I don't know what the rest of you use for beach sifting, but I found that I like using a five gallon plastic pail cut down to about three inches high, and a whole series of holes drilled in the bottom. I scan an area next to a target that has no target in it, and when I dig the target and put it in the sifter I can scan over it to tell if the target is in the sifter or still in the hole. I used to use one made of metal, but found it to be more of a pain to find the item. Best part is, it cost $00

I have a plastic snap hook that I hang it on my belt so it isn't in the way. The wife likes it for garden work also.