Dummy Launchers

[marine_man]

Does anyone have any recomendations as to which dummy launcher works best / works best for them? I'm getting close to getting a pup and would like to have all the equipment selected before hand...

thanks!

marine_man

[FISHER ED]

I have the DT dummy launcher. Although I like pushing DT products the launcher makes me scratch my head. I get a lot of fired loads stuck in the extractor mechanism. I shoot both the wadded Halmark loads and the much cheaper crimped loads you can buy at Menards/Home Depot. The Halmarks are a lot better for extracting but the crimped ones stick all the time. I always carry a pliers with me to pull them out.

DT does put a sticker on the handle stating that the crimped loads may require a pliers to extract where wadded loads won't. Does anyone else have this problem with different launchers?

These things will really crank a dummy out there though. The harder dummies fly quite a ways where the Cordura dummies go about 30-40 yds with the yellow loads.

I think hardware wise, most launchers are the same, I'd just like to know how other brands are for extracting fired loads. Good luck in your choice. Ed

[Jackpine Rob]

I've got a Hallmark launcher, and it works great. Spent loads getting stuck is an ongoing issue, but the launcher comes with a little tool you use to extract them with, and I've usually got the old one out and a new one in long before the dog even reaches the dummy.
I'm using the green loads, and they really snap! The dummy goes about 50 yards or so, which is more than adequate. One thing to watch is when you are doing water retrieves, don't put a wet dummy on until the last possible second. The moisture from the dummy will quickly wreck the loads, and you will get a pathetic little pop while the dummy goes about 10 feet.

[FISHER ED]

Thanks for the water use tip Jackpine. I had about 4 "puff" fires in a row one night working water retrieves. Figured that might have been the case but your post firms it up for me. Man my dog goes crazy just seeing my take the launcher out. He knows what's about to come next, "BANG"!!

[Jackpine Rob]

You're welcome Ed. Another thing to do is shake the water off real well, and I actually made a "dryer" out of a dowel rod and an old towel. With this little contraption I can swab out the metal area quickly. It's not perfect, but will buy you an extra few seconds.
I carry all the dummies and stuff in a small duffel bag, and the ammo is in ziploc baggies. It is important to keep that ammo as dry as possible, and putting the little cardboard ammo box in a duffle bag with a dozen wet dummies after a training session is a good way to wreck it. Been there, done that.
You're right about the excitement in the dog when the dummy launcher comes out. My lab gets up on his hind legs and hops like a freakin' kangaroo!

[marine_man]

Thanks for the info guys... does anyone else have any input?

Thanks!

marine_man