[justasking]

Hi folks. On my day off i often think too much, since thinking is not required, desired or even permitted at work....lol


Today I was just running through some real world hunting scenarios from my past. My real-world SHOOTING scenarios are very different, but now it's hunting and it has mostly been hunting throughout my life. I know the capabilities of my .308 and .223 out to 200 yards on a windy day, for example but not because I shot an animal out there.

I realized that the longest game shot has been 177 yards laser measured on a deer with my .223 bolt action savage. This year, a more typical 110 yard shot on a spike buck with my bolt action savage .308.

I can't remember more than 1 squirrel beyond 25 yards, with most WELL inside that.

During squirrel season, I have had deer within 15 feet of me and unaware of my presence until I ran them off with a blink or a twitched finger. This was dues to the camouflage I was using, I'm sure. That isn't permitted here during firearms season or I would do all my hunting with my .40 s&w...lol.

So I am curious about your real-world hunting scenarios. You know, the typical meat on the table shot and the longest one you remember...even it you thought it was lucky (i have a buddy who shot a running deer at 375 yards and he freely admits and regrets the "lucky" gut shot. The deer was in a huge field and WAS recovered....for example). Stories of real-world hunting ranges can be helpful in choosing, tweaking, and loving your mini 14.

Let's see your reality, mini 14 or otherwise.

God Bless!

Ron

 

[WENDALL]

My daughter took a nice 8 pt at a long 23 steps with her Mini 14 this year. In the past 5 years all my game have fallen within the 100 yd mark. That's the reason I am using Mini 14 & 30's right now. All my shooting will be within 100 yards and most average less than 50, so the standard rifles I use are more than fine for the task. I still can't figure out why I can shoot 1" groups all day every day at 50 yds but at 100 they are 4" out of my mini 30.:huh:

 

[justasking]

That's exactly the idea....

Yep. I get a chance to read internet tales and often arguments that make me chuckle about what matters and what doesn't. It happens in every forum of any hobby or persuasion.

Frankly some stuff may be made up or may even be true, but what really matters is often way different than what seems so impressive.

 

[Magog]

I have a .22 for my real world shoots. I plan on getting squirrels and crows with it.

I have seen raccoon hit by cars, and nothing eats them. the crows will not eat a dead raccoon telling me they must be loaded with parasights. So I will not plan on eating them.

I never killed a squirrel or crow yet, but happy to hear most shoots are no more then 25 yards out.

I also have wire and twin to make snairs with and fish line and hooks just in case. And then their are always bugs and worms I will eat.

I have a book on northwest forging and found 5 plants that grow in the winter time I can eat.

I now want to learn to make shoes and clothes out of the skins of animals I will be forced to kill... By year 5-10 finding shoes will be hard.

 

[Jeff F]

What is this^^^guy talking about? most all of my kills have been 200 yards and under, a couple have been over 400.

 

[justasking]

lol...i think he's gearing up for teotwawki.....maybe....

 

[old grump]

Farthest deer 135 yards, farthest pigeon about 125 yards, most small game between 7 yards to 75 yards. Most with iron sights handgun and rifle.

 

[justasking]

Jeff did you use a bolt action rifle for the long shots? Have you used a mini for any of the game bagging? How about you old grump? Ny mini examples? So far my mini hasn't taken any gam, but i regret not taking it deer hunting this year. I had two does at 60 yards in a soybean field and I think i could have taken them both with the mini before the bucks with them (neither was a legal shooter here) even knew what happened.

 

[old grump]

Besides handguns most of my hunting has been with single shot 22 and M1 Garand. Lots of mini shooting but on paper and reactive targets, not game.

 

[wildcat]

I've hit squirrels and prairie dogs at 200 yds with my T/C, I mean why not try? You've nothing to lose. More serious, good deer shots have been around 100-135 with my 30/30 but no farther.

 

[Tailgunner]

My average has been right around 200yd, longest is 380yd. Why so long you ask, I hunt over open hay fields.

 

[justasking]

Tailgunner, I have to ask. Are you a former tailgunner? If so, what model bomber?

 

[WENDALL]

I assumed since this post was in the Mini 14/30 section, that was what he was asking about hunting with the Mini platform.

 

[justasking]

Not necessarily. I am just asking because it seems like my mini would have been a good choice for some of the stuff i haven't done with it. Might be useful information.

 

[Cserv]

I use my mini for hog hunting with most shots between 50-75yds. Haven't lost any yet. Big ones get it behind the ear and small one wherever is open.

Eric

 

[Tailgunner]

Tailgunner, I have to ask. Are you a former tailgunner? If so, what model bomber?

I could have several meanings, that's one of the choices (the wrong one).
It could also have to do with chasing the elusive double breasted mattress thrasher (ever notice the tan lines on one walking away?).
Actually it's my old CB handle, and that originated with a shot at the south end of a northbound deer (AKA a Texas Heart shot).

 

[ruger9]

With my Mini-30, not past 50 yds. I won't be shooting anything that's further out than that with THAT rifle, anyway.

I have done 100 yds, and it's accurate. I just won't be using it at those distances, most likely.

[all iron sights]

 

[justasking]

I could have several meanings, that's one of the choices (the wrong one).
It could also have to do with chasing the elusive double breasted mattress thrasher (ever notice the tan lines on one walking away?).
Actually it's my old CB handle, and that originated with a shot at the south end of a northbound deer (AKA a Texas Heart shot).

Okay...lol...fair enough. I have some (2200 hours) time in the B52 bomber in a former life. Thought you might be one of the guys i flew with.

 

[Steel_Talon]

With my mini I keep my shots within 120 yards max.

With my other rifles primarily my 25-06 300win mag and 338 win mag. i've made some hellaciuos long shots. But I practice alot,and have a good mastery of markmenship skills. Our local range goes to 600 yards. I kinow the dope on my rifles and I understand the math involved.

I tend to hunt in heavily canyon'd areas so when spotting a good animal it's easier for mr to shoot cross canyon then spend the time walking to the downed animal. I also have a couple of spotters helping me out.

However, even though I prepare myself well for this type of shooting, I still prefer to keep everything within 200 yards.

 

[justasking]

good post
thanks.