Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Big Cutters, Rank Hogs, and Coffee

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Big Cutters, Rank Hogs, and Coffee

© 2009, 2010 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.


Hunting Big Hogs in Florida, Chronicles Style!


I had shot that three hundred pounder right through the cheekbone!

We had been hunting hog at a friend's ranch an hour or so from where I lived. We had been carefully stalking this bad boy for the better part of two hours. There were sows and piglets to contend with, mosquitoes, and the occasional pygmy rattle thrown in for fun. Actually, I was pretty sure those damned chiggers were, at that very moment, burrowing into my tender flesh and making themselves at home.

Skirting palmetto clumps, and patches of scrub oak, we finally got into position with out spooking him or the other hogs with him. taking a prone position in an open patch of sandy dirt,  I took off my leather hat, laid it in front of me, and used it as a rest for my light hog hunting rifle, a 30/06 Weatherby Eurosport. I wanted an instant kill; I had had enough of chiggers, ticks and skeeters for the day, so I carefully lined up for a spinal shot. I was certain of my shooting ability, and I have complete confidence in my Weatherby and the Remington Safari Grade ammo I use.

180 grains of copper clad and partitioned lead went right under his left eye, through the hog's sinus cavity, and smashed right into his spinal column where it demolished nine inches of bone and nerves, disrupting much of his motor functions. But it wasn't enough. By the time I had crossed the forty or so yards between us, he had regained some use of his body. His jaws worked to and fro, slashing at the under growth, hooking roots, branches and the occasional shrub. Apparently he could use his back legs, and had some use of his front right one. He stumbled as he tried to charge me.

I had stoked the Weatherby with another Remington Safari Grade Swift A-Frame before I was even up. As I raised the Weatherby for a follow up shot, Matt put his hand on my shoulder. "Wait, don't waste the bullet, let me finish him with my .22." Moments later the big hog was down.

And what a hog! Scarred and cut up from slugging it out with the other males, he was a brute; three inches of whetted tusks stuck out either side. I had him mounted, but unfortunately over the years he has deteriorated to the point that it was, in my mind, disrespectful to his memory to have him displayed in that condition. So he now resides sealed in a large bin with a desiccant package and a pest control devise. Maybe, when times are a little better, I can have him refurbished, and he can take place of pride over my desk again.

I really need to get out hog hunting...

But that's not why I tell the tale. Cooking, that's what I want to talk about.

It all started, innocently enough, when I happened upon Miss Jamie's blog Borderland Adventures: Her Perspective and her post Stinky Little Pigs.

Now I like pigs. I like them as livestock, pets, and wildlife. I like them alive and I like them roasted. Now Miss Jamie is actually writing about the New World equivalent of the pig, that being the peccary also known as the javelina. Miss Jamie does an excellent job of explaining their natural history and taxonomy; and she does it with great humor. In addition you will find great narratives of the border area, posts on cooking both in the home and out in the field, and a product review. Not only that, but she has some great photography too! I heartily recommend visiting her Blog Borderland Adventures: Her Perspective.

Now back to the cooking. As it turns out both peccaries and that big ol' hog I took, have similarities. They both stink real bad. As in rank.

I don't like to waste game. But a rank old hog is unpalatable. Simple as that; just plain inedible. I had Matt carve out the tenderloins, if that's not a misnomer I don't know what is. I also got the two roasts. Matt got the rest to grind up for sausage.

When I got home I threw a box of coarse salt over the meat and ice in the cooler. I figured that would buy me enough time to figure out what I was going to do.

I've got one of those big enameled roasting pan, and I always have a lot of garlic. Work with what you got I always say. As I was trying not to pass out from the testosterone induced odor, I remembered reading somewhere that instant coffee neutralized the odor and helped to tenderize the meat. I couldn't remember how much was recommended, so I dumped a big handful in there. I mean I poured it into my hand and dumped it over the roast. With that done, I took a knife skewered that roast and stuffed garlic into every hole I made. I doused it thoroughly with some white wine, the cheap stuff I keep for those meddlesome neighbors, and put the cover on it.

