Bounty Hunter THE COMMANDO User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Important Facts to Know
about your Metal Detector.
1. This is a MOTION detector.
You must sweep the searchcoil from
side-to-side to detect metal.
A motionless searchcoil over a metal object
will not result in detection.
2. Do not use indoors. Detector is for outdoor use only.
Household appliances emit electromagnetic fields, which
can interfere with your detector. If conducting an indoor
demonstration, turn the sensitivity down and keep the searchcoil
away from appliances such as microwaves, computers and
televisions. If your detector beeps erratically, turn off appliances
and lights.
Do not test by placing coins on the floor. Most floors contain metal.
Keep the searchcoil away from floors, walls, and tables, which
can contain metal.
3. Use 9-volt ALKALINE batteries only.
Do not use Heavy Duty batteries.
Do not use ordinary Zinc-Carbon batteries.
Do not mix old and new batteries
4. Adjust sensitivity to a low level in the event of false signals
Always begin use at reduced sensitivity.
Increase to full sensitivity after you are familiar with the detector’s
operation.

2
The Commando is a user-friendly instrument, requiring only a
minimum of operator skill, yet delivering effective performance
over a wide range of conditions and applications.
Streamlined in appearance,
with only two operating
knobs and a mode
selection switch, the
Commando has eliminated
the two most difficult
aspects of Metal Detector
Operation, Tuning and
Ground Balancing.
Both of these functions
are automatic with the
Commando.
The Commando will
detect in extreme ground
conditions, ranging from
salt (for beach hunting)
to black sand (for gold
prospecting), with no
operator adjustments to
the circuitry and with no
loss of sensitivity.
From salt water beach
conditions to black sand
deposits common at gold
prospecting locations, the
Commando sees through
the earth’s naturally
occurring minerals
to find buried
metals.
FEATURES
Headphone Jack
Three-Position
Toggle Switch
S-Rod
Handle
System
Meter System
Detector
Stand
Comfort
Hand-grip
Padded
Armrest
Discriminate
Control
Sensitivity Control
INTRODUCTION
Interchangeable
Coil System

3
EASY ASSEMBLY
Assembly is easy and requires no tools.
1Position detector upright.
2Rotate the LOCKING
COLLAR fully in a counter
clockwise direction.
3Insert your finger inside the
tube and make sure the
INTERNAL CAM LOCK is
flush with the inside of the
tube.
4Insert the LOWER STEM into
the S-ROD.
5Rotate the LOWER STEM until the SILVER BUTTON locates in the hole.
6Twist the LOCKING COLLAR fully in the clockwise direction until it locks.
7If your detector has 3 tubes and 2 LOCKING COLLARS, repeat this
process on the MIDDLE STEM.
8Position the LOWER STEM (the straight tube) with the SILVER
BUTTON toward the back. Using the BOLT and KNURLED KNOB,
attach the SEARCHCOIL to the plastic extension protruding from the
LOWER STEM.
9Press the button on the upper end
of the LOWER STEM, and slide the
LOWER STEM into the S-ROD.
Adjust the STEM to a length that lets
you maintain a comfortable upright
posture, with your arm relaxed at your
side, and the SEARCHCOIL parallel to
the ground in front of you.
JWind the CABLE securely around the
STEM.
KInsert the PLUG into the matching
CONNECTOR on the right underside
of the DETECTOR BODY. Be sure
that the key-way and pins line up
correctly.
Caution: Do not force the plug in. Excess force may cause damage.
To disconnect the cable, pull on the plug.
Do not pull on the cable.
S-Rod
Connector Plug
Detector
Body
S-ROD
LOCKING
COLLAR
INTERNAL
CAM LOCK
SIL
VER BUTTON
MIDDLE
STEM
S-ROD MIDDLE STEM
Connector on
back of unit
body

