[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Two Tracks String Scallops #9990

Well, this is what happens when I make pronouncements like the one above…

Reading this morning’s posts about SBD strings but another bug in my ear to try one again. And I have to say – being able to pop the Scallops off and put them on a different string in mere seconds was great. I put the SBD on the same Primal Styk I’ve been shooting, adjusted the Scallops, and indeed, it was quieter. Not sure why, since I hadn’t gotten those results before, but heck – the proof is in the puddin.’ And speaking of ‘puddin’ I’m going to heat up a slice of humble pie…:oops:

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Winter Rove #9890

David – what bow is that in your pics? A Shrew?

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Statuesque form #9888

I clicked on his name in that link and he has several pages of quick little videos – some archery related, some about muzzleloaders, horse packing tips, etc. Good to see more trad advocates in the mainstream publications!

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Two Tracks String Scallops #9785

It’s funny you guys mention SBD strings, and it’s interesting just how much personal experience differs with different setups. I’ve tried several SBD strings (with wool puffs) and never found them to be any quieter than my typical 16-strand FF strings, not matter how much I tuned them. And this has been the same experience on several different bows. But, I’ve heard so many good things about them, and I have a buddy that loves them on his bows, so I’m not sure what the deal is, and why they haven’t worked well for me.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Two Tracks String Scallops #9017

Steve Graf wrote:

I was talking about the performance of the silencer (ability to kill sound), not the performance of the bow 🙄

Oh, that. 😳

Well, as of this afternoon, I feel a little more qualified to comment. I put a pair of String Scallops on my Primal Styk today, and just shot about 50 arrows or so with them on.

I started out with the Scallops about 1/4 of the string length from the tips, which on this bow means about 15″ from either end. After shooting it this way for a bit, it seemed to me that they were equally as effective as the Mini Wooly Whispers I previously had on the string.

Then I decided to try the ‘heterodyning’ thing, and see if/how much of a difference that made. I kept the top Scallop at 15″ from the tip, and moved the bottom Scallop up to 20″ from the bottom tip (1/4 & 1/3 the string length, respetively). While it wasn’t huge, it was a noticeable improvement than having them equidistant @ 15″, and a little quieter than I had been able to get the bow previously with the Wooly Whispers.

Here’s a pic of the Scallop on the string, and the Mini Wooly for a size comparison:

So, at this point I’d say they are at least as, if not a little more, effective than Wooly Whispers. Which, when combined with their lower profile/bulk, ease of installation and adjustment, ability to easily remove them and reuse them, and that they don’t hold burrs the way that Woolies do, it seems like they are well worth it to me.

Keep in mind I’m shooting a D-shaped longbow, and it’s not a very loud bow to begin with. I’ll be curious to hear Etter chime in with his experience, and of course, anyone else who is using them.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Two arrow bow quiver #64049

DK –

I don’t know of anyone who is still making a 2-arrow quiver since ABS quite making theirs, unfortunately. Kanati offers a single arrow quiver call the “Slim Solo,” which I like:

Other than that, every other bow quiver I know of is designed for at least 3 or more.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Homemade handiwork #63997

Doc Nock wrote:

I’m tellin ya, you NEED a SPork!

Just stop it with the ‘spork’ talk, Doc. Those hybrid implements are for urban hipsters in neatly-rolled up jeans and $200 flannel shirts dabbling in glamping, not for woodsmen. Can you imagine Fred Bear, Art Young or Jim Bridger for that matter, saying, “hey guys, check out this neat spork I brough along?”

Here’s another handy thing I made a while back –

I don’t typically go walking around with a hatchet on my hip, but it’s pretty handy when you’re working in a particular spot like limbing a tree, and don’t want to keep putting your hatchet down and then having to go back and get it again.

