Posted: 3/2/2005 5:34:11 AM EDT
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Never been a hunter but decided I'd take it up next year. Problem is, I know nothing about it. I figure my first step is configuring a gun. I'm thinking a 6.8SPC build would fit the bill. In these parts, what sort of config would be best? What type of optics are appropriate? Barrel length. Etc. Please advise. thanks. _________________________________________ SayUncle |
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Here is my .02. It's really all personal preference. My 6.8 hunting setup is a standard 20" upper (Bravo Co)with a 3-9x40 scope. For me most shots are definitely going to be less than 200 yards and more than likely less than 100. I am actually thinking of switching to a 16" barrel just to go a little shorter and lighter and I dont think I will loose any noticable accuracy (at least none that my avg shooting ability would notice). I have tossed around the idea of going to a fixed power scope, but about everytime I get in the woods I end up changing the magnification up or down to get a better look at something. This year I plan on adding a 6 position stock. Thought of this when it was 10 degrees, snowing, windy, and I was wearing about everything I had to keep warm. Probably want to look at good optics. In low light situations they can be worth every penny and more. Take it from a cheap optics guy. Oh yeah, you dont want one that fogs up either. 
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Thanks for the advice, phil. Rebel, I'm in Maryville and I don't even know where to go hunt but I figure I can get some friends to introduce me to it. I'm leaning towards a 16 inch, heavy fluted barrel (maybe 18 inch). Edit to add: If you go fixed scope, what magnification? _________________________________________ SayUncle |
| Depending on how you also intend to hunt, still hunting, hunting from a stand, walking them up, etc. this would dictate to me the weight of the rifle. If doing a lot of walking I would want to keep the weight down a bit. No heavy barrels for me. If hunting thick cover, I would want a lower power scope say anything from 2 to 6 power. If hunting wide open fields I would want a higher power scope say 6 to as much as 10 or 12 power if making long shots. I would also want a fairly large objective in order to have as much light in what may be low light conditions or thick cover. Say 40 MM or larger. |
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Yeah I wouldn't want an HBAR either. I do spend more time on the ground during gun season. I guess after spending all that time in the air during bow and muzzleloader I just want to stretch out the legs a little. I would go for the 16" barrel and recommend trying variable power scope. I was thinking of going to a 4x fixed power, but now when I think about it more, I probably wouldn't change to one. |
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Until you know for sure you like deer hunting, I would suggest just using an SKS. I read somewhere that it's the most popular (or about most popular) deer rifle right now. You will need a 3 round mag, or a mag stop to go in the 10 rounder it comes with. That makes it legal for hunting and prevents issues like a friend of mine had. A deer jumped up in front of him and he emptied the 10 rounds. Shot the deer to pieces. We kidded him that he didn't even have to clean it. I would use some of that Wolf soft point ammo. Most hunters I know use an SKS now. Me, I use a 740 Remington in 30-06. |
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There is no 5 round law anymore in TN. I can put you in a nice yugo SKS if you want to go that route(low round count, nice wood, all matching numbers, armory maintenance book). I used to hunt with one. The way the law reads you cant hunt with military FMJ ammo. Nothing on mag capacity. In the 2004-2005 regulation page 9 specifies Illegal weapons, number 3 specifically on the ammo. 04-05 Regs |
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I have a Colt 7.62x39, 16" barrel, converted to a flattop upper (all Colt), 6 position stock and a 3x9x40 Nikon scope (I used Matte see-thru mounts with Weaver bases I picked up at Wally World to keep the weight down). I also use theColt short mags (Post Ban) to keep from getting hung up in stuff. It's a nice small package that isn't to heavy, although the barrel could be turned down under the handguards to shave off some weight. I hunt in the hills of Claiborne County and every ounce of extra weight hurts. I need to find a flatter place closer to Knoxvegas like Grainger or Union Co.. What do you all think of the 7.62x39 round as a Deer stopper, I haven't "Blooded" this thing yet, this year was a bad year for me hunting wise. Match223 |
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I think it is a good round for around here, E. TN that is. I hunted with it before. If your in the woods and more than likely only going to take a 100yd or less shot, I think it will git r done. Uncle: This part season I hunted with a 25rd mag hanging out of a 6.8. I never loaded near that many rounds. |
| As far as where to hunt, Houston county offers a lot of deer BUT it is mostly lease land now. You would have to be part of a hunting group or club to lease the land. Other counties around that area produce a bunch of deer. You may want to look into one of them. Big South Fork also has deer and you do NOT need a lease. Just get up in there somewhere, park the truck and get into the woods. Stop by any ranger station and talk to them, they are always very helpful and know good places to hunt deer. These are the two places I've hunted deer with a gun. Bow, different story altogether. But that isn't what you asked is it? Anyway, sounds like your rifle set up will be fine. Th eSKS is a great idea also for A BUNCH of reasons. Inexpensive ammo, more practice in shooting/handling the rifle, getting to know it better. SKS, very good ,dependable rifle that is a very underated general perpose rifle. The round has basically the same power as the 30-30 and THAT round has taken more deer over it's life time than any of us could begin to count. So , good luck, take care and be careful! Keep us posted on what you get set up with. |