I set the oven on low (325 F) and came back to it about four hours later.

Holy smokes! It worked! The smell was gone, and in its place a delectable and genuinely delicious aroma of cooked pork with subtle tones of garlic. After due deliberations though it was decided that a couple of more hours wouldn't hurt. I cut up some more garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery, and poured in some more wine and water.

A couple of hours later we were sitting around the table enjoying a tender and tasty roast.

I've tried it out with other cuts of tough meat both wild and domestic with similar results. Oh and there is no taste of coffee either. What is in the instant coffee that does that is unknown to me. All I know is that it works.

Amazing what you can do with some coffee...

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Shindand Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...


Update:
While cruising the Blogsphere this morning, I came upon this "The Bacon Weave." For those of you that don't have enough cholesteral in your diet, this is a sure fire way to get it up there! Brought to you by the fellows at BBQ Addicts!

AAR





Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: The Range Reviews: Remington R-25 Multi-Caliber AR-10

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: The Range Reviews: Remington R-25 Multi-Caliber AR-10

© 2010 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.


The Range Reviews: Remington R-25


I recently had the opportunity to field test the Knight's Armament Company's SR-110 SASS here in Afghanistan. Unfortunately I was not permmited to take any pictures. Shoot, I couldn't have any civilian communications, recording, or even an IPod when I went into the camp I was visiting. No worries though, I had a good time!

That got me to thinking about Remington's offer, the R-25. I had recieved notice on the weapon some time ago, but being more of the wood and rust blued steel kind of guy, I had filed the email in the "From the Manufacturer" file. I burrowed through the file and pulled it out, and studied the information available on the net.

Let's check the specs out. The upper and lower receivers are made from aluminum forgings. The handguard is a turned aluminum tube. All parts are impervious to the weather, so weather changes will have no effect on accuracy. The Remington R-25 rifle has a free-floating 20 inch fluted barrel, that is button rifled in a 1:10 twist rate. Remington had the good taste to provide a recessed crown at the muzzle. Moving to the receiver, you will find a Mil-Std-1913 “Picatinny” top rail. You can mount any number of optics with standard MilSpec mounts on the rail. The gas block where the front sight mounts, has rail slots for mounting other accessories such as a laser. The R-25’s pistol grip is identical to the AR-15/M16 and AR-10 series rifles, as is the buttstock. On the bottom of the buttstock and forearm are sling swivel studs. The butt also has the standard hinged trapdoor lid designed to hold a military cleaning kit, but that is not included.




Just like your AR15 or M16/M4, a captive pin at the rear of the upper receiver pushes out, the upper can then pivot forward on the front pin. You now have access to the bolt and trigger group. With the upper receiver pivoted forward, pull back on the charging handle and the bolt slides out for maintenance and cleaning.

Now, to placate Kalifornia, the factory R-25 magazine's capacity is a measely 4 rounds for all calibers. That's still three more than my Ruger #1, but luckily the R-25 will accept standard 20-round AR-10 magazines. Overall length for the Remington R-25 is 39.75 inches, and the average weight for the rifle is 8.75 lbs.

Interestingly, Remington opted to make the R-25 available three additional calibers, all based on the 308 Winchester case. The R-25 is configured to allow users to switch between 7.62mm NATO/.308 Win., .243 Win., and 7mm-08 Rem., simply by switching upper receivers. For hunting applications, this might be an optimal solution for those that require a multi-calber solution for different hunting applications. In my opinion, the Remington Model R-25 multi-caliber rifle could stand to add a couple of more rounds to its repetoire: 358 Winchester, and the 260 Remington! Now we are talking versatility.




For those that are interested in the tactical applications of the rifle in addition to the hunting capabilities, you will find that the the AR-10/AR15 family does not require one to "refamiliarize" oneself with a completely different platform. Whether tactical operations or hunting applications, you can concentrate on what you are doing. Operation of the firearm, the ergonomics, and all the controls are identical. Furthermore as options are added to the rifle you can test them under real world, albeit non-threatening, conditions.

