Reddit mentions: The best hunting trees & straps

You're going to hear a LOT of different things. My advice is to read as much as possible. Don't just take one person's word as gold, because what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for everyone else. My opinion? $600 isn't enough to be competent and comfortable with a setup, if you're not already experienced with guns.

On a budget, here's what I'd do:

First, I'd go with 9mm. I'm a firearm enthusiast, and I primarily shoot 9mm. There are pros and cons to both, but to me, the single biggest benefit of 9mm comes down to affordability. I can buy twice as much 9mm as I can .45. Thus, I can shoot twice as much, and be far more prepared. 9mm won't hit quite as hard as .45, but it hits hard enough to kill. You'll be able to carry more 9mm than .45 ammo, you'll be more accurate (because there's less recoil from 9mm), and you'll be trained better before anything even happens.

So the bare minimum starter package for a gun owner (regardless of caliber) should include a firearm, ammunition, safety gear, and a cleaning kit. Forget about carrying, for the moment. Without those basic things, owning a firearm is completely pointless. Having a firearm in your home that lives in a drawer and can be used against home invasion is better than not having a firearm at all, even if you don't ever carry it outside of your home. And it's a good starting point. A dirty firearm doesn't fire. You must be able to maintain your firearm with regular cleaning, and oiling. A dirty firearm malfunctions. A rusty firearm malfunctions.

On a tight budget, I'd go with a Taurus Millennium G2. People on here love to bash Taurus as a brand, and maybe they deserve that bashing. But the Millennium G2 (that's 2nd generation of the Millennium) get great reviews. Look it up, read reviews of any firearm you're thinking about. Watch videos on Youtube. Don't just talk to people who have never handled that specific model, but do as much research as possible.

So, here's the list-

Taurus Millenium G2 - $209, free shipping. + $35 (average) FFL fees to get it from your local gun store.

Break Free CLP (cleans, lubes, and protects- all in one cleaning product) - $7.99, plus something to wipe the bore($10.97), plus some rags and an old toothbrush to clean the gun.

Disposable ear plugs. Not as good as over the ear, active noise cancelling, etc... but they're a start. $7.86

Shooting glasses. $7.19

This is a start, and it's half of your budget. The other $300 can be put toward something like a holster, a belt, ammo, and classes. I highly recommend classes. If you're not intimately familiar with firearms, they're basically a must. Even if you are, they're still a good thing. Even without classes, you'll still need a range, and ammo adds up. Defense ammo is going to run you ~$30/box, and I recommend shooting that at least occasionally, so that you know what it feels like to shoot (hint: it's different from 115 grain target ammo).

Then, shoot as much as possible.

What gun I'd recommend you should get depends on a lot of variables that are unique to your situation. How much hassle are you willing to put up with carrying it every day? How much effort are you willing to put into learning how to use it, and how often will you maintain those skills? What's your budget? What are your anticipated threats? (Are you concerned about muggers or bears?)

I am not a fan of off-body carry or 'sometimes' carry. If your piece isn't in arm's length when you need it, it might as well be on Mars. Similarly, I don't buckle up my seatbelt only when I think I might get into a car wreck and I don't put on my gun only when I'm feeling extra dangerous that day. If you're not going to get into the habit of carrying every day every where (that it is legal), it's probably not worth the hassle to you.

Become familiar with your state's carry laws and what you need to do to get a permit. Budget for a quality belt and holster. You won't find a belt stiff enough to support a pistol in the department store. A double-stitched 'instructors' belt is the bare miniumum (5.11 at amazon $32-80), but a thick leather belt is very nice. A good holster will run $30+, look at Blade-Tech and Safariland for quality stuff on the low end. Consider taking up shooting as a hobby or sport as a way to maintain your skills.

As for specific recommendations, at the "low hassle, low time sunk" corner of the chart, a S&W J-Frame revolver is the best solution. It's small enough to have everywhere, is idiot proof to shoot, and reliable. It's not fun to shoot and you only have 5 shots, but it's better than a sharp stick. Budget about $4-500 for one. If you can't afford that and are willing to put up with a bigger gun, a used S&W K-Frame like a Model 10 or 64/65 will run you $250-350 and isn't as small as the J-Frame, but is a lot more pleasant to shoot and easy to manage. If you're looking for a 'sock drawer' gun, it's the gold standard.

If you're willing to put some effort into learning how to run it, the next step up is a slim 9mm automatic like the Walther PPS, SIG 239, S&W Shield, Kahr or S&W 3913. This will run $350-600 and will combine the light weight of the J-Frame with a bit of extra size, but they have more ammunition, a better trigger, and they're faster to reload.

