gear review

GEAR REVIEW: Timney Elite Hunter Trigger

Follow on Instagram: @soulseekersnation & X: @soulseekershunt

Whether you’re glassing mule deer in the Rockies or rattling whitetails in the hardwoods, the Remington 700 has long been a staple for hunters seeking reliability and precision in a bolt-action rifle. It’s customizable, chambered in everything from .223 to .300 Win Mag, and built to handle the rigors of the field. But factory triggers? They’re often a weak link—creepy, heavy pulls around 4-6 pounds that can yank your shot off target just when that trophy buck steps out. As someone who’s missed opportunities due to flinching on gritty triggers, I know the frustration. That’s why upgrading to the Timney Elite Hunter Remington 700 Trigger turned my trusty 700 clone into a hunter’s dream. This drop-in marvel delivers a crisp, repeatable break that’s phenomenal for hunting, ensuring lethal shots and humane harvests every time.

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GEAR REVIEW: Timney Calvin Elite AR Trigger

Follow on Instagram: @soulseekersnation & X: @soulseekershunt

Whether you’re a varmint hunter chasing prairie dogs across the plains or a big-game enthusiast stalking whitetails in the timber, there’s something undeniably versatile about an AR-platform rifle for hunting. It’s lightweight, customizable, and can be accessorized like a grown man’s barbie doll. But let’s be real—stock AR triggers often feel like pulling a rusty gate latch: heavy, gritty, and unpredictable. Maybe I’m a trigger snob after years in the field, but a subpar trigger can turn a sure shot into a heartbreaking miss or, worse, a wounded animal. That’s why I was thrilled to drop in the Timney Calvin Elite AR Trigger into my go-to hunting AR-15. This thing transforms your rifle into a precision machine, making it a phenomenal choice for ethical hunters who demand lethality without compromise.

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GEAR REVIEW: Kelbly Lite Rifle

By: Johnny Mack

Instagram: @soulseekersnation & X: @soulseekershunt

If you enjoy shooting and can appreciate the finer things in life, chances are you are either in the market for a custom rifle or you already shoot one as you respect the precision and craftsmanship that they deliver.  If you are a hunter looking for that same precision and craftsmanship but in a lightweight rifle tailored specifically for the backcountry, then turn your attention towards the new Kelbly Lite Rifle that was released in 2025.  

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GEAR REVIEW: Seekins Precision 22 ARC Upper

By: Johnny Mack

Instagram: @soulseekersnation & X: @soulseekershunt

One of the best things about AR’s is that they are completely customizable and adjustable to any purpose.  They are the grown man’s Barbie dolls.  But even more than that, they are the one tool in your arsenal that can shape shift and morph into whatever type of application you need to use it for.  Do you need a short barreled rifle?  Check!  Do you need a long range tack driver with precision? Check!  Do you need a smooth shooting quick follow up gun? Check!  Do you need more stopping power? Check!

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GEAR REVIEW: Seekins Precision DMR Rifle

By: Johnny Mack

Instagram: @soulseekersnation & X: @soulseekershunt

Guns are just like tools. There are multiple types of screwdrivers, but that doesn’t mean you use a Phillips for every job. And just like tools, there is no single firearm or tool to rule them all. Having the right firearm for the job makes everything better and sometimes a semi-automatic rifle is exactly what the job calls for. This is where the Seekins Precision DMR (Dedicated Marksman Rifle) shines.

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GEAR REVIEW: Seekins Precision NX15 Rifle

By: Johnny Mack

Instagram: @soulseekersnation & X: @soulseekershunt

Guns are simply tools. There are multiple types of screwdrivers, but that doesn’t mean you use a phillips for every job. And just like tools, there is no single firearm or tool to rule them all. Having the right firearm for the job makes everything better and sometimes a semi-automatic rifle is exactly what the job calls for.

The semi-auto action of an AR-15 (AR stands for Armalite Rifle, the original manufacturer in 1950 of the model 15 rifle) is ideal for quick follow up shots and perfect for certain hunting situations. In fact, my first hunting rifle was an AR platform rifle and I absolutely loved it. But I digress. AR-15’s or commonly known by some today as Modern Sporting Rifles are a firearm that I believe needs to be in every collection and are great for hunting as well.

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GEAR REVIEW: Kelbly Nanook PH Rifle

By: Johnny Mack

Instagram: @soulseekersnation

A general rule of thumb to follow in life is you get what you pay for. When it comes to rifles and specifically the world of long range mountain rifles, it couldn’t be more true. I have shot Kelbly rifles in the past and was blown away at their quality, accuracy and their overall shootability. So when I was browsing their website and laid eyes on the Nanook PH, it drew me to it just like a Siren calling to a sailor of old.

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GEAR REVIEW: Timney Lever Action Trigger

By: Johnny Mack

Follow on Instagram: @soulseekersnation & X: @soulseekershunt

Whether you are a hunter, shooter, firearm enthusiast or just someone who likes nostalgia, there is nothing cooler than a lever action rifle. From winning the American west to plinking at the range, shooting a lever gun is a memorable moment. Simply racking the action might as well be a grown man’s fidget spinner. The repeatability mixed with the calibers and long storied history makes a lever gun a must in any gun owners collection.

