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New Rifle

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budperm View Drop Down
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show me your sheep!!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2012 at 18:14
Seriously, I'm impressed with what I'm hearing.  You have your eyes open keep them that way and play sponge.  I too recommend a 22.  Cheapest way to learn good form.  and as Hunter said....Practice, Pratice, Practice  (thats actually the fun part) !  Good Luck!
"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
--Thomas Jefferson



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helo18 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2012 at 19:54
Come hunt Montana!!  I have a nice spot to hunt prairie dogs.  Plenty of practice.  I'll give you lots of pointers.  There are lots of deer, coyotes, and then when you are practiced up, elk and wolf.


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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2012 at 20:00
Practice with your scope on all mag ranges and all distances.  That way you are ready for an unexpected shot no matter what the setting is.

Practice in good and bad weather.  Practice after getting winded as well.  This will help for hunts that you may do high altitude hunting.  Get used to your breathing pattern and heartbeat, learning your natural rhythm and when to squeeze the trigger.

Practice bringing the gun up.  Helps with the fast shots.

It is nice to never have to take a moving shot, but if you ever think you may have to, if you have a spot to practice with moving targets, this will help.
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON
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Summer@SWFA View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Summer@SWFA Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2012 at 13:46
I plan on buying a .22 from Skylar to use for practice and to improve my ability; However that is after I get the .243 set-up and ready to go, it was priced fairly reasonable so i couldn't pass it up!
 
I still need to check into an "Appleseed" class, never hurts to know more about safety... Especially when dealing with firearms right? Don't want to anyone to get hurt nor myself. 
 
Helo-
As far as moving shots,  I think I should practice just for future chances. I also plan on practicing in different types of weather, you never know what mother nature brings.
Never been to Montana, would love to come if Chris would be willing to give me some extra vacation time ;)
 
Also skylar wanted me to inform you I will be there when you come down to shot with some of the other guys.
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2012 at 17:39
Cool deal, but Dang, now I have to get in shape.

Going to show the guys how to shoot a bow are you? Wouldn't be the first time I got my butt kicked by a girl in archery.

You better bring reenforcements to help keep all those other rowdy guys in line. I always behave around the ladies.
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON
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budperm View Drop Down
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show me your sheep!!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2012 at 18:18
here a kicker Drew...If you treated them like dirt you'd probably be married...!
 
My older sister has three different friends.  Ones a lawyer, ones a marketing executive and the last one is a Macy's store manager.  All are very pretty and all repeatedly fall for the dirtbag types that mistreat them!  This has happened multiple times with each gal and all three have had at least one Bfriend that hit them more than once. Whacko  Yet they keep coming back for more!!!!   Go Figure!!!
I think that since all of them are powerful and successful in their carreers they without realizing it want to be dominated in their personal relationships.  None of them seems to ever be attracted to a Nice Guy. Loco 
"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
--Thomas Jefferson



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dakotaman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2012 at 20:27
Given that you are safe enough not to kill yourself or your buddies I'll just suggest a few things for coyote hunting based on hunting these little buggers since 1962. Not sure whether you will be hunting wide open spaces of the west or tight timbers of the east but in general I would make the following suggestions:
1. Get yourself some 58g Hordady Vmax bullets and load them up to travel at 3800 fps. These are among the most accurate bullets you can shoot and they fast and flat shooting. They eliminate a lot of the problems you would have with holdover and wind adjustment and they really help you hit running coyotes but all but eliminating lead out to 250 yards.
2. Set up targets at 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards.
3. Zero your rifle for 200 yards and memorize the drops/windage at each range. You must memorize the wind drift (e.g. 40 inches  for each 10mph at 500 yards) for each range, especially the 400 and 500. That way, if you get a 20 mph cross wind, you can take that base wind drift x 2 for an 80 inch holdoff. Where I hunt, I count on winds from 10 to 40 mph but have had to shoot in 50 mph cross winds. If you know your windage, you will smile when that happens.
4. Shoot the targets until you are very familiar with your rifle. Say 20 shots each out to 300 yards and then 50 shots each at 400 and 500 yards. This helps you get familiar with your rifle and allows you to see the effect of wind and how to judge its speed by seeing the tree limbs blow or the grass and weeds.
5. If you haven't purchased your scope yet, I suggest the BDC recticle... you will hit a lot more coyotes at 400,500, even 600 yards. When you get to the range you will see what I mean... you don't have time to fiddle with scope turrets while coyotes are runinng around and you will have a tough time estimating 60 inches of windage holdoff without them.
6. If you get graduated reticles, you will see that you can quickly range coyotes by fitting them behind the dots and you can aim precisely.
7. Get a 20-30 inch "Trigger Stick" so you have a solid rest for your rifle that you can adjust quickly without moving your hand off the forend. A bipod is a little more solid but you don't have time to fiddle with it and 9 times out of 10, grass or brush is in your sight picture and you have move it up or down quickly to get a good shot. Use it from a sitting position as much as possible and you can reach out to about 400 yards or more. With a bipod, you could do 600 but what the heck... you can't have everything. 
8. If you get a chance, cut a coyote target out of masonite and have someone pull it about 200 feet behind their car @ 40 mph where you have a good bullet backstop. Practice swinging through the coyote while squeezing the trigger. Put more pressure on it as it crosses their rear and by the time it is crossing their chest, squeeze harder. Keep following them until you hear it go bang. When you get to hitting the target 9 out of ten times at 100 yards, you will be ready to pop running coyotes. 
9. Get a rabbit call. Although you get a lot of coyotes by driving around the country spotting them, you can call when times are tough. Electronic with remote is best but a mouth call is fine... call by blasting for 10 seconds...then get quiet and get your rifle up on the rest, ready to shoot. Give them five minutes to show up. DON"T MOVE... take a buddy to watch one direction while you watch the other direction so you don't have to turn your head. If nothing, blow again. I like moving decoys like feathers and I use a bunny siloete cause it is easy to carry. They will come from down wind most often so get set up that way. 
10 Shoot out small patches of cover with a .22... shoot a fence post near you and get ready with your .243. If they are in there, they will come flying out. Then you will get to use your moving decoy skill.
 
