hey 2 much trash...
I think it could be said that those of us that are coin shooting with these machines are maybe not applying them exactly the way they were most intended by the designers; I think some of us have just found that they happen to do a very respectable job -- impressive even, in a coin-shooting role, as some of the strengths of the machine (fast, good in iron, very good VDI, etc.) make them very good in a number of applications. Dave Johnson, one of the design engineers, not to speak for him, but I think he'll tell you these machines were designed first and foremost as gold prospecting machines. They are also however, marketed as being good relic machines. They are usually not discussed on other forums (in my experience) in much of a coin-shooting role -- coin shooting may be considered what these units are "third-best" at (after gold hunting, and relic hunting). My point is, I am very impressed with my machine when coin hunting. However, I think they will do at least as well, if not better, in a relic-hunting role, as morelic55 attests above. I find LOTS of old shotgun brass with my Gold Bug Pro -- more than with any other machine I've used. That's sort of more of a "relic" type of find -- it hits that brass VERY nicely! I would NOT hesitate to get one of these machines, NO MATTER what in what type of hunting situations you intend to apply it.
Just my opinion.
Steve
