Need advice from some experienced relic hunters

[JoMckim]

My parents are investing in a metal detector this summer. My father has always wanted one to putter around with and have some fun, but their main goal in getting one is to hunt their backyard first. They live in Ossipee center in New Hampshire. Their 1 1/2acre property was supposedly a soldiers encampment during the revolutionary war, and it was home to an inn called the Carroll House up until the early 1900's so they are hoping to find some interesting relics. The problem is that the previous tenants used a good portion of the property as a dumping ground for everything under the sun especially glass bottles. Everywhere you dig you run across tons of glass and trash.What detector would you recommend for a site like this? I would think their price range is somewhere under 600. I am just starting to research getting a detector for myself and don't have the knowlegde to offer them the advice they need. Any advice is appreciated!!!
Joe

 

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[silverswede]

Hi Jo:
That property sounds like a real detecting adventure. That price range will get a real nice detector from any one of the major makers. Or for that matter even 2 detectors like the Garrett Aces or Minelab Xterra's that would do a good job. Don't worry about the glass except for digging cuts or coil scratches (can protect with coil cover) Unless the bottles have metal caps they won't read, However, you will have to dig alot of metal trash to find good relics but thats all part of the fun. Sure hope you all have a fun summer out there and look forward to some good pictures and posts from there.
Silverswede:

 

[absalon]

I agree with Silverswede. It sounds like a real adventure!

If the property is that old, there may be valuable bottles in the ground as well as metal treasures. Maybe grid the area off and handle little bits at a time. For example, completely clean out a 3'x3' area and then move on. You'll have to go deep to find the really good stuff, so take it slow and easy.

Edges of the property may be a good place to start. People had to get there somehow.

As for detectors, I am a White's fan myself and would recommend a Prism V. Retails about $500, but check for a dealer in your area that might give you a deal. You may be able to get like an M6 for the same price as the Prizm V. A good dealer will not only sell them a detector, they should also be able to teach them how to use it, whatever brand that they choose to buy. Shop around and get the best deal.

Find a detector that can use different sized coils. Smaller coils are great for trashy areas. Better target identification.

Best of luck and hopefully we will see some pics of yours or their finds here soon.

Scott

 

[JoMckim]

Sorry it tookme so long to get back to this post, just wanted to thank you guys for the comments. I think it will be a fun project and I will let you know if they find anything good. Thanks again.

 

[TonyinCT]

Great Property 8)
I would suggest a mid range detector and also a small coil for the trashy areas. I don't think the whole property will be that way. If you need more advice give me a call.
TonyinCT
www.tcmetaldetectors.com

 

[Born2Dtect]

I agree with TonyinCT on the smaller coil. It is a necessity for trashy areas. I say spend as much as you can afford. Try to get the opinions of others in your area. Local dealers are good to buy from but may not be knowledgable of all detector makes. T'Net is a good place to get answers, we got all types here.

Ed D.

 

[Gribnitz]

Hate to say it, but no detector will do much good in a REALLY trashy site. A small coil will help, but you are going to have to get all that junk out of the way to find good stuff. If your looking for relics, I would suggest a beep and dig machine. A nautalis or tejon. They are generally really deep on the lower coductivity targets like brass and lead.

 

[John (Ma)]

There are many detectors out there and pending on your budget will help with the decision. If there is a local dealer close, its best to compare brands and models. Tesoro seems to put out a great relic detector with the Dejon. If I was looking to mostly metal detect relics, I myself would be looking at the Tesoro, as they have alot of units without the screens and get right down to business. For relics you really don't need the added expense of readouts, because you will be digging almost everything anyway. As you get to know any detector, you will learn more of when to dig and not to. For mostly relics, Tesoro would be for me.