Now for the some of the less than desireable features:
-I am told that the trigger is lousy out of the box. Nothing new there, as most rifles exhibit poor, lawyer-proof triggers. Fortunately, there are plenty of aftermarket triggers you can install and make the trigger purr.
-There are many reports of the 308 version jamming with anything but commercial ammo.

Remington Model R-25 Multi-Caliber Rifle Features and Specifications:

- Free-floated button-rifled 0.680″ Muzzle OD ChroMoly barrels with recessed hunting crown for superior accuracy
- Fluted barrel design reduces weight and promotes rapid barrel cooling
- Clean-breaking single-stage hunting trigger (factory set to 4.5-5lbs)
- Receiver-length Picatinny rail for adding optics and accessories
- Ergonomic pistol grip for rock solid aiming and control
- Front and rear sling swivel studs
- Full Mossy Oak® Treestand™ coverage
- Includes 4-round magazine
- Legal for hunting in most states
- Compatible with aftermarket DPMS 308 Win Magazine Boxes
- Lockable hard case included

Company Contact Info:

Remington Arms Company, Inc.
870 Remington Drive
P.O. Box 700
Madison, NC 27025-0700
TEL: 1-800-243-9700
Fax: 1-336-548-7801
Email: info@remington.com
R-25 Info Page: http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/Model_R-25.asp
Website: http://www.remington.com
MSRP is $1,532 USD.

There are several other semi-auto 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Win.
tactical/sniper rifles that could conceivably be used in a hunting application. There are the AR-10 based systems like the Knight’s Armament Co. SR-M110 S.A.S.S. (Semi-Auto Sniper System), and Armalite's AR-10 SuperS.A.S.S. In addition there are the M1A variations like Springfield Armory's National Match M1A, Super Match M1A, or M25 Whitefeather Tactical/Carlos Hathcock M1A. Any of these have the capacity of being dual role rifles in your personal inventory.

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Shindand Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...


Albert Rasch,HunterThough he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.



Best Regards,
Member: Shindand Tent Club
The Hunt Continues...

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Monday, December 6, 2010

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: The Range Reviews: Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: The Range Reviews: Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn

© 2010 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

The Range Reviews

After watching me struggle, cuss, and hack my way through two powder horn projects, niether of which is really complete, and fill up my little corner of the living room with sawdust and horn detritus, my wife went and ordered  Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn by Scott and Cathy Sibley.

I am eagerly anticipating going home next year and reading my new gift! In the mean time, I have to ensconce myself at my desk here in Afghanistan, and be satisfied to look at scans my wife has been sending me.

I was immediately taken by the clear photos and detailed instructions that made it easy to understand what and how to do any number different steps in the creation of an art quality powder horn. And not just one type mind you, but several different types.

The authors, Scott and Cathy Sibley are well known powder horn makers and scrimshaw artists. I Googled them up and found a variety of references to their work, especially at Contemporary Makers. Contemporary Makers is a blog that covers the contemporary artists in period gun work, including accouterments; well worth the visit!

Scott is both a retired soldier, and a retired teacher. Cathy is retired school administrator. They got started making powder horns and quill-work while teaching school in the outer most reaches of Alaska.

I have been diligently working on a powderhorn for one of my friends, and I am very anxious to complete it on my next R&R. I have already picked up quite a few hints and new ideas from the excellent explanations in the book. The clear and well posed pictures make it easy to understand, and the Sibley's skill is obvious. The photography deseves a mention of its own; the quality and clarity is superb!

The book is divided into 21 chapters. It starts off in logical fashion with "Tools and Materials," followed by "Selecting a Horn." Thereafter it explains how you should set up your work area, (Believe me, nothing like mine!) and then starts from the begining in a logical and step by step horn making manner. The photography complements the descriptions very well, and options are presented for different time periods or styles

 Just to be clear, I don't work in any recognized style, period, or era. Shoot, until I started reading about 17th and 18th century blackpowder stuff, I didn't even realize there were different eras! Now I know better...

