Jerky Question???? Whole Muscle vs Burger gun??

[jrebel]

Which one do you prefer and why?   I used the Burger / Jerky Gun on my last batch and it turned out amazing.  Will probably not do whole muscle jerky again. 

What is your experience? 

[sirmissalot]

I just did my first batch of jerky gun type with some antelope and its awesome stuff, easier too. Definitely like it better

[boneaddict]

I have always done whole muscle.  (old school I guess) but after grinding off half of my teeth, I decided that I am tired of the chew, and would like to go the gun route next time. 

[Netminder01]

I've not used a gun but have always seen great success being patient in the brine & marinade phases.  Going home today to put a bunch of brined duck jerky in a chipotle marinate!

Yum!

[jrebel]

I have always done whole muscle.  (old school I guess) but after grinding off half of my teeth, I decided that I am tired of the chew, and would like to go the gun route next time.

I am going to make a prediction....once you go jerky gun you will not go back.  It is truly amazing.  It looks and taste like whole muscle jerky just more tender.

I have samples if you want to come to Wenatchee 
 

[boneaddict]

I have no doubt and I will keep your offer in mind.   I think it would be easier with consistency in smoking too.   Versus pieces that are too dry, and some that are "raw"

[Bean Counter]

I like the looks and style of whole muscle jerky but I quickly got tired of wearing my jaw out. I grind 100%. Ground absorbs marinades and spices very well. I plop a few tablespoons of ground meat into some wax paper, fold the paper over, and use a butcher knife to square the strip off. No gun required. Jerky gun sounds messy as all get out for clean up though granted it's probably faster than my cheapskate method 

[boneaddict]

Let me know if you want me to change your name to penny pincher.   

[jrebel]

I like the looks and style of whole muscle jerky but I quickly got tired of wearing my jaw out. I grind 100%. Ground absorbs marinades and spices very well. I plop a few tablespoons of ground meat into some wax paper, fold the paper over, and use a butcher knife to square the strip off. No gun required. Jerky gun sounds messy as all get out for clean up though granted it's probably faster than my cheapskate method 

Mine is super easy clean up and it allows me three different tips.  I really like the round tip which makes jerky that looks like a pepperoni stick.  Pics of my final product coming soon.   

[Netminder01]

I have always done whole muscle.  (old school I guess) but after grinding off half of my teeth, I decided that I am tired of the chew, and would like to go the gun route next time.

I am going to make a prediction....once you go jerky gun you will not go back.  It is truly amazing.  It looks and taste like whole muscle jerky just more tender.

I have samples if you want to come to Wenatchee 

I'm not sure tenderness is the lone litmus test is it?

What is it about the gun that makes it more tender? Because it provides and evenly distributed and thin pieces?

Rebel - I propose you package up and send me a small pack of your best jerky made with a gun and I'll do the same and we both report back.  What say you? 

[jrebel]

$20 jerky gun that worked well.  I put 17lbs of jerky through it with no problems.  Super easy clean up.  There are more expensive guns out there but because I was skeptical I went with a cheap one.   It worked out...and I am sold on the jerky it makes.

Pics of flat and round jerky.  Smoke time was the same 4-5 hours.  The burger definitely soaks up more flavoring and spices.  I like flavorful jerky so it worked out well.   

[Bean Counter]

Let me know if you want me to change your name to penny pincher.   

Hey, it has a nice ring to it 

[jrebel]

I have always done whole muscle.  (old school I guess) but after grinding off half of my teeth, I decided that I am tired of the chew, and would like to go the gun route next time.

I am going to make a prediction....once you go jerky gun you will not go back.  It is truly amazing.  It looks and taste like whole muscle jerky just more tender.

I have samples if you want to come to Wenatchee 

I'm not sure tenderness is the lone litmus test is it?

What is it about the gun that makes it more tender? Because it provides and evenly distributed and thin pieces?

Rebel - I propose you package up and send me a small pack of your best jerky made with a gun and I'll do the same and we both report back.  What say you? 

I think the tenderness is due to the meat being previously chewed (ground). 

 

[Bean Counter]

What is it about the gun that makes it more tender? Because it provides and evenly distributed and thin pieces?

Rebel - I propose you package up and send me a small pack of your best jerky made with a gun and I'll do the same and we both report back.  What say you? 

Its because the meat gets ground at one point and therefore isn't as coagulated as whole muscle jerky. I don't think the gun has anything to do with it. I'm cheap, but  I'm generous--I can make up a few of each and send to you if I do well in Wyoming here next month and you're still exploring this.

[Netminder01]

What is it about the gun that makes it more tender? Because it provides and evenly distributed and thin pieces?

Rebel - I propose you package up and send me a small pack of your best jerky made with a gun and I'll do the same and we both report back.  What say you? 

Its because the meat gets ground at one point and therefore isn't as coagulated as whole muscle jerky. I don't think the gun has anything to do with it. I'm cheap, but  I'm generous--I can make up a few of each and send to you if I do well in Wyoming here next month and you're still exploring this.

Hey now Bean, I'm working on a deal to get some tasty jerky!  shhhhh!