Newbie Question about Using WWII rifles

[buck00]

Yes, another newbie hunter question. I have been a collector and shooter for a long time, but have just taken my hunter safety course for deer hunting in PA.

Fortuantely, I have an experienced family member who can take me out and teach me about deer hunting, all on private land.

My question is about rifles. I've always collected military surplus rifles. I don't own a normal 30-06 American hunting rifle with a scope.

I do, however, own a Japanese Type 99 7.7 mm rifle, and a German Karabiner 98k, 7.92 x 57 mm. Neither has a scope.

My question is this. Does anyone here hunt with a military surplus rifle without a scope? Is it foolish to hunt without a scope, regardless of how good of a shot someone is? Can I use either one of these rifles, or should I go out and get just a plain Remington 30-06 with a scope? (money is pretty tight right now)

Thanks. Good hunting to all!

 

[Cosmoline]

It's not foolish at all. Most hunting does not require a scope, and folks got by fine without them until the past three decades or so. But you do need to learn how to use your irons and make sure that the ammo you intend to use is calibrated to your tangent. 7.7 Jap. is tougher to find in good SP than 8x57JS, but you can get it from Norma. SP 8x57JS is available from several European outfits including S&B and the Bosnian outfit. Do not use American made 8x57 as it is dramatically downloaded to the absurd SAAMI specs. Do not use FMJ for anything besides small game, obviously.

 

[s&w 24]

a scope only allows you to see the target better and will not mechanicly make your rifle shoot better. Having said that either rifle will do fine on deer. Many many deer fell to these cartriges in the hands of WW II vets with bring back guns and others who baought them mail order. Load up some good ammo nad have a safe and good time.

 

[Grumulkin]

I think we have become wooses in that we think we have to have a scope on everything. I say, use your military rifles if that's what you want to do.

Open sites are just fine for shots up to a couple of hundred yards (some can do better) provided they have windage and elevation adjustments. If you end up shooting in dim light though you'll be much better off with a scope.

I took 4 deer in PA when I lived there. The longest shot was about 100 yards. I could have hit the other 3 deer with a rock.

 

[buck00]

I appreciate the advice. I had someone trying to convince me I need to spend hundreds of dollars on "good glass" and go out and get a brand new 30-06 American rifle.

I figured plenty of red blooded Americans have used war trophy rifles to bag plenty of deer over the years.

Thank you!

 

[JShirley]

In your shoes, I'd probably spend $74 for a "drop-in" peep sight from Mojo. You can quickly and easily change it back later, if you're trying to keep your history authentic.

More game has fallen to Mauser actions than probably any other type in the world.

I find I use peeps much better than other iron sight types.

John

 

[dfaugh]

I own or have owned all different types of miltary rifles. Many are quite well suited for deer (although we must use shotguns here so I've never hunted with them).

1st don't use milsurp ammo--Not accurate (enough) and not humane, as most won't expand. But for example, I've used Sellior and Belliot 196(?) grn softpoints in my mausers and it shoots quite accurately.

For most Northeast woods hunting, a scope is unnecessary. The majority of deer will be taken at less tha 100 yards, most at 50-75. Now, this may mean you have to pass up a longer shot (as I've had to with a shotgun), but it'll probably be a rare thing. And if the rifle/ammo combo is good(can you reliably hit a 6" target at 200 yards?), shots up to 200 yards may be fine

Ballistically, the 8x57 Mauser is equivalent to a 30-06, in practical terms. But use European ammo, as most US ammo is anemic, in case someone tries to shoot it in the really old guns. As I mentioned Sellior & Belliot makes a nice accurate, full power round in 8mm (which would definitely be my preference over the Jap, which has very limited ammo availabilty).

 

[.45Guy]

Either choice will get the job done. If I'm not mistaken, Cabellas still offers 7.7SP in their "obsolete" ammo line.