If you're willing to dress around the gun some more, you can consider compact to midsize duty pistols like the Glock 19/23, S&W M&P9c, SIG 225/228, S&W 6906, etc. In general, the bigger the gun, the easier it is to shoot, and will be more reliable. I would recommend sticking to popular police service pistols and avoiding stuff like the XD, Taurus, Ruger SR series and other junk. As for caliber, I'd recommend sticking to 9mm with quality JHP ammunition.

I'm sorry for the info dump, but "I want a gun" just isn't a simple question. I hope this helps a little.

As others have covered pants sizes I will forego that.

So far as belt, I just purchased a 5.11 tactical Trainer and I am very satisfied with it. I was a leather belt fan before but after carrying with this belt for a few months I like it much better. It cost around $45 with shipping which is a pretty good price for the quality of the belt, in my opinion.

This is a great and very detailed response. Thanks for taking the time to post it.

I'd add on here to find a range around that will let you do some more "advanced" drills. A lot of the indoor ranges don't like rapid fire or holster draws to prevent the average person from coming in and hurting someone. A lot of local ranges offer specific times with staffed ROs that allow for things like double taps, holster draws, etc. and you can change your shooting routine to start honing the new skillsets.

https://pistol-training.com/drills This is a pretty good website detailing a lot of drills.

There are also quite a few dry fire drills you can practice from your basement. Make sure you get some snap caps to practice on so you don't damage the firearm, and also for range time practicing clearing malfunctions in the firearm.

To give you a general idea on gear, here is what I use for IDPA when not running an actual gun belt (which is more for carbine and outside courses or work training since it fits into my overall carry platform). -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019MNL2W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_pAMBzb2C7JWA6

http://shop.blade-tech.com/revolution-fnh-45-p-367.html#.WW5mxoTythE

I also run a safariland retention holster for my CZ if I am going with 9mm instead of the 45.

Have fun!

[Belts like these] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVZ8GZY/ref=sspa_dk_detail_9?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07CVZ8GZY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=f52e26da-1287-4616-824b-efc564ff75a4&pf_rd_r=06MGFH0J797QGX50AFA4&pd_rd_wg=Z3Lkt&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=YVoY2&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=a9ab4ced-b7a6-11e8-951a-bffc31d64799)

I'm all for cool techwear belts, but there's TONS of belts out there that are practically the exact same thing that are way cheaper because they're not marketed to the Techwear/Streetwear audience.

That being said, I don't think the price point for these HL belts are unreasonable at all. They look really cool and if you're the type of dude to show off your belt I think they elevate a techwear fit more than your standard issue nylon belt. I'm tempted to order one just because the magnetic mechanism is pretty cool.

What's unresonable are the prices ALYX or Off-White are asking for similar. $300? gtfoh

I've had a Summit Viper for a few years that has been great for mobility, and I just picked up a Sherpa that converts it into a collapsible deer cart for easy transport in and out, and with or without a deer. You can fold it up to make it fairly compact, strap your other equipment to it, and pull it behind you all the way to your tree.
https://www.sherpahunting.com/summit_model.html

For my more permanent stand location on the private land I hunt, I bought a Big Foot XL Lounger this year and love it. It's rather heavy so it's bit more difficult to get up in the tree and it's not great for carrying long distances, but it is super comfortable, rock solid, and has plenty of room to move around on all-day sits. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXQ6V8U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TI5IDbBBP57XP

I edc this Fairwin Tactical Belt in green. Not the quickest to take on and take off your pant loops, but its dummy easy and quick to unbuckle, you literally just squeeze the 2 brass colored wings inwards. Its flexible too and not like a ridged gun belt

Edit: heres a link to a youtube review, i haven't watched it but youll get a good idea what it looks like

I have a Gazelle Hub and I love it.

Sets up by myself in literally 30 seconds., no poles to assemble. It just unfolds and pops up. Takes maybe 5 minutes to pack up. Tall enough for my 6’ to stand in with a few inches to spare. Don’t have to crawl to get in. Good venting and great weather cover. Very sturdy. Especially if the sides are tied off. It’ll sleep 3 at least very comfortably. I wouldn’t have any problem fitting all my gear and a chair in there for myself if the weather turned on me. It’s worth a look.

https://www.amazon.com/Gazelle-33300-Pop-Up-Portable-Camping/dp/B078TSRNNB

I just bought a Rhino R75 Blind and I really like it thus far. Comes with a backpack carrying case, easy to put up and take down(although no floor on it, just on the grass).


