hunting with an AR-15

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SaMx

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I was out getting a haircut today, and while I was waiting I saw a copy of Hunting magazine. I don't hunt, and don't really care about hunting that much, but the cover story of this magazine caught my eye. It was called, "hunting with the AR-15-why not?" I gave it a look over and thought it was a very well written article the discussed the history of military rifle designs and their traditional use in hunting. You can find the article here.
 
I hunt with mine. Right now just hogs and coyotes, but I plan on using it for deer. The whitetail herein Texas are small, and we hunt from blinds, so the shots are close.
 
I don't hunt either, but this article COMPLETELY destroys the antis argument, "These guns are not used for hunting"...except...wait for it... oops, they are. Not that I believe in the necessity of a sporting clause anyhow, but still. One less argument against AWs. Now if we could only espouse the merits of pest control with a full-auto Uzi...
 
Yep. All military field rifles (like my M1903A1) have been used for hunting especially for deer. The AR15 should be no exception.
 
My first deer rifle was a scoped M1A. Took a lot of flak from my father-in-law about it being an "Assault weapon" until I bagged my deer 4 hours into my first day from about 250 yards with the rifle he said couldn't kill past 50 yards.

I also took it along coyote hunting with him. After I hit 3 out of a pack of 4 coyotes with my M1A he no longer questions my choice of rifle under any circumstances.
 
AR-15 for varmints.

My current varmint rifle (had to sell my .223 Rem 700 due to finances) is a 20" HBAR setup with a 1:9 twist and 6X-18X scope. Does quite nicely after getting it set up right. I go open sights once in a while (NM set up) just to aggravate my uncle.
 
The fact that AR-15s can be had in a number of useful chamberings and is readily scoped certainly helps.

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I'm holding what was at the time my primary pig and deer rifle; a 16" barrelled 7.62x39 AR-15. It's been semi-retired in favor of a 18" 6.8 SPC AR-15.
 
The whitetail herein Texas are small,
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Uhh maybe in the East side of Texas. But Up north or out west they aren't.

I wouldn't use a .223 for anything bigger than a coyote.
 
Uhh maybe in the East side of Texas. But Up north or out west they aren't.
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No matter what part of the state you are talking about Texas deer are considerably smaller (generally) than their northern cousins. That is just a fact. It has to do with habitat and diet (also that idea that as you go north animals get bigger.)

Are their some monsters in Texas, you betcha. But by and large our deer are outclassed in size by deer up north.
 
True in a sense. But They aren't small enough to warrant using a .223 on. Maybe if your shooting does around the neighborhoods of San Antonio that are as big as dogs.
 
AR Are Grrrrreat!

AR’s are great for hunting. With a 223 upper you have a potent varmint rifle for prairie dogs, woodchucks, raccoons, coyotes, etc. Pull two pins and drop on a 6.8 or 6.5 Grendel upper on and you have good deer to black bear medicine. A 50 Beowulf upper would be great for bear or whatever you might use a 45-70 on. It was even used on African safari game including cape buffalo.

I would like to use my 6.5 Grendel for some deer this season, but we will see…
 
here in KS, you can't hunt with anything less than .25 caliber... so a .223 is too small.
 
The AR-15 is a fine deer/varmint hunting rifle. With the heavier 65 and 70 grain bullets available today the .223/5.56mm is quite capable of killing deer sized game within reasonable ranges with proper shot placement. People absolutely amaze me with their outdated, misinformed opinion that a 223 can not kill a deer.

Great article. Should stir the anti's a bit.
 
"...a 223 can not kill a deer..." The problem is the non-reloading hunters who use whatever cheap factory ammo they can find. Most of which is loaded with varmint bullets that aren't designed to penetrate. The rifle itself, depending on the rifling twist, is fine for deer. Factory ammo with varmint bullets is not.
 
That's my point, sunray. Well, kinda. I think shot placement is the key. I know, I know, I know...but deer move sometimes and might not hit exactly what you are aiming at. That's always the response. The 223 is not suitable for all hunting situations. If you are hunting with dogs or taking 300 yard shots, then you need something bigger and heavier, but IF you are hunting a wooded area where most shots are under 100 yards, the 223 is more than capable of killing a deer DRT.

Shoot them in the neck or head or just behind the shoulder. Use a heavy bullet, and I promise the little 223 just might suprise you. It's not for everyone, but I get sick of hearing people fire off the old "223 is for coyotes" nonsense. People who spout this crap are usually the guys who A) have never used a 223 to shoot deer because they were told it was too small, or B) guys who can't shoot and wounded a deer one time that got away. There are exceptions, but they are few and far between.

I carried a 5.56mm M4 everyday for 365 days to shoot kill animals that are a hell of alot more dangerous than deer. Would I have rather had a 7.62mm? You bet! The bottom line though is that deer don't shoot back and they don't wear any form of body armor. Study the animals you hunt. Get to know their habits like your own, and then get close enough to make a sure shot. Sorry, end or rant.
 
Posted by Prince Yamato: this article COMPLETELY destroys the antis argument, "These guns are not used for hunting"
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I don't think that is an argument, although some people pretend it is. What difference could it possibly make whether a type of gun is used for hunting or not? Are we going to legitimize the argument that only "sporting" firearms are to be allowed? AFAIK that takes out just about everything back to matchlocks. Protecting yourself from creeps is just as legitimate as protecting yourself from hunger.

I'm not attacking you on this Yamato. I'm saying that is a gratuitous statement that doesn't rate a reply.

That being said, here is a pic of me a while ago. Check out the ECR I used. (ECR = Evil Camo Rifle)

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I fired three rounds that year and brought home three deer. That one was small but tasty.
 
Kelly
Quote:
here in KS, you can't hunt with anything less than .25 caliber... so a .223 is too small.
Even varmints? Rabbits?
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He's talking deer. In KS taking deer with a rifle requires a centerfire rifle or pistol with a bore diameter larger than .23 caliber and case longer than 1.28" and must use an expanding bullet. .223's out, along with .30 carbine and all pistol cartridges shorter than a .38 Special. It unfortunately takes out 10mm, which can be loaded somewhere between .357 and .41 Magnum performance.
 
Ok I am not a caliber nut but a .223 has a hard time taking down an Iraqi humanely. And yes I have seen 5.56 hollow point ammunition used in a combat zone with not really much effect. Though I really do not care about the enemies of the US ... as for deer and any other animal please use a larger caliber so you dont wound the thing and make it suffer. A .243, 30/30, or .308 (even in AR-15 style) is a good start. It is our responsibility as sportsmen and hunters to ensure that we use the tools available to cleanly take the animal as quickly and humanely as possible. A .223 just leaves too many variables open for tragedy.
 
The AR is one of my favorite varmint platforms, but if I were to slap a Grendel upper on one, I'd consider it a right fine deer or antelope rifle, but not so chambered in .223 . . . the old "bring enuff gun" theory. They ARE accurate!
 
Quote:
Posted by Prince Yamato: this article COMPLETELY destroys the antis argument, "These guns are not used for hunting"

I don't think that is an argument, although some people pretend it is. What difference could it possibly make whether a type of gun is used for hunting or not? Are we going to legitimize the argument that only "sporting" firearms are to be allowed? AFAIK that takes out just about everything back to matchlocks. Protecting yourself from creeps is just as legitimate as protecting yourself from hunger.
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I think his point is its one less argument the antis can use.
 
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