4
IMPORTANT: Always use ALKALINE batteries for optimal
performance.
Always remove the batteries for prolonged storage.
CHECK THE BATTERIES if your detector exhibits any of the
following symptoms:
1The unit does not turn on.
2Low speaker volume.
3 Unit beeps continuously at low sensitivity setting .
The Low Battery indicator light will come on and stay on if the
batteries are discharged. It should flash momentarily when the
Power Switch is turned off.
IMPORTANT: Your Commando Metal Detector requires two 9-Volt
ALKALINE batteries.
Follow these steps to install the batteries.
1Carefully remove the battery
compartment door by
pressing the release clip on
the right side of the door.
2Snap one battery onto each
of the terminals and place the
batteries inside the compart-
ment. Feed wires to bottom of
compartment first. Then push
batteries into compartment
with terminals facing inward.
(see graphic)
3Replace the compartment door
by carefully inserting opposite
side of clip first. Then press
down on clip side until battery
door snaps into place.
CAUTION: Some off-brand batteries
maybe very large and difficult to
insert.
BATTERIES
Battery
Terminals Facing in
Towards Bottom
Release
Clip
Both Batteries
Terminals Facing
in Towards Bottom

5
Here is a quick way to demonstrate the basic features of your Commando.
1. Supplies Needed
• A Quarter (25¢) • A Nickel (5¢)
• A Penny (1¢) • A Small piece of aluminum foil
• A Nail
2. Position your Commando
• Place the detector on a table, with the SEARCHCOIL hanging over
the edge.
• Be sure that the SEARCHCOIL is far away from walls or metal
objects. Keep the SEARCHCOIL away from any metal in the table.
3. Beginning Switch Settings
• Right Knob (DISCRIMINATE) – LOW
• Toggle Switch – Middle Position
• Turn detector on with “SENSITIVITY”
knob set to 3:00 position
• Reduce “SENSITIVITY” in case of interference
4. All Metal Detection
A. Wave all objects over the searchcoil
• NOTICE THE SINGLE TONE
5. Tone Mode Detection
A. Move toggle switch to the right position – TONE
B. Turn the “DISCRIMINATE” knob to 2:00
(about 3/4 turn)
C. Sweep all of the different objects back and forth
under the SEARCHCOIL
• NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TONES
• NOTICE THE METALS REJECTED
6. Disc Mode Detection
A. Move the toggle switch to the left position – DISC
B. Turn the “DISCRIMINATE” knob to LOW
C. Sweep all of the different objects back and forth
under the SEARCHCOIL.
• NOTICE THE METALS REJECTED
D. Turn the “DISCRIMINATE” knob slowly to the
right while sweeping all of the different objects
at different settings.
• NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TONES
• NOTICE THE METALS REJECTED
Commando DEMONSTRATION
Toggle SwiTch
Toggle SwiTch
Toggle SwiTch
ALL METAL
DISCRIMINATE
TONE
FULL DISC

6
The Commando is a “MOTION” detector. This means that the
SEARCHCOIL must be moving to detect the presence of metal.
When practicing with a stationary metal detector, keep the target
moving over the searchcoil. Objects held still under the searchcoil
will not be detected.
THREE MODES OF OPERATION
The Commando allows for three modes of operation:
ALL METAL, TONE AND FULL DISCRIMINATE
After turning the unit on and adjusting your SENSITIVITY to the
desired setting, you’re now ready to decide on your mode of
operation.
ALL METAL: (Toggle Switch in the Middle) In this mode, all
different types of metal will be detected such as: iron, steel,
aluminum, brass, silver, copper and gold. Applications: Relic
Hunting, Gold Prospecting, Cache Hunting and general applications
such as property marker locating. This mode provides maximum
depth detection capability.
FULL DISCRIMINATE: (Toggle Switch to the Left) When using
Discriminator Mode, most trash items will be automatically
rejected. Adjust the “DISCRIMINATE” control higher to increase the
range of discrimination.
TONE DISCRIMINATE: (Toggle Switch to the Right) When using
the Tone Discriminator, a unique dual tone “beep” and automatic
iron rejection makes finding treasure fun and easy. It is also possible
to achieve a broken tone for certain pull-tabs by adjusting your
Discriminate control to the approximate center position (12:00).
With the two-tone discrimination, along with a broken tone for
pull-tabs, you will be able to identify types of buried metals
according to the audio tones emitted. Applications: Coin Shooting,
Jewelry Hunting and detecting in highly trashed areas.
OPERATION

