EP 166: Special Guest Tom Beckstrand

This episode of the Long Range Pursuit podcast features a discussion with Carl Vanzel of JohnX Safaris, highlighting the evolution of long-range hunting, ethical considerations, and advanced game management practices. The conversation delves into the business growth of JohnX Safaris, the challenges and rewards of conservation efforts like the Kudu project at Woodlands, and the importance of hunter education in promoting sustainable hunting. It also touches upon the advancements in firearm technology and optics that have influenced hunting techniques and success rates.

This episode of Long Range Pursuit features Joseph, a seasoned outfitter, discussing the critical role of firearm confidence in hunting success. He emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and understanding your equipment, advocating for a 'shooting system' approach rather than just a rifle. The conversation highlights how reliable firearms and proper training, often facilitated by brands like Gunwerks, lead to higher success rates and ethical harvesting of game, even at extended ranges.

This episode features Jim Banano's extensive big game hunting journey, focusing on his pursuit of the North American Grand Slam of Sheep. He shares detailed accounts of his hunts for Stone Sheep in British Columbia, Desert Bighorn Sheep in Mexico, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Alberta, highlighting the challenges, successes, and lessons learned. The discussion also touches upon long-range shooting techniques, rifle confidence, and the mental fortitude required for demanding hunts.

This guide details the field operation of the Gunwerks Endex rifle, as demonstrated by an expert instructor during an African hunting trip. It covers safe handling, utilizing advanced optics like the Revic scope with HUD for dialing yardage, and employing the rifle's ergonomic features such as the folding stock and smooth NX2 action for precise long-range shots. The emphasis is on the 'range, dial, shoot' methodology for efficient and accurate engagement in challenging hunting environments.

This video showcases the Gunwerks experience from the perspective of a long-term customer, Matt Carrey. It highlights the brand's commitment to functional design, meticulous manufacturing processes using CAD, and attention to hunter-specific needs, including their in-house reloading capabilities for calibers like the .375 H&H Mag. The emphasis is on quality and thoughtful engineering over mere aesthetics.

This video documents an elk hunting trip in New Mexico organized by Majesty Outdoors, focusing on providing a life-changing experience for a young man named Logan. The trip involves instruction from Gunwerks on using their Magnus rifle, including range time to zero the rifle and practice shooting positions. The hunt itself employs a spot-and-stalk method, culminating in Logan successfully harvesting a bull elk after careful planning and execution, highlighting the importance of patience, instruction, and ethical hunting practices.

This guide details the advanced technique for executing a long-range elk hunt, as demonstrated by a 12-year-old hunter under expert supervision. It emphasizes precise range estimation, scope adjustment using ballistic turrets, and marksmanship fundamentals for a successful shot at extreme distances (1376 yards). The process highlights the importance of preparation, practice, and specialized equipment for challenging hunting scenarios.

This expert guide from Gunwerks demonstrates the significant impact of the Coriolis effect on long-range bullet trajectory. Jeremy Winters, a Gunwerks Product Specialist, explains how Earth's rotation can shift Point of Impact (POI) by over 1 MOA at 1000 yards when shooting East or West. The video provides a live-fire demonstration and recommends shooting North or South to collect accurate ballistic data, minimizing Coriolis-induced errors.

This guide details the process of transforming a factory Remington Model 700 Sendero into a more capable long-range rifle, as demonstrated by Mike Davidson from Gunwerks. Key steps include a trigger upgrade to a 2-pound pull and a precision bedding job using Devcon Aluminum Putty to ensure action stability. The process emphasizes proper disassembly, careful application of bedding materials, and correct reassembly with specific torque values for action screws.

This video demonstrates a professional long-range coyote hunt in Montana, showcasing the effective use of a Gunwerks rifle. Dustin Butler, a representative for Gunwerks, highlights the 'range, dial, and kill' method for successful predator engagement at various distances, from close encounters to over 500 yards. The guide emphasizes proficiency with long-range optics and equipment for accurate shots in challenging terrain.