Rifle Shooting

How to Clean a Rifle

Bass Pro Shops JB — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 13:47:47 +0000

How to Clean a Rifle

Bass Pro Shops JB Tue, 08/27/2024 - 08:47

Category

Importance of Regular Gun Cleaning and Barrel Maintenance

Keeping your rifle clean and well-maintained is crucial for several reasons. Regular gun cleaning not only ensures the longevity of your firearm but also contributes to its optimal performance and accuracy. Moreover, it promotes safety and reliability, making it an essential practice for all responsible gun owners. In this article, we will explore different gun cleaning techniques and methods, with a special focus on the significance of barrel cleaning and maintenance.

Shooting Accessories

Gun Cleaning and Refinishing at Bass Pro Shops

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Basic Gun Cleaning Steps

Before diving into specific cleaning methods, it's important to understand the basic steps involved in cleaning a gun. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Start Safe:
Safe firearm handling is ALWAYS the first step, regardless of if you’re cleaning your gun, transporting your gun, storing your gun – safety is key. Always ensure your firearm is unloaded and the magazine removed before starting the cleaning process.
Remember: Treat every firearm as though it were loaded.
Disassembly:
Carefully disassemble your rifle, following the manufacturer's instructions. This will allow you to access all the necessary components for a thorough cleaning.
Remove Debris:
Use a soft brush or a toothbrush to remove any loose debris, dirt, or carbon buildup from the various parts of your firearm. Brush out areas like the action, bolt, receiver, frame, and chamber. Wipe with a cloth or cleaning wipes to remove loose fouling. For the barrel, attach a bore brush to your cleaning rod and apply a small amount of cleaning solvent to the brush. Insert the rod into the barrel and scrub the inside using a back-and-forth motion. This will help break up any fouling or residue. Attach a cleaning patch to the cleaning rod and apply cleaning solvent to it. Push the patch through the barrel, ensuring it contacts the entire surface area. Repeat this process with fresh patches until they come out clean and dry.
Lubrication:
Apply a small amount of gun oil or lubricant to the moving parts of your firearm, ensuring smooth operation and preventing corrosion. Key areas would be bearing surfaces, such as bolt lugs, rails, guides – any metal-on-metal. Avoid using excess oil and do NOT apply any lubricant inside the barrel. Once again, wipe down all components with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residue, dirt, or excess oil that you may have missed in the previous steps.
Reassembly:
Once all the components are clean and lubricated, carefully reassemble your rifle following the manufacturer's instructions.
Function Check:
Before storing your firearm, perform a function check to ensure everything is working properly. This involves testing the trigger, safety mechanism, and slide operation.

Deep Cleaning Techniques

Deep cleaning is necessary for heavily used firearms or those exposed to harsh conditions. This thorough cleaning removes stubborn fouling and ensures optimal performance. Here's how to perform a deep cleaning:

Disassembly:
Completely disassemble your rifle, separating all components, including the barrel, slide, frame, and small parts.
Cleaning Solvent and Brushes:
Use a suitable cleaning solvent and brushes to thoroughly clean each individual part. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas and stubborn fouling.
Ultrasonic Cleaning (Optional):
If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner and it's suitable for your firearm, consider using it to enhance the deep cleaning process.
Inspection:
While cleaning, inspect each part for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn-out or damaged components as necessary.
Lubrication and Reassembly:
Apply an appropriate amount of gun oil or lubricant to the moving parts of your firearm. Reassemble your rifle meticulously, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Solvent and Lubricant

Selecting the appropriate cleaning solvent and lubricant is crucial for effective gun cleaning and maintenance. Consider the following factors when making your choice:

Compatibility:
Ensure that the cleaning solvent and lubricant are compatible with the materials used in your firearm. Different firearms may require specific products, so refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Purpose:
Consider the purpose of the cleaning solvent and lubricant. Some solvents are designed for general cleaning, while others target specific types of fouling or residue. Lubricants should provide adequate protection against wear and corrosion.
Safety:
Choose solvents and lubricants that are safe to use and handle. Consider any potential health hazards and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.

