Randy, I know where you,re are coming from and sometimes I,ve thought about doing the same thing, but I,ve such good sucess with the 1266 I don,t think that I could give it up. Usually here in S.C. I go on all day excursions and I don,t think that my arm would hold up. I,ve watched the other guys hunt with me and I just don,t think it,s that much better if any and these guys are good relic hunters. Not beginers. By the way my father is from a little town right outside of KC called Springhill. do you know where it is? Let me know how you come out. Good luck Bill in S.C.