7
OPERATION
TONE MODE AUDIO RESPONSES
NO
RESPONSE
Iron & Steel
LOW
TONE
Gold & Nickel
BROKEN
TONE
Old & New Pull Tabs
HIGH
TONE
Copper, Silver & Brass
TONE DISCRIMINATION
(continued)
(Toggle switch to the Right) Classifies
detected metal objects by emitting a low
or high tone.
Adjust the DISCRIMINATE control higher
to increase the range of the low tone. It is
possible to set the DISCRIMINATE level so
that nickels have a low tone, larger coins
have a high tone, and pull-tabs have a low
tone or in-between “broken” tone. The
“broken” tone makes pull-tabs and trash easily recognizable.
SENSITIVITY will be reduced slightly when using the Commando
in the TONE DISCRIMINATION MODE. If
you want optimal depth capability, operate
in the ALL METAL MODE by turning the
DISCRIMINATE CONTROL completely
counterclockwise; then turn the SENSITIVI-
TY control clockwise to its highest clockwise
position without chatter. If your Commando
chatters or beeps erratically, reduce the
SENSITIVITY by turning the left knob coun-
terclockwise.

8
OPERATION
AUTO GROUIND CONTROL:
The Commando automatic Ground Track feature allows operation
in virtually all soil conditions, regardless of mineral content.
Use it effectively on the beach or for gold prospecting. In the ALL
METAL MODE (Toggle switch in the middle), the Commando will
detect gold nuggets through black sand and will find deeply buried
relics in all types of soil.
OPERATING TIPS:
Turn the detector on using the left knob. (See Illustration Below) NOTE:
The detector will remain silent when turned on. It will emit sound
when metal passes beneath the SEARCHCOIL.
As the left knob is clicked on, it will be at the lowest sensitivity setting.
Turning the control knob toward “HIGH” increases SENSITIVITY to
small or deeply buried objects. If the unit “chatters”, reduce the
SENSITIVITY slightly, until the chatter stops.
For maximum performance, operate with the SENSITIVITY as high
as possible. The SENSITIVITY can generally be set higher when
operating in FULL DISCRIMINATE (DISC) or TONE DISCRIMINATE
(TONE) modes.

IN THE FIELD
9
STANCE
Stand with your arm extended in front of
your body. Don’t bend or stoop; stand
in a comfortable position. Hold the unit
so that the searchcoil is about 1/2-inch
above the ground. Adjust the searchcoil
so that it is parallel to the ground.
SWEEP
Standing in the search position,
swing the searchcoil gently
from side to side, slightly over-
lapping each sweep as
you move forward. Keep
your searchcoil approxi-
mately 1/2-inch above the
ground as you search.
Raising it during the
sweep , or at the
ends of your sweep,
can cause false read-
ings. Move slowly; hur-
rying will cause you to miss targets.
Most desireable objects will respond with a repeatable tone. When
discriminating, iron and foil objects generally do not respond. False
signals can be caused by trashy ground, electrical interference, or
by large irregular trash objects. These signals are easily recognized
by their often broken or non-repeatable nature.
CORRECT WRONG

IN THE FIELD (cont.)
10
PINPOINTING
Accurate pinpointing takes practice and is best accomplished by
“X-ing” the suspected target area.
1. Once a buried target is identified by a good tone response,
continue sweeping the searchcoil over the target in a
narrowing side to side pattern.
2. Take visual note of the place on the ground where the
“beep” occurs as you move the searchcoil slowly from side
to side.
3. Stop the searchcoil directly over this spot on the ground.
4. Now move the searchcoil straight forward and straight
back towards you a couple of times.
5. Again make visual note of the spot on the ground at which
the “beep” occurs.
6. If needed, “X” the target at different angles to “zero in” on
the exact spot on the ground at which the “beep” occurs.
REMEMBER: The detector will beep just as the center of the
searchcoil passes directly over the buried object.
If you have difficulty pinpointing very strong signals, try lifting
the searchcoil higher off the ground until a weaker, but more
concise, signal is heard. For very weak signals, try moving the
searchcoil in short quick sweeps, closer to the ground.
WHAT
READS
LIKE THIS
…MAY
ACTUALLY
BE THIS