Tips for Effective Gun Cleaning and Barrel Maintenance

To ensure the best results and maintain the longevity of your firearm, follow these important tips:

Establish a Cleaning Routine:
Regularly clean and maintain your firearm according to a set schedule. This will help prevent excessive fouling and ensure optimal performance.
Avoid Over-Cleaning:
While it's important to keep your firearm clean, excessive cleaning can lead to unnecessary wear and tear. Clean your firearm as needed, but avoid overdoing it.
Store Properly:
After cleaning, store your firearm in a secure and dry location. Consider using a gun safe or locking case to prevent unauthorized access and protect it from dust, moisture, and other potential damage.
Seek Professional Help if Needed:
If you're unsure about any aspect of gun cleaning or encounter any issues, don't hesitate to seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith or firearm expert.

Proper gun cleaning and barrel maintenance are essential for the longevity, performance, and safety of your firearm. By following the appropriate cleaning techniques, utilizing the right tools and products, and adhering to a regular maintenance routine, you can ensure that your rifle remains in optimal condition.

Resurgance of the Scout Rifle

Mathew Brost — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 22:12:57 +0000

Resurgance of the Scout Rifle

Mathew Brost Tue, 06/25/2019 - 17:12

Category

Rifle Shooting

In the late 1960s, Gunsite Academy founder Jeff Cooper began structuring what he considered the ultimate general-purpose rifle. Throughout the next 30 years he worked with various custom rifles in an effort to bring his idea to reality.

Steyr Arms Scout Rifle

Ultimately, working with Steyr Arms, Cooper was able to engineer the personification of the one rifle for the world theory: the Steyr Arms Scout Rifle.

A Scout Rifle by Cooper’s Definition

1. A scout rifle is a lightweight, carbine length, bolt-action rifle chambered for the .308 Winchester rifle cartridge with an 18 or 20 inch barrel.

2. The rifle also should have a rugged synthetic stock, iron ghost ring sights, and a fixed 2X to 4X riflescope with 10 inches of eye relief, mounted just ahead of the action as low as possible.

3. A traditional riflescope of the same magnification could suffice, but was not considered ideal.

Ruger Gunsite Scout Bolt-Action Rifle

With the introduced in the late 1990s, the Steyr Scout ended Cooper’s quest, but due to its high price, others interested in the concept continued to build their own. And, by 2010 the scout rifle seemed to fall from grace, but in 2011 Ruger introduced the Gunsite Scout Bolt-Action Rifle (GSR), which was based on their model 77 action.

It took the shooting world by a storm. In fact, it has become so popular Ruger now lists 12 variations of the GSR in its catalog.

Other Firearms Manufactures Followed Suit

In 2015, Mossberg introduced a scout rifle based on its MVP action, and Savage Arms reintroduced an updated version of its discontinued scout rifle.

With the still available and now more affordable Steyr Scout and the Ruger GSR, shooters now have four factory scouts to choose from in a variety of configurations.

Why the resurgence?

We can only speculate, but scout rifles seem to be very popular with preppers who are looking for one rifle that can be used for protection or hunting.

The trend might also be due to an overdose of the AR style rifle, which is arguably a better general-purpose platform.

However, an AR chambered for the .308 Winchester is noticeably heavier and has a lot more moving parts to break.

I’ve spent the last two years working with all of the current commercial scout rifles and several custom creations.

If you’re looking for a rifle that will be shot away from a bench and from field shooting positions, scout rifles have a lot to offer.

They are handy and fast to manipulate.

They provide plenty of accuracy out beyond 300 yards.

They are conducive to extended time in the field due to their lightweight and ease of carry.

And finally, as Cooper postulated, scout rifles are adapt at hunting and for protection from bad critters or bad men.

Ruger 10/22 – 50+ Years Of Excellence

Mathew Brost — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 20:11:38 +0000

Ruger 10/22 – 50+ Years Of Excellence

Mathew Brost Tue, 06/25/2019 - 15:11

Category

Rifle Shooting

We recently celebrated the Ruger 10/22's 50th anniversary. It has withstood the test of time and is to this day a very popular firearm with both new and experienced shooters. So what is it about this gun that has made it so popular?

