Ok Dave, here is your deer report!

crow slayer

New member
First my deer season started off on a low note- my Ithaca 37 wasn't firing so I took it gunsmith. According to him the headspace is worn so badly that it might not be even safe to shoot. He said there is no practical fix for Ithaca's with this problem. I am going to contact Ithaca and see what they think, but it looks like I am going to be in the market for a new slug gun. Suggestions are welcome.
Now for the deer:
My sister's deer- shot at about 40-50 yards with a 20 gauge Winchester foster slug. Double lung hit and the small 5 point ran maybe 100 yard. Nice large blood trail.
My dad's deer- shot on the run. Range varied from 50-20 yards. First shot missed, second shot cut the throat, third shot took both lungs, 4th shot broke back leg at the kneecap. Slug was a 12 gauge Federal Barnes Expander, buck was a big bodied 8 point.
My deer- aslo shot on the run. First and only shot took out the lungs and broke the back, dropping the buck in his tracks. Buck was a 10 point and dressed at 165 lbs. Range was 85 yards +/- 2 yards. I was using dad's gun so the slug was also a Barnes Expander.
I am going to try to post a picture, but if doesn't work, will someone let me email it to them and post it for me?
 

Attachments

  • buck.jpg
    buck.jpg
    111.3 KB · Views: 140
CS, VERY nice buck. Congrats and Mazeltov.

I note your sister's deer ran 100 yards after a double lung hit with a 20 ga slug. As I've said before, I think the 20 is right around some sort of threshold for power on deer. It will kill well, but not quite as fast as a full bore 12 ga slug, more like a spindle style sabot. Of course, one deer doesn't make a solid case.

Good luck with the Ithaca. Sorry to hear of the prob. First time I ever heard of one wearing out.
 
Back
Top