What rifle??

RustyJr · Post by **RustyJr** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:10 pm

I was wondering what everyone is using for their deer rifle/rifles this year. I posted a picture of my grandfather's deer rifle in another post. I figure I will use that and my Ruger 77 Hawkeye also in 270 Winchester. I reckon we'll through in the Elk rifles in for you fellas that live out west. What are y'all using and how is it "set up"?

RustyJr

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:19 pm

I'm planning on deer hunting with the 45-70 Sharps.

BigSky56 · Post by **BigSky56** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:55 pm

It depends in what terrain Iam hunting usually a 99 in 300 with a 1-5 scope for close or medium shots for deer&elk and long range for predators. Ive never felt undergunned with a 30-30 and have dropped several deer&elk with one its my preferred gun when I go into the alder thickets looking for elk. I also have used a 348 but they are heavy for walking around the mtns. as a saddle gun, truck gun and work gun a 94 30-30 is hard to beat. danny

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:59 pm

I work 16 hrs a day, 5-6 days a week and am not eligible for vacation until 2014...

Like I get to go hunting...

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 10:07 pm

Hopefully this rifle gets back in time with it's 44-77 barrel.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 10:12 pm

That's purrrrrrdy Don.

Is that a C. Sharps?

Don McDowell · Post by **Don McDowell** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 10:20 pm

No Ted that's my #3 Shiloh, it was 45-70.

earlmck · Post by **earlmck** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 11:30 pm

Elk rifle = Remington 141 35 Rem.

lotsasightson141.jpg

Deer rifle = Marlin 336A 30/30

1Marlin30loaded.jpg

But that's a couple of months away and I have been known to change mind. Lots of options, all needing some field time.

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 11:59 pm

Probably be a sporterized 1903 Springfield with a Leupold scope, either 4x or a 2-7x, and 180 gr loads.

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 1:29 am

BigSky56 wrote:It depends in what terrain Iam hunting usually a 99 in 300 with a 1-5 scope for close or medium shots for deer&elk and long range for predators. Ive never felt undergunned with a 30-30 and have dropped several deer&elk with one its my preferred gun when I go into the alder thickets looking for elk. I also have used a 348 but they are heavy for walking around the mtns. as a saddle gun, truck gun and work gun a 94 30-30 is hard to beat. danny

BigSky56 -- the .30 W.C.F. in a Winchester 94 is my rifle of choice too. I own two now, one made in 1978 and one made in 1979, both have Williams FP receiver sights. After experimenting with many different levers and calibers, and allot of great advice on this forum I landed on this combo... :)

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 1:36 am

earlmck wrote:Elk rifle = Remington 141 35 Rem.

earlmck -- boy every time I see one of your 35 Remington's it really has me thinking. my buddy back-east bought a Marlin in 35-Rem and has been having allot of fun shooting it, he said it's one of the best kept secrets in hunting rifle/caliber, he is totally sold, even bought dies and bullets....aaaaarrrrrgggggghhhhhh.... :O

barbarossa · Post by **barbarossa** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 3:49 am

This one for the start of the muzzleloader season

and this one for the regular season

FWiedner · Post by **FWiedner** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 6:20 am

I don't hunt the local deer anymore. Not enough return on investment.

But If I were to change my mind, I'd most likely go with a .356 or .358 Winchester, depending on where I was hunting anf the animal I was after.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 6:43 am

In Indiana you really can't use "rifles" unless they are chambered in 'handgun' rounds.

That pretty much leaves us using lever-action 44 Mags or 45 Colts or 357 Mags. For me the 44 Mag my first handgun, so I just stuck with that.

Here's the "choices" our family generally picks from:

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My favorite - the Ruger 96/44 set up with a scope so I can see in dawn/dusk, and <gasp> a laser which actually helps confirm shot placement in dim light and helps pick up intervening saplings I might not be able to see well. I like the four shot detachable magazine for unloading quickly when coming in the house with frozen fumble-fingers. The 'recoil pad' is from a 10/22, and serves two purposes - it lengthens the pull a bit, and it keeps the butt from sliding on slick floors.

The "Rain Gun" - all-stainless/synthetic Ruger 77/44 bolt action with NECG clamp-on aperture sight that goes in the Ruger ring cut.

The Shiny Lever - NOT a true "rain gun" in my opinion because the forend is a pain in the butt to remove. Still I like it as 'handy' and good for daytime hunting with the Williams FP sights.

