Prospecting with CZ-6a

[Darshevo]

In the near future I am going to go check out an area that from a geographical/geological standpoint could be a good prospecting area. On my test run I am planning on using a pan and my gps to get some idea if the area is worth working. Would my CZ-6a be a worthwhile addition to the trip, or are they not good for hunting down raw gold? (Detector will be along anyway as I rarely leave home without it anymore)

Figured if nothing else would be fun to do some creek walking with it

-Lance

 

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[Sandman]

I have a CZ-6a and don't think it is up to the task of helping you find small gold. I have found earring backs and small studs with it and the CZ-20 which is the water version, but tiny nuggets are a different animal. I would suggest a true gold machine like the Super Lobo, Fisher Gold Bug II, GMT, Minelab Eureka, Garrett Scorpion or even a Infinium LS. Take the CZ-6a along for hip mounting for the wading in the water and have at it for the fun.

Hope your using a Garmin GPS.

 

[Willy]

If you check out my posts from waayyyyy back, I took a CZ6a out prospecting in Alaska's Brooks range (highly mineralized). Found around 6 k in gold (2001 prices) with the smallest piece being about 3-4 grains. This was with the 10.5" coil in salt mode. ..Willy.

 

[Darshevo]

Sandman,

It is indeed a Garmin, I have developed a good system for remembering where I found something by taking a picture of the GPS, then taking a few shots of the surrounding terrain then finally a close up shot of the ground (so I will know that coord is 'closed') that way when I go back to somewhere to double check something I can usually walk right now it.

I also use a combination of GPS and actual hard copy topo maps to mark logging roads and hiking adventures that don't always show up on a production map (digital or otherwise) Eventually I plan on laying my tracks across my digital topo, but having been adventuring since before the days of electronics I am having a little trouble moving into the digital age

Willy,

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I spent some tme going back over old posts and while I didn't find one that specified your Brooks adventure specifically I can see from reading your input in several others that at the very least I will be able to use the CZ to find area of good mineralization which could lead to some good panning.

On a side note, will I want to be using the CZ in normal or salt mode?

-Lance

 

[AUDuke]

If you check out my posts from waayyyyy back, I took a CZ6a out prospecting in Alaska's Brooks range (highly mineralized). Found around 6 k in gold (2001 prices) with the smallest piece being about 3-4 grains. This was with the 10.5" coil in salt mode. ..Willy.


Just think how much more you could have found with a dedicated gold detector

 

[Willy]

If you can find/read my ancient posts (and some no so old) you'll find out that there was, up at the claim, a Garrett Scorpion, Fisher Gold Bug 1, White's Goldmaster 4b (can't quite remember, but it was the analog unit before the GMT), Compass AU52, and 2 Minelab SD2200d's. All but the Minelab SD's, CZ6a, and later my MXT were basically unusable, given the amount and type of mineralization. Also, my CZ6a matched or exceeded the finds made with the SD's.. and the are DEDICATED GOLD DETECTORS. Often, it's not the detector, but the guy swinging it that makes a difference, but I'll admit to one advantage that the CZ6a (and to a greater extent my Garrett Infinium) has over the SD's.. waterproof coils and splash resistant control box. Remember, this was nugget hunting in water, not dry desert. ...Willy.