These are a few suggestions... if you can do only 1 or 2, use the 58g Vmax and know your rifle out to 500 yards.
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Tip69 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2012 at 22:20
Originally posted by SVT_Tactical SVT_Tactical wrote:

Originally posted by Tip69 Tip69 wrote:

what kind of "pointers" are you talking about? 
The basics -
reading the wind, proper firearm handling, using cover, staying downwind, stalking,
 
 
what were you thinking tip?
 
 
BTW Summer, if you really wanna be prepared for hunting I'd say the biggest recommendation I can give you is spend time at the range with your gun first and know it.
 
I was thinking there have been books written about each of the things you mention.... see Dokataman's post above!
 
IMO the best way to start is to leave the gun at home and find a mentor to take you hunting!  Seriously, carrying a gun when you're a newbie is a huge distraction.   Once you've gone on a few hunts.... then borrow something like a BBgun to carry on a hunt.  Use that bb gun to practice everything you'd do with a real loaded rifle!  In between hunts... go to the range and get used to using a firearm in a controlled environment.  Again, a mentor would be good to have.  Take your time, there is a lot to learn and the effects of an accident can last a lifetime!  My Dad always told me, You don't get 2nd chances with firearms.
 
Memories of hunts/shootings can last a lifetime too.  Good luck and happy hunting!
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2012 at 06:23
 
 
 
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X = 180 Y = 90 (X+Pyro)+(Y-Pyro) = ?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2012 at 07:14
Welcome to the OT Summer. Most of the good advice was taken, and is all very sound, so I'll throw one more out there. Try to avoid very difficult hunts while you are starting out. By that I mean both physically demanding, as it will affect your shooting ability, and game that is difficult to hunt. (Like a large trophy elk.) Starting out on hunts where there is enough game that you can see some game regularly, and pick your shot will help you get a feel, and build confidence for future hunts. I also find it enjoyable just to watch the game, even if I don't shoot. Seeing a trophy animal and not getting a shot, or missing/wounding an animal may be frustrating or decrease the desire to hunt. When I started hunting I went on a few hunts in SD with a "youth tag" where I had to have a parent with me, and was only for antlerless deer. This season was held before any other season started, and the deer were not spooked yet. After a couple youth tags, and Dad there to hold my hand, I was allowed to graduate to hunting with the big boys.
Well, thats my experience, may help, or you may find you are an excellent marksman (markswoman) and go right to the big time hunts. I have fond memories of my first "father guided hunt" though.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2012 at 07:26
ExcellentExcellentExcellent  Its a legacy thing!!!!  Sure wish my dad had hunted!
"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
--Thomas Jefferson



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2012 at 07:51
My older daughter has had 3 "Dad guided hunts" already, and my youngest daughter will go on her first this year. I'm so excited!!

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2012 at 08:15
Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

ExcellentExcellentExcellent  Its a legacy thing!!!!  Sure wish my dad had hunted!

i wish i could hunt with mine more, ive never in my life shot any big game animal with him. he has always killed stuff, but ive never had that in my life, i feel for you bud.

They call me "Boots"
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343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stevey Ducks Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/26/2012 at 01:51
Try hanging out with folks that do lots of shooting and hunting.
 
Completely check out your rifle and scope - know where everything is and how it works and how to keep it working. Get necessary items to maintain the weapon - cleaning rod (one piece steel coated), patches, solvent, screw drivers or allen-torque wrenches.
 
Understand and know gun safety.
 
After spending some time doing the above you will be ready to shoot the weapon and a .243 is a weapon - like zing way way out there. Max range probably 2 miles plus - be careful!
 
I have a .243 that is used for both deer and coyotes. My preferred bullet weight is the 85-87 grain. I handload 87 gr Hornady VMaxes for coyotes and 85 gr Barnes bullets for deer. Trajectories for both are for practical purposes identical. I have seen coyotes hit with zippy light bullets run away when hit in major bones. The 87 gr VMax puts them down with authority. 85 gr. Barnes bullets are real expensive and naturally will kill a coyote also but are preferrred for deer.
 
A .22 RF that resembles the .243 will give you lots of practice and a brick (500) of ammo can be shot up real fast.
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Summer@SWFA Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/06/2012 at 16:44
Got the scope mounted Saturday!!!
 
I love it.... Now time to purchase to .22Big Grin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Summer@SWFA Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/06/2012 at 16:45
Purchase a .22 *
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/06/2012 at 16:52
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Summer@SWFA Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/06/2012 at 16:58
I like it. Going to have to see how much I can get it for.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/06/2012 at 17:30
Originally posted by cheaptrick cheaptrick wrote:

Originally posted by Summer@SWFA Summer@SWFA wrote:

Purchase a .22 *



+1   I have that rifle so I can practice with irons sites and it shoots very well.

I have also been thinking of this CZ so I can mount a SS 10x on it. I have a preference towards heavy barrels.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-452-varmint/

 Can I mention SS scopes on this site?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/06/2012 at 22:48
Originally posted by Summer@SWFA Summer@SWFA wrote:

Got the scope mounted Saturday!!!
 


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take em!
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