11
The following troubleshooting steps may assist you in case you’re
having problems with your Commando.
YOUR DETECTOR IS EMITTING ERRATIC SIGNALS
WHEN YOU’RE IN THE FIELD.
Your SENSITIVITY may be set too high.
Try reducing the SENSITIVITY slightly
until the false signaling disappears.
Remember to swing your searchcoil
slowly. Some inconsistent signals will
occur on highly rusted metals. If the
signal does not repeat after successive
passes of the searchcoil over the same
area, then the target is usually not worthwhile.
Natural and man-made electromagnetic fields can cause interference.
YOUR DETECTOR IS NOT STABLE AND HAS A PULSING, DISTORTED
TONE INSTEAD OF A CLEAR TONE.
This can occur if you’re operating near another detector or near
power lines that can interfere with the detector’s operating frequency.
YOUR DETECTOR IS EMITTING A CONSTANT LOUD TONE OR
CONSTANT REPEATING TONES
This usually occurs when the batteries are low. Try replacing your
batteries with two new alkaline batteries. (See page 4)
NOTE: Always use Alkaline Batteries for proper performance.
TROUBLESHOOTING

CARE AND MAINTENANCE
12
Your Commando Metal Detector is an example of superior design
and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for
your metal detector so that you can enjoy it for years.
Handle the metal detector gently
and carefully. Dropping it can
damage electronic components.
Use and store the metal detector
only in normal tempera-
ture environments. Extreme
temperatures can shorten the
life of electronic devices and
distort or melt plastic parts.
Wipe the metal detector with a
damp cloth occasionally to keep
it looking new. Do not use harsh
chemicals, cleaning solvents, or
strong detergents to clean the
metal detector.
The searchcoil is waterproof and
may be submerged into either
fresh or salt water. Be careful to
prevent water from entering the
control housing. After using the
searchcoil in salt water, rinse it
with fresh water to prevent cor-
rosion of the metal parts.

METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS
13
COIN SHOOTING
The most popular application for metal detectors
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
1. Toggle switch to the left (disc. mode).
2. Discriminate knob at 3:00 (3/4 turn).
Only silver, copper and brass will be detected. Gold items will
be eliminated. Different denominations of coins will induce
different sounds.
RELIC HUNTING
A relic is a historical object, sometimes of great value. The most
effective method for locating relics is to first conduct historical
research. Visit your local library to learn of historical events having
occurred in your area. You can then target your search to a specific
area and gain valuable insight into your local history.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
1. Toggle switch in center position.
2. Discriminate knob is in OFF position.
CACHE HUNTING
A cache, pronounced “cash”, is a buried or hidden valuable stored
inside a case, can, strong box, or a bag. A cache could be the loot
from a bank robbery or just someone’s life savings. A cache is often
hidden in the floor or walls of an old house, or is buried nearby.
Also search old camp sites.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
1. Toggle switch in center position.
2. Discriminate knob is in OFF position.
JEWELRY HUNTING
Jewelry can be found wherever people congregate. Beaches, parks,
school yards and fair grounds are all littered with lost jewelry.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
1. Toggle switch in RIGHT position (tone mode).
2. Discriminate knob at half way, 12:00 position.
You should dig only the lower and high tones. Broken tones

