For the second instalment of the Drop Gear Welsh trip Andy takes theory into practice, falling onto George the ‘Student’ and ‘Camera man’ to see if you can go from being totally inexperienced shooting down a 50 metre range to confident at an 900 metre range with the right tuition and equipment (not to mention in one afternoon). This is definitely an episode not to be missed!

Andy often relies on the ability to adapt during the hunt using his Merkel rife and VX6-HD Leupold scope which are also often applied in other areas of life. Quickly turning to George to improvise and develop our experience in Wales by turning a theory discussed earlier in the day into practice using open sights.

George was transformed in a six hour period from novice shooter using a Haenel Jaeger 10 to a confident shooter with a Merkel Speedster, working closely on a one to one basis with Andrew Venables from WMS Firearms Training developing basic shooting skills, now often overlooked in favour of technology proving that although technology works it can be relied upon too much when good basic skills are still needed. So if you can shoot with good solid basic kit in the harsh Welsh conditions you can simply make life even easier with more advanced products from Leupold.

As optical kits develop driven by the consumer demand we see multi-function products like binoculars and scopes with built in range finders which Andy and Andrew both see the advantage of. However, both also see the downside as if one goes wrong your without a key part to your hunt so this is why Andy values three Leupold products that do what they say on the tin, a scope, range finder and set of binoculars with a backup open sight just in case, as mentioned in part one of the Welsh trip there is always a ‘just in case’.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy the second installment of the Drop Gear Welsh trip.

(Don’t worry George was retuned safely back to his family).

Kit used:

50 Metre Range
Haenel Jaeger 10 Timber DS – 308. Win – £1,750 RRP
I Sight
S&B 180 grain XRG £40 RRP per box of 20

900 Metre Range
Merkel Speedster – 30-06 – fluted Barrel – £4,400 RRP with fluted barrel
Leupold VX6-HD 1-6 X 24 with 30mm tube, CDS Dials – £1,950 RRP
Leupold BX 4 Pro guide Binoculars – £780 RRP
Leupold RX2800 Rangefinder- £756 RRP