Scout Camp, Fishing & Camping Checklist

July 17, 2014 - posted by Rose Marion

It’s the right time of year for fishing, hiking, and camping. This time of year, we get a lot of people coming in and asking, “What gear do I need for…”

Whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing, or even sending your Cub Scout off to camp for a couple days, this checklist has everything you need to make it a great adventure here in Utah or in the mountains or lakes of our neighboring states.

If you’re camping or hiking, or sending a Scout to camp, here’s what you need:

If you’re sending a scout, remember his uniform, too!

For fishing:

Enjoy!

Click here to download a printable PDF of both lists.

Did you have fun? Make sure and send us pictures for the Bragging Board!

These lists were made after we had lots of families looking for a Scout camp checklist for their boys about to go to camp. We find them useful as a camping checklist so we’re sure we’ve got the car packed with all the gear we need. These also work great for packing your gear even for a fishing getaway on a Friday afternoon!

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Gun Review: Glock 42 .380

May 23, 2014 - posted by Mike Vause

Some say, “hideable handguns aren’t fun to shoot.”

There certainly has been a trend to buying small concealable pistols and revolvers. Many new shooters are inclined to buy the smallest size, but may not take into account ease of operation and recoil control.

Small guns can sometimes have the opposite of bold, high visibility sights; they can also produce more recoil than we expect. I personally like mid to larger handguns for that reason.

The American Public has, for the last few years, been buying a huge number of 380 ACP pistols. Some have loved their purchases, but I have personally seen a good number gravitate back to a larger pistol or even give up on the perfect pocket gun quest.

I vowed that I did not need another caliber to support; nor did I want a pistol that was not easy to shoot and find the target. I have struggled to find something small enough for everyday carry that would give me the accuracy standard I need.

I’ll tell you what I think is a little bit of a funny story.

Glock 45 or 42?

At the 2014 S.H.O.T. Show – the big kickoff for the gun industry’s new products – Glock introduced two new pistols. The model 41, a big long barrel target 45ACP with a new thinner slide, and the model 42 a very small pistol in 380 ACP were introduced.

My friend Scott was very impressed by the 380 subcompact gun and vowed to buy the first one that came into Smith & Edwards. I gravitated to the bigger 45 and made the same vow. Well, not too long after that, we received one of each at the store. Scott kept his promise and bought it that day.

Range Day with the Glock 42

I decided to go to the range that day with a couple of pistols that I had been shooting for some time. Scott offered to let me “break-in” his new acquisition; how could I say no? He even bought a box of ammo and said, “Shoot 10 of these and tell me how you like it!”

It was like Christmas all over again. I hurried off and was soon ready for the test.

Right off, I shot two 5 shot groups at about 10 yards. The little Glock 42 was smooth and the groups were tighter than I thought possible from a gun this small. The sights were easy to pick up and the recoil was minimal with no abrasion or discomfort.

I went on to shooting my bigger guns. They were ok, but I thought, Man, I think the little Glock is way easier to shoot acceptable groups. I know that I was only supposed to put 10 rounds down range with the free ammo, but I couldn’t stop. I shot 10 more rounds and was amazed by how the little gun handled.

This happened a couple more times and when I looked down, the box was very near empty. I was convinced that I had to have a Glock 42.

I returned the gun to my friend, and bought one for myself (I did buy him another box of ammo to remain friends).

The Results

I have included some average 5 shot 10 yard groups. These were shot off hand with no support. The target dot is 1.5″ in diameter. I also have included an amazing 5 shot group that I would be proud of with any pistol.

I am sure many could out-shoot this pistol if we went to the 25 yard line. I am not saying that this is a target gun. I am saying that I have not been able to shoot a gun this small anywhere close to as well as this little Glock. The controls and trigger pull are just like their bigger guns; so if you shoot a Glock well, you will really appreciate the model 42. Come on, give the 380 a chance.