The scrimshawing section of the book is very well illustrated and explained. My next attempt at scratching away on a powder horn should be more successful than not! Selecting the proper tools for your project and clear, step-by-step directions are given. Something I appreciated was the scrimshaw patterns at the back of the book. It gives you some idea of where you might want to go with your scrimshaw.



The last two chapters have examples of original horns, followed by horns made by Contemporary Makers. It is an excellant reference to guide you to those styles and eras I mentioned earlier!

I have found powder horn making to be a rewarding combination of crafts. Not only are you working with horn, but you will pick out and work with wood, and possibly do some metal shaping should the mood strike you, to complete your horn.There are techniques discussed for using dyes or stains, many types of carving are covered, along with filing and shaping tools. The end result of the mess you are going to make, is a beautiful powder horn for your collection that will merit both artistic and practical praise.

For those of you looking for an entertaining and productive pasttime, maybe an activity to take your mind off of something, working with your hands to make a powder horn will be very rewarding. You will find  Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn is an incredible reference for the budding horn maker. I would recomend it without reservation!


Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn

Softcover, $19.95

91 pages, 11" x 8-1/2"

ISBN 0-9765797-0-7

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Shindand Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...


Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: After the Shot, Tracking and Trailing

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: After the Shot, Tracking and Trailing

© 2009, 2010 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
$g&m f9bd 45kd q!?5.

Even with every preparation, proper equipment choice, and skill, there are always times when game is not killed outright. A moments inattention, or perhaps premature congratulation may allow an animal to run off when the hunter should have been preparing for a follow-up shot.

It's that time of year again, and folks are out there filling there tags. Recovering game that doesn't drop immediately after the first shot, requires a moment of thought, and the acknowledgment that the work is just beginning.

The first thing you need to do, even before taking the first shot, is to be aware of the surroundings. You have to know where you are, and where your quarry is. When you have the shot, and take it, know where the quarry is exactly. As the range increases the difficulty of finding the exact spot becomes more difficult.

Also watch the reaction of your game. Deer will take off at a dead run, or jump straight up and kick when hit in the ticker. Hogs turn on the afterburners when shot and then either pile up or get into cover. Watch where the animal goes and try to remember where you lost sight of it.

After taking the shot, crank your scope down as low as it goes. You'll thank me for it later if you need to get an animal in your sights quickly.

When you make your way to the spot where the animal was, carefully note any sign such as hair or blood. Also sight along the path it took on its way out. The blood left at the initial site may provide clues to determine where you hit. Bright red, frothy blood indicates a lung shot. Dark colored blood could mean the liver was struck. A heart shot will be bright red blood. Look for signs that may indicate a poor shoot. If there is digested vegetation mixed in with the blood it could very well indicate a paunch hit.

When an animal takes off, the direction it went will frequently be marked by blood spatters. At times it may diminish to drops. This is all too common with hogs, where the fat and hide will frequently stop the external bleeding. It is important to follow up slowly and carefully, noting every drop of blood and every disturbed leaf. Blood can be anywhere from the sides of the trail to the ground. Wild Ed of Wild Ed's Outdoors, reminds us also to keep an eye on the brush or grass on either side of the track, not just at ground level but higher. The height can indicate where an animal has been hit. Mark your observations with tissue paper or surveyors tape, (Make sure you pick it up when you are done!) so that if need be, you can retrace your steps.

If you lose the track, go back to the last sign you found and carefully start again. Remember look at it from the animal's perspective. This means get down on your hands and knees. You will be surprised what it looks like from down there! Follow the path of least resistance.

Always be on the lookout for your game. It could be that dark spot there, or the light line there. Always be ready.

Tracking a wounded animal is hard work and a grave responsibility. Every effort should be made to recover a lost animal. In many states there are tracking services available that use blood tracking dogs to find lost game.

Born-To-Track News and Views
covers the Blood Tracking dog world, and in particular the Wire Haired Dachshunds. Look through the archives and you will find several posts on deer that have been found by these amazing dogs. And golly, they are cute as can be!

In those states where dogs cannot be used, then you must use every sense and every clue to find your animal. Perseverance and patience are the keys to recovery.


Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Shindand Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...


Though he spends most of his time writing and keeping the world safe for democracy, Albert was actually a student of biology. Really. But after a stint as a lab tech performing repetitious and mind-numbing processes that a trained capuchin monkey could do better, he never returned to the field. Rather he became a bartender. As he once said, "Hell, I was feeding mice all sorts of concoctions. At the club I did the same thing; except I got paid a lot better, and the rats where bigger." He has followed the science of QDM for many years, and fancies himself an aficionado. If you have any questions, or just want to get more information, reach him via TheRaschOutdoorChronicles(at)MSN(dot)com.




The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Avoid Gettin' Snake Bit! A Chronicles' Classic

"I did a little research when I got back in the house. The anti-venom for a Cottonmouth bite is called Crofab Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine). It is critical to get anti-venom in the patient as soon as possible to minimize necrotic damage to the tissue and coagulopathy."

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: Avoid Gettin' Snake Bit! A Chronicles' Classic

How to avoid getting bit by snakes
What to do if you get bit by a snake
What anti-venom should you use
What antivenom should you use
What to do if you get bit by a snake.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: The Range Reviews: SiegeWork Creations Longbow Pt I

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: The Range Reviews: SiegeWork Creations Longbow Pt I

© 2009 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
.
I have had a traditional hunting bow since I was thirteen years old. It's a Ben Pearson Flame Hunter recurve take-down, drawing 50lbs at 28". I shot that bow religiously throughout my teen years until I was a senior in high school when I bought a Browning Compound Cobra. Try as I might, I never had the opportunity to hunt deer in all those years.

Every so often, I pull those bows down off the shelf, and after looking them over and dusting them off, draw them a few times, and maybe shoot a few arrows and then unceremoniously put them away to gather dust again.

I really have been meaning to get around to shooting the bow again, specifically traditional archery, but it seems that there is never enough time. Figuring that I would be long gone, dead and buried before I ever "got around" to it, I decided that I was going to make time and rekindle my love affair with the bow. Remember, unlike my Ruger 458WM #1, a traditional bow is quiet, relatively non-threatening, and I can practice with it anytime I have fifteen yards of space available to me.

I looked around Al Gore's Internet and found dozens of traditional bow makers of all shapes and sizes, strewn throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, and some places even I didn't know existed.


Digging in a little deeper, I narrowed in on a great little company out of Texas. Named SiegeWork Creations, in reference to their medieval roots, they still handcraft traditional wood bows for the hunter and target shooter.

A few things attracted me to them. First and foremost it's an American company using American materials wherever possible. Secondly, the bows are handmade one at a time. Some machine work is done of course, but it is done by hand. Third, the prices are very reasonable. You could save your lunch money and spare change for a few weeks and get a full set up. To top it all off Dave, the owner of SiegeWork Creations, rides a horse and shoots with his bows. That's just too cool in my book!

SiegeWork Creations is owned by Dave Ruff and his wife Sara Ahlers. SWC actually originated from Dave and Sara's medieval faire vendor business. Selling bows to re-enactors and fans of the medieval era, they did pretty well, but Dave, having shot bows since he was a young man, wanted something more.

During the winter of 2000 Dave started building bows, and after six months of “practice” (also known as making kindling), he was carving out some pretty good bows. Before long he was selling them locally and garnering a reputation for a good dependable bow, at a reasonable price.

So light, she floats!
“Our mission is to provide a good and dependable bow without the high dollar cost that they seem to bring.” Dave said over the phone. “Let’s face it; the cost of materials is equal in a $700 custom laminate bow that has a big name and a $300 custom laminate bow that has a small time maker’s name.”

Dave continued, “No need to spend hundreds of dollars more on a custom bow, when our bows are custom made using the same materials that the higher priced bows are made of, using the same methods of construction, but are 30 to 50% less in price.” He paused, “And why is that? We don't believe in over-charging our customers for them to get into a great all round bow.”

