Metal Detecting Thread

Virginia has specific rules for relic hunting. You can get in a world of trouble if you are in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Check with MD clubs if you are not sure what the definition of Relic Hunting implies. Va. is a big state and I would guess that there are many, many places to go. Some areas are completly off limits, some are heavily restricted and some are open game. Most of it is common sense. IE: don't go anywhere that charges an admission looking for dropped pocket change with a shovel and pick ax.

 

Exactly...

We had permission to hunt several fields and found a lot of stuff... One of the main rules I live by is respect - to the landowner, rules, etc. The only group hunts that I went were the DIV's - came away with a good many buttons and 3 ringers...

 

Bump for the Bigfoot

 

A couple of buttons I found on a recent trip home:





Confederate GA button:

 

Spaceman....didn't know you were a big metal detector. I've been doing it for a while now. I used to have alot of places in my home state of VA to go but not so many down here in GA. I use a White's MXT and will post a few of my finds asap.

 

I am a HUGE detecting fan! We are rotating back to GA this Dec, so if you would like to go sometime, maybe we can arrange something... And I won't treat you like the SEC does the ACC!

 

Bigfoot bump

 

I dont usually quote the OP on an older thread
but as a numismatist, I got excited

that's a great find!

 

Thanks! I have found some pretty good ones - I have a couple Constellation Novas and a Rosa Americana that I found, but I don't have any pics of them and they are back home in GA. I will ask Dad if he can take some for me. My Dad is the coin nut and I like finding military stuff...but I don't complain about coins!

 

WHat is that?

 

I used to have a tesoro vaquero detector. It was super light weight and powerful. Anyone familiar with tesoro?

 

My Dad swears by tesaro dtectors...I haven't ever used one but I know they are good.

 

Gotcha

 

are you using a pinpointer too? Sometimes it's tough to locate the small treasures in a pile of dirt.

 

Yeah, I have one...they can be very handy at times...

 

Here are a few things I found near a cavalry battle. It was actually the Battle of Yellow Tavern where JEB Stuart was killed. The Spencer brass and Union GS button were in decent shape. Can't wait until some cool weather sets in to do some more hunting...

 

Very nice finds! Have a few of those spencer casings myself...found a complete burnside w/ the bullet still in it, and Dad has found several complete spencer's. We hit a campsite and found a bunch of stuff. Nice harmonica reed, too!

What part of GA are you in? We have orders for Beaufort, SC, but will be living in Bluffton which is less than 20 mins from the GA border. Now I will get to hunt my old stomping ground every weekend!

 

I think this thread is pretty cool, I am very interested in getting into this! What would you guys recommend as a "starter kit" so to speak.

What would be a good inexpensive metal detector? Like any new hobby, I dont want to invest much into it right away until I know Im actaully going to continue with the hobby.

 

That is a good question. I won't hesitate to suggest White's or Tesaro - they have a wide-range of products that can fit anyone's needs. That said, for ease of use and something that will grow with you, I think the White's MXT (which is what I have been using for the past 5 years) is an excellent detector. It's basically a turn on and go type of machine. Sure, as in all detectors, it takes some learning to be able to get the best out of it, but you really can't go wrong with it in any form whatsoever. As I mentioned in another thread, the secret to doing well is learning your machine.

A brand new MXT is in the $800 - $900 range, but you can find used ones for significantly less. But don't let me persuade you on this brand - I like it because White's has never let me down - AND I have found a lot of stuff with it.

Really, all you need to get started is a detector and shovel. I would also suggest ditching the stock headphones and going with smaller ones like found on walkmans (I got mine from Koss).

The main thing to remember is to research. Decide what's best for you and go with it. Honestly, I would stay away from the cheapest ones - because as they say, you get what you pay for!

Good luck in it and don't hesitate to contact me with questions!