First Thoughts on the Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long
Hunting from a ground blind offers advantages – concealment from wary game, protection from the elements, and a comfortable vantage point. But finding the right blind can be a challenge. I’ve spent countless hours shivering in flimsy blinds that offered little more than psychological comfort. I needed a blind that was both portable and effective, and that led me to the Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long.
I’d been looking for a blind with a proven camouflage pattern and a durable shell. Spring steel blinds are known for their quick setup, but I also wanted something that wouldn’t collapse at the slightest breeze. Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the realistic Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo. It looks like it will blend perfectly into most woodland environments. The material also felt thicker and more robust than some other blinds I’ve used in the past.
Compared to a pop-up hub blind I own, the Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long is significantly lighter and more portable. Another option I considered was a more expensive, heavier-duty blind with a metal frame. Ultimately, I decided to try this Ameristep blind due to its combination of portability and affordability.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The camo and material looked promising, and the spring steel frame seemed sturdy enough. I was excited to see how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test was during an early-season bow hunt for deer in a densely wooded area. The day started dry, but a light drizzle began a few hours into the sit. I appreciated the quick setup – the spring steel made it incredibly easy to deploy the blind in seconds.
The blind offered decent concealment, and the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo blended seamlessly with the surrounding foliage. The 300 Durashell Plus material did a surprisingly good job of repelling the light rain, keeping me relatively dry. However, the smaller size compared to a hub blind became apparent. It’s definitely designed for one person with minimal gear, or two people with very limited space.
After setting it up, I noticed that it was slightly less stable than a hub blind. I had to use the included stakes to properly secure it against even a slight breeze. The lack of a floor also meant that moisture from the ground seeped in slightly, making it damp inside.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the hunting season, the Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long has held up reasonably well. There are no major signs of wear and tear on the fabric or the spring steel frame. However, I did notice some slight fading of the camo pattern in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
Cleaning the blind is relatively straightforward. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and mud. I’ve found that storing it in a dry place is essential to prevent mildew.
In comparison to other portable blinds I’ve used, this Ameristep blind offers a good balance of portability and durability for the price. While it doesn’t offer the same level of weather protection or space as a hub blind, it’s significantly easier to transport and set up, which is a major advantage for mobile hunters. It outperforms flimsier, cheaper blinds in terms of weather resistance and overall build quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long
Specifications
The Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long is designed for concealment and portability. It features a spring steel frame for easy setup and takedown. The Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long is covered in a 300 Durashell Plus fabric with a Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern.
- Height: 57 inches. This height is suitable for sitting or kneeling comfortably, but not standing.
- Length: 58 inches. Providing enough room for one hunter with equipment, or two squeezed in.
- Material: 300 Durashell Plus. Offers a decent level of water resistance and durability.
- Camouflage: Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. A versatile and effective camo pattern for various woodland environments.
- Frame: Spring Steel. Enables rapid setup and takedown.
- Weight: Not specified, but it’s very lightweight and easy to carry. The lightweight design makes it ideal for mobile hunting.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the blind’s performance in the field. The height and length determine the amount of space available, while the material and camouflage affect concealment and weather resistance. The spring steel frame ensures quick and easy setup, which is crucial for hunters who move frequently.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long performs its primary function – concealment – reasonably well. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo is highly effective in blending with woodland environments.
The spring steel frame makes setup and takedown incredibly fast and easy. This is a major advantage compared to hub-style blinds that can be more cumbersome to set up. The 300 Durashell Plus material provides some water resistance. It’s enough to keep you dry in a light drizzle, but it won’t hold up in a heavy downpour.
One area for improvement is the stability of the blind in windy conditions. The lightweight spring steel frame can be susceptible to strong gusts of wind. Securing the blind with stakes is essential, but even then, it can still sway and shake. The lack of a floor can also be a drawback in wet or muddy conditions. Moisture can seep into the blind from the ground.
Overall, the Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long meets expectations for a lightweight, portable hunting blind. It’s not the most spacious or weatherproof blind on the market, but it offers a good balance of portability, concealment, and affordability.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long is simple and functional. The spring steel frame makes it easy to pop up and take down. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo is well-executed and provides excellent concealment.
The blind is lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for mobile hunters. The 57-inch height is adequate for sitting or kneeling, but it’s not tall enough to stand comfortably. The 58-inch length provides enough space for one hunter with essential gear. Two people can fit, but it will be cramped.
The blind is relatively user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved in setting it up or taking it down. The simplicity of the design makes it easy to use even for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The 300 Durashell Plus material seems reasonably durable for its weight. After several weeks of use, there are no major signs of wear and tear. However, some slight fading of the camo pattern has occurred in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
Maintaining the blind is straightforward. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and mud. Storing it in a dry place is essential to prevent mildew. With proper care, the Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long should last for several seasons of hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long comes with a carrying bag and stakes for securing it to the ground. There are limited customization options available for this blind.
You could add aftermarket camouflage netting to further enhance concealment. A small camp stool could be added for extra comfort. Since it lacks a floor, consider a ground tarp to keep your gear dry.
Pros and Cons of Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long
Pros
- Rapid setup and takedown with the spring steel frame.
- Effective Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage. This really helps it blend in.
- Lightweight and portable design for mobile hunters. Great for packing into remote locations.
- Affordable price point. Excellent value for the money.
- Decent water resistance from the 300 Durashell Plus material.
Cons
- Limited space – best suited for one hunter.
- Lacks a floor, which can be a drawback in wet conditions.
Who Should Buy Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long?
The Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long is perfect for mobile hunters who prioritize portability and quick setup. It’s also a good choice for hunters on a budget who need an affordable and effective concealment option. This blind benefits archery hunters or rifle hunters hunting alone in wooded areas.
Hunters who need a spacious blind for multiple people or who hunt in harsh weather conditions should skip this product. They’d be better served with a larger, more weatherproof hub-style blind.
A must-have accessory is a set of heavy-duty stakes for securing the blind in windy conditions. Consider also bringing a small camp stool for added comfort. A ground tarp is a very good idea to keep moisture from seeping inside.
Conclusion on Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long
The Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long offers a compelling combination of portability, affordability, and effective concealment. Its rapid setup and takedown make it a great choice for mobile hunters. While it has some limitations in terms of space and weather protection, it’s a solid option for hunters on a budget.
The price of $68.49 is justified given its features and performance. It offers excellent value for the money.
I would personally recommend it to hunters who need a lightweight, portable, and affordable blind for solo hunts in wooded areas. If you’re looking for a no-frills concealment option that won’t break the bank, the Ameristep Gunner Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 57″ High 58″ Long is definitely worth considering. So get out there, set up your blind, and good luck on your hunt!