Hunting tips?

[aztec1987]

I recently bought 2 M-4's (Smith Wesson M&P 15 and Colt Competition) when I found out that California was going to banned them starting 2017, I wanted to get my hands on a Colt 1911 .45 but since they fell off the list starting 2017, came to find out that they were 100 available and it was too late. I actually been wanting to go hunting (I live in So. California) in which one of my friend father in law goes frequently in which I want to go experience. I got the information to go for classes as required. I am unsure on which hunting rifle to get for hunting in which I do want to get a Winchester 30-30 Pre 94 model but also been wanting to get a Remington 700 SPS Tactical .308. Anyone here have some input what will be a good hunting rifle? Plan on finding Bambi and Pumba.

[TTQ B4U]

I recently bought 2 M-4's (Smith Wesson M&P 15 and Colt Competition) when I found out that California was going to banned them starting 2017, I wanted to get my hands on a Colt 1911 .45 but since they fell off the list starting 2017, came to find out that they were 100 available and it was too late. I actually been wanting to go hunting (I live in So. California) in which one of my friend father in law goes frequently in which I want to go experience. I got the information to go for classes as required. I am unsure on which hunting rifle to get for hunting in which I do want to get a Winchester 30-30 Pre 94 model but also been wanting to get a Remington 700 SPS Tactical .308. Anyone here have some input what will be a good hunting rifle? Plan on finding Bambi and Pumba.

What game are you hunting and what calibers are allowed in your area for said game?

Side note the CA laws on guns are a forever deal breaker for my ever ever wanting to live there. No way. That and vehicle modifications will forever keep me out.

[aztec1987]

I know what you mean I had a 94 Astro in which I wanted to throw in a 350 Block but California said no way!

I haven't checked on the caliber for the game in which I hope they do not say something like a .22 or something ridiculous like that. As from what I heard most use a 308 round or 30-06.

[FUNX650]

I recently bought 2 M-4's
(Smith Wesson M&P 15 and
Colt Competition)

^^^Nicely Done!!^^^

*******************************

If you're not planning on auditioning
for roles as a Big Game hunter (where
magnum rounds are more likely to be
fully appreciated)...

then hunting rifles that are chambered
for .308 Win/7.62x51mm NATO will
more than likely fill the bill. (Keep in
mind that 22" barrels are the norm.)


Bob

[aztec1987]

I was aiming for that round, as for pistol I think that I should be good with my Springfield 1911-A1, unless I also decide to get me a Desert Eagle .44

[TTQ B4U]

I haven't checked on the caliber for the game in which I hope they do not say something like a .22 or something ridiculous like that. As from what I heard most use a 308 round or 30-06.

You'll be good with either. .308 will take down any North American Animal. Check your local laws though on what game can be hunted and with what caliber. I thank heaven every day that the wife and I have 50 acres of our own out east of where we are where I can get away with nearly whatever I want.

[hoyt66]

I like that you have looked into the hunter safety classes for hunting. As far as a caliber.....308 is a good round. Magnum rounds are good if you are looking to reach out there. That being said if you practice enough a .308 will get out there too.

[Don M]

Either the 30.06 or the .308 would be a reliable game-taking round. Personally, I think the 30-30 is a bit more of a shorter range round than the other two. A 12 gauge (with a rifled barrel & scope) would be a good choice for ANYTHING North America has .... including Moose and Elk (A friend used one for feral hogs that were bigger than he was and about 300 pounds heavier).

BUT!!! shot PLACEMENT is king. If you don't hit where you need to, it doesn't matter what you're using. Practice (a lot) at the distances you plan on shooting to raise the odds of getting that good shot in under pressure (excitement).

All that being said, find out what your state allows and choose from there, I know Ohio doesn't allow rifle for deer etc so we have to use a shotgun w/slugs (makes no sense to me either). A shotgun slug will pass through almost anything and keep on sailing down range like a freight train, where a rifle bullet usually will tear itself to pieces once it hits something solid, or even semi-solid object.

[hollerstiltner]

This may sound like a silly question, but what caliber centerfire rifles have you shot?

I ask because I agree that a 30.06 or 308 are great all around choices, but not everyone can handle the recoil of an '06. If you're hunting ranges are kept modest, like under 400 yards, you can likely use most calibers from 243win on up. Many people use a 223 on deer. However I prefer a little more power.

As has been said, practice and become good with your gun. A well placed shot is more important than caliber. Tracking in the dark as the rain is starting to fall makes for a miserable night. You also owe it to the animal for an ethical harvest.

I personally use a 270win and have found it adequate.

[oldmodman]

My last real "Hunting Rifle" is a 22-250 700BDL.
And I haven't actually gone hunting in 30 years.
Plus, since I live in California I have moved all my "good stuff" to Nevada
The only thing I am keeping in California is a couple of revolvers and a pair of Benelli Shotguns. I even moved all of my reloading supplies to Nevada along with all my "excess" ammo.