Recent content by smithjd

  1. smithjd

    X - Vectronix Shooting Solutions

    I finally received the Nightcore NL1835 LTHP battery. I charge it to full and left it in the Vector-X's outside all night. It is about 17-18F out now and they seem to be working well. I'm leaving them in the truck. It is supposed to be near zero overnight in the next couple days and will...
  2. smithjd

    20” 6ARC bullet selection…

    I have a 20" Proof AR, rifle +1 gas, 8tw IIRC. I reloaded a batch of Hornady 80 gr ELD-VT using 30.7 gr of CFE223 (30.9 was Hornady max data) and obtained 2930 fps, suppressed. Accuracy was better than factory, but I need to get a stiffer forend at some point. They are my point & shoot...
  3. smithjd

    X - Vectronix Shooting Solutions

    Just checked again this morning. Weather says it is 23f out and they are working well. Much better with the 18650 than the CR123. At elk hunting camp I can hang them closer to the stove, and wear the bino harness under a jacket if I had to. Winter coyote hunting might be a problem.
  4. smithjd

    X - Vectronix Shooting Solutions

    Cold Wx update. I installled a new, charged 3500 mah 18650 battery and left it in my truck to cold soak. One morning at about 20 degrees it seemed to work the few times I tried it. This morning at about 10 degrees it woke up and I got one reading, then nothing. I have one of the...
  5. smithjd

    Sidearms & Scatterguns VP9 long slide

    I carry right of the belt buckle so the muzzle fits in the inguinal crease, around the first belt loop on my Wranglers. Have driven for days like that and it works well for me. No doubt a longer holster with a standard length slide would achieve the same effect. And of course, if you are...
  6. smithjd

    Sidearms & Scatterguns VP9 long slide

    I have the VP9L OR. It is topped with a Trijicon SRO, which makes the slide length a moot point. It is boringly accurate, reliable, and easy to shoot well. Surprisingly, I find the longer slide makes AIWB carry more comfortable for me than shorter / smaller guns. Using a JC Custom Kydex...
  7. smithjd

    X - Vectronix Shooting Solutions

    I have experienced this a couple times now. I’ve taken the batteries out (just the 123A’s), warmed them up in my hands or a pocket for a couple minutes, re-installed them and the binoculars work. Has never been really cold, probably teens & 20’s at worst. I will have to see if the 18650’s...
  8. smithjd

    X - Vectronix Shooting Solutions

    I used a set of 10x SMR for several weeks while guiding in Wyoming, all handheld. I will echo that the depth of field was so forgiving I didn’t adjust focus much. And yes, edge clarity could be better, but I had to look to see it. The lase button is a little recessed and I had to search...
  9. smithjd

    Optics **** Vector X binoculars **** Get ya some !!

    Buy from Scott with confidence. He went the extra mile to get them to me while I’m away from home working in the mountains. Will put them to use right away. Thanks Scott!
  10. smithjd

    Sro failure ?

    Agreed. Based on a previous experience with Trijicon, you should be good to go and they will do you right. I had an RMR I bought used since the dot was blurry. Well, the focusing lens had departed. Sent it back and they replaced it.
  11. smithjd

    Optics **** Vector X binoculars **** Get ya some !!

    Fingers crossed. Will put these straight to work!
  12. smithjd

    Rifle Scopes I think I missed the boat - Nightforce velocity reticle MPVO

    I have one with the LV reticle. It weighs only 19oz, which is the other big thing going for it. I had it on a SCAR17 for a while and could get first round hits in 2 min targets out to 600 with it. Now it’s on my pre-64 M70 in 30-06. The 30-06 should have a MV reticle instead of the LV...
  13. smithjd

    Optics **** Vector X binoculars **** Get ya some !!

    Thanks Scott, Put me down for a set of 10x SMR with an Area 419 ARCALOCK mount if you have one. Jay
  14. smithjd

    Recommend the most American made 30-06 for an elk hunt

    Excellent thread. I have a 1954 era Winchester M70 in 30-06 with a Canjar single set trigger. I upgraded the 4x scope to a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x32. Going to do some load development with 168 gr TTSX as soon as I get my bench back together. Have a Wyoming hunt booked in 2025…
  15. smithjd

    Cover Songs.

    Velvet Revolver does some good covers: