are:

  1. Pump-Action Shotguns
  2. Semi-Automatic Shotguns
  3. Over-Under and Side-by-Side Shotguns
  4. Single-Shot and Bolt-Action Shotguns
  5. Lever-Action Shotguns

Pump-Action Shotguns

Pump-action shotguns are a great option for both hunting small game, waterfowl and turkey hunting as well as for home protection.

pump shotgun on yellow background

While some pump-action guns employ detachable box magazines, the majority use integrated tubular magazines. Although technology has also been used in rifles, grenade launchers, and other weapons, pump-action weaponry are usually thought of as shotguns. In colloquial terms, a gun that uses this system is called a pump gun.

Since the trigger hand does not need to be taken off of the trigger while reloading, a pump-action weapon is much quicker than a bolt-action and somewhat faster than a lever-action since the forend is often operated with the support hand. Additionally, since the action is cycled linearly, less torque is produced, which might tilt the gun and cause it to go off target when firing quickly.


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Semi-Automatic Shotguns

Selecting a shotgun that is semi-automatic is no different from selecting any other kind of weapon. You should consider pricing, performance, brand, and quality.

Naturally, the adage “you get what you pay for” still holds true in most cases. More abuse, longer firing schedules, and occasional cleanings are likely to be handled more reliably by a high-end shotgun, such as a Beretta 1301 or Benelli M4, than by one at the lower end of the spectrum. 

semi auto shotgun with shell coming out

However, there are still many shotguns that perform well at all price ranges, so unless complete dependability is your top need, you don’t need to spend a fortune.




Over-Under and Side-by-Side Shotguns

The question of over-under, and side-by-side will always be up for discussion. An over-under will not get the same derisive remarks on a shot as it did thirty years ago, despite the fact that tradition has favored side by side. In fact, many firearms discover that stacked barrels improve their shooting. Which would you prefer, side by side or over and under?

over under shotgun with red shells

Over-unders are typically thought to be easier to aim because they only have one sight plane, but some shooters prefer the quicker handling feel that side-by-sides provide.

The over-under, who usually weighs about 7 pounds, would be a whole pound heavier than the side-by-side, to begin with. Therefore, the perceived recoil in the side-by-side and the muzzle-flip would be much higher when utilizing identical 28g No. 7 ammunition, for instance. 

double barrel shotgun smoking

Not only will the over-under’s extra weight absorb more recoil, but the side-by-side’s barrel configuration causes the recoil to return in a dogleg fashion, which is backwards and slightly to the side, following the stock’s line, which normally has more cast in it than in the over-under. As a result, the way you experience the recoil will vary depending on whatever trigger you pull. But with the over-under, the recoil will return in a roughly straight line.

One tip when shooting an over-under is to use a considerably straighter lead-arm than you would with an over-under to increase pointability and lessen perceived recoil and muzzle-flip in a side-by-side.

In fact, the gun would always seem short if you held the fore-end of it side by side with your lead-hand, which would make it harder to handle. Therefore, the straight arm not only absorbs recoil (instead of your shoulder), but it also allows you to have more control over the barrels, which increases accuracy and precision.




Single-Shot and Bolt-Action Shotguns

The phrase “single-shot” describes weapon designs that need manual reloading after each shot since they can only contain one cartridge of ammunition.

Single-shot designs are much simpler and also more durable than magazine/belt-fed firearms, but they also fire at much slower rates. This is because single-shot designs do not require a large receiver behind the barrel to accommodate a moving action, unlike multi-shot repeating firearms (also known as “repeaters”), which have moving parts other than the trigger, hammer/firing pin, or frizzen.

Bolt Action camo shotgun

Particular to “bolt action” shotguns, the bolt closes up the rear aperture of the barrel chamber as the propellant in the cartridge burns. The bolt rotates forward to load a fresh cartridge after the round is shot and back to remove the used cartridge.

Examine that action in comparison to other shotgun kinds. To cycle the bolt on a pump-action shotgun, slide the forestock forward to load a fresh round and backward to expel the previous one, locking the bolt in position. In a semi-automatic, the bolt is cycled by gas from the fired cartridge.



Lever-Action Shotguns

Behind the trigger of a lever-action gun is a sizable metal lever. Usually, this handle also serves as the trigger guard. The cartridge case is ejected from the chamber by pushing the lever forward and downward to open the action.