CUSTOMIZATION
The list of after-market accessories for 10/22s is seemingly limitless and they're usually easy to install. The rifles are typically inexpensive ($200-$400), so you can purchase one, shoot it as-is and then decide what after-market upgrades you would like to make. The end result is a gun that is uniquely your own.

THE GROWN-UP .22
Pre-1964, many thought of the .22 LR rifle as being only for young or beginning shooters. the 10/22's introduction changed this perception. It was larger than other .22 LR rifles of the day and fit adults. However, low recoil still made it easy to shoot for young or small-framed individuals.

LARGE COMMUNITY
An Internet search of "Ruger 10/22 forums" reveals communities where thousands of gun enthusiasts gather to discuss their passion for this gun. Whether you're a beginner looking to get advice or an experienced owner wanting to share your knowledge and develop camaraderie with like-minded people, these are great tools. While these are three stand-out reasons why this gun has been so successful, they're certainly not the only ones. Accuracy, reliability and easy shooting have also helped build the 10/22's legacy. With all these benefits, it's no wonder this gun has been around for so long – and shows no signs of going away.

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Rifle

Hornady's Ammo Revolution

Mathew Brost — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 16:06:27 +0000

Hornady's Ammo Revolution

Mathew Brost Tue, 06/25/2019 - 11:06

Category

Rifle Shooting

Match Grade at Any Distance

Using Doppler radar and state-of-the-art aeroballistics software, Hornady® engineers discovered that conventional polymer tips in high-ballistic-coefficient bullets melt in flight. Although not a significant issue affecting moderate-ballistic-coefficient conventional-tipped varmint and hunting bullets, aerodynamic heating causes ballistic-coefficient reduction and degradation of accuracy, particularly at ranges beyond 400 yds. To counter this effect, Hornady identified a heat-resistant polymer and developed the patent-pending Heat Shield™ tip. This revolutionary new tip creates the perfect meplat (tip) with exceptionally consistent results from bullet to bullet and lot to lot.

ELD-X™ and ELD™ Match (Extremely Low Drag) bullets combine Hornady's patent-pending Heat Shield tip with a streamlined secant ogive and optimum boattail design. They’re finished with a highly concentric AMP® bullet jacket, the most consistently concentric jacket available. Hornady verified the ballistic coefficient using Doppler radar and corrected to standard atmospheric conditions. The result is radically superior aerodynamic efficiency and long-range consistency that you won't find with any other polymer-tipped bullet.

How to Become a Better Rifle Shot (video)

Steve Galea — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 11:00:00 +0000

How to Become a Better Rifle Shot (video)

Steve Galea Sun, 10/07/2018 - 06:00

Category

Rifle Shooting

Most rifle shooters recognize that there's no substitute for time spent at the range. They know that to become a competent rifleman, a shooter needs to practice. A whole lot, in fact.

Unfortunately, most of us can't get to the firing line as often as we'd like. Family commitments, work and life get in the way. So we don't pick up our rifles as much as we should and, when we do make it to the range, we're generally not as prepared as we should be.

Browning AB3 Composite Stalker Bolt-Action Rifle Combo

Luckily, there's a whole lot a gun shooter can do during the off time. I'm referring to common sense preparations and practices that can, and will, promote better shooting. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions that will help you make the most of that precious range time when the blessed day finally arrives.

Use the Right Caliber in a Rifle You Can Handle

Though it's rarely spoke of, one of the most important steps to better shooting is buying a quality rifle in a caliber that you can handle. Your rifle, after all, is the foundation on which you'll build your marksmanship.

Yes, it's nice to own a large caliber rifle that's capable of slaying a rogue elephant or two, but if you can't shoot it well, or if it's overkill for the game you hunt, where's the gain?

Your choice of rifle caliber shouldn't be guided by the latest trends in your favorite rifle magazine or some macho notion of what constitutes a "real man's" caliber. Instead, it should be strongly influenced by your physical stature, sensitivity to recoil and the game you hunt. If you're an inexperienced shooter, it doesn't hurt to err on the side of lighter recoil either — you can always buy a heavier caliber after you've gained more experience.

