Guns & Ammo, Ammo & Guns

I recently took my Hunter Safety course, it got me thinking about a whole lot of blog ideas. The first one I wanted to write about is guns and ammo.  How well do you know your guns and ammo?

I wanna go over basics about guns for those women out there thinking about getting into hunting or shooting. When I was starting to think about hunting with a gun, I thought I new more about guns. I had shot guns before and was careful with them. But taking the hunter safety course help me realize I didn't know as much as I thought and need to learn more. So I would like to pay things forward. As I learn more about guns and hunting I will share the information.

 What is a gun? The very basic function of a gun is a mechanical device that uses pressure from burning powder to force a projectile through (barrel) and out of a metal tube (end of barrel is the muzzle). The basic anatomy of a firearm is an action, stock & barrel. 

Now I would like to show you the different shotgun and rifle actions. 

Bolt action -this gun operates by lifting the handle up and pulling it back.

Pump action - this gun operates by sliding the forestock to the rear to open the action and then sliding the forestock forward to close the action. Also known as a slide action.

Semi Automatic - to operate the action on a semi-auto you must pull back the bolt's handle. To close the action, pull back to unlock the bolt and then let go allowing the bolt to slide forward. Also known as autoloading. (ie. Fully automatic firearms are not legal to use for hunting in PA.)

Lever action - this gun has a large lever located behind the trigger. To open the action you must push the lever down and forward (towards the muzzle). This will eject the cartridge.

Hinge action - This gun is very simple to load and unload because of the hinge action. To open, point the barrel at the ground, press the release and the stock will drop down exposing the barrel. Also known as Break action. I would like to own one of these types someday. There is just something about them that draws me to them.

Now a little info on ammunition. Not all ammo is the same. Rifles barrels have spiraling grooves cut into the bore. Rifle and handgun ammo is classified by calibers. Caliber is the size of the rifle or handgun bore and the size of the cartridge. The inside of a shotgun barrel is smooth. Shotgun ammo is classified by gauges. Guages measure the diameter of the shotgun bore and size of the shotshell. Here is a diagram that shows the differences between the two.

The left is the rifle shell and the right is the shotgun shell.

So  if you are like me and want to know more, start googling.

Disclaimer...I am not an expert, this is just some of the stuff I learned at my hunter safety course.

End of Spring Inventory

It's that time of the year to sort through all of our hunting gear. See what needs washed, repaired or replaced.  If I don't go through things now, it will be September and I will not be ready for hunting season.  Here is my hunting inventory list:

* Equipment- Make sure all your guns are clean and even take the time to clean your bow.  (A good time for me to finally learn how to clean my guns..oops...I''m a bit spoiled!) Make sure your strings on your bow are waxed or get them replaced if they are really frayed.

* Apparel- Make sure to wash everything. I use Scent-A-Way by Hunter's Specialties. In addition to my clothing I also wash my backpack and fanny pack. They get dirty too! I just recently discovered gortex wash, so I might give that a try this year for my rain clothes.  Also make sure to inspect your clothes to see if they need any repairs. I'm ready to get my needle and thread out to stitch up a few rips my hubby has in his pants. Does all your clothing still fit? If not think about handing it down to a younger hunter that may have outgrown last years clothing. Or better yet, give it to a new hunter!

* Footwear- Do you need new boots? Check your boots over for any holes or rips. If you need new boots get them now so you have time to break them in. You will be happy when you don't have blisters during hunting season.

* Stand or blind maintenance- Check over your tree stand or blind thoroughly.  Do you need new tie straps, tree steps or does your blind need a patch job? Or is just time for a new one? Do some research and decided what stand you want to get. Then watch for it to go on sale!

* Scent products- Make sure all your sprays have not expired. Do you need a new bottle of Tinks? How about scent wafers? What is your supply like?

Once you have you inventoried your hunting gear, shop for things that need replaced. You will be happy when hunting season comes around and you are already to go. Now head outside and practice shooting your bow and/or guns!