Choosing the Right Type Shotgun

There are some key factors to consider when choosing a shotgun…

What To Consider:

  • Intended Use: What will you be using the shotgun for?
  • Budget: Shotguns range in price from very affordable to very expensive.
  • Fit: The shotgun should fit your body comfortably.
  • Gauge: 12-gauge is the most versatile, but 20-gauge offers lighter recoil.
  • Barrel Length and Choke: These affect the shotgun’s pattern and range.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of shotguns and their ideal applications:

1. Pump-Action Shotguns:

remington model 870 field master

Pump action shotguns are typically used for hunting, home defense, and recreational shooting

Pros:

  • Extremely reliable.
  • Relatively inexpensive.
  • Can handle a wide variety of ammunition.
  • Simple to maintain.

Cons:

  • Slower rate of fire compared to semi-automatics.
  • Requires manual cycling.


2. Semi-Automatic Shotguns:

mossberg 940JM Pro semi-automatic shotgun

Pros:

  • Faster rate of fire.
  • Can reduce the amount of recoil that is felt.

Cons:

  • More complex mechanisms, leading to potential reliability issues with certain ammunition.
  • Generally more expensive.
  • Require more frequent cleaning to ensure proper operation of the mechanisms.


3. Over-Under and Side-by-Side Shotguns:

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 over under shotgun

Pros:

  • Simple and reliable.
  • Two barrels allow for different loads in each barrel.
  • Aesthetically pleasing.
  • Often shorter than other shotguns, giving the shooter the ability to move better in tight spaces.

Cons:

  • Limited capacity (typically two shells).
  • Generally more expensive.
  • May require more practice for proper aiming, due to two barrels.


4. Single-Shot and Bolt-Action Shotguns:

savage 220 bolt action shotgun

Pros:

  • Very simple and reliable.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Bolt actions with rifled barrels make them a good option when hunting with slugs.

Cons:

  • Very slow rate of fire.
  • Limited capacity.

5. Lever-Action Shotguns:

Henry Side Gate Lever Action 410 Bore Shotgun

Pros:

  • Relatively fast rate of fire.
  • Unique and historical appeal.
  • Fairly easy to use.
  • Can fire a variety of ammo.

Cons:

  • Less common, so fewer options and potentially higher prices.
  • Can be more difficult to reload quickly.
  • Slower rate of fire compared to pump action and semi-automatic shotguns.
  • Can be prone to jamming if not maintained/cleaned properly.


Final Thoughts On Shotgun Types

Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into which shotgun would be the best for your budget and intended use.

As always, use proper gun safety practices and shoot straight!

Pile of gun magazines and bullets on white background

Handgun Calibers Explained: Choosing The Right One For Your Hunt

Handguns are advantageous when you want to pack light while hunting for wild game or as protection against dangerous animals you might encounter.

But, with so many calibers, how can you know which one will have the stopping power you need?

So, What Is “Caliber” Anyway?

handgun and ammo in the dirt

Choosing the correct handgun caliber depends on the kind of game you’ll be hunting (not to mention the right kind of handgun). Here’s a comparison of some of the most popular handgun calibers for hunting and the game they’re designed to take down.

.22 Long Rifle

[Not to be confused with the .22 long, its parent caliber.]

remington 22 lr ammo

Despite its name, the .22 Long Rifle (LR) can be fired from various semi automatic pistol models. Introduced in 1887 originally as a rimfire cartridge for rifles, the .22 LR is among the most produced and widely used rounds for target shooting and small game hunting.


Bullet DiameterOverall Bullet LengthBullet MassMuzzle VelocityMuzzle Energy
0.223 – 0.2255 inches1.000 inch30 – 40 grain (1.9 – 2.6 g)1,200 – 1,750 ft/sec131 – 204 ft/lbf (178 – 277 J)

The .22 LR round’s small size makes for low recoil and low noise. And, because of the caliber’s low recoil, novice or first-time hunters can benefit from increased control and accuracy. It’s also one of the most affordable on the market, with a block of 50 rounds costing a couple of dollars on average.

However, having a low recoil also means it doesn’t pack as much of a punch as others in this list, at least when taking down big animals. Because of this, the .22 LR is more suited to hunting small game that’s no more than 30 lbs. in weight. Experts recommend high-velocity hollow point rounds to maximize the caliber’s stopping power.



