Let’s Dive into Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in
The Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in is Winchester’s latest offering in their line of waterfowl hunting ammunition, designed to maximize effectiveness in the field. This shell promises better patterns, improved hex shot, and enhanced water resistance, all aimed at ensuring a successful hunt. It’s a 3.5-inch, 12-gauge shell loaded with 1.63 ounces of their specialized Hex steel shot, a configuration built for maximum impact on waterfowl.
I’ve been a waterfowl hunter for over a decade, and consistently struggle with achieving clean, ethical kills at longer ranges, especially in windy conditions. I was looking for a shell that could deliver tighter patterns and more consistent performance, something that would give me the confidence to take those slightly longer shots when necessary.
Upon receiving the Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in, the packaging was standard Winchester, nothing particularly flashy. The shells themselves felt robust, with a noticeable crimp and a solid feel, indicating good construction.
Compared to other waterfowl loads I’ve used, such as Federal Black Cloud and Kent Fasteel, the Winchester Blind Slide 2 stood out because of its innovative Hex steel shot and advertised tighter patterns. I was intrigued to see if these features lived up to the hype, especially considering the slightly higher price point compared to standard steel shot loads.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if the Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in could truly deliver the improved performance that Winchester promised, and address my specific challenges with long-range accuracy and clean kills.
Real-World Testing: Putting Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in during a late-season goose hunt on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The conditions were typical for that time of year: cold, damp, and with a moderate wind blowing across the open fields. I used it in my Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a modified choke, rated for steel shot of course.
The shells performed well even with the wind, exhibiting consistent patterns at 40 yards. There were no noticeable misfires or cycling issues, and the recoil was manageable for a 3.5-inch shell.
The only initial surprise was how dirty the shells seemed to burn. There was a noticeable amount of residue in the action of my shotgun after the first box.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using several boxes of the Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in over the course of the season, I can confidently say that they are a reliable performer. The shells consistently cycled smoothly through my Benelli, and I experienced no malfunctions related to the ammunition.
Durability-wise, the shells held up well to being stored in my hunting bag in less-than-ideal conditions. Even after being exposed to moisture and cold temperatures, the shells fired reliably without any noticeable degradation in performance.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard steel shot, the Winchester Blind Side 2 noticeably improved my hit ratio at longer ranges. The patterns were consistently tighter and more uniform, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer cripples.
Breaking Down the Features of Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in
Specifications
The Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is the standard gauge for waterfowl hunting, providing a good balance of power and manageable recoil.
- Shell Length: 3.5 inches. This longer shell allows for a larger payload of shot, increasing the chances of a hit.
- Shot Size: Available in various sizes, depending on the target species. This allows hunters to tailor their load to the specific birds they are pursuing.
- Shot Type: Hex Steel. This unique shot shape is designed to provide tighter patterns and more trauma upon impact.
- Load: 1.63 oz. This substantial payload increases the density of the shot pattern, improving the chances of a clean kill.
- Wad: 4-Petal Wad. This wad is designed for better choke response, helping to maintain tight patterns at longer ranges.
- Primer: Drylok Super Steel System. This system seals out water and moisture, ensuring reliable ignition even in wet conditions.
These specifications contribute to the overall performance of the shell by maximizing pattern density, ensuring reliable ignition, and delivering a high-impact payload to the target. The Hex Steel shot is the key differentiator.
Performance & Functionality
The Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in excels in delivering tight, consistent patterns at longer ranges. The Hex steel shot lives up to its promise, resulting in more pellets on target and more ethical kills.
One of the minor weaknesses is the residue left in the action after shooting, requiring more frequent cleaning. However, the overall performance and reliability of the shells outweigh this minor inconvenience.
The Winchester Blind Slide 2 definitely meets and often exceeds expectations for a high-performance waterfowl load. It provides the confidence to take longer shots and delivers consistent results in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The shell itself is designed with a focus on functionality, with a robust crimp and a smooth exterior for reliable cycling. The nickel-plated head adds a touch of corrosion resistance, important for hunting in wet environments.
The Winchester Blind Slide 2 is easy to handle and load, with no noticeable issues in terms of ergonomics. The recoil is manageable for a 3.5-inch shell, though it may be a bit stout for smaller-framed shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
The shells are well-constructed and hold up well to typical hunting conditions. The Drylok Super Steel System effectively prevents water infiltration, ensuring reliable ignition even after being exposed to moisture.
Maintaining the firearm is a bit more involved due to the residue, but this is a minor issue compared to the overall performance benefits. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in does not require any specific accessories, but its performance can be enhanced by using a choke designed for steel shot. Chokes from brands like Carlson’s and Patternmaster are popular choices among waterfowl hunters.
The 4-petal wad is specifically designed to work well with a variety of chokes, providing flexibility in terms of customization. It’s compatible with most aftermarket chokes rated for steel shot.
Pros and Cons of Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in
Pros
- Improved Patterns: The new shot and wad system maximizes pattern performance for increased kill zone through all factory and aftermarket chokes. This leads to more ethical kills and fewer cripples.
- Improved Hex Shot: More consistently shaped shot puts more pellets on target for increased trauma and would channels, resulting in fast kills. The unique hex shape is the key to its effectiveness.
- Water Resistant: The Drylok Super Steel System seals out water and moisture infiltration through wad and primer, ensuring reliable ignition in all weather conditions.
- High Packing Density: Stacked pellets make room for more powder and higher velocity, increasing the shell’s overall power and range. This helps maintain pattern density at longer distances.
- Nickel Plated Head: This provides improved corrosion resistance.
Cons
- Residue: The shells tend to burn dirty, leaving more residue in the action of the firearm compared to some other brands.
- Cost: These shells are more expensive than standard steel shot loads, which may be a limiting factor for some hunters.
Who Should Buy Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in?
The Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in is perfect for experienced waterfowl hunters who are looking for an edge in challenging conditions. This is the ideal load for hunters who prioritize clean kills and are willing to invest in high-performance ammunition.
This product may not be the best choice for novice hunters or those who primarily hunt over decoys at close range. The added cost may not be justified for shorter-range shooting scenarios where standard steel shot performs adequately.
A must-have accessory is a choke tube specifically designed for steel shot, as this will optimize the performance of the Winchester Blind Slide 2. Consider a modified or improved modified choke for best results.
Conclusion on Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in
The Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in is a top-tier waterfowl load that delivers on its promises of improved patterns and enhanced performance. While it may be more expensive than standard steel shot, the added confidence and effectiveness in the field make it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters.
The price is justified by the superior performance and reliability, making it a solid value proposition for those who demand the best. The Winchester Blind Slide 2 has earned a permanent place in my hunting bag.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Winchester Blind Slide 2 12 Gauge 1.63 oz 3.5in to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their hit ratio and achieve cleaner, more ethical kills. Give it a shot and experience the difference for yourself!