Click here to print or download the rifle caliber chart.

Hunting Rife Cartridge Chart

Winchester AA Supersport Sporting Clays
Shotshells

Simply put, you'll never develop good shooting habits if your chosen caliber punishes you every time you send a round downrange. Instead, you'll develop a flinch and, in time, a strong aversion to shooting it. That's why it's far wiser to get a rifle that you can manage; after all, when it comes right down to it, shooting is about shot placement. And a shooter who doesn't flinch places shots more accurately every time.

Tip: Shop Winchester loads at basspro.com

Ensure You Have a Proper Fitted Rifle

In my mind, proper fit is as easily important as the right caliber choice. This reduces the effects of felt recoil, make sighting quicker and more natural, and ensures that you don't have to contort or stretch to pull the trigger. Most gunsmiths I speak to tell me that a surprising number of hunters use rifles that simply don't fit the way they should. Those folks have placed themselves at an immediate disadvantage.

Browning Black & Gold Range Bag

Tip: Shooting bags like the Browning Black & Gold Range bag bags, wind gage, range finder, bipod, shooting eye and ear protection, good targets and the right bullet and loads — accumulating and learning to use these things pays big dividends at the range.

Browning Range Kit II for Ladies

To achieve correct length of pull and overall fit, shorter hunters might consider purchasing a youth model rifle or having a gunsmith shorten the stock of a standard version. One problem with youth model rifles, however, is that they generally come in a limited range of calibers.

Taller hunters, on the other hand, might need to add spacers or different recoil pad systems to ensure the right fit. Whatever your stature, wear typical hunting clothes when you first evaluate fit.

Browning Shooting Range Kit

Fit is not just about length of pull either. Some people could benefit by attaching a cheek pad to their rifle stock. The right one will help automatically align your head to the sight. Similarly, some shooters would do better with a rifle that has a slimmer fore end or different size or style of grip. In some cases shims might help too. The point is, the better the rifle fits, the easier it is to be comfortable and consistent in your technique.

Always Consider Shooting Safety Gear

While shooting accessories won't make you a good marksman, they can certainly support that goal. For instance, quality earmuffs like the Browning Buckmark ll Hearing Protector will safeguard your hearing and a good set of shooting glasses will protect your eyes from backblast. Combined, these things reduce the odds of you developing a flinch.

Though I don't personally use them, I know experienced shooters who swear by sissy pads (shoulder recoil pads) like the Cabela's Rifle Shooter Recoil Pad when practicing on the range — even when shooting relatively light rifles. Their theory is that there's no such thing as too little recoil, which is something that's very hard to argue with. Again, you're far more likely to develop a flinch if you're noticing recoil, having your eardrums assaulted by noise or worrying about your eyes. Taking the necessary steps to eliminate these issues will allow you to concentrate on the mechanics of the shot.

Cabela's Rifle Shooter Recoil Pad

Become Trigger Happy by Making Modifications

These days, most new quality rifles come with reasonably good triggers. Having said that, there are some that could stand improvement. If that's the case with yours, invest in a good, adjustable aftermarket trigger or a bit of gunsmithing to improve the one at hand. This is something that you won't regret. Few modifications, in my experience, make so immediate a difference to a shooter's performance and enjoyment of the rifle.

Go Custom With Rifle Loads

Dry fire firearm practice, from various positions, is one of the most important things you can do to enhance your shooting skills.

Want to make the most of your rifle's potential? Then start reloading.

Though factory ammo has come a very long way, a custom load worked up for your particular rifle is still very hard to beat. My reloads group much better than comparable factory loads — typically, at least 50 percent better.

There's more to it than that though. Once you find your rifle's pet load, you'll be eager to learn its trajectory and how it's affected by wind too. Mostly, however, you'll shoot more and learn to have complete confidence in the cartridges you've lovingly assembled. Again, that's one less thing to worry about.

Practice Firearm Shooting Positions

Okay, forget all the gear and modifications — maybe your rifle is perfect for you and needs no improvement; perhaps you've already found a pet load.