10mm Auto

magtech 10mm auto

Adopted by law enforcement agencies until the 1990s, the 10mm Auto isn’t as mainstream as the other pistol calibers in this guide. However, its power and reduced ballistic drop still see a niche following among gun enthusiasts and hunters.


Bullet DiameterOverall Bullet LengthBullet MassMuzzle VelocityMuzzle Energy
0.400 inches1.260 inches77 – 180 grain (5.0 – 12.0 g)1,290 – 2,420 ft/sec649 – 1,001 ft/lbf (880 – 1,357 J)

While ideal for taking down deer and other deer-sized game, the caliber is also sometimes used when hunting larger game animals like elk and wild hogs (though at closer ranges). It imparts more energy than the .357 Magnum, which also means more time in flight to stay on target compared to the .45 ACP. In other words, it’s a small cartridge that can go big when you need it to.

However, being a niche caliber, the 10mm Auto can be expensive compared to other, more common rounds. Experts say the cost difference isn’t significant, but it’s worth considering when shopping for guns and ammo.


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.357 Magnum

Bears can run fast for their lumbering physique when they want to. Even the polar bear, the slowest of the three common species of bears in North America, can reach land speeds of up to 25 mph. By comparison, the average human can only run one-fifth as fast.

Loading .357 magnum rounds into a revolver

So, if you needed to fend off a bear attack, the .357 Magnum caliber cartridge would be one to consider. It’s a derivative of the .38 Super designed to punch through doors of 1920s automobiles, which cartels and gangs would use as cover during firefights against law enforcement.


Bullet DiameterOverall Bullet LengthBullet MassMuzzle VelocityMuzzle Energy
0.357 inches1.590 inches125 – 200 grain (8.0 – 13.0 g)1,200 – 1,450 ft/sec539 – 783 ft/lbf (584 – 640 J)

Although the caliber is synonymous with revolver-type handguns, it can also be loaded on semiautomatic pistols. It’s one of the smallest cartridges that Desert Eagle semiautomatic pistols can chamber and fire.



.45 Automatic Colt Pistol (.45 ACP)

Not to be confused with the .45 Colt/Long Colt, a similar caliber but made for revolvers.

45 ACP cartridge

Experiences from the Philippine-American War (also known as the Philippine Insurrection) urged the U.S. military to implement a rule that future service pistols should be at least .45 caliber. Soldiers found that the standard-issue .38 Long Colt lacked the stopping power to put down frenzied charges by Moros of the southern Philippines.

The result is the .45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP), a caliber most commonly fired from the old but reliable M1911 pistol. If a .45 caliber is enough to defeat banzai-like attacks, surely it’s enough for taking down game, right?

Yes, but at closer ranges and if you’re a good shot.


Bullet DiameterOverall Bullet LengthBullet MassMuzzle VelocityMuzzle Energy
0.452 inches1.275 inches90 – 230 grain (6.0 – 15.0 g)835  – 2,036 ft/sec356 – 829 ft/lbf (483 – 1,124 J)

Some argue that the .45 ACP doesn’t impart enough energy to take down deer and larger animals. While true to some extent, the caliber is ubiquitous enough to be affordable for hunters on a tight budget. Manufacturers understand this, which is why they design the cartridge with various tips and stuff it with stiffer charges to enhance its stopping power.




.50 Action Express

50 action express pic


Bullet DiameterOverall Bullet LengthBullet MassMuzzle VelocityMuzzle Energy
0.500 inches1.610 inches300 – 460 grain (19.0 – 30.0 g)1,050  – 1,550 ft/sec1,126 – 1,600 ft/lbf (1,527 – 2,200 J)


Whereas the .357 Magnum is the smallest round a Desert Eagle pistol can fire, the .50 AE is the largest. In fact, the Desert Eagle was primarily designed to accept this cartridge. Due to its power, hunters can safely target their game from as far as 200 meters.

However, with great power comes great recoil. Even with a steady hand and firm grip, you can expect the gun to raise 30 degrees after firing. The loud noise it generates will surely startle nearby wildlife, which could further limit your chances of getting a kill.



Final Thoughts On Handgun Calibers

Long story short, you wouldn’t want to pack a .50 AE on a small game animal for the same reason you wouldn’t want to carry a .22 LR on a hunt for boars. Knowing the kind of game to hunt is key in packing the best handgun caliber.

Be sure to check your state’s laws as they pertain to handgun hunting, and… safe shooting!