Who’s heading to the Hunt Expo this year? I’ll be going for the first time on Friday. Hope to see some of you there!
I would love to go, but I’ve been begging them to get a booth for a year and they just ghost me. No idea why. Last time I went, it brought the exhibitors a ton of views.
Jim - Sucks about the booth, would have loved to meet you in person and have a chance to see the Backstop recoil pad. I agree that it’s odd they couldn’t get you a booth over some of the other misc./random booths there, especially because you bring a lot of viewers and support to the industry.
First let me say that this show was freaking massive. I had a blast getting to finally see and handle everything in person. I’m still tired from being there all day. I’m sure I’m leaving out a ton, but here’s my list of the top of my head of what I liked, didn’t like, or am still 50/50 on. No insult intended if anyone disagrees with the list, just my experience.
Liked:
Bergara B-14 Squared Crest: It just feels right and will most likely get added to my collection at some point this year. Trigger felt crisp and just perfectly positioned.
Sako 90 Peak and Adventure: Felt like a Tikka action with a great stock.
Hunt MDT Stock: I’m more of a traditional stock person, but this was nice. Felt smooth and was my favorite chassis type stock at the show.
Banish Backcountry Suppressor: I still haven’t seen a lot of performance reviews, but this thing is tiny and on my short list to get for hunting. I’m bummed I missed the Dead Air booth to compare it against.
Kuiu, First Lite, Kings, Sitka, etc: It was fun to actually be able to try all the different brands. I’m kind of curious what people do in states where blaze orange is required, maybe a cheap vest over the top of the camo?
Barnes did tell me they should have 7 PRC ammo out this year.
Allterra and Pure Prevision had decent stocks.
McMillan A3, Mountaineer, and Game Warden Stocks.
Didn’t Like:
Fierce Mountain Reaper: I know this is one of Jin’s favorites, but I just couldn’t get used to the chassis and it felt awkward to hold.
All the knife booths: There’s some good products, but I think most of us should be rolling with the Outdoor Edge or Havalon. $300+ for a knife felt crazy.
Peak 44 Stock: I could be wrong, but it looked like the recoil is built into the rifle stock. Ergonomics felt ok, but I don’t like the idea that I can’t change recoil pads.
Barrett’s straight pull action: Was cool and different, but just not for me.
Xbolt 2: I have a ln xbolt stalker currently, but I’ve always disliked how their actions work. Feels clunky and I just didn’t feel like it was any improvement.
Seekins PH2 & Element: I wanted to like these guns so bad, but I just don’t like the stocks. It’s the huge palm swells and plastic feeling for me. It just doesn’t feel comfortable even though it probably shoots great.
50/50:
Sako 90 Quest: It’s really nice, but the grip is just different and I couldn’t t quite get used to it. It may grow on me if I have a chance to try it again.
Defiance Anti-X action: It was fairly smooth, but it has a kind of springiness to it when you are closing the bolt that kind of snaps it down. It was just different from every other action at the show. Would have like to see Lone Peak and Terminus.
Gunwerks Nexus: Good ergonomics, but didn’t love the action. Leather parts were interesting, but I’d be worried about them holding up long term.
Leupold BX-4 Gen 2 Binos: They worked great and told me they do have a lifetime warranty. There are no plans to do image stabilized version. They claim they cause a headache if you use those all day 
.
Garmin GPS: They were ok, but I don’t know why I would want one with OnX and GoHunt available on my phone.
*I’m sure I’m forgetting a ton. I should have been born rich, all the trips to Africa and Alaska looked amazing. I’m not built for this poor person lifestyle.