Viper

I am wanting to replace the factory sights on my XDM 40 (3.8 compact). Two questions: 1) Can you recommend a competent gun smith in the east valley that has experience with this, specificly XDM's? I understand xdm sights are very tight and require a good sight press and experience so the slide/sights don't get bunged up. A couple of sites recommend sending the slide to XD-HS2000.com, where they will do it for $20, or free if you buy the sights from them. Not sure I am comfortable sending my slide away for a while. 2) What night sights do you recommend? The Truglo fiber optic/tritium ones caught my eye, but reviews say it is not very robust after several rounds. I am leaning toward the Trijicon or Meprolight Tru Dot. Any real experience with these? Any input is appreciated. Thanks, Brad

That's what I've been trying to draw a tag for all these years!?? LOL

I met two of them last Oct, at Jakes Corner. They are really cool and friendly. Wish I had the room for them.

Your favorite hill near RR? It'll be a while before we get back in there.

Very nice buck!! Wow!

Happy anniversary CWT. Thanks Amanda, and the others involved, for keeping this site going all these years. I have gleaned a lot of valuble info from here and met a lot of virtual friends, even though I haven't met many of them, I feel I know them some. I hope to meet more in the future. Thank you and Merry Christmas! Brad

Be aware, some units are closed to archery deer in December, including Units 22 and 23.

Great buck! Good job, and way to stick with it.

I believe it is in Feb. after the HAM hunt. Here are the regs. springregs2013.pdf

Real nice buck!!

Opening weekend was wet and sloppy, but I worked hard and was not discouraged. It finally all came together. Then I put an arrow through this fine buck and put a tag on his antler. It's going to be a great Christmas! It was hard work, but it all came together.... Sorry...had to have a little fun with my "redneck" Christmas display. Merry Christmas and good luck on your hunts. Brad

Holy Smokes!!! I want one!

Maybe the Black Diamond headlamp my son got me. Or maybe the Hitachi 1/2" and 3/8" drill/driver set my wife got me...on sale! Buy one get the other free! Or.....just having both my sons home from their Navy stations for Christmas.....not actually a practical gift, but quite a blessing. Merry Christmas!!

Beautiful! Christmas card perfection. Nice share.

Done. Very good write-up! ...well put.

Maybe this should be a new category in the Big Buck contest....?

That is a great buck! I would also say 180's...depending on the spread. You still have a good chance to win cash at the SW contest.

Enter it in the contest at Sportsman's Warehouse. They will officially score it SCI. You will probably win some cash if it scores 256". Enter the CWT contest as well. We need pictures!

Wow! Great display! All great bucks...that's quite a collection!

That's a GREAT buck! I wouldn't hesitate to take him. Tall, symetrical, and not broke up.

+1 Not my primary method of hunting, but do put it to use now and then. To each their own. Just change your strategy to work in your favor. The only thing that bothers me about the "orange jeep" story, is that they were "glassing" through their rifle scopes. I saw a young man "glass me up" through his rifle scope once......let's just say, he won't forget about that anytime soon. Hopefully he will pass that safety tip on to his kids.

Wow! Poor pig. That'd be like walking in those goofy looking european, long-toed shoes

Kudos to you Dad, and your son, for doing a tough hunt together! You both will remember it for life. Great shot!! I'm not sure I could pull it off. Those of you who plan to hunt with the young'uns, be sure to make it fun for THEM. Put aside the impatience and die-hard hunter-maniac mentality and make it fun. Invest a little quality time early on...you'll have a huntin' partner for life.

I try to get "multi-function" out of my gear. I use three different types of hiking poles. Mostly, I use the "moses pole" mentioned above (yucca pole). They are strong enough to support your weight, and light weight to carry. They are free, and can be customized to your liking. I wrap leather around it for a grip. I've found that your bare hands will get splinters, so you need a grip or gloves. I also wrap them with the camo self-cling tape. Be sure to cut them long enough to glass from. Great project for the kids too. For rifle hunts, I typically care the tall Stoney Point shooting sticks, with the twist and expand legs. These are light weight and offer good support. They are tall enough to glass from, if you rest them on a rock or the toe of your boot. And you have good shooting sticks at the ready. In my pack frame, I have the typical, colapsible trekking poles. If I have to use the pack frame for a heavy meat load, I use the trekking poles for the extra stability. Not much good for glassing from, unless you're sitting on the ground.

ttt