Gold nugget shooting with the CTX 3030?

[Lensman]

Just curious if anyone out there has any experience with this. Considering going to place out in the Mojave to do some desert gold nugget shooting. I realize the CTX 3030 was not designed as a gold detector per se, but I've seen some stuff on the net from people who claim to have found good gold with the 3030.

 

[goodmore]

There are much better detectors out there for hunting gold. Yes you can get lucky with the CTX I suppose, But why not maximize your chances of being successfull by using a better gold detector?

 

[Johnnyanglo]

You might find an iron meteor. You might find lots of junk. You might find some old coins. But you aren't likely to find natural gold (unless it is in the form of a ring). But have fun ... you never know what's in the ground (perhaps a large nugget would be detectable with the CTX).

Johnnyanglo

 

[GateKeeper]

Johnny, Just curious. How long have you been using the CTX 3030? I have seen you write a lot of articles recently. Now this last one really makes me wonder how long have you been using this machine.

As far as the original question, yes you can find gold with the CTX. There are many video's on Youtube showing gold nuggets being found with the 3030. Is the 3030 the most optimal machine? No, but it will get you them. If you plan on wanting the prospect for gold and want another option, the Xterra 705 gold is a option to have in your arsenal.

 

[Johnnyanglo]

Since a bit after they first came out. Used the E-Trac for several years before that. I like the machine and use it mostly now for beach/water hunting. Did hunt goldfields years back, but not with the CTX. I've looked for references to peoples' exploits with the CTX and nuggets and generally it appears the 6" coil is just able to get something larger than 1 oz at something under 4" soil depth. I wouldn't expect much sensitivity from the 11" coil toward buried 'pickers' or smallish nuggets at depth. Of course there are lots of factors that determine sensitivity, such as size, shape, and composition (alloy) of the nugget, so there is no absolute reference.

Like I said, go for it, you never know what you're going to find.

 

[Lensman]

Spot on to the above. I was going to use the 6" anyway, mainly because of the difficult terrain. And wasn't intending or expecting to find any gold nuggets beyond 4". My buddy has an early 90s Goldmaster II which he knows how to use, so between the two of us, I think it should be cool. One thing for certain, there will surely be some lead bullets dug.

 

[Johnnyanglo]

If you or your friend has a few nuggets of varying sizes, bring it with you. When you get to your site bury it at 4" and see where it lands on the CTX screen. I'd focus on that area like a laser beam.

Good luck, you just might come home with a gold nugget - they're out there! (in fact you could assume at your search site that within your field of view are many hidden nuggets - you just need to get the coil over it.)

 

[dbeaven]

When and where areyou guys going? If yu do not mind I want to come along with an eTrac an CTX3030. I am in Kentucky and would like to visit, if noting more some of the old gold camp mining areas. Retired and finally time to some things that I want todo...hopefully there is a lot more time to do the same.

Thanks,

dAb, SGT. US Army Retired