Glock 42 Specs:

Caliber: .380 auto
Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel length: 3.25″
Overall length: 5.94″
Width: 0.94″
Height: 4.13″
Length between sights: 4.92″
Weight, unloaded: 13.76oz
Trigger pull: ~5.5lb
Trigger travel: ~0.49″
Barrel rifling: Right hand, hexagonal
Length of Twist: 9.84″
Click here to see the Glock 42 or come visit it in-store at Smith & Edwards Gun Counter.

Note from Rose: Mike was generous enough to let me shoot his Glock 42 at the Perry range. This is a really nice gun and a great option for concealed carry. I liked the trigger pull, the size and grip were perfect, and I liked the fact that it stays open after you fire the last round. The sights make this handgun a lot better to aim than your typical .380 concealed carry, and it doesn’t kick like a Ruger LCP or others. Thanks, Mike!

Like the review? Should we do more of these? Leave a comment (or come into the store) & let us know!

About our people

Mike Vause is the Sporting Goods manager at Smith & Edwards. He’s been here over 20 years. When he’s not in the store, he’s probably hiking, camping, or testing the latest handgun or rifle.

Have questions about guns, hunting gear, or reloading equipment? Call the store at 801-731-1120 and ask Sporting Goods, we’ll be happy to help you get the gear you need.

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The Gear You Need for a Weekend Getaway

March 15, 2014 - posted by Mike Vause

The spring is the perfect time to plan your hiking and camping, and you couldn’t ask for a better location than Utah. Take a week to enjoy the natural surroundings in comfort. Or, take off on a Friday afternoon and get away for a weekend with the family on your favorite hiking trails.

Utah Hiking and Camping Spots

Utah is rich with outdoor hiking opportunities.

I love the Uinta mountains.

The Desert Canyons of San Rafael Swell are also a good hike.

Even our own humble Ben Lomond peak.

Peak of Ben Lomond - Mike Vause, Smith and Edwards

My nephew on the peak of Ben Lomond. Over his right shoulder you can see Willard Bay.

Climb a peak! It will change how you look at things.

We have beautiful peaks in Utah. I like the view from Lewis Peak on the other side of the divide.

Utah’s tallest is Kings Peak – that’s an amazing summit right there.

For camping, I like the Logan Canyon area. There are still some fun spots at North Fork.

I love being in the Uinta mountains – there are many fun places up there you can hike to.

Now is the time to prepare a great backpack trip or day hike. Be ready now so you can grab your gear and go when the weather is right.

Capitol Reef, Utah - Mike Vause, Smith and Edwards

Capitol Reef National Park

Utah Hiking Gear & Camping Picks

Kelty day packs lasted my kids from 2nd grade through to my 20-year-old on his mission in the islands of the Pacific.

When you’re looking for hiking packs, you can’t go wrong with one from Mountainsmith, Kelty, or Jansport.

Hiking packs by Jansport, Mountainsmith, and Kelty at Smith and Edwards

These hiking packs will hold all your gear comfortably – and you won’t lose sight of your family in these bright colors, either.

Rather than trying to haul in your own water, you’ll want a water purification system: either a pump or a gravity system.

Some good purifying pump systems are the Katadyn Hiker, and the MSR Miniworks Ex Microfilter.

Water Purification pumps are great – but gravity-style purification rocks.

I love the Katadyne Base Camp system, where you draw a huge bag through the water, hang it up in camp, and then release water from it as you need it. And because of the gravity, you don’t need to pump it. The Katadyne Base Camp uses the same filters as other Katadyne systems.

A lot of these purification systems have adapters that go right on your Nalgene® bottle, reducing spillage.

Waterproof boots are a must! Danner and Merrell are good waterproof brands, and Merino wool or polypropylene blend socks complete the package.

Here are a couple good shoes: Danner 453 GTX in brown, and Merrell Moab Gore-Tex Mid with Vibram soles.