It is pretty exciting, you know, to be almost done putting together a new piece of equipment. This particular setup, it's almost ready for action, and it's something that feels like it will be very useful when the sun goes down. The idea here is to have something that works well for those times when you are out looking for certain animals after dark. This creation, a .22 ARC AR, is actually being put together with a specific purpose in mind. It's meant for those nighttime outings, especially when dealing with coyotes and, too, those clever foxes. Having the right tool for the job makes a big difference, and this one, it seems, is really shaping up to be quite the useful item for such endeavors. It's about having something reliable when you are out there in the quiet of the evening, trying to manage things.
Beyond the current project, there is also a trip on the calendar that has a lot of people looking forward to it. This trip, scheduled for February, will take place in Florida, and it involves a particular kind of hunt. It is, you see, a hog hunt, and those can be quite an experience. Preparing for something like that takes a bit of thought, especially when considering what tools you will bring along. The planning for this kind of outing, it seems, is just as important as the actual event itself. You want to make sure you are ready for whatever the situation might present, and that means having the right items with you, doesn't it?
For a good while now, a certain piece of gear has been put to the test, and it has, in fact, performed just as it was expected to. This item, known as the Hog Saddle, has been a part of many outings over the years. It has, actually, done what it said it would, which is always a good thing when you are relying on your equipment. When you use something for a long time, you get a real feel for how it works, and this particular item has proven itself to be a steady companion in the field. It's one of those things that, in some respects, you just come to trust after a while, knowing it will hold up its end of the bargain.
Table of Contents
- Getting Ready for the Wild
- What Gear is Being Used Now?
- Thinking About Gear – Vyce Versus the Hog Plus Saddle
- What's Next for Hog Plus Hunting?
- The Hog Plus Impact on the Land
- Some Thoughts on Hog Plus Gear
- Future Hog Plus Builds on the Horizon?
- A Few More Thoughts on Hog Plus Tools
What Gear is Being Used Now?
When it comes to the tools currently in use, there is a specific setup that has been quite helpful. This arrangement includes a 22-inch 6.5 Grendel, which is a rather interesting choice for various situations. It's also paired with a SilencerCo Omega, which, you know, helps with sound management. For seeing things in the dark, there's a Trijicon Reap2 IR35, which sits on a tripod, providing a stable view. And, to get a broader picture of what's around, a 384 thermal scanner is also part of the kit. This collection of items, basically, works together to give a good sense of what's happening out there, especially when light is not on your side.
Speaking of what's being used, there was a change made recently regarding the type of ammunition. For a while, the Hornady 123 SSTs were the go-to, and they did their job. However, a switch was made, and now the preference is for something called "cavity" ammunition. This change, in fact, might be due to various reasons, perhaps for better performance in certain situations or simply to try something different. It's always interesting to see how people adjust their choices based on their experiences in the field, isn't it? Sometimes, a little adjustment can make a big difference in how things work out.
And when we talk about this cavity ammunition, there's a detail about its speed. From a 9.5-inch barrel, this particular kind of round moves at a quick pace, running around 1450 feet per second. That speed, you know, is a significant factor in how the ammunition performs once it leaves the barrel. It gives you an idea of the kind of force and trajectory you can expect. Knowing these sorts of figures helps in understanding the capabilities of the setup, and it's a detail that, in some respects, helps paint a clearer picture of the overall system's effectiveness. It's all part of getting to know your equipment really well.
Thinking About Gear – Vyce Versus the Hog Plus Saddle
While the Hog Saddle has been a reliable companion for a good many years, there's another item that has come into play, and it's proving to be, actually, a step up. This other piece of equipment, called the Vyce, is definitely seen as better. It seems to hold things in place more firmly, giving a feeling of greater steadiness. When you are out in the field, having something that feels truly solid can make a big difference in how you operate. It's about that sense of security, you know, that your gear is not going to shift when you need it to stay put.
Beyond just feeling more solid, the Vyce also seems to give you a clearer sense of what's happening. You could say you get better feedback from it. This means that when you are making adjustments or holding things steady, you can feel the connection more directly. That kind of clear response is, in some ways, really important when you are trying to be precise. It allows you to make smaller, more accurate movements, and that can really count when you are trying to get things just right. It's about the tool communicating with you, in a way, helping you do your job more effectively for hog plus activities.
There was a time, actually, when a Hog Saddle was used for a shot, and it worked out. However, there's one thing that caused a moment of pause with it. The main concern was that it didn't seem to tighten down enough to hold a specific kind of chassis, which is a McCree Precision chassis. This limitation, you know, means that for certain setups, the Hog Saddle might not be the ideal choice. It's a small detail, but it can be a big deal if your particular piece of equipment needs a very firm grip. It just goes to show that even good tools have their specific uses and limitations, and it's good to be aware of those when considering your hog plus gear.
What's Next for Hog Plus Hunting?
There's a desire, you see, to get a particular kind of AR for hunting hogs. The idea is to find something that fits right in between the .223 and .308 ARs that are currently owned. This search for a middle ground, in fact, suggests a wish for a balance in performance, perhaps something that offers a bit more than one without being as much as the other. It's about finding that sweet spot, you know, that feels just right for the specific needs of hog hunting. This kind of careful consideration for a new piece of equipment shows a real thought process behind getting ready for those future outings, especially for hog plus endeavors.
