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stubby

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I have grown tired of the bolt action long range (up to 350 yards) sniping of deer across open hay meadows and bean fields. I have done this type of hunting for the past 15 years and have killed lots of deer including several nice bucks. I have owned Remington 700s, Sako, Ruger 77s and Winchester Model 70s. They are all fine guns and quite capable for the hunting I have done. Of course these rifles were always scoped with a fine Leupold scope for those long range shots and fried flat shooting cartridges with impressive ballistics. I am preparing for a different type of deer season this year. I have traded my bolt action for a Marlin 1894 Cowboy in 45 Colt. I intend to use the semi-buckhorn open sights. I have purchased and sighted in with Corbon's "magnum" 45 Colt ammo (265 grain hollowpoint at 1350 fps in a handgun) and am sighted to point of aim at 100 yards. I am really looking forward to a "closer" relationship with my quarry, hoping to increase the excitment of the hunt. Using the lever action cowboy style rifle is a nice change from the ultimate accuracy long range rifles I have used for years. Anyone else experienced burn out with the bolt actions?:)
 
There's a club, I think it's the Teddy Roosevelt Society or something similar, that's all about taking big game with big bore lever actions. Tom Selleck is a member, if memory serves.
 
I've not had burnout about any particular type of rifle, but have had burnout on certain types of hunting. I got where I couldn't endure sitting in a blind to just ambush a buck. I took up walking hunting in more open country.

It's a challenge to spot a buck before he sees me, and I then get a fairly easy shot. Or, if he blasts off in fifth gear, wide open throttle, the running shot is indeed a challenge.

But a bolt gun has been part of my life for some 60 years, and I guess I'm too old to seriously consider a change. Kinda like a long-term marriage--once you get used to each other it'd be just too hard to start over and have to break in a new one...

:), Art
 
I'm with you, Stubby. I use a Lyman Plains rifle with iron sights during muzzleloading season and I've gone to a '94 30-30 during modern season for most of the reasons you mention. Shooting a deer with a bolt action from 200-300 yards is a great thing but not as rewarding as stalking in closer...
 
The 45 Colt is a fine round for whitetail and another type of hunt you may want to try is using a handgun.

Turk
 
Nope, no burn out, but then I use a variety of rifles when hunting - it depends on where I'm going and what I'm hunting.

Heavy timber for deer I'll sometimes carry my Winchester M 94 30-30.

A couple of times I've taken antelope with my scoped FN-Fal in .308 win.

My Hawken flintlock .58 accompanies me when I feel the need for a real challenge. (Black bear calling is a thrill!)

But most of the time, when I want to be certain I'll take one of my Mauser actioned bolt guns - .300 Win Mag or .270 Win.



Edited because the fingers don't always do what the brain tells them too...
 
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Funny you should mention it. Back in August I sold an LC Smith 12 ga. to my brother-in-law(he JUST HAD to Have it) and I purchased a Model 94 in .45 Colt. Worked up a load that shoots great out of my Colt and Winchester. I shall take a deer with it this year. About 6 weeks later I purchased a Ruger 77, in 2506. Put a Swift 4-12 scope on it and am in the process of getting a better than 3/4 " group from Sierra's 120 gr. HPBT's. Each of these, along with others, has their own especial appeal. Sort of like your kids, or grandkids. All are different, but they are all great.;)
 
Glad to see I'm not the only one to get that way.

I bought a .44 Mag Lever Action (Plenty for the game here in Florida).
 
I haven't burned-out, but I carry based on my hunt. That being said, I plan on carrying my Ruger No1 in 45/70 for most of my hunting this year. I like to get close to my game. I'll head to the woods, scout, find a good spot and get comfortable. No tree stands, blinds or any of that junk for me. If I'm hunting wide open spaces though, I've no problem grabbing my Rem 700BDL in 30-06AI. Even then, I still hunt on the ground and try to get as close as possible. Nothing like crawling on your belly in a clear cut to get a good shot.

tjg
 
I am not burnt out on anything, but I love to try different kinds of guns and Leveractions are my favorite. This year I plan to hunt deer with my Winchester 1895 leveraction in 30-06 and I may also use my Winchester 1886 Extra Lightweight in 45/70.
 
if i know i am going to be on a powerline then i opt for the long range stuff (weatherby or ruger #1 7mm stw. if its a thick fog morning in the bottoms i'll go w/ my DRC 444P or just a pistol and when i dont know till i get there i carry a pre 81 browning blr in 308 w/ a variable scope and a short 44 pistol.
specialization is for insects.
i choose not to choose between the various types of hunting.
 
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