Best Binoculars for Hunting

No matter what sort of hunting you’re doing, binoculars are an essential piece of equipment. You need them to survey surrounding terrain and to get a better view of targets from afar, for assessing trophies and identifying the sex of the animal you’re looking at.

When shopping for the best binoculars for hunting, there are a handful of qualities to keep in mind. These are: objective lens size, field of view, magnification, and durability.

Objective lens size determines the light-gathering ability of the binoculars. This is especially important for hunters, who often need to use the binoculars in early morning or evening hours. Most full size binoculars have an objective lens diameter of 42mm. If you need something more compact, don’t go below 30.

Field of view and magnification go hand in hand. The more magnified an image, the narrower the field of view. Typically, hunters don’t need tremendous magnification. When hunting in the woods in particular, choose something with low magnification and a wide field of view.

Other features to look for include waterproof and fog-proof specifications, and strength of materials.

Now let’s move on to our pick for the best hunting binoculars.

Zeiss Terra 8X42 ED Black

Zeiss specializes in high performance optics, and that is the extent of their business. As innovators in binoculars, riflescopes, and spotting scopes, they’re a clear choice for consideration as the best binocular manufacturer.


The Zeiss Terra 8x42’s 8x zoom gives it the ideal field of view, while the 42mm objective lens makes it perfect for early morning or evening hunting. Zeiss’s patented Zeiss MC lens coating provides excellent contrast, subduing colors of foliage while brightening the color spectrum of typical game coats and feathers.

While this binocular is a full-size set, it’s still lightweight and compact to allow you full range of motion and mobility in the field. We consider these the best binoculars for deer hunting, but are also great for pheasants, elk, duck, and numerous other types of game.

Gun Safety for Kids

Guidelines for Keeping Kids Safe with Guns in the Home

If you keep guns for home protection or hunting in your home and have children, gun safety for kids is likely a top priority. As it should be. By the time they reach the age of three, they have the physical capability to pull a trigger. So what can you do to ensure their safety? Luckily there are some solid guidelines to keep them safe.

If you’re a hunter and quick access isn’t a concern, safety will be easier. If that is the case, these basic guidelines should be enough for you:

• First and foremost, teach your children to NEVER touch a gun or any gun parts, no matter where they are.
• Keep your guns locked in a safe or other secure location.
• Store the ammo separately from the guns.
• Never leave a weapon out and unattended.

If you keep guns around for personal and home protection, some of the above guidelines may seem to contradict the need for quick and easy access. In this case, there are several options for increasing safety:

• Consider purchasing a personalized gun, or smart gun; while this technology is still relatively young, recent developments make this a viable option for increasing safety with personal protection weapons.
• Bedside gun safes may be your best bet; you can buy ones that fit between your bed and a bedside table, and allow quick access to the weapon’s handle once the correct combination is entered.
• A gun lock like a trigger block can also help; these can be either keyed, or opened with a combination.

Consider these measures, ideally in combination, to increase the safety of home protection firearms when children are a concern.

Finally, make sure your kids are educated on the seriousness of guns. The appropriate time to do so may be when they start to show an interest in guns, either on TV or as toys. Otherwise, use your judgment. If you feel they are at risk of coming across a weapon, and are capable of understanding the conversation, then the time is right. Below are some guidelines for the conversation.

Gun Safety Rules for Kids

• Have an open, honest conversation; simply ordering them to stay away from guns or a gun safe is likely to stimulate their interest.
• Have a talk about real guns vs. toy guns and those on TV; the frequency of shootings on TV and careless use of firearms desensitizes people, especially children, to their truly deadly power.
• If your child has toy firearms, use them to explain the difference between toys and real guns; they should never be able to mistake a gun for a toy.
• Teach them that if they ever come across a gun, they must follow these steps: 
1. STOP
2. Do not touch
3. Leave the area
4. Tell an adult

Ensure that these gun safety rules for kids are fully understood by your child. Don’t make it feel like a lecture. Treat them like a confidant in whom you are investing trust and responsibility. Make it fun and provide a reward for comprehension. Some gun owners even choose to quiz their children on these guidelines, and provide a reward like going out for ice cream for full comprehension. For an extra layer of security, promise such a reward should they ever need to follow these steps and do so successfully.

If you follow all of these steps, you will have achieved a reasonable level of gun safety for children. Always remember to revisit these rules and guidelines to ensure they are fresh in your child’s mind.