My Son's Marlin - set up with a scope also for twilight hunting.

My Daughter's Rossi - she likes the Marble's Bullseye sights on it for fast sight picture.

I like the Marlin with the Williams FP sights because they are so unobtrusive..

The 50 Beowulf IS legal here though, and I really thought about using it - just because I can...

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 7:40 am

Nothing fancy. I will be using my Guide Gun most likely, -----but possibly could take out my '47 vintage 32 SPL for a change of pace.

If I take a trip to CO with elk on my mind, I have a Weatherby on 300 WBY mag that will get the nod. I would love to use the Guide Gun here too, but the possibility of a 300 yard shot here is too great, and I Am better at figuring trajectory with a 300 mag than a 45/70

wolfdog · Post by **wolfdog** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:10 am

With any luck I will let blood out with Model 99 TD in 300, 444 and 1894FG. I have other but I have not shot anything with these yet.

papabear · Post by **papabear** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:23 am

35 Marlin 44 hennry and my hawkins 50 cal

samb · Post by **samb** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 9:28 am

I will have my BSA majestic featherweight 30-06 toped with a Vortex scope. Light and handy. Seams to love 180 Gr bullets.

86er · Post by **86er** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 10:32 am

I get to shoot from 3 to 5 deer in my home State and I travel to hunt too. I like to use a different rifle for each occasion, sticking with one until I shoot with it. I typically start with 50cal in-line and then go to a 50cal side lock. I've not used my 35-30 cal Henry so I want to try that. Then I will use something classic like a Rem 8 in 35 Rem or a Rem 141 same caliber. Mule deer will see my 7mm-08 semi custom bolt or my Sav 99 in 308 pointed at them. I like my Rem 7600 in 35 Whelen for elk. Then there is the trip for Columbia Blacktail, Antelope, Black bear, .... Good to have choices!

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 10:44 am

I still need to hunt my 358 BLR takedown. The deer here are small so I may get out the 32-20s and harvest with them. 1913 Win 1892 and 1923 Rem Model 25.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 11:09 am

.

Just my (blood) thirsty (and trusty) .30-30 Winchester Model 94 Trapper..............

It's been long setup with a steel Lyman peep & a Williams FireSight fibre-optic front sight blade.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 3:59 pm

I remember deer hunting... fondly, even.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 7:03 pm

Freezer is empty so I am going for three deer this year, God willing. I will start the season with my longbow or recurve. in early BP season it will be my latest flintlock, a 16 bore smoothbore. I will hunt then with my sharps, using BP cartridges in the regular season, Then hopefully in late season will be back out with the smoothbore.

JerryB · Post by **JerryB** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 7:56 pm

Reckon I'll start in October with my old Long Rifle with .45 patched round ball and about 90 grains of 3f. Nov. rifle will be the Win. 94 38-55, then a 30wcf or the 1892 32wcf,or a Rossi Hartford 92 in .45 Colt, or Rossi 92 .357, or 1898 30-40 Krag, orrrrrrrrrr,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 1:19 am

AJMD429 wrote:...
The 50 Beowulf IS legal here though, and I really thought about using it - just because I can...

If I could arrange it, I'd like to use My HK91 just to annoy the feebs...

1894 · Post by **1894** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 8:24 am

For me , the same old same old .
It will be a Marlin lever .
Caliber just depends on which one calls out the loudest on my way out the door in the morning .

Top to bottom 32 WS , 35 Rem , 44 Mag .

Shasta · Post by **Shasta** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 6:51 pm

My last four bucks were taken with my trusty Browning 1895 in .30-40 Krag. I'm thinking of using something different this year, but having difficulty making up my mind...

SHASTA

redhawk · Post by **redhawk** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 10:29 pm

Ruger 77 in 270 or 308. Both guns are identical in set up and ready to go. Otherwise, it will be a Marlin in 35 Rem. All handloaded, of course.

Canuck Bob · Post by **Canuck Bob** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:39 am

I may end years of non-hunting this year. I travel in awesome back country for my job in Alberta, a deer hunters paradise. I'm trying hard to get into sufficient fitness to actually hunt.

I will use my Win 94 32 Special as a carry rifle at work for unexpected oppurtunities. For dedicated hunting days it will be the 444. If I ever get any good with it the lefty .54 Lyman Deerstalker might get tried.

ethang · Post by **ethang** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 4:20 pm

I wish we could use rifles here. ML or shotguns only. There has been talk of pistol caliber rifles but the DNR has been opposing them. When you can use a modern inline ML that has the range and power of a 45/70 it is pretty stupid to not allow rifles or at least pistol caliber rifles. What do we know though. They are the smart ones in charge....