I use one of those three leg folding stools, I got mine at academy for like $6, and sit on that in the blind. Seems to work well for me, and I scented it up in Doe P. So not only is my scent contained in it, anything that gets out should be covered by the Doe P.


If you in michigan, I'd find a place on public land that borders with a corn field. Most deer will enter the field to eat, then retreat back into the woods to bed down. Look for game trails heading from thick bedding areas toward feeding areas.



I live in Texas now so Public land Deer LOVE acorns. So I set myself up on trees that are producing acorns for the animals to eat.

I can attest to this belt. Took a gamble on it but it is very stiff and holds it's own weight, I've been more than pleased especially for 25. I carry a g43 IWB most days and it feels great.

XTAC Quick-Release EDC Belt -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MHXYTD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I also have the Comp-Tac Mtac Minotaur. Its always compared directly to the Crossbreed Supertuck. From what I've seen online it's hard to choose one over the other.

Really easy to conceal for my Glock 19. Very Very comfotable! It has interchangeable kydex if you have other carry guns which is really cool and convenient.

If you are looking for a great carry belt Blackhawk makes a rigger belt for about $30 on amazon Here.

Blackhawk CQB. I'm pretty sure they offer it in both 1.5" and 1.75". Those belts are FANTASTIC (clearly that's why I bought two of them...).

Link

I am more of a treestand guy, but I do hunt from a couple of tradtional hub blinds, as well as one of these from time to time. I mention the latter because it's my goto when high-mobility is key. Even though you can see side to side, there's no chance of a shot other than straight forward. That's the major drawback. The positive is that it fits in a backpack style form factor and you don't have to carry a separate chair.

Will be hunting in NE Wisconsin so I know the Blaze Orange is a requirement. Looking at getting a cheap blind but not sure what is good, what isn't. Any thoughts on this one? Really appreciate the tips!

Check this out. It's not kevlar but its similar to what you posted. I've been wearing one for about a month now, I love it.

Iv been successful with pop up ground blinds for turkey... Not sure if deer would mind it... If u can build one temporary or permanent I would do that.

https://www.amazon.com/Ameristep-Doghouse-Ground-Blind-Realtree/dp/B00JA82FV0/ref=sr_1_5?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1505516749&sr=1-5&keywords=ground+blind

https://www.amazon.com/Ameristep-Care-Taker-Blind-Realtree-Xtra/dp/B00JQHWT52/ref=sr_1_4?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1505516749&sr=1-4&keywords=ground+blind

If u go with the pop up set it up a few days early so the new plastic smell wears off :)

Duty belt wise, I wear a riggers belt daily, but I tend to go with blackhawk!, so far lasted well over a year with no issues.
https://www.amazon.com/BLACKHAWK-Hook-Inner-Black-44b7bk/dp/B001AQ5V0C/
https://www.amazon.com/BLACKHAWK-44B4LGBK-Black-Reinforced-2-Inch/dp/B001AQ2W1S/


Hope this helps :)

Yeah, at your size 4:30 shouldn't be an issue, even with the VP9. I use a MTAC and a 5.11 Trainer belt. A good belt is so, so key.

I do tend to wear an undershirt but it's not necessary. T-shirts are tough because the nice ones drape easily and the cheap ones suck to wear. In the summer I wear shirts like this one. The pattern breaks up any hard edges sticking out even if you're crouched or bent over and they're long enough that you can move around with out flashing.

I've heard they can, but these are pretty good if you're just worried about cushioning.

I got a Blackhawk belt. I don't like shoulder straps, so I wear my radio on my belt, as well as my narcotics, and various other handy stuff. I also really like being able to take all my gear off in one easy click.

Also on Amazon

For a budget belt I like the 5.11 EDC trainer that was my first belt. Still going strong.

The trick to not catching your shirt usually involves bending at the knees rather than the waist. If you do catch your shirt you can quickly give your shirt a pull to correct it. Most people aren’t that observant as long as you don’t make it repetitive.

And mostly just carry all the time, or as much as you can and pretty soon it will feel normal to carry and weird not to.

honestly, you might be better off getting 4 of these

If you wanted two people to share one, you can find decent 2 seaters for about $100

I don't know if you are looking at sheer practicality, or were dead set on building something as an experience, but one of those and a stool/bucket would do nicely.

>never camped before

Do you need a tent?

Also, don't get an air mattress- get a Therm-a-rest.

You should make sure you have water containers, a stove (with gas), a hammock or camp chair ( these are awesome). Most important thing for 6 weeks is being comfortable- so have a good pillow and make sure your boots are broken in. And of course GOOD rain gear- dont cheap out or it will leak.

