EP 495: Custom Rifle Talk with Mike Johnson of Hells Canyon Armory

There are a couple guest that constantly get asked for by name and sure enough Mike Johnson from Hells Canyon Armory is one of them. Long range and custom rifles have been growing like crazy in popularity and for good reason. People are learning that those opportunities at big mature animals are few and far between so you better capitalize. This week Mike jumps on to cover some very specific requests. We talk about his carbon barrels vs others on the market. We talk about the importance of a custom stalk. We talk actual bullet performance and bullet selection. Why he builds guns on bullets and not the other way around. We cover a ton of stuff and get really into the weeds on a lot of the topics. We also talk about Hells Canyon from an entrepreneurship perspective for those of my listeners who love all of the new business talk.

Before we get started I want to tell you about my good buddy Mark Livesay and his e-scouting course. Spending your hunting season going into an area where there are no elk is just wasting your hunting season. We all been there so excited to go on your big hunt only to find no sign of the animals. or worse your favorite spot has people everywhere. The Treeline Academy e-scouting course will teach you to find hunting spots that actually have elk right from the comfort of your home. On top of that Mark’s e-scouting course will teach you to be a more successful hunter by showing you how to organize hunts, with hunt plans, backup plans, and really how to be for more prepared for that trip of the year or trip of your life. With 30 hours of modules this is by far and away the most valuable asset you can give yourself. The ability to read maps, terrains, and areas like a seasoned pro. I promise you this is an invest in elk hunting abilities. Head over to TreelineAcademy.com sign up for the e-scouting course and prepare to be completely blown away at the amount of knowledge Mark is going to bring you. Use the TRO code to save $20 of your course.

This podcast is also brought to you by On X maps. On X maps is my go-to for both in the field navigation but also this time of year as I am e-scouting. I spend hours and hours pouring over maps to figure out how locate that potential giant or maybe just how to get away from people. On elite members now have a even more benefits with the new elite members benefits program. Now with your elite On X membership get a free Top Rut membership as well. Upgrade to elite and start planning more out of state hunts.

Show Notes:
Intro – Overview – 03:01
Mike’s Custom “Wildcat” Calibers – 10:52
Carbon Fiber Barrels – 21:26
Best Investment: Stock vs. Barrel – 26:29
Choosing a Caliber & Advice – 29:42
Mike Talks Brass & Copper or Solids – 34:45
Having Confidence in Your Weapon – 45:14
Advice to Improve Shooting in the Field – 47:29
Rifle Weight & Barrel Length – 54:42
Hell’s Canyon Armory Information – 1:11:30