Good auto for hunting?

B

buzz_knox

New member
I'm thinking of picking up deer hunting against after a 15 year hiatus. I was wondering what good hunting autos (preferably in .308) are available. I'm pretty sure I can't pry my father's Win. 100 loose from him, and the M1A (which I absolutely love) is a bit heavy to be lugging around.

Does anyone use an SKS for deer hunting?
 
Folks who seem like fairly skilled shooters have reported success on deer. Generally, it would do okay for shorter-range shots and for generally smaller deer than, say, western mulies.

A 150-grain soft point with a muzzle-velocity of 2,300 ft/sec is sorta the low-end when "clean kill" is important.

I guess like any gun, it just depends on how much you practice and how good you get at not being all married up to benchrest shooting. Offhand, casual rest, shooting a lot of tin cans at 50 and 100 yards...

FWIW, Art
 
Possibly a Garand in .308?

AR-10?

The Remington 7400 is another choice.

Browning BAR in .308 without the stupid BOSS system.

The M1A scout is a lighter option over the M1A standard.

If these options are out of the question, just pick up the shotgun-news and dream. But be careful. It can be addictive.

Regards,
MP
 
If you're thinking of going with an SKS-type rifle, Saiga has a .308 semi-auto that goes for < $500 new. Haven't shot one, though, and the only thing I could find in terms of "range report" info is stuff from the company. 1-2 inch groups at 100 yards, they said, which if true would make it more accurate than the SKS.

DL
 
If you're talking about wanting a fairly inexpensive rifle, you can pick up a used 7400 or 742 for not too much. You'll probably only find them in '06, 270, and 243, although they are/were made in 308, 280, and others. Even new at wally world they're only $400 or so (at least down south). If you want something to fire cheap surplus ammo then I'd have my local gunstore order a 308 7400 if you can't find a used one. You could get by using an SKS with softpoints for whitetail, hogs, etc. Just check to see which box of rounds you pick up when you load up the truck.

Then again, it's all just an opinion.
 
Get the M1A! Don't worry about it being too heavy to lug around. You can always start pumping iron, and once you get yourself in shape, 11 pounds will seem like nothing. :p

No, really, if you had a sling attached to it, I don't think weight would be so much of a factor if you were out humping it. If you are hunting from a blind, weight shouldn't be an issue anyway.


kgs.
 
Best AUTO in .308 would probably be a M-60 or a G3 depending on the situation. As far as Semi Auto goes the choices differ! I hate to nit pick over this but... :)
 
Forget the autos for hunting.Get a Browning BLR leveracton in 308.In 30 years of hunting most game was taken with the first shot anyway.If a second or third is needed a good leveraction or even a bolt action is usually fast enough.The 742s and the BARS usually are not as accurate,sorry triggers,jam often enough for me to loose faith in them,are usually fairly heavy, poor balance etc.I hate those cross bolt safeties also.This is just my opinion based on hunting with several friends and relatives who use or have used them a lot.I have also sighted several in over the years for other people and they just don't seem to be as accurate or reliable as they should be to suit me, plus they carry and handle like a piece of stove wood.
 
MP Freeman- you mentioned the BAR, and im really interested in one,(lightweight in .308) could you tell me what you know about it, accuracy and such...and why to stay clear of the BOSS system. Thanks. This should help me,...and this thread.
 
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