Author: Brian Kightlinger
Brian Kightlinger
Award-winning author, Brian R. Kightlinger, is an avid outdoorsman, middle school social studies teacher, and official whitetail deer scorer from Northwest Pennsylvania. He has had a passion for everything outdoors since his youth. Brian enjoys shooting archery and competing in 3D archery competitions. He loves talking about whitetail deer, turkey, and exotics and meeting others with the same passion.
The Tikka T3x has earned a reputation among hunters for being lightweight, accurate, and dependable in the field, and this review shows why. From first handling the left-handed Tikka T3x Hunter at the gun shop to carrying it on long bear and deer hunts, the rifle proved comfortable, smooth, and impressively precise. For hunters looking for a versatile bolt-action rifle that balances performance, fit, and real-world reliability, the Tikka T3x stands out as a serious contender. When I began my search for a new hunting rifle, the Tikka brand wasn’t on my radar. As an owner of Ruger, Savage, and…
The Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a hub that attracts fantastic outfitters, vendors, companies, and speakers. The 2024 GAOS was a thrill, as I eagerly anticipated meeting old friends and making some new ones. Among the companies I was most excited to reconnect with was Mossberg Guns. On the opening morning of the GOAS show, I made a beeline to the Hall of Guns to visit the Mossberg Gun booth. The SA-410 turkey gun has been my trusted companion, delivering fantastic results over the past two years. I was eager to share the pictures and videos of my…
Each day before work, weather permitting, I walk my two Labs up to my hunting property. I love the exercise, and the dogs enjoy the crisp morning air. Most importantly, I get a chance to listen to turkeys on the roost. Most mornings, I hear countless gobblers booming on my property. I pinpoint where the birds are so I can hunt them. From the number of gobbles I heard, I hoped this years’ spring turkey season would be promising. Time would tell if the birds would remain on my property. Before the 2023 turkey season, I placed multiple SpyPoint trail…
Why I like this scope I was drawn to the Hawke Optics booth at the Great American Outdoor Show. Engaging with their knowledgeable staff, I unexpectedly became intrigued by the Hawke Vantage IR Turkey Scope, despite not initially being in the market for one. Their passion and detailed explanations about the scope’s features convinced me to give it a closer look. What truly sets the Vantage IR Turkey Scope apart is its versatility. Offering three reticle options, including a black reticle that illuminates red or green when the illumination rheostat is turned, it equips you to adapt your hunting strategy…