On Target Reviews: Seahorse Quickdraw Pistol case, Ray-Vin Scope Stand, and Dillon Precision 550B Reloader

by Rob Kay

Seahorse SE-540 Quickdraw Pistol case

As a gun writer I have the opportunity to evaluate a lot of gear. As a consumer of gun accoutrements I’m pretty lucky.

As I began collecting a few items, I needed a place to store them.  I looked at a lot of  cases and decided the Seahorse Quickdraw Pistol case was a win-win when it came to practicality

and portability. In short, it’s a perfect way to both store your stuff and take it to the range.

The separate protective foam compartments have room for four 1911s or up to 4 revolvers. There is a fifth compartment where you can put other gear or, another handgun.

You can even mix and match.

In addition to the space for guns, there’s eight slots for mags.

The case has convenient snap locks and is “lockable” for padlocks if you travel. Access to your gear is fast and easy. I really like the SE-540 Quickdraw’s pre-fab foam compartments compared to the little squares that your rip out to create your own. The latter seem not to hold up as well.

It’s ergonomically correct, easy to carry around and you can store up to five guns in it.

Finally, it’s air-locked and waterproof, so that you can pop in a dessicant and it will keep out Hawaii’s salty air.

You can get the Seahorse SE-540 case at Amazon for a decent price.

Specifications:
Internal Size:
Length: 13.59
Width: 9.80
Depth: 8.75
External Size:
Length: 14.90
Width: 12.13
Depth: 9.58
Price is in the neighborhood of $70

Check out this video from Brownells describing the Seahorse Quickdraw

Ray-Vin Scope Stand

I went through a period, several years ago, looking for the perfect scope stand. I have a great scope (inherited from my grandmother!) but the junk tripods I purchased simply self destructed after a few months.

It was time to do some hard core evaluation.

I wanted something sturdy that could handle my abuse.  And, yes, I am abusive.

After evaluating the Ray-Vin stand I never looked back. It’s rugged and works great for rifle or handguns. The design is clean, sturdy and very well engineered. It’s built like a tank, packs neatly and I can transport around in a beat up Pelican case.

Dimensions, etc

It’s about 18” tall, with one inch stainless tube, and three legs at the base. You can buy more extension tubes if you need them–they screw on with ease. Ray-Vin’s scope stand head, a separate item, is cleverly engineered so that it “floats” the scope close to the shooter’s head without interfering with the placement of a front pedestal rest orultra-wide bipod. The set up allows the shooter to adjust scope height, rotation (around the stand shaft), scope angular elevation, and eyepiece orientation, all with one control. Other brands of scope heads require you to use multiple knobs or friction adjusters. With the Ray-Vin most adjustments can be done easily with one hand, using the black adjusting handle.

My only complaint is that the stand is a bit bigger than the bench over at the hand gun range at Kokohead. It sticks out a bit. Both stand and head weigh a total of six pounds.

It’s not cheap. The entire package costs $310.00. However, you get what you pay for. This rig is indestructible and for someone like me, that’s important.

Visit here to learn more: https://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/Ray-Vin_Scope_Stand.html

 

Dillon Precision 550B Reloader

I’m not going to do a full-on review of the 550B, but I will say that after four years of using one, I really haven’t looked back.

There is a steep learning curve to when it comes to reloading . After all, powder and primers that can explode and do considerable damage. Obviously there are a few things to comprehend.

I’ve put my 550B through its paces but the Dillon gear is engineered very well and has stood up to the local environment.

I‘ve used the 550B for loading 9mm, .45, .38, .44, .41, .223 and 30-30. It’s designed primarily for handguns but works fine for rifle too.

The secret is if you keep this baby lubricated and coated with oil, it will last.

If you’re starting out this is a good option.

There’s also a bunch of videos available online if you want to learn how to lead for the 550B.

However, the main thing I wanted to crow about is Dillon’s absolutely great customer service. Their techs are patient, knowledgeable and do not talk down to you. They don’t ask for your name rank and serial number when you call them up.

It’s hard not to like this Arizona-based company.

In this day and age, unless you’re at the Lexus dealership and have already purchased a $70k car, most customer service with large companies is lousy. (Have you tried calling your friendly local telephone or electrical utility company lately? You’ll wait for hours. Costco, fortunately, is an exception!)

I think local companies could learn a great deal from Dillon. I’ve also purchased from one of their dealers, Brian Enos, and have received great service from him as well.

Visit www.dillonprecision.com/ or www.brianenos.com/

Questions?  Comments?  Contact us directly at ontargethawaii@gmail.com

 

Comments

comments