I have yet to meet a hunter though, who could not improve upon his or her shooting technique. The best shooters are constantly striving to progress even further. And they know that solid shooting positions form the foundation of the shot.

Watch video tips about gun storage. As a gun owner your responsibility is to store your firearms safely and securely.

Browning Ultra 49 Tall 49-Gun Safe

So why not take the time to learn, practice and perfect your rifle firing positions? Grab a Hunter-ed Safety course manual, a trusted book on shooting, or whatever other handy reference you have and learn the sitting, kneeling, prone, and standing positions with your unloaded rifle in hand. Needless to say, you should practice in an empty room, ensure no ammunition is within reach and then keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction treating it always, as if it were loaded.

Tip: Firearms Safety - 10 Rules of Safe Gun Handeling, National Shooting Sports Foundation NSSF

If you use a bipod, shooting sticks, a gun or rifle sling or shooting bags familiarize yourself with their use too. It might seem a bit silly, but the truth is that most casual shooters are not as consistent or comfortable with their shooting positions as they should be. All it takes is a bit of practice to get it right.

Use Dry Firing or Dry Practice to Improve Your Shooting Skill and Technique

Harris BRS Adjustable Bipod

While you're improving your shooting positions, add dry firing to the exercise. Dry fire practice with your centerfire rifle is an excellent way to improve your shooting skills. (This is not advisable with a rimfire rifle, as it can damage the firing pin.)

Tip: Dry firing is the practice of shooting a firearm without ammo in the chamber. You go through the motions as if you are actually firing; you pull the trigger, the hammer drops. This process helps you practice shooting techniques without using ammunition.This is an incredibly important practice component. That's why military and Olympic shooters utilize it so much in training.

Here's your chance to perfect your shot sequence. Be consistent with your hand positioning and grip, develop proper breathing technique, cheek weld, sight picture, trigger press and follow through. Uniformity is key. Concentrate, without distraction, through each shot sequence until it becomes second nature. This builds muscle memory and has even been know to cure a flinch.

You don't have to dry fire hundreds of times each session either. It's much more important to strive for quality. You're trying to develop good habits that you'll carry with you for each and every shot. By the time you get to the range this should be second nature.

Maintain Your Physical Condition

Though shooting is not an outwardly athletic sport, maintaining a level of fitness is still advantageous. Among other things, this allows you to comfortably assume a variety of shooting positions, breathe easier and remain calm under pressure. Needless to say, it's also beneficial when hunting and in every other aspect of life. So, exercise according to your abilities and doctor's advice. It pays huge dividend in life and on the range.

Certainly, none of these things are substitutes for proper shooting practice at the range. But they do help build a level of confidence and familiarity with your rifle and shooting technique. And with these qualities, you're well on your way to becoming a better shot — long before you ever get to the range.

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Long-Range Shooting Schools Teach Accuracy, Confidence

Don Sangster — Tue, 13 May 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Long-Range Shooting Schools Teach Accuracy, Confidence

Don Sangster Tue, 05/13/2014 - 06:00

Category

Rifle Shooting

I have previously written about Hunting Classes and Shooting Schools. In my continuing look at various learning opportunities in the world of hunting and shooting, I now bring you some information on long-range shooting schools.

The proper tools and skills for shooting at long ranges can also pay big dividends when shooting at much shorter ranges. Photo courtesy of Thompson Long Range Shooting School

The topic of long range shooting in a hunting scenario is quite controversial. Many hunters question the ethics of taking shots at game at ranges of a half-mile or more. Proponents, however, argue that they possess specialized equipment and skills that make such shots very realistic, and that the critics just don't understand the preparation and training involved in these endeavors. Regardless of your feelings on the subject, long-range shooting is not going away and is in fact growing in popularity. The reality is that long shots, particularly in the more open terrain of the West, are sometimes unavoidable. If you are serious about consistently making shots out to 1,000 yards, or just want to be more confident when shooting at half that range, these schools will teach you the skills you need.

