Range pick-up tool for brass

[jeep45238]

My club is outdoors, and hosts multiple matches a month - plus unrestricted access to members anytime there isn't a match going on or the facility isn't rented out. The ground is grass and dirt, no gravel. Mainly pistol brass, and .22lr comes out during the sorting process so it's no big deal if I pick it up.

I'd love to hear what tools you use to speed up the process of picking up brass. Hovering over like a hunchback and getting a piece every now and then is a pain during the week, and at matches we try to get the place cleaned up asap. This is the step of brass 'processing' that takes the most amount of time for me - the tumbler is on a timer and runs at night. I took the trick from fast/friendly brass and hook up a 5 gallon bucket with plates to my tumbler, and that does a good job of doing a 'good enough' sort.

This'll be used to get the aluminum junk everyone leaves behind as well, because let's face it - it makes the place look like nobody cares about it with casings all over the place.

[hufnagel]

I've never used one, but this came to mind... https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-125789-Brass-Retriever/dp/B00RPAH47K

[taadski]

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo324/taadski/Mobile%20Uploads/magnet-psd79397_zps6rkccfah.png

[jeep45238]

I've never used one, but this came to mind... https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-125789-Brass-Retriever/dp/B00RPAH47K

I'm strongly leaning towards this style, just need to finalize which one/handle style - or abandon if there's a faster/more effective option for a bit more money. Not going to spend $400+ for the big drum ones with hoppers.

[Malamute]

Would a rake and dustpan help?

I pick up commie steel cases with a magnet on a stick from the hardware store. It would also help separate steel from your brass pile.

My dad had one of these things for picking up golf balls in the yard, I use it to pick up dog toys and dog hair. Works pretty well, but its not going to get much at once. It folds in half when not needed. I haven't taken it shooting yet.

https://www.amazon.com/Ontel-Gopher-Pick-Up-Reaching-Tool/dp/B00144L4LK

[jeep45238]

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo324/taadski/Mobile%20Uploads/magnet-psd79397_zps6rkccfah.png

Smart ass :)

If I can figure out how to make that work on non-magnetic metals, I'd be a billionaire.

[taadski]

Smart ass :)

If I can figure out how to make that work on non-magnetic metals, I'd be a billionaire.


GUILTY! :cool:

Makes for entertaining rookie pranks on range days too! :D

[blues]

I thought this was why people brought their kids to the range. ;)

[jeep45238]

I thought this was why people brought their kids to the range. ;)

Tools are so much cheaper than kids ;)

[blues]

Tools are so much cheaper than kids ;)

Probably why I don't have any. :p

[octagon]

We used one like this for hard surfaces. Never tried it on grass so I have no idea of it works on soft surfaces but on pavement it works great.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ammo-Picker-Upper-Roller-Rifle-Pistol-Brass-223-9mm-Wizard-ammunition-Collector-/231644724448

[ST911]

I've never used one, but this came to mind... https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-125789-Brass-Retriever/dp/B00RPAH47KUsed them. Pass.

[blues]

Range pick-up tool for brass...

http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wunc/files/201404/chieflopez.JPG15188

"Do you come here often...?"

[jeep45238]

Haha! Well, I like being married and having all my things, plus there's a bit of a thing about enlisted going after officer ;)


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[TicTacticalTimmy]

Has anyone tried one of these?

The website looks like its from the 1990s but it is certainly affordable:
http://www.gracomodels.com/picatinny.html

[jeep45238]

I've used similar on ars with decent luck. Helpful if the brass isn't on the ground already


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[H&KFanNC]

I've never used one, but this came to mind... https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-125789-Brass-Retriever/dp/B00RPAH47K

I use the Dillon branded one. Have had it 3-4 years now. Works great new but over time, it's ability to grab the brass wanes. When new, picked up all brass like a champ, down to .22. Now, it works best on fat brass like .45 and works fine for 9mm. .223 wants to slip out if you have more than 10 or so in the "basket". Works best to stab at the brass vs rolling over the brass. It beats the heck out of bending over, picking up 200-300 pieces of brass.

A collapsible handle would be more convenient versus the wood broom stick that came with my brass wizard.


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[jeep45238]

I use the Dillon branded one. Have had it 3-4 years now. Works great new but over time, it's ability to grab the brass wanes. When new, picked up all brass like a champ, down to .22. Now, it works best on fat brass like .45 and works fine for 9mm. .223 wants to slip out if you have more than 10 or so in the "basket". Works best to stab at the brass vs rolling over the brass. It beats the heck out of bending over, picking up 200-300 pieces of brass.

A collapsible handle would be more convenient versus the wood broom stick that came with my brass wizard.


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Thanks for the feedback - this and a wet tumbler are in my radar for the coming weeks.

Do you see any noticeable difference between the Dillon and cabela branded tools?


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[H&KFanNC]

Haven't tried the Cabela's brass wizard. I saw the one from Amazon the somebody posted in the thread and it looked like it came with a collapsible pole.

My wet tumbler arrives tomorrow. [emoji2]


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[desmondj]

Smart ass :)

If I can figure out how to make that work on non-magnetic metals, I'd be a billionaire.
This works for brass plated steel cases.

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[Jim Watson]

The ultimate brass recovery device is a revolver. If you are into speed reloads, one with full moon clips. Uniquetek has a telescopic hook to pick them up and recover your cases six at a time.

[jeep45238]

This works for brass plated steel cases.

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True - and I keep a magnet at the output of my case feeder for that reason. Keeps steel cases from accidentally making their way into my dies.