I was intrigued. I’ve coveted a long bow for as long as I have been using a bow, and in particular I’ve wanted a Howard Hill laminate long bow. I remember watching Howard Hill when I was a little kid, and being mesmerized by his abilities. I mentioned it in passing to Dave.

“Albert, we also make the SWC Long Bow in a wood and bamboo laminate. We have a wood supplier here locally that runs a mill, and we have access to well over 3000 board foot of lumber that we crawl through every month looking for bow wood. I can guarantee you a bow as good as anything coming from any manufacturer without the high price tag for the signature. And they are all handcrafted, one at a time by our master bowyer.”

Well, I really wanted to try one now! So after consultation with Dave and some deliberation I decided on the SWC American Long Bow… Just a plain Jane standard model to start with. In a few months I may decide on something a little more extravagant and with more weight.

Fast forward a couple of weeks. From the vantage point of the "office" window, I saw the postman drive up, and I could also see a long narrow package on the dash of his vehicle. You know what that was! Heedless of dog, cat, and prostate children, I rushed down the stairs taking the steps in bounds of two and three. Seeing me coming up fast, the postman quickly stuck the long, narrow box out the driver’s window, knowing full and well that I was quite capable of climbing in and claiming what was mine.

Eagerly opening the end of the box and sliding out my new bow, I carefully unwrapping it from the packing material. I was immediately taken by the well crafted string nocks. As I peeled the paper back from the limbs, I noted the smooth satiny finish, the even laminations, the color contrast, and the weight - boy was it light. Even my jaded postman was impressed.

I noted the writing on the lower limb. 51# @ 28. I have a slightly longer draw length just shy of 30”, and Dave has assured me that I can draw it to 31” without any problem. That should put it at about 53# to 55# at my draw length. And that my friends, is more than adequate for any pig that crosses my path.

Let’s take a closer look at the bow itself, before we go shoot it.

The SWC American is 70.75 inches overall unstrung, and weighs about 16 ounces. Dave suggests a minimum brace height of 6.5 inches and up to 7.5. Strung to 7.0 inches the overall length is 67 3/4th inches.

The grip transitions smoothly to the risers, and they in turn transition into the limbs with no abrupt change in geometry.

The grip and riser length is 18 and 1/4 inches from the point it narrows at each limb. The grip is made of walnut with three laminates of maple on the outside. A layer of black e-glass goes over all, and at the grip there is a walnut addition of finger grooves. Above and below the grip there are an additional two layers of maple for the limbs plus the belly layer of e-glass. The total depth of the grip is 2 and 1/16th inches, and it is what I would describe as straight. The sight window is 3 and 1/2 inches, and the arrow shelf is 7/16th of an inch in depth. Dave includes a calf hair pad on the shelf and side plate.

The limbs are 26 1/4 inches long from the riser’s end to the tip. As it is a long bow, the limbs are perfectly straight. The draw weight is, as I mentioned, 51# at 28 inches, and it will draw to 31”. The limbs have a rectangular cross-section, and are 1 and 5/16th inches at their widest. The bow nocks are made of walnut, and are handsomely carved out of the tips.

The string is a standard 3-ply Flemish in brown and green, and is as good a looking piece of woven string as any I’ve seen.

The draw is smooth with a constant increase in poundage.

There is no hint of stacking at the end of the draw. Stacking is when you hit a point where the bow is not going to bend any further. The fibers on the back of the bow are as stretched out as they will go and the ones on the inside are at maximum compression. The American is smooth all the way back, with room to spare for those of you that are longer reached.

I also draw with three fingers, no mechanicals for Albert. As it is a long bow, the string angle is great enough to make finger pinch a none issue. For shorter bows a release might be necessary, or a different gripping method such as a thumb ring.

Those are the physical attributes of the SWC American Long Bow. I am really impressed by the fit and finish, the quality of the materials; for the money you cannot go wrong!

In the next couple of days, I’ll delve into my impressions from the initial shoot, and what I am going to need to work on.


SiegeWork Creations is open from 10am to 4pm M-F and closed weekends. On the off chance that they can not answer the phone, Dave and Sara do return ALL phone messages left. Call them at 903-285-4347.