The Gunsite Academy in Arizona

The Gunsite Academy was founded by author, columnist, professor and combat veteran Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper in 1976 and is still going strong today. They operate year-round and offer numerous shotgun, rifle and handgun courses, with the average course length being five days. Of particular interest to long-range hunters are the Long Range Rifle and Precision Rifle 7 courses, although they will custom tailor just about any type of hunting or shooting course for groups or by way of private tutorial. Class sizes generally range from 1-12 students. Please note that they offer courses only to U.S. citizens.

Thompson Long Range Shooting School in Utah

Mark Thompson has been teaching his relatively simple long-range shooting system for 17 years now and has graduated over 3,000 students of his two-day course at the Thompson Long Range Shooting School. The course is offered from mid-April to mid-August, with maximum class sizes of four students. Thompson's course really consists of an entire system, including a new rifle and scope, and students are taught how to properly mount the scope, develop handloads for the rifle, boresight the set up, and then start shooting. Incredibly the shooting begins at 700 yards, but quickly stretches out to 1,000, and even offers a money back guarantee that students will learn to accurately shoot at 1,000 yards. One of the unique aspects of this system is the fixed-reticle custom scopes that are used, rather than scopes with adjustable target reticles.

Gunwerks Long Range University in Utah

Gunwerks was founded in 2006 to fill the demand for a long-range shooting system that works. The result is a complete package that incorporates calibrated optics and custom ammunition, along with a custom rifle offered in various configurations. All courses teach precision shooting out to 1,000 yards. The school offers courses in three different levels in order to tailor their training programs to specifically meet the needs of students. The school's unique indoor/outdoor facility allows these two-day courses to be run nearly year-round, with class sizes of 12 students.

Whether or not you'd actually wish to take shots at game at such long ranges, these courses will teach you skills and give you confidence to improve your shooting at any distance.

Good hunting.

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Shooting

Dependable Smaller Caliber Rifles for Aging Deer Hunters

Bill Cooper — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Dependable Smaller Caliber Rifles for Aging Deer Hunters

Bill Cooper Wed, 07/31/2013 - 07:00

Category

Rifle Shooting

Experienced deer hunters enjoy nothing more than recalling grand adventures into their favorite haunts for big whitetails. Hunters with decades of experience spin yarns about deer camps, the characters they've met, the food — good and bad — that has burned memories on their stomach lining, the rigorous conditions they've endured, the big bucks that have fallen to their mature skills, and of course, the ghost that no one could ever kill.

Tops among the yarns, however, are the guns that graying deer hunters have carried afield, lovingly, to help culminate all the anticipation, preparation, travel, scouting and hunting for the big one. It's the guns that these respected hunters carry that are the tools that jell all the memorable components of any deer hunt into a life-long memory to be told and retold to upcoming generations of new deer hunters around campfires everywhere.

What the Doctor Ordered for This Aging Deer Hunter

An aging deer hunter is like a well worn encyclopedia: he is full of knowledge, carries a leathered, weather-worn cover and is revered by those who have studied the pages of the past. He is a proud and accomplished man, with a pride that runs deep and possesses a burning desire to continue — to hunt and to pass on the legacy.

The doctor's words rang my ears almost as badly as the exploding hand grenade that landed all too close almost forty years previously. "Bill, I know you enjoy hunting, but it is time to give up the big guns." I had just undergone surgery on my right arm for extensive nerve damage and faced weeks of painful therapy sessions.

Not wanting to damage my ego too heavily nor alter my lifestyle too drastically, the doctor made a closing suggestion. "At least drop the .30-06 for a lighter caliber, Bill, or you are going to suffer lasting and painful consequences."

Stunned, I considered getting out of deer hunting all together. My pride had been a bit battered. I even tried the .30-06 rifles for the upcoming deer season and completely regretted not having listened to the doctor. My right arm ached much more than my pride.

I Considered Getting Out of Deer Hunting...My Buddies Intervened

Savage 11/111 Trophy Hunter XP Bolt-Action
Rifle with Scope

The following year, my hunting buddies changed my gloomy outlook on the future of my deer hunting possibilities. A deer drive materialized instantaneously while we were sighting in rifles.