My biggest gripe with lever guns however is the heavy and gritty triggers that they come with. Maybe I’m a trigger snob, but at the end of the day, a good trigger can make the difference on you hitting your mark or not. I recently had the pleasure of picking up Timney Triggers latest trigger release for my Marlin 1895 chambered in 45-70 and I can easily say that this is the trigger I wish the gun would have come with in the first place.

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GEAR REVIEW: Seekins Precision Havak Element

By: Johnny Mack

Instagram: @soulseekersnation

When people ask me what type of gun they should buy, I like to attribute the buying process to that of cars. Guns just like cars, can come in a variety of offerings, finishes and looks. For the most part, they all run and get you where you want to go, but some are way more enjoyable to shoot and or drive. They can be aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, and some are more ergonomic than others. In the end all guns go bang but the enjoyment factor can dramatically increase with the craftsmanship, features and details that certain firearms bring over others.

Back in the day, I used to own a Porsche Boxster. Every time I parked that car and walked away from it, I always found myself looking back at it in admiration. This is the same feeling I get with the Seekins Precision Havak Element. Some guns really stand out amongst the crowd with a certain sex appeal and the Havak Element hits that mark for me. I have always been a fan of Seekins Precision, starting with their scope rings and their SP-10 that I have used quite extensively. When they released their Havak line back in 2018, I have been wanting one ever since and that desire only increased when they released the Havak Element.

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GEAR REVIEW: Leupold Mark 4HD 4.5-18×52 Riflescope

By: Johnny Mack

Instagram: @soulseekersnation

Growing up, I was constantly reminded of what Proverbs 29:18 KJV says about vision and the importance of being able to see clearly. For those of you who might be a bit cloudy on what it says, let me help you. It says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” For some, you might miss the connection between this verse and a riflescope, but let me explain.

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GEAR REVIEW: Hardside Hydration Swig Rig

By: Johnny Mack

Instagram: @soulseekersnation

When the invention of backpack hydration bladders and drinking tubes were introduced, it revolutionized how people went about hydrating on their adventures. It also created the opportunity to soak any and every item you may keep in your backpack when the inevitable happens and the water bladder leaks. This is where Hardside Hydration and their creation of the Swig Rig capitalized with their solution to the problem.

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GEAR REVIEW: Huxwrx HX-QD 762 TI Suppressor

By: Johnny Mack

Instagram: @soulseekersnation

Shooting suppressed is the best. Hands down, it is so much fun. From my first experience until today, I still find extreme joy in suppressing my firearms. Suppressors are something that as a firearms enthusiast, hunter and lover of the second amendment, I believe everyone should own. However intimidating the process may seem, I guarantee that shooting suppressed is well worth the time and effort. Whether you are a hunter, recreational shooter or a combination of it all, you will never regret getting into the suppressor game.

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GEAR REVIEW: Shay Butler Knives Feather Lite

By Johnny Mack

A sharp knife is a good knife and a high quality sharp knife specifically made for the backcountry hunter is the best knife. With that said, I am always on the lookout for new and better gear. When I came across Shay Butler Knives, I knew I needed to try one out. There was only one issue and it was that he didn’t make a specific lightweight knife option ideal for the backcountry. When I addressed this issue with him, an idea was sparked and his creation of the SKB Feather Lite was born!

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GEAR REVIEW: Crispi Thor II GTX

By Tony Ellersick

When I first got into hunting, I learned quickly how important boots are for a successful hunt, but that didn’t ease the pain of the cost of boots. So as any newer hunter has done, I looked for corners to cut or the least monetarily demanding product that I could get away with. What I ended up with was feet that hurt, were wet and a frustration that lasted beyond the hunt. This is where my decision to step up my boot game and bite the bullet on a high quality pair of hunting boots. I decided upon the Crispi Thor II GTX and I have never regretted my decision.

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GEAR REVIEW: Lathrop & Sons Custom Boot Systems And 3D Mapping

By Johnny Mack

Boots and my feet have a love hate relationship. For the longest time, I steered clear of stiff leather boots because of the blisters and hot spots they created on my feet. Being a former collegiate athlete, I was more comfortable in a pair of Nike Air Max 90’s for hiking than true “hiking” boots. At the beginning of my hunting career I tried quite a few different boots. All of them either left me with very little support and would blow out on the sides when getting into steep terrain or they were too stiff leaving me with blisters similar to what you see on the picture below. I finally settled on a pair of boots that worked, but to fit properly I was told to size down a half size which ended up causing my toes to jam into the front of the boots and leaving me with a sensation on my toes that lasted longer than the adrenaline from the hunt.

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GEAR REVIEW: Wiser Precision PH-170 Nighthawk Pan Head

By Johnny Mack

When it comes to backpack hunting, ounces always matter. Period. Having solid and reliable gear can also be the difference between a notched tag and a trip cut short. In this review we are diving into the Wiser Precision PH-170 Nighthawk Ultralight Pan Head. This is the first pan head that marks all the boxes that you might have when looking for a sturdy and ultralight pan head.

