TREESTANDMAN

Thanks for that info Desert Bull. Very interesting! One reason I really like Swarovski is because of the comfortable Eyecups and ergonomics and feel of the binos.

Catclaw, You may be right about the focal quality of the swarovs/leica to the Minox. If you are right I will sell my Minox for close to what I purchased them for and get some swarovs or Leicas. I've owned swarovs for many years and I do love them. I have no idea if you are right about the lazer negatively affecting the Leica glass? It doesn't really make sense to me as to how it would affect it that much. Have you ever compared Minox 15*58's to Swarov 15*56's side by side? With high quality glass, that is really the best way to accurately compare them which I plan to do very soon. If I feel the difference is minute....then I'm probably going to start recommending minox. The price was dropped from 1k down to 500.00 for a reason. I'm wondering if it is because the Minox binos don't fit those with narrow eyes? Or maybe the glass just isn't that great? Too heavy? The name? I've often wondered how much it actually costs swarovski or Leica, Zeiss to make a pair of 3K binoculars? All that material purchased in bulk can't cost all that much? What exactly sets a swarovski El 10*42 binocular from a Nikon Monarch 10*42 bino? Sure you can tell the difference (a little) in low light situations. But in broad daylight looking across a canyon 200 yds away the difference is very small. I remember reading a comparison 3 members of this site did comparing the Swarovski EL 8*42 to a Zen-ray 8*43 ED. I was amazed that the consensus was that the zen-rays were equal if not slightly clearer and crisper than the 2K EL swarovs. The zen-ray are a $400 pair of binos with a good waranty. How can this be? Sorry for getting a little philosophical. I'm excited to put my new binos to the test!! I wish I had some to try out before ordering them but not many stores carry them. Mike

I would also take the 2nd week. More bugles means being able to locate them easier and if stalking is one of your strong points, getting in on a herd bull is not as tough as some think if you do it right. Plus, if the "frenzy period" is late like it usually is, you have a chance to experience one of the most amazing things a hunter can experience. Mike

Pm sent.

I also have one I'd let go for $30 that I don't use. It is a bushnell. Mike

Young hunter, I've considered the Kiababs as well. I'm choosing the Minox for the reviews/price. The Minox are only $500.00 the Kiababs are $1K. With the reviews I've ready from the Minox, you can't go wrong with $499.00! My eyes are not narrow so I think the Minox should work. If I find out I've made a mistake I'll sell the Minox with the transferrable warranty and get the Kiababs, Leica, or Swarovs again. Mike

Thanks for the info everyone. I've never looked through the Leica 15*56 Geovids however I've done a lot of research and with the exception of catclaw's post, most are saying the clarity and light gathering abilities compared to the swarovski 15*56's are minute if noticeable at all. Some even say the Leica Geovids are more crisp than the swarovski's which I have experienced with the 10*42's. I've decided to try out the Minox 15*58's which are a fraction of the price of swarovski's and Leica's and have very similar benefits from what I'm told. I will do a swarovski side by side test with my new Minox and write up a review as soon as I am able. Mike

Great deal, good scope!

Wow!!! Great variety of pics. Love the first bear pic with the cub!! It almost looks like she has a bullet or archery wound that has healed behind the shoulder? The really cool thing is that most of the pics were during the day! Mike

Very nice Bear!! I love the color. I shot a bear several years ago using the same method. Mike

Lowered to $650? Keep in mind this rifle is guarranteed by Sako (Tikka) to be under 1" at 100 yds which is the only rifle I know of in this price range to do that.

Awesome experience!!! Congrats on a beautiful Cougar!! Very nice write up as well.

I could trade for a good trail cam, but we'd have to meet in the Phoenix metro area..I'm in Gilbert, or Payson. thx, Mike

3.nikon monarch 4-16x50 sf matte black , nikoplex reticle, new, total price 380$ This in my opinion is the best scope for the money out there. I've used it for years and the quality and clarity is top notch. Mike

That bull is a solid 350+ bull. Mike

Price lowered to $675.00.

The muzzle break is actually a huge plus for most people as it reduces the recoil quite a bit. For me personally, I don't like the muzzle breaks for the sound. I don't use ear protection while hunting and just want a rifle without the break just in case I have to get off a quick shot and don't have the time to plug my ears. I'm sure 90% of my hunting situations would allow me time to put the ear plugs in, I just want to be prepared for the 10%. Mike

I'd be real interested if it didn't have the muzzle brake.

Thanks Ernesto. At least I still have my 2nd wife.....which is hunting.

UNIT 31 DEC WHITETAIL!!! NICE!!

Wow, Good mass, Awesome eyeguards, Wide spread. I'm sure he will be a shooter!! Mike

Amanda, Yes, a completely different buck and completely different hunter. Sorry to hijack the thread. Mike

SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!! Here I come unit 32!!! Late dec Coues tag!!!

HOLY ****!!!! Gonzo is the guy that is friends with a guy named Willie in Payson that took an incredible buck I showed him pictures of 2 yrs ago. I'm sure I'll see you in the field this year Willie. I never should have shown you those pics you greedy sob. You should not have put up your treestand 30 yards from mine after seeing my trail camera, salt, and treestand. His buck ended up scoring a whopping 121 gross. At least he gave the buck some respect by giving him a full body mount! I named him Whopper. It almost feels like someone started dating my wife and ended up taking her from and .... crap, I need to let this go. Its consuming me. I'm lost in the depths of despair. Fellow members, is there really life after being so close to harvesting such a big buck? Mike

Really? Lets see some pics of the full rack then!!! Whats the story Silent? Mike