Without much knowledge of what you will have to be doing, there isnt much more I can suggest (hiking? cooking? showers?)... but if you tell me more I'll tell you all you need to know.

(Source- Eagle Scout, been camping in the BWCAW, 4 week geology field camp, 5 summers working at camps).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z0N7G6/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004D1MOBA&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=10W0240H78PBAFF9QSDD

I have two of these from over the years. They are great durable belts. around $30, so not too pricey.

In found the quick release gun belts a few years ago and haven’t looked back.

Fairwin Tactical Belt for Men, Military Style 1.5 Inches Durable Nylon Web Belt with Heavy-Duty Quick-Release Metal Buckle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQD2QRZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RS.ODbN5TKP9H

I like these ones because their nylon is a bit softer and more pliable than some of the others, but that said, the stiffer double stitched versions with the same buckle setup so work “better” as gun belts, but i’ve had to problem with these softer versions. I’ve used these belts for OWB with a paddle holster for shooting comps with a full sized M&P to an EDC IWB w/ M&P Compact, Shield, and a P365... would recommend, not quite “ratcheting” but I can loosen or tighten it on the fly as one end of the buckle system is just a in and out design. I’ve also used the belt in a pinch to secure some stuff in the bed of a truck and once I used it as an extra strap to help carry a very heavy and awkwardly shaped load (old lat pull down cable machine in a buddies basement).

Anyways, give em a look, lots of options on amazon with that buckle type.

edit: also some people complaining about the double buckle design meaning it can’t fit through belt loops... one of the buckles comes completely off and can be put back on in a matter of seconds... not sure what the dude is complaining about lol

I use this blind in NY for both fall and spring. Works well for both turkey and deer. Turkey don't care how long it's been there, they don't really hang out and take in the view so you can just pack it and set it up on the same day. Deer are a lot more perceptive so you want to put it where you'll be hunting probably a month or so ahead of time to be safe. Also doesn't hurt to throw brush across it to try to cover smells.

I am a big fan of the Wilderness belt and the 5.11 trainer belts. The Wilderness is arguably the better product, but I've linked the 5.11 because it is cheaper and can usually be found locally/faster.

I use this one. I love it. Its so comfortable that I use it for everyday applications as well.

http://www.amazon.com/BLACKHAWK-CQB-Riggers-Belt-Medium/dp/B0012REUIS/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1345256010&sr=1-1&keywords=riggers+belt

I just use this one from Amazon.

If you want to add the velcro you could easily but it's $50 less than the one you're looking at.

Or Amazon for $18

Don't forget the seat cushion.

ALPS Mountaineering Weekender Seat

That's the Tactical Trainer one...

The one you linked has plastic buckle.

Edit: this is from your link http://i.imgur.com/YRlnYjZ.png

This one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0019MPQGQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520296249&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=5.11+belt&psc=1

This is the one that I buy.

Fairwin Tactical Belt, Military Style Webbing Riggers Web Belt Heavy-Duty Quick-Release Metal Buckle (Black, S - Waist 30"-36") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQM7FVQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Ou.3DbWDJFCMN

• Sig 938 Extreme
  
  
• Warthog Gear QuickTuk Holster
  
  
• Chris Reeve Umnumzaan
  
  
• iPhone 5 + Magpul OD field Case
  
  
• Schrade Survival Tactical Pen with Ferro Fire-Starting Rod and Whistle
  
  
  
• MantaRing
  
  
• AR15 sight tool
  
  
• Fenix E05
  
• Tank007 E09 - Just added a few weeks ago. E05 will be dropped in a few weeks once the Tank proves itself
  
  
• Fossil Magnetic Wallet
  
  
• 5.11 Belt

Go with this one. I hate that 5.11 one, it was such a piece of crap.

TL;DR: Spend a bit more money on a gun belt and wear it near your actual waist and your crack stops showing

Belts work best when worn at the waist rather than on the hips. The problem when you're overweight is that your waistline gravitates towards your hips and most guys wear a belt at their waistline rather than their waist.

I'm overweight enough that it's difficult to wear a belt at the waist but not so overweight that it's impossible like many of the guys in the photos. Wide, thick, stiffened belts help (aka gun belts). I use a 1.75" wide belt 3-layer belt that has a plastic stiffener hidden inside and you would not believe how much better the are! http://i.imgur.com/WohrzA3l.jpg


Yeah, the leather ones are a helluva lot more expensive than the garbage most people buy and the nylon ones are dorky as hell but either type will keep those pants from sagging for years and years and years. Nice leather gun belts, Dorky nylon