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GEAR REVIEW: Grayboe Phoenix Gun Stock

By Jeff Winslow

Instagram: @sendit110

For the last seven years I have been using my long-range competition rifles to hunt with. While the comfortability and accuracy were unparalleled, carrying a twenty-pound rifle around on all my hunts was becoming too much. I knew at some point I would have to build a specific hunting rifle to meet my needs.

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GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Radian Carbon Tripod

By Johnny Mack

A year ago I night hunted for coyotes standing upright for the very first time off of a tripod. What I found is shooting off a tripod is an absolute game changer unless your tripod falls short in stability or height. The tripod I was using at the time was a perfect mix of lightweight and sturdiness but only from the sitting position. Shortly after that hunt, Vortex Optics released the new Vortex Radian Carbon Tripod and I knew that I needed to get my hands on one to see how it would handle afield.

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GEAR REVIEW: Pulsar Thermal Optics

By Johnny Mack

If you are a fan of predator hunting, there is no better way to do it than going out at night and leveling the playing field by using thermal optics. If you want to do it right, have a higher chance of success and be able relive your hunt for later enjoyment, then look no further than Pulsar Thermal Optics.

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GEAR REVIEW: Tag Wallet by The Crazy Elk Company

By Johnny Mack

Sometimes in life you don’t realize what you have been missing out on until you experience it first hand and understand the need for it. This was my initial reaction when I came across the Tag Wallet by The Crazy Elk Company. As a newer hunter I was always concerned with how much electrical tape or zip ties I needed to carry with me on a hunt in order to attach my notched tag.

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GEAR REVIEW: Initial Ascent IA4K Backpack

By Johnny Mack

When it comes to hunting gear, people often talk about a good pair of boots and a comfortable backpack as being the most essential gear to make or break a hunt (besides your weapon of course). After spending several seasons hunting and packing out animals, I was always left with a excruciating pain between my shoulder blades that would eventually beat me down and made me despise the pack I was wearing.

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GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor UHD 12×50 Binoculars

By Johnny Mack

In the spring of 2020 I had the privilege of using Vortex Razor UHD 12×50 binoculars on my bear hunt. I was beyond elated to be able to use them while hunting after looking through them at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo. The first time I looked through them I was blown away with the quality of glass. Previously I was using Vortex Razor HD binos and even though those were very good, the UHD’s are hands far better and in a class of their own.

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GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor HD 4000 Rangefinder

By Johnny Mack

This past spring, I had the pleasure of using the Vortex Razor HD 4000 rangefinder on my Washington state spring bear hunt. I was super excited to finally have a rangefinder that matched my binoculars and rifle scope in optical clarity and sharpness. I have used multiple rangefinders in the past only to feel disappointed when trying to range an animal in low light and then not be able to find it.

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GEAR REVIEW: Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener

By Johnny Mack

This last year I decided to try out a fixed blade knife for processing game instead of constantly having to remember to refill my replaceable blades. Once I settled on the Benchmade Altitude, I knew that a fixed blade is only as good as how sharp you keep it. With that in mind, I set off to find a small, lightweight and convenient sharpener that I could trust and rely upon while hunting.

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Mountain Hunter Box

If you are a hunter and active on social media these days, there is a good chance that you might be familiar with subscription boxes focused on providing items specifically tailored to the outdoorsman. Being someone that is very picky when selecting gear for my adventures, I was hesitant to dive in and see what the hype was all about.

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GEAR REVIEW: MAVEN B.2 11×45 BINOCULARS

By Johnny Mack

If you are in the market for binoculars, spotting scope, or a rifle scope and have not heard of Maven optics, listen up.  Maven jumped into the optics market in 2014, and is based out of Lander Wyoming. The company is built upon the idea that optics can be developed without compromise in quality or performance, all without the big box store markup.

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GEAR REVIEW: Hunter’s Blend Coffee

Do you smell it?  The beautiful aroma of delicious fresh coffee being made in the morning.  That wonderful sound of coffee dripping down into a pot, or percolating on the stove.  These are the sounds that remind us that it is time to focus.  That it is time to prepare.

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GEAR REVIEW: Crispi Lapponia

By Johnny Mack

I have spent most of my life in the woods starting with backpacking when I was 7 years old.  That first trip was a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail in northern Washington.  Growing up I hiked in any pair of available athletic shoes that my mother wouldn’t kill me for ruining.  Year after year, hike after hike, were spent stomping around the wilderness with some type of everyday rubber soled average athletic shoe.  Although hiking in those shoes proved to be comfortable for the way they fit, they were by no means waterproof, durable or had enough support.

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GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Viper PST Gen II

By Johnny Mack

There is an abundance of optics companies these day all competing for your dollar and loyalty.  Vortex Optics is one of those companies and they have developed quite the cult following in recent years.  That following was built upon their “VIP” warranty.  It states that no matter what happens, your Vortex product will either be fixed or replaced. In the world of hunting, if your optics fail, you are going to have a slim chance of success.  Hopefully you will never have to test their warranty, but it is nice to know it is there.

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