Deciding On the Best AR Upper Receiver

The AR15 platform is popular for a variety of reasons, one of which being its modular design which allows virtually limitless options for customization.  From buttstocks to triggers, barrels to handguards, sights to flashlights, bolt carrier groups (BCGs) to rail systems, there’s an abundance of options from a host of manufacturers that will all work together.  This allows for ultra-customization, by the shooter for the shooter.  In this article, we’ll discuss the finer points of the AR15 upper receiver, what its function is, and how to get the most out of it for your money.

The upper receiver portion of an AR15 rifle generally comprises the barrel, handguard, and BCG, sold together as a complete package.  It’s intended to be coupled with a lower receiver to complete the rifle, resulting in a fully functional weapon.  Each of the parts mentioned above will have features that will yield specific results.  For instance, the barrel itself.  Shorter barrels offer more mobility, but decreased accuracy at longer distances than a longer barrel.  The BCG is the group of parts that are responsible for chambering a round, setting off the primer via the firing pin (which fires the bullet), ejecting the spent round, and then re-chambering a new round.  BSGs made and coated with different materials may be easier or more difficult to keep clean, and durability between different BCGs can vary.  The handguard is also known as a heat shield and offers a protective barrier between the shooter and the heated barrel, as well a place to put rail systems to which vertical grips, optics, and flashlights can be mounted.

Choosing the Best AR 15 Upper Assembly  

For all intents and purposes, the term “best” can be considered highly subjective, but depending on what your goals are, you should be able to easily to decide on what the best AR upper for the money is for you in your situation.

You simply need to ask yourself a few questions to help identify what you want to be able to do and what you intend to do with the weapon, and doing so well help to whittle your choices down to a digestible number.  Some of these questions should be:

Do I want to be able to shoot targets at especially long ranges?  If so, you probably want to purchase an upper with a fairly long barrel.  M4 profile barrels are shorter and designed for short to medium-range engagements, whereas M16 profile barrels are built more to “reach out and touch someone”.

For a long range or hunting weapon, we recommend the Bushmaster Predator .223 Remington Barrel Flat Top.

Is this going to be a home defense weapon? If so, you probably want a shorter barrel as it will be more mobile and specifically built for close quarters combat.  At the types of ranges that are common in home defense, there is no good reason to have a long barrel.  Chances are, you’ll be moving through narrow hallways and corridors in a home defense scenario, so the shorter the barrel, the better off you’ll be.

For a short range or home defense option, the Chiappa M4 22LR 16” is the best option for your money.

Do I want to add various weapon attachments to my rifle? If you intend to add a vertical grip, flashlight, laser sight, or any other type of mounted optics like a reflex site or scope, you need rails on your weapon.  Typically, rails can be found on the portion of the upper receiver that contains the BCG, and then additional rails may be found on anywhere from 1 to 4 sides of the heat shield.  A quad rail is essentially a heat shield with rails on the top, bottom, and sides of the handguard – all places where you would attach vertical grips, flashlights, lasers, and any other attachment you can think of.  If you intent to add such attachments, go for an upper receiver that already has them built-in.  If you want a bare bones rifle, choose an upper receiver that doesn’t have the rails.  You’ll save money this way, and you can always buy a quad rail or individual rails to add to your upper receiver at a later date if you decide you want to.

What’s the best overall AR Upper for your money?

We recommend the DPMS Upper A3 Flat Top .223 Remington 16” Barrel.

All things considered, there a lot of options at your disposal when choosing the best AR15 upper receiver, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed.  Hopefully with a little thought about your end goal, you can choose something that is both functional and cosmetically desirable that you will be happy with for years to come.

How to Train for MMA at Home

While there’s no replacement for training with professionals and sparring partners in a studio, there are certainly steps you can take to start conditioning your body to train. Why can’t you train solo all the way to the octagon? Fighting is mostly technique and muscle memory. While you can try to learn from videos, you need feedback on proper form from professionals who can identify your weak points. There is no replacement for this professional feedback or for time in the ring against capable opponents.

However, you can definitely start conditioning yourself for training now. Maybe you can’t afford training at a professional MMA studio, or don’t have access to one. Don’t let that stop you from engaging your desire to start MMA training. We’ll teach you how to train for MMA with these MMA exercises and conditioning techniques that cover the spectrum of how people train outside the ring. These tips will get you far in prepping for fight time.

Things you can do at home

Work on physical training that conditions your body to battle through fatigue. This will improve the speed of your punches and footwork, and increases your stability and balance. MMA strength training is about volume and variety. When you train, you will get the most benefit out of your efforts to keep going when your body doesn’t want to.  Let’s take a look at some activities that will help you when it comes time to train and spar.

