Never been hunting, need help!

[somethingbenign]

I didn't read through all the replies so I might be repeating some things. I am self taught hunter as well starting when I turned 30. Small game a good place to start. Equipment is cheap and light, egos are tame, meat haul is small enough to manageable while you figure out processing and storage, and the biggest benefit is that land owners are generally more willing to allow a squirrel or rabbit hunter. Use the opportunities to work on networking and building relationships with land owners, I've had more than a few develop into deer permissions. Generally I find the more of a pain it is to get to the better the hunting. Most people have a tendency to the easy path so extra effort on your part can get you into some good spots. The first couple years plan to be successful more out of luck and perseverance and then later out of skill.

 

[Wolfshead]

Thanks!

Yeah I've been interesting in getting into hunting for a while now. But just recently found someone to take me.

My time deer hunting is over for this season. But I'll have more opportunities to go squirrel hunting until the end of February.

I'm going to have to drastically alter my grandpa's rifle to set it up for me. I'm debating doing that, or waiting for my birthday and just getting a savage axis or something.

If it were me I would NOT alter your Great Grandfather’s rifle, and I would wait until your birthday.
Spend the time researching what rifle, and caliber you would like. That can be fun too!
You may not have gotten a deer this season, but it was a success none the less.
Anytime you have a learning experience you have had a success whether you harvest or not.

 

[American_Fusilier]

If it were me I would NOT alter your Great Grandfather’s rifle, and I would wait until your birthday.
Spend the time researching what rifle, and caliber you would like. That can be fun too!
You may not have gotten a deer this season, but it was a success none the less.
Anytime you have a learning experience you have had a success whether you harvest or not.

Good points. I'd rather not alter my grandpa's rifle either. But money is always a concern.

Very true about having a learning experience whether you harvest or not. I learned a lot!

 

[red rick]

What is your grandfather’s rifle that you have and how would you have to dramatically alter it ?

 

[American_Fusilier]

What is your grandfather’s rifle that you have and how would you have to dramatically alter it ?

It's an old Remington 760 in 30-06. It would need a new scope. But in order to put a new scope on, I'd have to drift out the rear iron sights (to make room for the scope bell) and get a new scope base for it.

I also would like to install a sling. So sling studs in the stock and either a barrel band or a sling stud in the forend...

All that would be cheaper than getting a new rifle, but I'm thinking a new rifle would probably be easier.

 

[red rick]

That doesn’t sound like drastic changes , or much work . If I truly thought that after these changes it would satisfy me for years to come , I would make the changes . You would think of your great grandfather every time you went hunting with it .

 

[BreechFace]

Doesn't seem like much of an alteration to your grandpa's rifle, but if you would rather leave it alone and get another rifle I would suggest...

After hunting season, is a great time to be looking at used gun stores for hunting rifles. You may find a great deal on a rifle and scope. Don't trust the scope, mounts and action screws if you buy a used rifle and scope. I would take everything apart and remount it all with correct torque and some blue locktite on the scope bases.

 

[longbeard92]

It's an old Remington 760 in 30-06. It would need a new scope. But in order to put a new scope on, I'd have to drift out the rear iron sights (to make room for the scope bell) and get a new scope base for it.

I also would like to install a sling. So sling studs in the stock and either a barrel band or a sling stud in the forend...

All that would be cheaper than getting a new rifle, but I'm thinking a new rifle would probably be easier.

Hi. May I ask which county you deer hunted? In which county would you like to hunt?

 

[red rick]

Another thing that I would do if I had a Remington 700 series rifle with the Walker trigger is change the trigger . While extremely rare , or rarely reported , Remington’s with that trigger have been known to fire while working the bolt and deaths have occurred . We should do this with any firearm , keep it pointed in a safe direction . That goes for loading and unloading it .

 

[American_Fusilier]

Hi. May I ask which county you deer hunted? In which county would you like to hunt?

I was hunting in sheboygan County, I'd hunt anywhere though

Another thing that I would do if I had a Remington 700 series rifle with the Walker trigger is change the trigger . While extremely rare , or rarely reported , Remington’s with that trigger have been known to fire while working the bolt and deaths have occurred . We should do this with any firearm , keep it pointed in a safe direction . That goes for loading and unloading it .

I am familiar with the Remington 700 trigger issues. But my grandpa's rifle is a Remington 760 pump action. The triggers are completely different. The Remington 760 is basically a Remington 870 in 30-06.

 

[Bazoo]

You can always get a scope with a smaller objective lens so as to not have to remove the rear sight. A Leupold M8 from eBay would be a classy option that “fits” an older 760 pump rifle. Pair it with weaver detachable rings I. Weaver bases and you’re all set with a rig that matches.

As for a sling, put studs on it and be happy.

I’d use grandpas gun if it were me.

 

[American_Fusilier]

You can always get a scope with a smaller objective lens so as to not have to remove the rear sight. A Leupold M8 from eBay would be a classy option that “fits” an older 760 pump rifle. Pair it with weaver detachable rings I. Weaver bases and you’re all set with a rig that matches.

As for a sling, put studs on it and be happy.

I’d use grandpas gun if it were me.

Good idea! Though the scope can't have any objective lens bigger than the tube the way it is now. I suppose I could get an LPVO for it. But I'd love to have a 3-9x on it.

 

[Bazoo]

Good idea! Though the scope can't have any objective lens bigger than the tube the way it is now. I suppose I could get an LPVO for it. But I'd love to have a 3-9x on it.

Leupold M8 3X or Weaver K3 has no objective bell and would match the vintage and style of the gun. Might be an option for you.

