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Minnesota => Ice Fishing Minnesota => Topic started by: Ihawkangler on Nov 25, 2018, 05:11 PM

Title: Eskimo Pistol Auger
Post by: Ihawkangler on Nov 25, 2018, 05:11 PM
Curious if anyone has run the new Pistol from Eskimo?  I bought one over Black Friday but we are still probably two weeks away from good ice where I live in Iowa.  I am asking because a thread in the general topic section has me a bit concerned.  Person who bought the Pistol said it walked on him quite a bit and ended up slicing through his boot because it doesn't have a centering bit.  I am sure accidents can happen with any auger but would like to know if anyone in the MN forum has used it and what they think of it.     
Title: Re: Eskimo Pistol Auger
Post by: MN Bassfisher on Nov 26, 2018, 11:42 PM
Curious if anyone has run the new Pistol from Eskimo?  I bought one over Black Friday but we are still probably two weeks away from good ice where I live in Iowa.  I am asking because a thread in the general topic section has me a bit concerned.  Person who bought the Pistol said it walked on him quite a bit and ended up slicing through his boot because it doesn't have a centering bit.  I am sure accidents can happen with any auger but would like to know if anyone in the MN forum has used it and what they think of it.   

I saw one review on Facebook but that's it. That review was that it was fast as ripping holes and very lightweight. This review wasn't from the owner of the Pistol but someone who used their friends. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for additional reviews.
Title: Re: Eskimo Pistol Auger
Post by: holehopper on Nov 27, 2018, 08:40 AM
I don't have the Eskimo version but I use a very similar setup.  I have a 5" Mora auger on a drill using the Strikemaster drill converter kit.  I used it for the first time last week and it definitely wanted to walk.  I was able to get it dialed in after drilling a couple holes and the keys for me were:

1.  Make sure you have the drill set on a low speed.  High RPM when using these is not going to drill holes faster for you.  Make sure you are using lower speed settings on your drill.  Most drills have a hi/lo setting on the top of them.  My drill also has another button that allows you to tweak down from there and I run that in the middle of 3 speed settings.

2.  Before you start the drill, apply some slight downward pressure on the drill/auger.  These setups are so light, they "walk" vs. "bite" on the ice without any pressure.  I think most of us are used to using a heavy auger that puts pressure down on the blades just by its own weight.  So, with the drill set up, you need to apply a little downward pressure to get them to hold still.  Don't lean on it, but just apply 5 or 10 pounds of downward pressure when you start drilling.  The blades will bite right away and you will be good to go. 
Title: Re: Eskimo Pistol Auger
Post by: RuralMT on Jan 08, 2019, 09:51 AM
I know this post is over a month old and that you were asking for the opinion of Minnesotans, but I bought a Pistol over the holidays and absolutely love it.  Granted, my only previous auger was hand-powered so I can't compare it to much.  However, as mentioned above, it rips through ice swiftly and weighs less than 5 pounds.  I haven't had any trouble with it walking on me yet; I apply a little bit more pressure to get the hole started and once it starts it finishes just fine.  However, I haven't had it out on glare ice yet, which is where I've heard it having the most issues. 

All in all I love it and have no regrets on the purchase!
Title: Re: Eskimo Pistol Auger
Post by: Ihawkangler on Feb 13, 2019, 06:47 AM
I have a K Drill and Pistol.  The Pistol walks a lot more and you need to be very careful when starting a hole.  Go slow and apply a fair amount of downward pressure until it bites then faster when blades are engaged.  I do think the pistol is faster and will likely yield more holes but the K Drill is easier to start a hole with.  I will say that when conditions are not extreme with below zero wind chills and the glare ice the pistol is easier to use.  In what I would consider normal winter / ice conditions with some snow on top the pistol doesn't walk as much.   Definitely recommend a wide stance and starting slow.  Would not give this auger to a newbie and tell them to drill some holes.  There have been a few posts of boots / feet sliced.
Title: Re: Eskimo Pistol Auger
Post by: Hardwater2 on Feb 13, 2019, 06:52 AM
I have a K Drill and Pistol.  The Pistol walks a lot more and you need to be very careful when starting a hole.  Go slow and apply a fair amount of downward pressure until it bites then faster when blades are engaged.  I do think the pistol is faster and will likely yield more holes but the K Drill is easier to start a hole with.  I will say that when conditions are not extreme with below zero wind chills and the glare ice the pistol is easier to use.  In what I would consider normal winter / ice conditions with some snow on top the pistol doesn't walk as much.   Definitely recommend a wide stance and starting slow.  Would not give this auger to a newbie and tell them to drill some holes.  There have been a few posts of boots / feet sliced.

I have the same drill and couldn’t agree more! Grew up fishing Mille Lacs, Leech and Lake of the Woods. Now I drill ice in upstate Ny for the last 20yrs.