• Work on your sprawling and other groundwork. You can do so with various solo groundwork drills, such as those for Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling. There are many variations, and instructions are easy to find.
• Do high-rep body weight exercises. All sorts of variations of push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and squats are good examples. Do as many as you can until your body can’t take it (without hurting yourself). This will help with your conditioning. 
• Plyometric and isometric exercises and holds. Plyometrics will improve cardio, explosiveness, and speed. Isometric exercise will improve stability and muscle endurance, and can often help break strength plateaus. Ensure you do isometric exercises at beginning, mid, and end of a muscle’s range of motion.
• Do tons of stretching and yoga. That’s right. Yoga. There’s no better form of exercise for overall balance, flexibility, and joint health. The kind of stability you’ll get from a serious yoga practice can’t be beat, and the intense stretching actually invigorates joints with new fluid, improving elasticity and recovery time.
• Try working in some gymnastic body weight exercises. Many gymnastic moves mimic moves done in the ring, especially Jiu Jitsu. In addition to programming your body to move correctly, you’ll improve balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility. Examples of helpful exercises include planches and 90 degree pushups.
• Go on long distance runs and run intervals on stairs and hills. Remember, endurance is a big part of fight-readiness. You need to be able to exert continuously and still perform. Throw in the odd plyometric pushup set and other body weight exercises between intervals or right after long-distance runs. 
• Do some shadow boxing drills to increase punch speed. Various drills should be easy to find online. We recommend this Youtube video. Precise, perfect form is not important when shadow boxing, and you can work on basic footwork, coordination, and speed without injury/joint stress.
• Do lots of core strengthening exercises. Think you’ve done enough? Do more. This doesn’t just mean abs, gym rats. Your core includes lower back, abs, waist, and hips. Look up MMA core strength exercises, and do them religiously. This article will get you started with a solid routine.
• Finally, lift weights as you likely already do, but be sure to incorporate sets of explosive lifts.

All these activities will improve your physical condition for when it comes time to train. If you want to extend your efforts to include more but still can’t find or afford a gym, there are other options to consider. Try to find a boxing, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu or other martial arts club for free/cheap sparring and tips from people with more experience. Let them know that you’re looking for feedback and don’t mind their constructive criticism. If money is the issue, try reaching out to gyms that may be interested in trading for labor. You can likely find one that needs help cleaning up the studio and/or working the front desk and phones.

The Three Best Concealed Carry Holsters for Any Context

Concealed carry holsters should be functional, low-profile, and comfortable for use in a variety of clothing and settings. Many gun-owners have a box or drawer full of holsters that are not comfortable or simply not appropriate for the context in which they’ll be used. There are several options for holster types that would be appropriate for concealed carry. We’ll cover which holsters for concealed carry we think are the absolute best for each preference.

IWB Concealed Carry Holster
Galco Triton Kydex IWB Holster

In-waist-band holsters are one of the most popular options for a concealed carry holster. They are low profile and can be worn with any apparel in any type of weather, while allowing quick and easy access.

The Triton Kydex is one of the most durable and feature-rich of the IWB holsters. It also happens to be our favorite IWB. The Kydex material means it’s ultra-durable and resistant to smells and degradation, and the sweat-guard protects the gun. A firm but smooth form keeps the user comfortable while still retaining shape after draw, allowing smooth re-holstering of your weapon.

Belt Holster for Concealed Carry
Galco Concealable Belt Holster

If you’re looking for an outside-the-waist-band option that’s comfortable and easy to keep concealed, this Galco holster is the right option. The unique design fits the contours of the hip for maximum comfort and a low-profile design that lies flatter on the body than most “pancake-style” holsters.

This holster works with numerous semi-automatic pistols and double-action revolvers, and will last a lifetime. The combination of comfort and durability with a low profile are what make this our number one selection for an OWB concealed carry holster option.

Shoulder Holster for Concealed Carry
Galco Miami Classic Shoulder System

If you’re looking for a shoulder holster system for concealed carry, you won’t find a better option than the Miami Classic. This true classic is the most popular shoulder holster in the world for good reason.

This holster is by far the most comfortable shoulder holster system, due to Galco’s Spider harness system, which allows all four points of the back plate pivot independently. This makes all the difference for concealed carriers, for whom most shoulder rigs would become uncomfortable in little time.

This system also includes two magazine carriers, and is fully modular, allowing you to add various accessories depending on your needs.

Conclusion

Picking the best conceal carry holster depends on the user, the context, and how often they’ll be carrying. Regardless of your needs, these Galco concealed carry holsters are some of the most versatile and beloved options available. What do you think of our selection of the best concealed carry holsters around? Will you be picking one up, or do you think we missed a great option? Comment below and join the discussion!