A family member drove up and reported seeing a big buck cross the farm road and enter a 2-acre brushy draw. We all piled into trucks and headed that direction. Ordered to post 125 yards off the east end of the draw in a soybean stubble field, I protested since I had left my rifle in camp. One of the guys handed me a .25-06 Savage. At the time, I foolishly considered it a mere toy for deer hunters.

Tip: Savage Axis XP TrueTimber Bolt-Action Rifle with Scope

Winchester Model 94 Lever-Action Rifle

Two minutes later I glared down the rifle scope of that sleek little rifle at the biggest buck I had ever seen in the wild. It raced across the stubble 125 yards away. I dropped to one knee, took a deep breath, settled the crosshairs on the front edge of the magnificent buck's shoulder and slowly squeezed the trigger. I saw the buck hump up. Thirty yards later it piled up in a cloud of dust. The 100-grain bullet had entered behind the shoulder and exited at the base of the neck on the opposite side.

Not only did I feel jubilation at the terrific buck I had just harvested with a good shot, I fell in love with a sweet little .25-06 and knew that my deer hunting career had been secured for the foreseeable future. For a 60-year-old deer hunter, I walked as tall as I ever had after downing a trophy buck, even though they were all harvested with much larger caliber deer rifles.

The Best Caliber for Whitetails is the One You Shoot Best

Discussions and dissertations around campfires and in glossy magazines have consumed uncountable volumes of words about the merits of the best caliber for whitetails. The bottom line, however, is that the best caliber is the one that you shoot best. The issue is undeniably one of personal choice. And as I learned the hard way, personal choices change with age.

Other rifle calibers which aging deer hunters should consider include are the .243 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, the 7x57 Mauser cartridge and the .308 caliber rifle. An aging hunter's major concern is recoil. The chart below clearly defines the advantages of smaller calibers for older deer hunters.

Rifle Caliber	Recoil (Foot Pounds)
.243	8.4
.30-30	11.4
7x57	12.2
.25-06	12.4
.308	14.8
.270	15.7
.280	16.2
.30-06	20.0
7mm Rem Mag	24.3
.300 Win Mag	27.2

Most mature (being respectful to my own kind) deer hunters would do well to plan for a little more research before selecting a smaller caliber rifle than I exhibited. I would say my success lay in the stars and I have not regretted my choice of the .25-06 caliber rifle. I purchased my own gun in the Remington 700 with black synthetic stock.

Get Relief by Downsizing the Caliber and the Recoil

Recoil Shields place soft material between
the buttstock and your shoulder.

The first five calibers in the above list all have recoils coming in less than 15 foot pounds. The relief to aching shoulders and joints is immediately recognizable for aging deer hunters when downsizing from the 25 foot pound recoil rifles to those with half the kick.

Given the fact that deer hunters (especially the old guys) like to argue the merits of any given caliber, arguing the finer points of the short list still beats not arguing at all. Also, I have found that by the time I present my exhortations of the grandest values of the smaller calibers around the evening campfire, I am ready for the sleeping bag. The younger guys argue into the wee hours of the morning, while I rest and prepare for the next early morning to crawl out of the sack long before them and confiscate some important piece of their equipment.

Butler Creek Slip-On Recoil Pads

The final satisfaction of deer hunting in my last quarter century of life has evolved into the grand oratorical praises of those silver haired sexagenarians who have, over six decades, sharpened their shooting skills and gained absolute control of their nerves to the point that they no longer need the heavy duty, kick-like-a-mule big bore calibers of the less experienced deer hunter.

On my 80th birthday I plan to add a recoil pad to the butt end of my Remington 700 .25-06. That addition should carry me well towards a century of deer hunting adventure.

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10 Tricks for Sighting-In a Rifle

Don Sangster — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

10 Tricks for Sighting-In a Rifle

Don Sangster Tue, 06/25/2013 - 07:00

Category

Rifle Shooting

Sighting-in a rifle is fairly simple if you follow a few basic steps outlined in a previous how-to article, How to Sight-In a Rifle. But there are also some tricks I've picked up over the years to help make the process easier.

