Question

[NuggetN8]

Hey sluicers! I'm not use to sluicing in larger rivers but last year I found an area that I'd like to work. I was running a really small royal sluice that's about the same size of an ez sluice. I noticed it was loading up a lot and could actually see my gold rolling out the end because there was so much black sand there. I didn't have anything to put the concentrates in except a snuffer bottle. That filled up in no time then I filled the only other water bottle I had once it loaded up again. Then I had no choice but to run and watch the smaller gold roll on through. My shovel was a tiny little thing too so I wasn't moving much dirt. I still managed just under 3 grams though. So now for the question. What sluice would you recommend that doesn't load up too quick and can handle a lot of material? I've been hearing a lot about the bazooka but that's not really an option for me right now. I need something large and not too expensive because it would be something I would stash in the bushes because I probably wouldn't want to carry it back out.. Lol

 

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[Duckwalk]

I love my 50" drop riffle. The rocks just roll over the riffles to keep it from packing up. I can also see it exchange heavies for heavier materials. It's also plastic so it is very lightweight. Just a thought.

 

[Hoser John]

tiny sluices suck

 

[Armchair prospector]

If you are finding 3 grams with a tiny sluice, run, don't walk and get a larger one that won't load up on you.

 

[NuggetN8]

Going to get an A52. Well see how things go with a bigger sluice. The water level was a bit lower when I was sluicing there last so might have to go to a different spot in the same area. How do you guys usually carry your concentrates out? Like what type of container? Or is there an easy way to concentrate them down quickly before you leave? Not use to dealing with mass amounts of black sand.

 

[Duckwalk]

Ziplock baggie for me usually. or a mason jar, either or.

 

[TheGoldProspector]

Going to get an A52. Well see how things go with a bigger sluice. The water level was a bit lower when I was sluicing there last so might have to go to a different spot in the same area. How do you guys usually carry your concentrates out? Like what type of container? Or is there an easy way to concentrate them down quickly before you leave? Not use to dealing with mass amounts of black sand.

A52 does wonders on most sizes of gold, depending on your mat of choice.
As for cons.i either use my snuffer or a 1gal bucket.

 

[KevinInColorado]

A Folgers plastic coffee can works really great for cons. Old Tupperware is a good option too. A ziplock by itself is not as durable.

As to sluices, if you plan to leave it in the field between visits, I'd suggest making a drop riffle sluice out of wood ( well sealed of course) painted in a camo color. Otherwise I'd say an A52 has a long learning curve. If you have lots of experience with a similar sluice, ok...otherwise I'd really encourage you to look again at the Bazookas...you'll have quick easy setup and move more material with great gold retention.

 

[ALewis]

For con's I usually do a "quick" pan after cleaning out (homemade fluid bed), just to reduce the weight... then dump into a Gatorade bottle or zip lock and finish up at home.

Oh, and don't sleep on the Bazooka......instead of feeding w/ the "tiny" shovel you can pour / dump a 5 gal bucket. is pretty cool, just saying.

 

[Aufisher]

Triple your gold with a Bazooka!

 

[NuggetN8]

Ugh maybe I should get it.. How much is a decent sized one?

 

[NuggetN8]

Holy cow just looked them up.. Pretty darn pricey. And I don't like not being able to see the gold that I'm catching. Would the smaller prospector be good for river sluicing? Or need something bigger? Because I don't really want to spend over $200 on it.

 

[Aufisher]

Just depends on how rich your ground is. Paid mine off in 6 months.

 

[KevinInColorado]

For one person, the biggest you'd ever want is the 36" Prospector. I run the 30" Prospector and that's very good too. Thus you are below $200 ...at least by a little. Get it, you'll love it!

 

[Goodyguy]

What Kevin said ^^^^

 

[NuggetN8]

I think I'll go with the A52 still. Bazooka sounds ok but not being able to see when it's overflowing with heavies makes me want a traditional sluice where you can actually see what's going on. Don't want that gold spilling out.

 

[Aufisher]

Used mine 30 times all day long two people digging. Most the trap filled was half way.

 

[ALewis]

Don't be afraid N8.....

 

[NuggetN8]

I'm pretty scared! Idk I think I'd want to try one before buying.

 

[Aufisher]

I'm pretty scared! Idk I think I'd want to try one before buying.

Great idea! Try both if you can borrow and you will never use a non Bazooka sluice again!