For this issue, I had the pleasure of reviewing the new Ruger American GEN II in the short-barrelled, ‘ranch gun’ styled 5.56 calibre. Following on from its predecessors, it proved to be an absolute tack driver, and it reinforced to me how lucky we are to have such accurate economy rifles and scopes to choose from. Realistically, you aren’t going to get the finer machining and top-of-the-line triggers and actions; however, what you do get is very accurate, bargain-priced firearms. Traditionally, there have always been accurate manufacturers. However, in the economy bracket, you’d generally ‘get what you paid for’, and if an economy rifle was a tack driver, often it was just the luck of the draw. Modern manufacturing processes and market competition mean there’s a lot of added value for the consumer in this category, and long may it continue!

This issue, we kick off a three-part series of venison recipes from Marie Helleur. When you break down the different skills a hunter needs to be ‘well rounded’, the preparation and cooking of your game meat is often overlooked. However, to my mind, it’s one of the most satisfying parts of hunting.

We also have Kevin Whitelaw’s ongoing instalment into the extremely popular Hunting Legends series featuring Vern Wilson, a very well-rounded hunter and a holder of the coveted but rare ‘Grand Slam’, meaning he’s successfully secured trophies in all of NZ’s game animals. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Kevin for his devotion and time given to the Legends series. They’re a pleasure to read, Kevin, and it’s a pleasure to work beside you.

With the new management team, we’re looking to grow and enhance our NZRod&Rifle YouTube channel. Follow the link below, and (yes, you guessed it) LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE to keep up to date with our content. In the first video in the new series, I take a $525 scope and compete in a Precision Rifle Competition with the team at Sparrowhawk near Fairlie. Let me just say that any target missed was solely my fault – not the scope’s! In a challenging economy and with many households doing it hard, we really do appreciate your support, and we’ll do our best to make our content interesting, fun and varied.