1. If you are sighting-in a brand new rifle, carefully follow the manufacturer's suggested break-in procedures in order to ensure that the barrel's rifling doesn't become permanently scarred with copper fouling. You'll find that such suggestions vary a bit in terms of how many rounds to fire between scrubbing of the bore.

A good shooting rest will not only help to steady your
rifle, but will help to absorb some recoil while
shooting from a bench.

2. Whether you reload or use factory ammo, try to take a few different types of loads with you to the range to see which works best in your gun. Once you've settled on a particular load to use for hunting, save the rest of the test ammo for future use. I like to use them whenever I have to re-sight the same rifle, such as after installing a new rifle scope or after removing the scope or barrel for whatever reason. Rather than starting the whole sighting-in process over again with my hunting ammo, I'll use my non-hunting loads until I get my shots on the target, and then use my hunting loads for fine tuning.

3. There can be differences in the powder, brass and/or primers used between boxes of the same make and model of mass-produced ammo. These differences can cause differences in point of impact. I've personally seen a difference of several inches in point of impact between different lots of the same ammo when fired in the same rifle. When shopping for factory ammo, buy at least two boxes from the same lot number so that you'll have enough for sighting-in and hunting for a while if your rifle ends up showing a liking for that particular ammo. The lot number for each box of ammo is stamped on the inside of each box. I also like to buy fresh ammo for hunting every couple of years, and I'll use the older stuff for practicing.

4. When you are sighting-in for an upcoming trip, try to pick a calm day or at least a day without strong cross winds that can wreak havoc with your groupings. I also like to wait for atmospheric conditions that will be similar to what I'll be hunting in. For instance, if I'm going on a spring bear hunt, I'll go to the range when the weather is nice and mild, rather than during the dead of winter.

5. At the range, a good shooting rest like Caldwell Lead Sled 3 Shooting Rest will not only help to steady your rifle, but will help to absorb some recoil while shooting from a bench. Despite this, don't overdo sessions at the range, especially with heavy-recoiling calibers, as this can lead to flinching. Keep your sessions relatively short, and stop shooting if you start to feel soreness in your shoulder. If you are getting frustrated because you are having some difficulties for whatever reason, such as an inability to get consistent groupings, don't keep banging away in desperation for hours. Call it a day and try to figure out what might be wrong and try again another day.

6. At the range, a good shooting rest like Caldwell Lead Sled 3 Shooting Rest will not only help to steady your rifle, but will help to absorb some recoil while shooting from a bench. Despite this, don't overdo sessions at the range, especially with heavy-recoiling calibers, as this can lead to flinching. Keep your sessions relatively short, and stop shooting if you start to feel soreness in your shoulder. If you are getting frustrated because you are having some difficulties for whatever reason, such as an inability to get consistent groupings, don't keep banging away in desperation for hours. Call it a day and try to figure out what might be wrong and try again another day.

7. When you're at the shooting range, go slow and take your time. Let your rifle cool between shots. A great way to do this is to take two or three guns so you can switch back and forth, with at least one being a low-recoiling caliber such as a .22LR or .22 centerfire rifle.

8. When shooting at a public range, set up several shooting targets to start with so you don't have to constantly wait until everyone else is ready to go downrange to check and change their targets. Investing in a good spotting scope will also save you countless trips downrange to check your results.

9. Everyone's eyes are different, so only you can properly sight-in and set up a rifle for you to hunt with.

10. Once you have your rifle properly sighted-in for an upcoming hunt, especially one that will require your rifle to be transported on a plane, the same boresighter that you used to help you get your first shots on paper at the start of the process can now be used once you get to hunt camp to tell you whether your gun and scope got knocked out of alignment during transit.

One lesson that I've learned the hard way is that even if your boresighter indicates that your rifle and scope are still in the same alignment as when you left home, you should still take a few shots to confirm this once you get to camp. The reality is that unless you sighted-in your rifle at the same elevation you will be hunting at, you may notice a difference in point of impact of several inches as you get higher or lower above sea level. For example, if you sighted-in at or near sea level, you may find that your rifle is shooting higher in the thinner air once you get to camp for your high-altitude sheep or goat hunt.

Good hunting.

Region

International

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Shooting

Rifle