Which gun?

SpencerT · 11-22-2011, 06:17 PM

What kind of rifle do you use for deer season? No offense to bow hunters.

I actually knew someone that use to hunt with a .44 Magnum with a red dot scope. I don't even know if that's legal to do these days, but he only ever got one deer with it. Since he has switched to a rifle, he has been getting one nearly every single year.

Grandpa · 11-22-2011, 07:23 PM

Many do try to use a pistol. Most of the ones I know who attempt to bag a deer with a pistol just carry it in case they get that right opportunity and also carry a rifle for normal shots. Out here in the west, those big mulie bucks are either right under your feet or 300 yards away. The country is much more open so most rifles are sighted in for 150 - 200 yards.

Most of my hunting has been with a remington 742 in .308 but I also use a Savage 110 in 7mm rem mag for elk and certain areas where the longer shot for deer is the norm. My whole zone has been 4 point or better (that's per side, not total) until this year when they reduced it to any antlered deer, so I have been carrying the 7mm for deer the last few years.

wvbreamfisherman · 11-22-2011, 07:34 PM

Either a Remingtron 788 in .308 Win. with a 3-9x weaver scope, or a .44 Magnum Ruger Carbine with 1.5-4.5x scope.

Lamebeaver · 11-22-2011, 08:08 PM

I use a Ruger M77 in .30-06 because it's a good all-around rifle. If I were looking for a rifle strictly for deer I'd go with a 7mm or a .270.

dinosaur · 11-23-2011, 06:00 AM

.50 cal. T/C Renegade, 1.5-5x Bausch&Lomb scope. 90 grains of powder, .45 cal. saboted slug (230 grains). Solid at 200 yards.

**CozInCowtown** · 11-23-2011, 06:42 AM

Model 70 Winchester in 30-06 is my "go-to" deer rifle but it changes from year to year depending on what has sparked my interest at that particular moment.
This year is a Marlin 336Y I have built into an Assault Carbine.
DC

wvbreamfisherman · 11-23-2011, 07:28 AM

Assault carbine lever action? I'm intrigued. Please tell us more.

ppine · 11-23-2011, 10:48 AM

My great uncle's 1948 Model 70 Winchester in .30.06. I used to shoot a Ruger m77 in .270 having read Jack O'Connor for years. I also use a Thompson/Center .54 cal percussion rifle. For the thick stuff a Winchester .30/30 rifle.

**CozInCowtown** · 11-23-2011, 05:32 PM

I just bought a 336 Youth "carbine" from Marlin.
Installed a Leupold MK4 CQT scope.
Removed wood and "Blackened", not quite got that done yet..
Tactical sling, trigger job and polished the action.
This is a interesting little "assault carbine".
It only holds 5 rounds of 30-30 but it is a brush gun for whitetails.
Handy size and quick reaction time in brush due to small size.
DC

EddieK47 · 11-23-2011, 05:36 PM

Got several deer with my 44mag revolver but switched to my 30.30 winchester out of state as I got older.Now it's only my 12 ga which will blow through anything and accurate to 80 yd+ which is good enough for here in MA.