Handy for hanging it up when you’re done, too:

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Homemade handiwork #63956

Thanks, David. That last pic is the finished product. The bowl is fully sanded so there is no ash left in it, just a dark brown color. And it’s been given several light coats of olive oil. I used it for breakfast yesterday morning, though it’s a little on the large side – more of a ‘camp spoon.’ But I’m probably going to start working on a smaller companion to it soon…

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Arrow Weight for Hunting #63451

letitgo –

Welcome to the forum! I think you’ll find a lot of good info here if you dig around, not to mention a pretty funny cast of characters…:D

So, you say that your bow is a #45 bow – are you actually drawing #45 @ 28″, or is your draw length more/less? If you’re drawing exactly #45, then a 485gr. arrow puts you at about 10.7 grains per pound – which is pretty squarely in the ‘normal’ range for a hunting arrow weight.

How long have you been shooting this bow/arrow combo? Are you coming from a compound bow background?

Also, I would say that a 485gr. arrow is probably on the light side for a Russian boar (not that it can’t be done, but most guys I know who hunt boar would say that’s on the lighter side). They are very tough animals, with a thick ‘shield’ that protects the vitals.

When you say you have “lost 5-6 yards off your comfort zone,” I’m assuming you mean that your arrows are dropping earlier than you think they should be? Or is it not that they are dropping, but that accuracy in general suffers? Sorry for all the questions, but helping people work through these things over the internet, without being able to see you shoot and see what’s happening can be a little challenging. But we’ll do our best to help you!

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Homemade handiwork #63226

grumpy wrote: Nice butt cover Doc Nock

Don’t worry, Doc – it doesn’t make your butt look big.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: What ya got goin? #63173

Mike – I’m guessing you’re probably in shorts and flip-flops right now, but thanks for not rubbing our faces in it. 8)

When you get a chance, I’d love to see a pic of that boat.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Emergency Gear #63061

Ptaylor wrote: I think its good to be prepared, but the right mindset can make or break the situation no matter what you carry.

Absolutely. In my mind, both are important, and even more so the worse the conditions are. It’s one thing on a mild Sept. evening, it’s another when it’s 0deg. F. and you’re looking at a night out (or several) with 3 feet of snow on the ground and more on the way. The right gear won’t get you anywhere without the right skills and the right mentality, but the reverse can be just as true in serious conditions – the best mentality in the world might not get you through it if you don’t have a few essentials with you as well.

On the subject of exploring survival ‘mentality’ there is a book I found pretty thought-provoking written by Lawrence Gonzales – “Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why.” It’s not your typical “survival” book at all, instead it’s a look at numerous real-world surivors of a bunch of different life/death scenarios, and the character traits (or mentality) that got them out of it. Recommended for anyone interested in the subject.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: question about stoves #63026

The MSR Pocket Rocket and the Jetboil are very similar, and like David says they both excel at boiling water fast, but if you’re looking to do more involved cooking with the ability to simmer, etc. they may not be the best choice. I keep a Jetboil in my truck for road trips, just for when I want to pull over and make a cup of coffee quickly on the tailgate. I can literally be back on the road with a hot cup ‘o joe in 2 minutes.

The venerable MSR Whisperlite is also a darn good backpacking stove that offers more cooking versatility. I’ve used those extensively on extended backcountry trips, from Alaska to Patagonia. Pretty easy to repair too, if/when needed.

I’m assuming you’re talking about something you plan to carry backpacking? I know they’re not for everyone and every situation, but I love my Emberlit twig stove – 5oz. and I never have to carry any fuel bottles. Of course, you have to spend a little more time gathering tinder/twigs, but everything is a trade off, and I don’t mind building a little fire anyway. In wet conditions, you need to plan ahead, though. They also just introduced a new model, designed to either run off of natural fuel, or you can use it in conjunction with an alcohol stove.

Just another idea…I’ll be curious to hear what you decide.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Signs of Spring #62899

Hardly used my new snowshoes this year. Oh well, can’t complain too much about that. Hopefully this unseasonably warm weather means that soon we’ll have bare ground and lots of white hares still running around thinking they’re blending in…

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: mushrooms and elk..i think.. #62876

John – my understanding is that they will eat a variety of different ‘shrooms. Without seeing a pic, it’s hard to ID the particular one you’re talking about. Of course, it might also have been…

[Author]

Posts