 

[courtgreene]

I put a 3-9x40mm scope on a friend’s 760. It had see through mounts that raise the scope higher and they did not interfere with the rear sights in any way. Once you get used to looking through it the cheek weld difference is not hard to overcome. I sighted it in for him and by the time I hat it dialed in it was pretty easy to get on the gun and be looking through the scope with perfect alignment.

Weaver See-Through Steel Lock Ring Mounts 1" For Remington 742/760 Black - 49715 | eBay

For Remington 742/760. Whether you're looking for our classic Weaver's original cross-lock Top Mount, windage adjustable or dovetail extension rings; we have many great options. These SEE-THRU rings are made to mount to specific firearm receivers to enhance fit and performance.

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Something like those. I actually see those on 760s quite often.
His is an heirloom too, and so even though he has the stuff to put a sling in he, like you, is hesitant to turn a drill loose on it. I don’t know why those didn’t come with studs already screwed into them. They’re made for walking through the woods, and walking with a gun often means slinging a gun. More importantly, a sling is a great way to hoist a gun into a stand.

 

[Hookeye]

Yes, many a Remington pump or auto has been equipped w see through rings.

A proper setup makes tough shots easier.

I dont consider see through rings to be proper.
Unless one is built kinda different

 

[Hookeye]

My 760 wore a straight 4x until i needed longer scope tube length because of my neck. So I went with a 2-7x.

Here it is w a 4x compact. You can see its as far back as that base would allow. Yeah I could have done something different but I had a 2-7x and just swapped em later

 

[Hookeye]

That deer was shot from a stand, about 40 yards, on a fast trot through a thicket.

Thats what proper gun/ scope fit does. Tough shots easy.

Too many use big scopes set up funky and get the rifle up, try to get proper eye relief/ cheek weld and THEN try to find the target.

My 760 was an ADL model and came w swivels.

You could go w a barrel band front and then get a used stock, add a swivel stud to that, keeping the original unaltered.

Unfortunately w Remington going under, folks think parts are made out of gold. IIRC a plain old 572 or 552 .22 rifle stock should fit a 760.
I have one and can try this week to see if they swap

 

[Hookeye]

Ill take a pic of my current 760 setup.
Same Weaver base but cant remember if i used low or medium Burris Zee rings. Scope is a Leupold VX1 2-7x. Had it on a .22 rifle.

My neck doesnt stretch like it used to and the longer tube length allowed me to get that scope farther back.

BTW wearing a thick coat pushes the rifle out a bit.

 

[Bazoo]

I do not care for see through rings either. I've seen them split from being tightened down too much. I personally prefer to have iron sights on my guns, not only for backup but for aesthetics.

 

[American_Fusilier]

I don’t know why those didn’t come with studs already screwed into them. They’re made for walking through the woods, and walking with a gun often means slinging a gun.

Yeah, I don't know why they didn't have sling studs from the factory either. Sounds like the ADL versions did.

You could go w a barrel band front and then get a used stock, add a swivel stud to that, keeping the original unaltered.

That's not a bad idea. I hadn't thought of that!

I do not care for see through rings either.

I don't either, I like my scopes to be mounted as low as possible.

 

[Hookeye]

The 2-7x does not interfere w my rear sight. My rear sight is of the older type ( rifle is from '63).
The stock isnt perfect as the comb is a little low but its close enough to not be a problem w that set up.

 

[Hookeye]

I too left the sights on for aesthetics only.
At low mag ( under 3x ) i can see the blurry front sight low in the scope. No big deal, as i look through the center LOL

 

[Appalachiannative]

Tell you right now. Don't waste time gutting the squirrels. Just skin em and cut em up with kitchen scissors. Take the front and back legs and don't cut open the torso. Big ones all only good slow cooked. Small ones can be fried like chicken but still ain't as tender. Be sure to brine

 

[Hugger-4641]

Lots of good things mentioned, but I'll ditto some and add a couple.
Since you are deer hunting:
Practice getting your safety off with no noise. There is usually a way you apply pressure in a certain direction that makes it quieter than just snapping it off. That 760 may be broken in enough to already be quiet, but new guns, especially tang safeties, can make a loud enough noise to spook the deer you are about to shoot, or spook the 12pt that snuck in behind you while you were about to draw down on that 8pt. Ask me how I know.

Don't get down out of your stand as soon as you shoot one. Even if its laying there in front of you,, stay on target and ready to shoot it again for at least 5min and then stay still and quiet for another 30min, especially if you dropped a doe. Many times a big buck or more does will come in right on top of the one you dropped. Can't even tell you how many times this has netted me two or three deer in one trip and can make up for the other times you didn't see anything.

Being still and quiet, and knowing the wind and the area is more important than what you wear and what scent blocker you use or don't.

Deer are individuals, some will do what you expect: use the trails, travel upwind, somewhat visit the same areas, etc. But some, especially mature bucks in rut, will do the exact opposite of what you think.
I can't tell you how many bucks I've killed that came up behind me or right under me instead of where I expected them to be. Learn to scan with your eyes before turning your head, and when you do turn your head, do it slower than a sloth on zanax. Resist the urge to twist your head when you hear a sudden noise. Deer very rarely make any noise, so 9 times out of 10, you're hearng a squirrel or something other than a deer, but your sudden movement will give you away to the deer that is there.
Speaking of squirrels, pay attention to them. Once they get over you being there and settle in to normal squirrel games, they can often warn you when deer are apoaching. They don't like sharing thier acorns and hickory nuts with anything and they will fuss about it.
Same thing with dogs. Pay attention when dogs at nearby houses start barking out of the blue. They are often barking at deer passing thru that might be heading your way.