The SWC American Longbow
Base Price: $189.00
E-Mail: office@siegeworkcreations.com
Web Store: SiegeWork Archery

Post of Interest:
The SWC American is Here!

The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles Index

© 2009 Albert A Rasch
.
I thought it was time I put together an Index to all the great posts on The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles. With over 250 individual posts, some of them are becoming increasingly hard to find. This should help! I will update it regularly to keep it current.

The permanent link to the index page will be over there to the left.

Top Ten Posts!

Disassemble, clean, and reassemble your Ruger 10/22 magazine

Part I: Disassembling the Ruger 10/22

The Range Reviews: 416 Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan

Boar Hunting Calibers Part I

Feeding Baby Mockingbirds

Part II: Cleaning the Ruger 10/22

Hog Hunting Rifles Part I


The Range Reviews: YHM Black Diamond Upper


Boar Hunting Calibers Part II


Where do HSUS Donations Go?



Hunting, Shooting, and Ballistics

Terminal Ballistics and Hunting

Learn to Shoot, Break the Flinch

African Lion Hunting

Know Your Limits: How to Avoid Being Neutered

Trampled and Gored: Hunting Hogs in the Long Grass

Skewered: Scouting for Hogs

Hogs and Dogs

Boar Hunting Calibers: Part I

Boar Hunting Calibers: Part II

Hog Hunting on Horseback

Whitetail Deer Season Prep: June


OBS Challenges and Other Blogging Challenges

Bloggers: Defenders of the Great Outdoors

Why I Joined the OBS

The Range Reviews of 2009


SiegeWork Creations American Longbow

Revision Eyewear Sawfly-TX

OTB Ferdelance Boots

Nikon Monarch ATB 8X42 DCF Review

The Last Ivory Hunter: Book Review

Individual Battle Pack by Tactical Medical Packs

Squishy Bowls by Guyot Design

AGI Armorer's Course Colt 1911 45 Auto Pistols DVD

Quaker Boy Typhoon Turkey Call

Precision Bowhunting Book Review

Tuff Products Quick Strips

Eureka Timberline 2 Tent

Century Deluxe Stainless Steel Stove

Buffer Technologies: 1911 Recoil Buffer

SpincoUSA: 1911 Recoil Springs

Combat Application Tools: The C.A.T. M-4

AGI: AR-15 Armorer's Course

Tool Logic's Survival II

Tac-Pack and Tac-Pack QC

ClearShot Lens Cleaning Kit

TriSquare eXRS TSX 300

WR Case and Sons Ridgebacks and Hunters

aLOKSAK LOKSAKs

Pineapple Jerky from Jerky.com

Buffalo Bill's Beef Jerky

CMMG Immortal Magazine

YHM Black Diamond Specter

Darn Tough Vermont Socks

Sterling Sharpener

SOG Twitch I

Otis Advanced Bore Reflector

SOG S62 PowerLock with V-Cutter

Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan 416 RCM


Hunter's Rights and Second Amendment Issues

PeTA: Child Abusers

How to Support Animal Rights Groups

Where do Donations to the HSUS Go?.

Instincts and Hunting

Real Men Hunt

Why I Carry a Gun

Game Reserves, High Fence Hunting What are the Facts?

Ethical Question: Hunting or Shooting

High Fence Hunting

Chronicles Projects

Making Snap Caps

We build a Pirogue!

A Ruger 10/22 Rotary Magazine Tutorial

I’ll Have My Coffee Now If You Please

Guest Posts

Whitetail Woods: First Aid for Hunting Sportsmen



Assorted Other Posts:

Protect Yourself from Plagiarism: Part I

Protect Yourself from Plagiarism: Part II

Why I Carry a Gun

Real Men Hunt

Trophy Merriam’s Turkey

Chronicles Interview: JS Croner Part I

Chronicles Interview: JS Croner Part II

Fallow Deer: Hints and Tips

Better Blogging!

Bayside Biology: Mangroves

This should even help me find stuff more easily!

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...


The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles