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Author
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Topic: About the concept of the rifle
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted October 03, 2025 02:27 PM
I have watched an evolution over the past 10-20 years or so. First it was every effort humanly possible to make a rifle as light as humanly possible. Except for the optics, can we achieve a four pound rifle? Now try to aim accurately, that light weight rifle, with a pencil barrel, while standing on your upright legs. Kinda defeats the purpose, I think.
Now we get to my personal donkey-dick, LONG RANGE shooting at game. I have a flexible rule at what I think is about 400 yards. Beyond that distance, there are so many things that can go wrong. There is the wind, here, and there. There is the expectation that the animal is frozen while your bullet is in flight, and everybody seems to think that from ignition, to impact, it is instantaneous? Not true. You can pick, and flick a goober while that projectile is in flight. And a bull elk can take one step and be six feet from where he was standing, when you pulled the trigger.
You might want to see, on paper, what your groups look like at 400 yards before you chance a shot at an animal looking your way. And, anticipating which of several things he might do, just as you pull the trigger. He can duck, he can turn, right or left, and he can run or turn right or left, but his next sight picture might be completely out of the image in your scope. So, it’s risky, and you have to feel real good about your chances to make a killing shot. Anyway, give it some serious thought before you go blasting away and hoping for the best.
Now, back to the rifle. Do we really need a barrel with twisted grooves that look cool? Do we really need a bolt with those neat grooves, that are supposed to be anti jamming or binding. When does this happen? None of my bolts have this cool feature, and I’m thankful that I never had a charging lion two leaps from landing on my face while I missed the first shot and my bolt jammed up while chambering a second round. This is the frills that rifle makers want you to obsess over, that and controlled round feeding.
Do we need a stock with an exaggerated angle on the grip so it is “comfortable”? Maybe, but I think that design is BUTT UGLY! I think some of those new stock designs are ugly and look like they would snag on everything. I can’t even remember what the concept is called, right off hand? But you know what I mean? It’s supposed to take accuracy to a new level. All so you are guaranteed making those half mile shots. Half mile? They brag about some special forces dude killing some asshole at 2 miles. Yeah, right! And what about how many misses before they actually killed somebody.
Do we really need a Backcountry 7mm that operates at 80,000 psi? Is brass now obsolete? Special proprietary steel alloy. There will be a surge to develop more cartridge designs. You know, that stuff can’t be handloaded, but who cares when you can buy 20 rounds for $120. Hand loading is what is aimed at. They pitch the overall cost of a hunt and $500 in ammo is such a small portion of the overall expense.
Now we get away from hardware to the other negative aspects of the world of hunting. Yes, preference points and special primitive gear, black powder and primitive archery, gimmicks type hunts that give you some other fast shuffle stuff designed to refocus what they are really doing. The product has been repackaged, and for quite some time, you have to pay a company to put you in for all the special hunts in every state. So, why bother with the state that you live in? Try to get drawn in 25 western states and province's. It’s worth a couple thousand dollars for a special hunt of a lifetime.
Is it any wonder that I switched my focus 50 years ago and satisfy my hunting instincts pursuing predators, and think about big game once in a while. It’s more fulfilling and every bit as challenging. There are hunters that couldn’t deliberately target a coyote unless just potting him while standing in a field and watching you drive by. So, a hunt and a trophy is what you make it. I feel rather superior to your average deer hunter, especially the guy sitting in a tree stand. And, the average deer hunter is no ballistic genius. What’s the challenge? They can’t see past 2 or 3 tree levels and I’m told, they miss many chances because they are fucking with their phone instead of observing their environment. Anyway, friends, the game has changed. Is it for the better? You decide, what do you get out of it. I think we are losing hunting and hunters. In another fifty years, it’s hard to imagine what it will be like? I’m satisfied with what I have got out of it in my time in the woods. No complains.
Good hunting. El Bee
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32705 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted October 03, 2025 06:21 PM
I have many rifles set up like you described some similar and some different. Each has a purpose for me. I do have a lightweight rifle, believe they call it a bobcat rifle. It weighs in right at 5 pounds with a scope and has a pencil barrel chambered in 17 mach 4 and used for walking up fox in big sections here at home. its fired from some sort of support like shooting sticks, hard snow drift ect.
I own one big game rifle that a 270 and only used it once since i had it. The rest of my rifles are 243 win. and down in cartridge size, anything bigger don't interest me.
Hunting is still well alive here its just many hunters change from year to year on what they want to hunt. Kind of comes in phases everyone wants to be a coyote hunter but find out it takes special gear and alot of time and land if just getting into it, many give up and move on to next fad.
no matter what rifle or game im after I always use some sort of support, ground, knees, elbows or sticks, bi-pods or tri pods. as for distance it depends on what rifle i have and what target animal is and if its day or night.
I like 10x scopes but also have many variables up to 36x..
When it came to guns, scopes, cartridges I didn't care what everyone else was using as I decide for myself after some research on what i wanted so some guns are custom built and some store bought to fit my needs, I'm not happy with just having one.
P.S. you mentioned different seasons like muzzle loader, rifle, or slug gun or even bow. I've hunted deer in all of them according to my work schedule. I couldn't make it home for slug then i muzzle loaded or bow hunted plus i like to hunt.
Depending also where i hunted at times it was better to wait to last few weeks of the season to find a nice one which would be muzzle loader or bow season.
My main critter today is just coyotes mostly, the local farmers call me the S.H. wolfer.
[ October 03, 2025, 06:28 PM: Message edited by: TA17Rem ]
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5730 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted October 04, 2025 11:38 AM
Interesting….
You know, I regret losing it, but my first centerfire was chambered in 270Winchester. I killed a lot of coyotes with that rifle!
Anyway, I have a beautiful custom Model 700 chambered in 300WinMag. I truly love that rifle! It has so many subtle touches, you could probably play with it for a weekend, and notice things eventually. I don’t know what to say? It’s as sophisticated a big game rifle as you have ever laid eyes, and/or hands on. When I’m gone, it will be treasured and appreciated by someone worthy of it. And, I did it. I didn’t pay somebody else to build a top rate big game rifle. It’s truly a classic; if I do say so myself. It shoots well under an inch with my custom hand loads. I’ve built rifles before and since, mostly coyote rigs, but this one is pretty special. And it’s a shame that it isn’t used more, but a steady diet of big game is out of my range, these days. Yet, it stands ready and eager, should the need arise! Now, if it only had a threaded barrel…. I should really take it to the range, just to see what it can do. No surprise, it’s as accurate as any magnum class has any right to be; it’s target accuracy, always was and nothing’s changed, with this safe queen. That’s one thing, at least I could always shoot. Especially on game, just a natural gift, I guess? I’ve never bragged about it, but I’ve always been a fair shot, must be a natural because I’ve never worked especially hard at it. Except running, I’m just average. (being modest)
End of rambling, excuse please.
Good hunting. El Bee
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32705 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted October 04, 2025 12:15 PM
I have a few of those safe queens i favor.
My first full blown custom was a Rem. 700 action that use to be a 17 rem.. I had it barreled to 221 F.B.. Back in the day it was mostly just Xp-100 or contenders chambered for the 221, don't think i knew of any rifles at the time then many years later Rem. and kimber came out with rifles chambered for it.
My rifle had a heavy contour barrel which was fluted to reduce little weight and to look cool and mounted in a black fiber stock with gray webbing. A year or two later Rem. came out with a copy of my build which they called a Sendero. On mine i also installed Canjar trigger, David Tubb firing pin and spring which was lighter in weight than factory. I also had the barrel frozen.
No recoil, handled nice and was one of those that could shoot nice little hole on paper. I ran short on fox at that time so it did not get a chance to pile them up, just a few and also one coyote bedded at 200 yards.
My other Queen was another full-blown custom build. Rem. XP-100 action with action all trued up and blue printed, Lilja barrel chambered in 17 Rem. Jewell trigger also installed. The action sat in a Lone wolf desert camo stock with a high comb.
This rifle was built for running shots on coyotes and shot from the shoulder mostly with no support when i group hunted. and if you wanted to take someone's eye out it could be done..
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5730 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted October 04, 2025 08:27 PM
My first really custom job was made by PO Ackley, chambered in 25’06Ackley Improved. It had a Canjar single set trigger. That fucker would put 3 shots in a 1/2” at 200 yards, you pushed the trigger forward and the little tab appeared and then it was a set trigger. The stock was a Royal laminated thumb hole. A beautiful rig, had a straight 12X Redfield in Canjar rings. What a beauty. Stolen New Year’s eve 1974, never saw it again. Oh well.
Good Hunting. El Bee
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32705 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted October 05, 2025 06:16 AM
around here it seems if you lock something up everyone wants it, but leave it lay in the open no takers. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5730 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted October 05, 2025 06:29 AM
I talked with Nephew he says 1st of the year and no tax stamp on suppressors, so I'll wait till then. Not sure i really need one.
The crops have all turned brown and most of the soybeans are out of the field with just the corn left then just matter of time and i can get out for some night calling. Nephew called a pasture last week and called one in and catching on to what i have taught him. Nov. 25th and my work season be over and can hardly wait to get out after them.
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5730 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted October 05, 2025 12:39 PM
I just saw an add in Peterson’s Hunting, on the back page. I think it was Siliencer? It said we will buy your tax stamp, as long as you buy our supressor. That’s the difference between that bastard Biden and Trump, who has two sons that are dedicated hunters and know what’s up. So Daddy Trump tells the Treasury to shit can the tax stamp for suppressors. I think it’s effective as of the first of the year. GOOD FUCKING RIDDANCE!
If course, that doesn’t mean that I really need one. My hearing has been shot since the Army. I should have claimed it at the time but was afraid they wouldn’t let me go at the end of my term. Bad move on my part. We used empty 45auto brass stuck in our ears. I was on the Battalion pistol team. We fired a lot of rounds, but it was at the rifle range, and this being Germany, they had to build a huge backstop, I guess to contain stray rounds from killing some comrade walking in the woods behind the backstop. Anyway, this was kinda like a huge Drive In movie screen and we would practice up close under the containment or backstop barrier. So the sound was amplified because we were right up under the thing which amplified the sound, like 10X! This huge concrete structure, meant to contain stray rifle rounds from 200/400 yards-meters. There we were right up front, in the shade of the structure and the loud was deafining! Anyway, my hearing has been shot ever since. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Good hunting. El Bee
[ October 05, 2025, 12:40 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32705 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted October 05, 2025 01:36 PM
they gave us ear plugs when i was in but if you got in a bind, you could use filter off the end of a cigarette. Firing M-16 with ear plugs was ok but when you start slinging lead with the M-60 the plugs where little on weak side and much worse when you rocked the 50 cal.
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5730 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted October 05, 2025 02:45 PM
I’m a different era. Our issued weapons were either the selective fire, semi and full auto M2Carbine, or the 45ACP “grease gun” which fired from an open bolt. We also had squad weapons the Bazooka and the 50cal, which we used on a ring mount on the Duce and a half. You just stood on the seat in the cab. We had a canvas roof on the cab so it was actually a pretty commanding position, covering 360 degrees all while standing on the bench seat.
Of course, nobody wanted to be stuck with the Grease gun, it was a piece of shit. But who ever was assigned to it in the squad had to go qualify every so often which was just a bug out assignment.
The thing is, we never had, but rarely, any ammo. And toting a fifty with barrel and tripod carried separately, plus your squad weapon it all tended to load you down, while also carrying your individual weapon. So it takes three guys to carry a fifty. plus what ever personal weapon you were assigned. But everybody loved the M2 Carbine. It had a selector lever on the left side, next to the rear sight. Wish I had scored one, back then! It’s a handy little rig.
Thinking about it. I wonder whatever happened to all those M2’s? I bet there is a bunch of them locked up forever. The one’s you see that are surplus are all M!, the semi-auto version. And the price right now is 10X what it was 20 years ago.
Good hunting. El Bee
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32705 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Kokopelli
SENIOR DISCOUNT & Dispenser of Sage Advice
Member # 633
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posted October 05, 2025 03:34 PM
I once had a female supervisor ask me about my hearing loss. I told her that it was caused by a lifetime of women screaming 'OH GOD !!!' right in my ear.
She wouldn't even look at me for a week. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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And lo, the Light of the Trump shown upon the Darkness and the Darkness could not comprehend it.
Posts: 8419 | From: Under a wandering star | Registered: Apr 2005
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UTcaller
NEVADA NIGHT FIGHTER
Member # 8
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posted October 05, 2025 07:42 PM
I can honestly say I must just be getting old or something. The only “new” thing I’ve done in recent years is get a suppressor. Which I’m really glad I did. I haven’t gotten into the thermal deal mostly because of the cost and I’m mostly a daytime caller.
I do agree about how ridiculous the long range thing has gotten. My limit is pretty much what Leonard said 400 yards is about my max. These longggggg bullets seem to much for me. I shot 55 grain Bergers in my standard .22-250 for 20+ years and they worked great, and for the last 15 years I’ve used the 60 grain Bergers in my rebarreled .22-250AI and they flat hammer the coyotes. No need to reinvent the wheel. Been shooting the same 10lbs Remington 700 for 35 years. Only change I’ve made on it is I put a Nightforce 3x10-42mm scope on it and I love it. Amazing glass and extremely durable.
Good Hunting Chad
Posts: 1712 | From: Utah | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted October 05, 2025 08:15 PM
Thermal just makes the game 24/7 when calling coyotes. I know a few guys that can't get out during day but can take a few hours every night and make few stands and still get enough rest for work. Then you got those nocturnal coyotes they don't come out of a hole or move around till its dark, just way it is in some places. Anyway I'm glad i got a few of them. as for a suppressor i just want one for shooting close to town or around farms but i'm waiting till first of the year..
Nice thing about the M-60 was you had a shoulder strap to carry dam thing with which was ok and the fire power as well and if you hit someone he went down. At time a gunner carried a 38 side arm, one of Vic's favorites a Smith and wesson.
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5730 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted October 06, 2025 09:03 AM
Really cute post, ko ko. Oh God! Know any more good ones? Just kidding.
Yeah, I think a 38 makes a decent self defense hand gun. Simple, effective. I think with the right load, it’s very close to a 9mmx19. Actually, I’m not totally sure about that, but I developed some really serious 110grain loads for my wife’s Lady Smith Model 36S&W. Good enough, even if you are restricted to 5 rounds in the cylinder. On the plus side, it’s simple, seldom fails, almost never, in fact. It’s worth consideration, in spite of all the chatter for 9mm’s.
About thermals. The problem, as I see it is justification. Do we really need to spend $8,000 for best quality thermal just to shoot coyotes? Yeah, I know there are hogs in Texas, but ethically, we are talking coyotes, and that seems a bit steep, as far as I am concerned. What always bothers me is obsolescence and a severe price drop next year or the year after. So, why not wait for when that 8 grand Pulsar is $4, 000, next year, or the next. It’s just hard to consider spending that kind of money to shoot coyotes. Especially when, like was mentioned above, most of us are pretty much daytime callers anyway?
I say that, and honestly, for me, night hunting is just in a class by itself. There is a definite thrill factor that you just do not get with daytime coyote hunting. At night, the coyote rules supreme. Anything you can do is marginal, in comparison. It’s just two different worlds, day hunting coyotes and night hunting coyotes. I will say this, for a lot of guys, you are missing out on some very exciting action. If it’s not your cup of tea, that’s fine. But if I could only have one, I would pick night hunting. There’s just something about it, that sets it apart.
Good hunting. El Bee
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32705 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted October 06, 2025 03:48 PM
Leonard 8-K is for a top end thermal, most don't need it. 100-200 yard coyotes you can get buy with half that price just don't buy bottom end.
8K will get you all kinds of bells and whistle most don't need to kill coyotes. Top end has little better clarity if you want to count hairs, along with that you get better vid.s if you into that and a range finder and calculator. Battery life may not be best on top end so plan on extra batt. or big battery pack.
I think i paid about 3k for each thermal i have. So far no issues and pictures and vid.s good enough. Since thermals are electronic I most likely will never buy a used one but keep in mind some of the major brands have refurbished scopes that comes with full warranty and much better route to go. Also, you will see a price drop on some brands when company comes out with a newer version or upgrade. I'm glad i invested in a thermal verses a suppressor.
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
Posts: 5730 | From: S.D. | Registered: Jan 2006
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted October 07, 2025 07:56 AM
That’s probably good or decent advice from one of the few here that are doing thermals. One thing I would suggest is pick a well known brand if you gotta do it, instead of a suppressor. lol
Good hunting. El Bee
PS I suspect thermals are causing most fish and game departments to have a meltdown, constantly worried about poaching. I always felt that their thinking was; no way these guys are up all night just for coyotes! They must be poaching trophy mule deer! I have had to put up with that sort of thinking, forever! Never forget, Fish & Game is anti hunting!
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32705 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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R.Shaw
Peanut Butter Man, da da da da DAH!
Member # 73
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posted October 07, 2025 02:04 PM
Thermal is to coyote hunting as forward looking sonar is to bass fishing.
Posts: 568 | From: Nebraska | Registered: Jan 2003
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TA17Rem
Hello, I'm the legendary Tim Anderson, Southern Minneesota Know it all
Member # 794
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posted October 07, 2025 06:26 PM
pretty close Randy.
As for DNR and deputy sheriffs using thermal not a problem here. They ask what you up to and you tell them and off they go. Main thing is to be honest and show little respect for badge.
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What if I told you, the left wing and right wing both belong to same bird!
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