The Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal has "One Shot" zero capabilities I normally tell folks that the cheapest part of their hunt is the ammo, and to shoot as many rounds at their trophy animal as they need to, to put it down. That being said, in 2025 (almost 2026) ammo IS expensive, especially if you’re … Continue reading Save Ammo Costs: One Shot Zero Technology Explained
Author: Black Dirt Diaries
I didn't grow up hunting or fishing, but developed a passion for it in my late twenties, and now I'm trying to catch up for lost time. Follow me, as I learn the do's and don'ts of the outdoor world, and try to do my best to get more people outdoors, and preserve this way of life for generations to come.
Night Hunting Without Breaking the Bank
Sightmark Wraith Mini Nightvision and Rix K2 Thermal Scanner If I’ve learned nothing else over the past decade, when it comes to night hunting, it’s that you must keep an open mind, and always be willing to evolve your gear to fit your hunting style. This is what has worked for me…it’s not the end … Continue reading Night Hunting Without Breaking the Bank
Maximizing Light in Low Light Hunting Scenarios
Sightmark Presidio 5 - 25 x 56 on top of a Marlin SBL 45/70 I know in past posts, I’ve touted red dots and LVPO’s for lever guns. After all, lever guns aren’t precision rifles, they don’t shoot what many consider “long distance” or flat shooting cartridges. Most folks would really be stretching the limits … Continue reading Maximizing Light in Low Light Hunting Scenarios
Best Budget Thermal Optics for New Hunters: Sightmark Wraith Mini Review
I’ve been using various thermal optics for the past decade, so I feel I can speak to the current state of the industry regarding thermal imaging optics. I don’t consider myself an expert, by any means, but I know a thing or two, because I’ve seen a thing or two…or three. A decade ago, you’d … Continue reading Best Budget Thermal Optics for New Hunters: Sightmark Wraith Mini Review
How Low Can You Go?
The Hawke Endurance with a 57mm objective lens and Primary Arms ACSS with 24mm objective lens A few years back, I wrote about LPVO’s and why I was switching to them on my mid-range guns. Lower base magnification was what I was chasing, and still am. While that fact hasn’t changed, I wanted to offer … Continue reading How Low Can You Go?
Picking the Prism
Both the Primary Arms and Hawke Optics Prism scopes have etched reticles that are also illuminated I've been using red dots on my rifles for the better part of 2 decades. I started off like every other "kid" that didn’t have a lot of money, and threw some trash RDS on my tricked out AR, … Continue reading Picking the Prism
Redefining Red Dots
Quick…give me the top 3 things you look for in a red dot sight.For me, clarity, durability, and longevity.Clarity meaning: How crisp/clear is the dot? Durability as in: Can it be bounced around the floorboards of my truck, lugged through the woods bouncing off trees, and still retain zero? Longevity referring to battery life: Do … Continue reading Redefining Red Dots
An Optics Odyssey 2.0
If you've been paying attention at all this past year, then you've probably picked up on my heavy use of Primary Arms Optics. Primary Arms were an integral part of our SCI 2022 Mentored Youth Hunt, and a company I've grown to appreciate, more and more, as this year progresses. I own an array of … Continue reading An Optics Odyssey 2.0
Win a Fully Guided Maine Moose Hunt
I haven't updated in a while, but I was lucky enough to land myself on the Board of Directors for the New England Chapter of Safari Club International. If you're unfamiliar, SCI is one of the leading conservation organizations in the world. Their mission is something I stand behind 100%, and I would encourage anyone, … Continue reading Win a Fully Guided Maine Moose Hunt
The Mantis BlackbeardX Dry Fire System
The Mantis BlackbeardX If you know me, then you know I haven't ever really been a proponent of dry fire. Simply due to the artificiality of it. For me, the "reps" were negated by always having a dead trigger after each string of fire. It's also mind numbingly boring. I much preferred practicing with a … Continue reading The Mantis BlackbeardX Dry Fire System
Black Dirt Diaries 