If I go out I will use my Encore .50 cal. It has been stellar for the last 10 years. The only time I use a shotgun anymore is if we are going to do a drive, which is not often.

stew71 · Post by **stew71** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 5:17 pm

RustyJr wrote:I was wondering what everyone is using for their deer rifle/rifles this year. I posted a picture of my grandfather's deer rifle in another post. I figure I will use that and my Ruger 77 Hawkeye also in 270 Winchester. I reckon we'll through in the Elk rifles in for you fellas that live out west. What are y'all using and how is it "set up"?

RustyJr

Rusty, my latest build. A custom FN Mauser re-barreled into .270 for long-range mule deer/antelope/caribou work. It'll be topped with a 3x9 Redfield, and currently sits in a Hogue stock with a Timney trigger. Still getting this one dialed in for the season.

A Ruger 77RSI in .243 when I'm up in the Sierra Nevada chasing blacktails from meadow to meadow. Wearing a Weaver 2x7. Wonderful little gun that's pure joy to carry in the woods. It's taking the place of my beloved Marlin 336 30-30 that's currently on loan to my Dad.

And a Browning 95 in 30/40 Krag when I'm hunting the deep timber and oak foothills. Outfitted with a replica Lyman sight. Shoots 165gr Sierra handloads like a dream to 150 yds. My eyes can't go much beyond that with irons.

Mustn't forget the charcoal burner either. T/C .54cal Hawken. Used for the early season hunt. She's still a virgin so maybe this will be her year.

L_Kilkenny · Post by **L_Kilkenny** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 9:19 pm

State regs will keep my rifles put away so it will probably be the trusty 870 smoothbore again this year. Although I am seriously considering going handgun only this year, Ruger Security Six.

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:21 pm

As it has been for quite some time now:

'94 Timber Carbine chambered for the venerable .444 Marlin, as the go to gun.

'94 Black Shadow for wet/snow, again chambered for the venerable .444 Marlin.

Mid-day walk about gun...'94 Winchester Trapper chambered for the .44 Magnum, this little beauty has taken 13 whitetail, one black bear, and a large bull Elk up in the Bitteroots down by the Clarke Fork.

Then, when Don sends me some 44-77 brass, I will load (.446 sized 385 gr, 77 grs FFg) them for my 71-84 Mauser and attempt to carry that beast for a day or so.

Also would like to haul around one of my Trapdoors too.

For muzzleload'n season, will only bring out my Great Plains hunter.

BigSky56 · Post by **BigSky56** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:19 pm

OTHunter, I saw on the news today theres a 6300 ac fire north of Superior called the West Mullen fire I remembered you have some property down in that area FYI. danny

ollogger · Post by **ollogger** » Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:35 pm

Ive been picking a different Lever gun & chamber size for some years now
This year for Deer & Antelope im down to 357 - 45 Colt or 32 WS
with any luck ill have to buy another Lever Gun for next year

ollogger

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:35 pm

BigSky56 wrote:OTHunter, I saw on the news today theres a 6300 ac fire north of Superior called the West Mullen fire I remembered you have some property down in that area FYI. danny

Danny, little bit east of there, north of Frenchtown.

BigSky56 · Post by **BigSky56** » Fri Aug 02, 2013 5:54 pm

OTH, theres one NW of Frenchtown too. danny
http://www.krtv.com/news/mill-creek-fir ... 0-acres/#_

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 4:51 pm

BigSky56 wrote:OTH, theres one NW of Frenchtown too. danny
http://www.krtv.com/news/mill-creek-fir ... 0-acres/#_

Thanks Danny, would have to go right through there to get back to my property. I am up the feed river to the Clark Fork 'bout ten-eleven miles past the foot hills (where it is all saw grass that you can see in the pictures) half way up the canyon in the big timbers on relatively flat step.

Model 52B · Post by **Model 52B** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 6:03 pm

Most likely I'll take my Big Bore 94 in .375 Win.

geobru · Post by **geobru** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 11:52 pm

My first choice will be my 40-82.

Second choice is my model 64 in 32 Win. Special. This is a really sweet gun with a great trigger and its light as a feather when compared to the 86!

If I get desperate, I can always go back to the old standby, a 308 BLR.