Am I over thinking my hunting rifle?
- Thread starter gotboostvr
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gotboostvr
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I am definitely sure now, in hindsight, that I was over thinking it.
Having been active on this forum for a number of years, I can count on one hand the number of times you guys didn't encourage someone to buy a new gun.
Having been active on this forum for a number of years, I can count on one hand the number of times you guys didn't encourage someone to buy a new gun.
T.R.
Member
The old time hunters in Arizona carried 44-40 carbines until 30-30's hit the scene. 150 yard shots became do-able for these folks. It was common to use hunting skills to sneak within good shooting distance. 30-30's were common hunting rifles within both eastern and western states for a long time. Now we have more choices than ever before.
I continue to hunt deer with my older Glenfield 30-30 fitted with a 2x-7x scope. For eastern deer, I primarily hunt ambush style. But for mulies, spot and stalk is my most successful technique. For me it's more fun to sneak in for a close shot than shooting at long range.
My elk/bear/moose rifle is a Savage levergun in .308 and this accurate outfit has never let me down. My longest shot was about 225 yards.
In summary, I have never owned a long range magnum rifle because it was not needed. Nevertheless, I've had very good luck.
TR
I continue to hunt deer with my older Glenfield 30-30 fitted with a 2x-7x scope. For eastern deer, I primarily hunt ambush style. But for mulies, spot and stalk is my most successful technique. For me it's more fun to sneak in for a close shot than shooting at long range.
My elk/bear/moose rifle is a Savage levergun in .308 and this accurate outfit has never let me down. My longest shot was about 225 yards.
In summary, I have never owned a long range magnum rifle because it was not needed. Nevertheless, I've had very good luck.
TR
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
What is your practical accuracy with your rifle. You have already stated the inherent accuracy of your rifle. In other words, How well do you shoot this rifle in a hunting situation?
My thoughts, get a nice small 2x7 scope and put the original wood stock on it and take it off the bench and shoot it.
My thoughts, get a nice small 2x7 scope and put the original wood stock on it and take it off the bench and shoot it.
jmorris
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If you are just thinking “rifle” your not over thinking, rather not thinking about defining its role. You were close to a goal here.
How far do you intend to shoot at game or coyotes in Arizona?
Always easier to answer a question with a defined objective.
How far do you intend to shoot at game or coyotes in Arizona?
Always easier to answer a question with a defined objective.
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gotboostvr
Member
Honestly, I've only ever shot it off a bipod and rear bag. As that was my only use for it in a at-the-time straight wall only hunting state.
There is no original stock as it's not a typical Rem700. I traded for it second hand in the after math of Sandy Hook for a AR when everyone was going crazy. It's a RW HART "Factory Custom" which they no longer seem to offer. But they'd take a 700 straight from the factory and tune up every facet of it.
you are moving to arizona so you can only under-think your rifle. your 308 will be fine for elk, mule deer, white tail deer, black bear, javelina, mountain lion, antelope and bighorn sheep. i would wait until you get here to figure out what rifle you want for coyote and prairie dogs.
weather should not be a problem with your 308. general deer season (both species) is in october, general elk season is in november, spring black bear is in may (?), general black bear is in august (but up in the mountains), antelope is in the fall, bighorn sheep (ref: https://www.azgfd.com/), javelina (both rifle and handgun) is in february and mountain lion is all year long.
most big game animals are in the mountains so you will have to deal with the cold. javelina are up high and down low, but the season is february therefore not real hot.
don't forget quail and dove so bring your shotgun.
check out the ben avery shooting range, although the range at usery pass will be closer to you if you are in the east valley.
see ya when you get here,
murf
weather should not be a problem with your 308. general deer season (both species) is in october, general elk season is in november, spring black bear is in may (?), general black bear is in august (but up in the mountains), antelope is in the fall, bighorn sheep (ref: https://www.azgfd.com/), javelina (both rifle and handgun) is in february and mountain lion is all year long.
most big game animals are in the mountains so you will have to deal with the cold. javelina are up high and down low, but the season is february therefore not real hot.
don't forget quail and dove so bring your shotgun.
check out the ben avery shooting range, although the range at usery pass will be closer to you if you are in the east valley.
see ya when you get here,
murf
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gotboostvr
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I'd noticed the Ben Avery range before, but Usery pass will be closer. Ben Avery looks to have a In-N-Out right by it though! The idea of having multiple ranges that go to 1k within a short drive is great. There only two in my entire state and they're both 2+ hour drives one way.
Heck, there's not a plethora of 100yrd ranges here.
I might give Dove and Quail a try, never been too big in bird hunting. Like everything else though, it might be a whole 'nuther ball game out there.
It's down to about a month till I'm out there.
I'm in the camp that says mold your .308 to the terrain, and get a multifunctional varmint gun, i.e. .223, .224, .22-250, .243 and then everything from prairie dogs to elk will be covered, then after a few seasons, get a lightweight 6.5 prc or some such for one unit, then a .280ai for another unit, then another varmint rifle dedicated to a specific species, etc etc. After you hike that .308 through some country, you'll know what you're trying to do with more clarity and we can help debate heavy long range vs light packing vs barrel life vs bc vs sd vs savage vs Ruger vs bergara vs leupold vs bushnell vs burris vs ffp vs sfp vs mil vs moa vs bipod vs tripod.
Rubone
Member
I've killed as many Elk with my old 700BDL in 25-06 as I have with anything else. It was my go to for years and holds a spot in my heart.
.308 Norma
Member
Whoa! At my age, too many vs' makes me dizzy!we can help debate heavy long range vs light packing vs barrel life vs bc vs sd vs savage vs Ruger vs bergara vs leupold vs bushnell vs burris vs ffp vs sfp vs mil vs moa vs bipod vs tripod.
just an fyi, three javelina just finished their black walnut dinner just off my front porch. they are noisy eaters. i think you will like it out here.
murf
they were dining last night @ around 9:30. you can see this one better if you magnify the pic.
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