How to Wrap Your Hands for Boxing and MMA

Wrapping your hands is critically important for protecting the bones and joints in your hands and wrists. Wraps’ main purpose is to protect the bones in your hands, which connect to each of your fingers. They also serve to stabilize and protect the wrists. This does more than protect from injury. It also gives a fighter the confidence to punch with full force. Knowing one can deliver an aggressive blow without feeling it in the bones of the hand has a definite impact on the force of the punch. To stay in proper fighting form, be sure you know the correct way to wrap.

Keep in mind that over-wrapping with tape or gauze can hinder a fighter. Sweat can build up, accumulating weight and slowing punches. Wraps should be firm and taut without affecting circulation. Ensure the wraps are free of wrinkles, which are uncomfortable and reduce the stabilizing effect.

1. Hook the loop over your thumb and lay the wrap over the back of your wrist
2. Pull the wrap under and wrap it three times around your wrist, ending just under the wrist near the base of the thumb
3. Pull the wrap across the wrist and over the back of your hand
4. Pull it under your hand and across your palm just under the knuckles; then wrap your hand three times and end on the inside of the hand near the thumb
5. Wrap over the back of the thumb, pulling over the back of the hand and looping between the small and ring fingers
6. Bring the wrap across toward the inside of the hand, between the index finger and thumb
7. Wrap across the back of your hand and under your wrist, bringing it up under the wrist near the base of the thumb, over the back of the hand and between the ring and middle finger
8. Bring it again to the inside of the hand between the index finger and thumb, over the back of the hand, and under toward the wrist/base of the thumb
9. Wind it over the hand and between the middle and index fingers
10. Wrap once more across your hand, then your wrist, and repeat in an X pattern until you can secure the wrap using the Velcro end 

Once the wrap is completed, throw a few punches and flex your hand to make sure it’s comfortable. If it’s too tight or loose, you’ll have to redo the wrap.

The Best MMA Gloves

The world of mixed martial arts has continuously gained in popularity over recent years. In fact, revenue earned from MMA pay-per-view events now exceeds those of professional wrestling and boxing. With such popularity, it's no surprise that more and more people are opting to practice MMA to stay in shape and have a little fun. As any professional fighter will attest to, however, having the right gloves can make all the difference in the world.

Best MMA Grappling Gloves

Hayabusa Tokushu MMA Gloves

Even if a person's so-called "bread and butter" is striking, they're going to end up grappling and on the ground. When considering the best MMA grappling gloves, it's important to find a pair that stays secure on the fighter's hands, regardless of what position they're in. Considering how quickly a fighter may have to change positions, this is an imperative feature.

Additionally, grappling gloves must provide wrist support. In grappling situations, gloves that don't do this can lead to broken bones. Because of these necessary features, the Hayabusa Tokushu MMA gloves are ideal. Their wrist closure design protects the wrist from potential injury. Additionally, at only 4 ounces, the gloves are lightweight enough to allow for maximum power while staying secure around the fighter's hands.

Best MMA Striking Gloves

Revgear's Thai Style Boxing Gloves

When it comes to striking, padding and wrist protection are vital. Walking away from an MMA bout with an injured wrist and knuckles will likely take the excitement out of even the greatest victory. With this in mind, most people would do very well by opting for Revgear's Thai Style boxing gloves. Those who enjoy Muay Thai will love the open palm design, but there are various other features that make these gloves ideal for striking.

For wrist protection, these are the best MMA striking gloves. They have a trademarked design that ensures maximum wrist protection and comfort. This is invaluable in fights where striking is the prominent tactic. The gloves' padding provides great protection overall, but it's the additional foam placed over the knuckles that makes these gloves perfect for striking.

Best Overall MMA Fighting Gloves

Hayabusa Tokushu Hybrid Gloves

Making a second appearance on the list is the Hayabusa Tokushu brand. It's their hybrid gloves, though, that stand out as the best overall MMA fighting gloves. The name means exactly what it sounds like: the gloves are hybrid. When actually in the octagon or ring, fighters will have to transition between striking and grappling, and these gloves' hybrid design allows for just that.

As always, wrist support is a necessity, and the loop design of these gloves provides full protection. Some people don't consider comfort in gloves since they're fighting anyway, but gloves that are more comfortable make for a quicker recovery after a bout. The bamboo lining in these gloves provides just that. The lining even helps to regulate the heat inside of the gloves, so no more sweaty hands after a match.

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Different people have different tastes in MMA gloves, but just about everyone pays attention to certain features. These features are found prominently in the aforementioned gloves, so for anyone who's looking to get into MMA or just wanting to buy new gloves, these are a great place to start.