Adding to the plans for new gear, there's a CGS Hyperion K on order. This item, when it arrives, will allow the setup to be suppressed. Having a suppressor, in some respects, changes the experience quite a bit. It helps to manage the sound, which can be beneficial for various reasons, including not disturbing the environment as much or making things a bit more comfortable for the person using the equipment. This addition is, basically, a step towards refining the hunting setup even further, making it more suited for the specific conditions that might be encountered during hog plus activities.
The thought of building a dedicated piece of equipment for hog hunting is also on the mind. In fact, planning a few more trips for this year provides a good reason to go ahead with such a project. Having a tool that is specifically put together for one purpose can often lead to better results, as every part can be chosen with that single goal in mind. It's like having a good excuse, you know, to really focus on creating something that is perfectly suited for those particular outings. This approach, in a way, shows a commitment to getting the most out of every hunting experience, especially for hog plus trips.
The Hog Plus Impact on the Land
It's worth noting the reason why hog hunting is such a focus, and it has a lot to do with the trouble these animals can cause. They have, for example, completely ruined food plots, which are areas set aside for other wildlife or for agricultural purposes. This destruction, you know, can have a real impact on the land and on efforts to manage it. It's not just a small problem; it's something that really changes the landscape in a negative way, which is why dealing with them is often a priority for hog plus management.
Beyond the food plots, these animals have also, actually, rooted up ditches. This kind of activity can lead to a lot of damage to the ground, changing the way water flows and making areas difficult to move through. It's a general nuisance, to put it simply, for anyone trying to maintain the land or use it for other purposes. The sheer amount of disruption they cause is, in some respects, quite significant. It's about more than just a few disturbed areas; it's about widespread issues that require attention and, often, intervention, especially when considering the need for hog plus control efforts.
Some Thoughts on Hog Plus Gear
There was a mention of a "nice review" for the Hog Saddle, which suggests that, generally, people have a good impression of it. Reviews, you know, can be helpful when trying to decide if a piece of equipment is right for you. They offer insights from others who have used the item in real-world situations. This kind of feedback, in a way, helps to build a picture of what to expect. It's always good to hear positive things about a tool, especially one that has been around for a while, and it speaks to its general usefulness for many hog plus enthusiasts.
When thinking about new builds, questions naturally come up about the best choices for certain parts. For example, there's a curiosity about what barrel length is considered the most effective these days. And, too, what brands are currently seen as the top choices. These sorts of questions are, basically, about staying current with what works best and what new options might be available. The world of gear is always changing, so getting input from others who are familiar with the latest developments is, actually, quite valuable when planning for hog plus setups.
Looking at the construction of different gear items, there's a clear difference between the Hog Saddle and the Pig Saddle. The Hog Saddle is made from CNC machined aluminum, which makes it lighter. In fact, it is 30% lighter than the Pig Saddle. This weight difference, you know, can be a big deal when you are carrying your gear around for long periods. Every bit of weight saved can make the experience more comfortable, and that's something to consider when choosing your tools for hog plus activities.
On the other hand, the Pig Saddle is a bit heavier, and this is because it is made of steel. Steel, while strong, tends to weigh more than aluminum. So, while it might offer a different kind of feel or durability, it does come with that added weight. It's a trade-off, really, between materials and how they affect the overall feel and portability of the item. Knowing these details about construction helps in making a decision that fits your particular needs and preferences when selecting your hog plus equipment.
The Hog Saddle has specific situations where it truly shines. It is, for example, a good choice for rifles that do not have plates. This means it works well with a particular kind of setup. Furthermore, it is considered a must-have if there are spotting scopes in the mix. When you are using a spotting scope, you need a stable platform, and the Hog Saddle provides that. It's about having the right tool for the right job, and in these cases, the Hog Saddle, in some respects, really fits the bill for hog plus viewing.
Future Hog Plus Builds on the Horizon?
There's a pair of Leica LRFS that are also part of the equipment collection. However, there's a small issue with them: they do not have any way to be directly mounted. This means that for certain setups, an adapter or a different solution might be needed to attach them properly. It's a detail that, you know, sometimes comes up with different pieces of gear, where one item doesn't quite fit with another without a little extra help. It's about finding those workarounds or considering what modifications might be necessary to get everything to function together smoothly for hog plus operations.
A Few More Thoughts on Hog Plus Tools
It seems that the choice of equipment is always a topic of discussion and refinement. From the very specific needs of night hunting for smaller animals to the larger scope of hog management, the tools people use are carefully chosen and often updated. The constant search for what works best, what feels most comfortable, and what provides the most effective results is, basically, a part of the experience. It's about adapting, you know, and making sure that your gear is always up to the task at hand.
Whether it is a new build, a change in ammunition, or a comparison between different support systems, every decision plays a part in the overall effectiveness of the outing. The details, like the speed of a bullet or the material of a saddle, all contribute to the bigger picture. It's a continuous process of learning and adjusting, trying out new things, and sticking with what has proven reliable. This approach, in some respects, is what makes the whole endeavor so engaging, always looking for that little bit extra to improve things.