14
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS (cont.)
indicate trash items. Gold rings will induce a low sound.
Beaware that some pull-tabs can also induce a low tone.
Silver will induce a high tone. Chains and necklaces are difficult
to find. If you are looking for gold rings, don’t get discouraged;
you will dig up many broken pull-tabs before you find your
first gold ring!
HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS
Find property markers, lost keys, machine parts, and other lost
items.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
1. Toggle switch in center position.
2. Discriminate control knob is in OFF position.
GOLD PROSPECTING
Find gold in abandoned gold mines and river beds where gold is
continuously washed down stream from its place of origin .
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
1. Toggle switch in center position.
2. Discriminate control knob is in OFF position.
USING HEADPHONES
Using headphones (not included) improves battery life, and
prevents the sounds from annoying bystanders.
It also allows you to hear subtle changes in the sound more clearly,
particularly if searching in a noisy location. For safety reasons, do
not use headphones near traffic or where other dangers are present.
This device is to be used with interconnecting cables/headphone
cables shorter than three meters.

15
First Texas Products, LLC
1120 Alza Drive, El Paso, TX 79907
PH: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Copyright ©2020 by First Texas Products, L.L.C.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form, except for the
inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
Published by First Texas Products, L.L.C.
Bounty Hunter® and Pioneer® are registered trademarks of First Texas Products, L.L.C.
www.detecting.com
Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors are warranted against defects in
workmanship or materials under normal use for five years from
date of purchase to the original user. Liability in all events is
limited to the purchase price paid. Liability under this Warranty is
limited to replacing or repairing, at our option, any Bounty Hunter
Detector returned, shipping cost prepaid, to First Texas Products,
LLC. Damage due to neglect, accidental damage or misuse of this
product is not covered by this warranty.
Proof of purchase is required to make a claim under this warranty.
NOTE TO CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.
This warranty may vary in other countries, check with your distributor for details.
Factory warranty follows the channel of distribution.
Warranty does not cover shipping costs.
According to FCC part 15.21 Changes or Modifications made to this device not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate this equipment.
TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS:
• Always check Federal, State, County and local laws before searching.
• Respect private property and do not enter private property without the owner’s permission.
• Take care to refill all holes and leave no damage.
• Remove and dispose of any and all trash and litter found.
• Appreciate and protect our inheritance of natural resources, wildlife and private property.
• Act as an ambassador for the hobby, use thoughtfulness, consideration and courtesy at all times.
• Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.
• All detectorists may be judged by the example you set; always conduct yourself with courtesy
and consideration of others.
FIRST TEXAS PRODUCTS, LLC
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
from U.S.A. and
imported parts

ACCESSORIES
FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT WWW.DETECTING.COM • 1-800-413-4131
Bounty Hunter
®
Carry Bag
Rugged double-stitched construction – CBAG-W
Pouch & Digger Combo
Pouch with 2 large pockets & 9” heavy duty digging tool. – TP-KIT-W
Stereo Headphones
Use with Bounty Hunter metal detectors. Lightweight and adjustable with
true stereo sound, adjustable volume, 1/8 jack with 1/4 adaptor,
4’ cable.
– HEAD-W
Pin Pointer
Pinpoints the exact location of buried metal objects. Audio signal indicator
and vibrator. Runs on 1 – 9-Volt Battery. – PIN POINTER-W
Sand Scoop
Large scoop with filtering holes. Made of strong plastic. – SAND SCOOPBH
Coil Covers
Protect your coil from abrasion and damage.
10” Coil Cover – 10COVER
8” Coil Cover – 8COVER-N
4” Coil Cover – 4COVER
Replacement/Accessory Search Coils
10” Magnum Coil – 10COIL
8” Replacement Standard Coil – 8COIL-N
4” Gold Nugget Coil – 4COIL
9” Heavy-Duty Digging Tool
Metal blade with comfortable plastic handle and depth gauge – TROWEL-2
Digging Tool
Light and practical wide blade digging tool. – TROWEL-W
Bounty Hunter T-Shirt
100% cotton with Bounty Hunter®Logo. Sizes: S, M, L, XL & XXL –
BHTSHIRT
Bounty Hunter Baseball Cap
One size fits all, with Bounty Hunter®logo. – BHCAP
Gold
Prospecting Kits
MTKCAMO Rev. 8 010820