Jackrabbit Hunting

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PreserveFreedom

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My best friend and I go out and plink at jackrabbits almost every weekend. We usually bring our 10/22's or our shotguns. Last weekend I picked up a box of 148 Grain FWC 38 Special reloads real cheap. Taking my presellout S&W 586 with 8 3/8" barrel out, I had a blast. The first shot at one of them popped a perfect hole through it's ear just like someone took a paper punch to it. It got me to thinking, this is a great way to practice with your handgun. You have a moving target about the size of a human chest plus, if you get really into it, when you are running after it, your adrenaline gets pumping and it can get your body in fight mode. My next handgun for this exercise will be my Glock 22. Has anyone else done anything similar to this? If you have or haven't, do you think it is a useful exercise? Keep in mind that there is open season on jackrabbits where I am and no laws are being broken. The ultimate in safety is also exercised.
 
Hello. During my younger days, myself and the wiley, quick jackrabbits of Texas constantly interacted via whatever "favorite" handgun I had. These critters are quick and I think make for very good "target work" in that they present a moving target and there's no bullseye. One learns not to shoot at the rabbit, but at a particular anatomical point.
I generally shot mine (or tried to) behind the shoulder to take out lungs and heart. These beasties are also neat in that I soon learned that a FMJ 9mm or .45acp frequently only sped them up.........for a few yards before they'd fall with one going nearly 100!
On the other hand, expanding ammunition in the same calibers dropped them. The main advantage to this shooting in my opinion is besides going for a moving, irregular target, you learn where to hit. Best and good shooting.
 
PS: I forgot to mention that this is where I fell in love with the Browning HP. I could just flat hit better quickly with it. Best.
 
I have nailed a few rabbits with a Para-Ordnance P14.45 LDA. I have yet to see one speed up after getting tagged with a .45.
 
Hello,sir. The only ones that "sped up" after being shot with my Colt using 230gr PMC ball were those nailed too far back. They'd put it in high gear, but not for long. In .45ACP, I also tried 200 gr H&G #68 CSWCs loaded to about a thousand feet per second.
They worked only about as good as ball, but did seem to anchor more quickly when a good hit was attained. Neither load matched either Speer's 200 gr JHP or Sierra's 185 gr JHP (JHC back then). Best and good shooting.
 
At least I know I am not alone. I didn't get any solid hits in today but gave some a good run for their money. I gave myself a workout too.
 
You can hunt jack rabbits year round in your states. Or are they considered varmints which can be dispatched just like crows and coyotes?

Anybody do any rabbit hunting in Western Washington?

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The Seattle SharpShooter - TFL/GT/UGW/PCT/KTOG
 
They are varmints just like coyotes. I am in southern New Mexico.
 
Freedom... You down there in Caveman country??? :) I know WELL of what you speak. Spent most of my youth "bustin Jacks" and I have shot them with most everything. Most common was the .22. But I have dropped a bunch with the Python and the Hi-Power. Personally, I loved the sound of a .22WMR hollow point out of a Winchester 94-22M hitting one of those big Eastern New Mexico jacks. You could really hear the "whrump" of one of those hitting. Heck.. even dropped a few with the old M1 .30 carbine and an old Savage .410 :)

Of course... you all realize ... there ain't a whole lot else to DO in Eastern New Mexico. :D

Bubba
 
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