[psalms144.1]

I thought this was why people brought their kids to the range. ;)I can neither confirm nor deny the rumor that ALLEGEDLY an agency I MIGHT have shot with in the past MAY have ALLEGEDLY paid the local HS and Community College cheerleaders to pick up brass at the end of range days. Allegedly.

But I wasn't there. Ever.

[blues]

I can neither confirm nor deny the rumor that ALLEGEDLY an agency I MIGHT have shot with in the past MAY have ALLEGEDLY paid the local HS and Community College cheerleaders to pick up brass at the end of range days. Allegedly.

But I wasn't there. Ever.

Well, at least now I've figured out what agency you work for... ;)

https://images.customplanet.com/UserCreatedImages/MainDisplayImages/Front/7722a24b-3140-4168-b745-2dd1abd4704c.png

[ranger]

I also use the Dillon wire cage on a stick tool. Works great on our pistol bays which are crush and run packed gravel. I first bought a similar tool from a hardware store designed to pick up nuts but it will not reliably pick up brass - so watch which version you buy. Agree on comment that collapsing handle would be very nice. I keep a 5 gallon bucket with the "tool" in the garage - when I go to the range - I take the bucket to put the brass in. When the bucket gets heavy, I have a brass sorting event. Luckily for me, several of my shooting buddies buy 9mm brass cased in volume and leave their brass so I "paid" for this Dillon brass tool in a few trips.

[rojocorsa]

I just do it the #PoorFag (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=PoorFag) (as per LL) way and pick it up with my hands.

[Luke]

I just do it the #PoorFag (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=PoorFag) (as per LL) way and pick it up with my hands.

That's disgusting.

Bunch of brass chickens

[JSGlock34]

Overkill for the individual. The ones I've used haven't worked so great.

http://www.ammoupusa.com/pick-up-rifle-and-pistol-brass/ (http://www.ammoupusa.com/pick-up-rifle-and-pistol-brass/)

[drummer]

The most effective tool I've found is a large group of cadets or recruits. Followed closely by small contingents of interns or inmates. The inmates are usually better workers.

Those lawnmower types aren't worth a crap on grass. They worn ok on pavement. I've heard good things about the pecan pickerupper-style ones but haven't used them myself (except on pecans).

[JCS]

I need one of these. Worst thing about a Glock is the brass pickup. It's a ten yard circle of pieces sprinkled intermittently throughout. I dreaded picking it up today.


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[rojocorsa]

That's disgusting.

Bunch of brass chickens


I'm fat so it counts as exercise.

[nwhpfan]

Kids are good and they can pick up a lot...but at least mine aren't so good at sorting or avoiding the junk.

I still haven't found anything better than a pair of knee pads though.

[jeep45238]

I went with the dillon branded nut wizard - I'm liking it, though just like any tool there's some quirks to figure out in it's use. .mil discount made it on par with other known quality options out there, so I figured may as well get some spare parts for free out of the deal while I was on the phone.

I'm an indiscriminate brass picker, aluminum, steel, you name it. Mostly because I'm tired of nobody cleaning up their cases, brass rats (me!) are only going for what they can use, and our ranges are looking like crap because of it.

Additionally, having the toss-away cases in the wet tumbler act like media on the first go around and help make things more usable.

Maybe keeping a bucket of aluminum would make it worth while at the scrap yard, but we'll see if I get tired of looking at it first. Having a clean range it does make me enjoy it more.

[ca survivor]

the range safety guy, picks them for me, he gives me the brass form the other shooters too. ;)

[jeep45238]

I'd rather not deal with the public ranges :)

A few members at the club have seen me use mine or tried it, and are sold. Far from perfect, but good enough is all that's really needed.


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[Chuteur]

My boy is a dab hand at brass collecion, he can ID most of the useful suff and is grateful for the pocket money supplement it generates.

[UNK]

I haven't read through the whole thread so if its already been said excuse the repeat but what about multiple battery powered shop vac's?
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCV581H-20-Volt-Cordless-Wet-Dry/dp/B00DD1UQ3Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495805073&sr=8-1&keywords=battery+shop+vac
https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Vac-2860010-6-5-Peak-Industrial-BackPack/dp/B0013DELLW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495805234&sr=8-1&keywords=backpack+shopvac
If you have an electric available you could just use a typical shop vac maybe put it on a cart or possibly a dolly with air filled tires that could easily be pulled over uneven terrain.



My club is outdoors, and hosts multiple matches a month - plus unrestricted access to members anytime there isn't a match going on or the facility isn't rented out. The ground is grass and dirt, no gravel. Mainly pistol brass, and .22lr comes out during the sorting process so it's no big deal if I pick it up.

I'd love to hear what tools you use to speed up the process of picking up brass. Hovering over like a hunchback and getting a piece every now and then is a pain during the week, and at matches we try to get the place cleaned up asap. This is the step of brass 'processing' that takes the most amount of time for me - the tumbler is on a timer and runs at night. I took the trick from fast/friendly brass and hook up a 5 gallon bucket with plates to my tumbler, and that does a good job of doing a 'good enough' sort.

This'll be used to get the aluminum junk everyone leaves behind as well, because let's face it - it makes the place look like nobody cares about it with casings all over the place.

[jeep45238]

That's certainly an unmentioned, and plausible way of doing it! Maybe when I'm shooting open class or making a decent side hustle with brass - right now the juice isn't worth the squeeze at this point :-)

The only other thing to consider is 3 of our 6 bays are wood chip/grass (smaller width, but deeper), so I don't think it would work too well there. But the compacted dirt ones would probably work out well.

I do love new tools, but right now that money is on hold - good thought!