Why We Work with James Eagleman

James Eagleman: Learn how we ended up working with a legend

Learn how we ended up working with James Eagleman of Barbour Creek on a long range hunting scope that combines TRACT’s high-quality optics with James’ profound long range shooting knowledge.

Wondering how we ended up working with James Eagleman of Barbour Creek on a long range hunting scope? What started as a couple chance meetings at sports shows has blossomed into a joining of cutting-edge optics with James’ profound long range shooting knowledge. 

Now available to order, the TRACT TORIC UHD 4-25X50 with the Eagleman Long Range Hunting reticle has all the features to help hunters maximize their ability to make accurate shots on game.

Entering the World of ELR Shooting- James Eagleman

Years ago when we first launched TRACT Optics, their main goal was to cater to the hardcore hunter. Long range shooting – especially the distances shooters get out to nowadays – was unfamiliar territory. So, attending Barbour Creek Long Range Shooting School under a master instructor like James Eagleman opened their eyes to a completely new world of shooting.

James provides each of his students with invaluable skills and knowledge to make that once-in-a-lifetime shot. He corrects bad shooting habits, teaches students how to properly position rifles to their bodies, and shows shooters of all experience levels how to make consistent, accurate shots out to longer and longer ranges.

Who is James Eagleman?

James Eagleman has an extensive military background with combat and expeditionary deployments overseas. He was the Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army Sniper School, a U.S. Army (Sniper Training Course 5th SFG) Graduate, and a Master Instructor for the US Army. Combine this with his revolutionary wind reading tactics, and you’ve got a person who many consider to be one of the best long range shooting instructors in the world. Read more about James here.

In addition to his wealth of shooting knowledge, James can explain the most complex concepts in a way that any shooter can easily understand, making his courses highly effective. His teaching style makes you feel so comfortable, and he demonstrates how, with the right techniques, hitting targets even out to 1,600+ yards can be simplified. According to Jon Allen, “You couldn’t have a better teacher than James.”

Having both attended Barbour Creek before partnering with James on the scope, Jon Allen and Jon LaCorte highly recommend the shooting school. The Level 1 course has you shooting at golf balls at 1,000 yards on just your second day of instruction. And Level 2 puts you in real field conditions, allowing shooters to practice in true hunting settings: shooting prone or off a tripod, and dealing with trees, sharp angles, and added wind conditions.

The Collaboration

Prior to attending Barbour Creek’s shooting school, we first met James at the World Gear Expo in Birmingham, AL. At that time, TRACT only offered hunting scopes and hadn’t delved into the world of extreme long-range shooting. But James had a vision for a scope meant for long range hunters, and he had his eye on the TORIC 4-25×50. After putting the scope through some rigorous testing at his school, James continued working with TRACT to tweak the existing 4-25×50 to make it more suitable for hunting.

James is known for his authenticity, and he’s quick to remind everyone that he doesn’t brand. He doesn’t endorse products he doesn’t believe in. So we’re incredibly honored that the 4-25×50 has become a staple on his school guns. If you have the chance to attend his school, it will give you the opportunity to test the scope out in some real-world hunting scenarios.

The TORIC UHD 4-25X50 with the Eagleman Long Range Hunting Reticle

The Result – James Eagleman

The collaboration between James Eagleman and TRACT Optics has resulted in what Jon LaCorte describes as a “culmination of James’s vast expertise and a significant addition to the shooting community.” James’ reputation as an instructor and the practical experience he brings to the partnership have greatly influenced this scope’s design, making it a valuable tool for long-range hunters.

The TRACT TORIC UHD 4-25X50 with the Eagleman Long Range Hunting reticle features 160 MOA of internal adjustment, a new turret design with larger numbers for easier reading, and a capped windage turret to save on weight. James’s talent in wind reading also led to the design of a reticle that allows for precise wind holds, with arrows reminding you to push left or right depending on the direction of the wind.

A Perishable Skill – James Eagleman

Despite the advantages this new scope will provide for the long range hunting community, it’s important to remember that quality optics alone won’t guarantee shooting success. Jon LaCorte advises long range shooters, “You can buy all the most expensive equipment there is – it doesn’t make you a good shooter. It may make you a person that has the ability to do it because you have the right equipment, but you need the fundamentals.”

Consistent practice within your specific shooting discipline is essential because shooting is a perishable skill. A course like Barbour Creek’s provides foundational shooting instruction (or gives you the chance to improve on existing skills), and shows long range shooters how to get the most out of their equipment.

All in all, the collaboration between TRACT Optics and James Eagleman has resulted in a rifle scope that long range hunters can significantly benefit from. This partnership has combined cutting-edge optics with expert shooting techniques, making sure hunters are well-equipped for success in the field.