Thread: Going ‘old school’

Originally Posted by chainsaw

303 with open sights if you want "real" old school

I went back to shooting my Vixen open sighted for a bit before I sold it. Was real cool to walk around with something so light and fit for purpose.

I grew up with the swannie brigade, a knife belt and a pocket of raisins kept us going all day on the hill. ( and that was SI territory too ) I often wonder what my hunting would have been had we had the modern clothing / techniques and gear.
My boots had Triconi's I doubt anyone under 50 remembers what they were all about.

If my swanni still fit me I still wouldnt wear it hunting again. Not in serious country at least.

Originally Posted by johnd

My boots had Triconi's I doubt anyone under 50 remembers what they were all about.

I still have half a yoghurt container of "new" ones somewhere . . .

Originally Posted by johnd

My boots had Triconi's I doubt anyone under 50 remembers what they were all about.

I had 3 of them screwed (with self tappers) on each heel of my lace-up rubber gummies for pighunting in Taranaki papa in the 80's. Worked great!

I wish I was able to focus on open sights! They just don't make barrels long enough anymore.

I had visions of going old-school a few years ago. Brought a classic winchester 94 .44mag (1970s vintage) and fitted an aperture sight. It was well balanced and shouldered really nicely, I hoped to get amongst the sika with it but ended up never using it and sold it a year later. The problem was that the compact suppressed 308 in the safe was just a lot more practical. Live & learn...

Yeah I’m thinking something middle of the road... 7x57/270/308 maybe 30/06 or 303 or .243 at the outer edges of ‘standard’ Not heavy, and not light either. No lighter than 7.5lbs, no heavier than 9 (if in a heavier cartridge)
Low power scope, definitely no more than a 2.5-8, more likely 1.5-5 like my other rifle has.

I’ve done the extremes, heavy long range rigs and short ultralight suppressed rigs. I reckon middle of the road just works for 90% of everything I need

Originally Posted by Hunter_Nick

I reckon middle of the road just works for 90% of everything I need

This.^^

My suspicion is that Hunters fall into 4 shooting groups

(1) I need to experiment, shoot a wide variety of stuff in order to have all the info to make a decision. Learning is fun.

(2) I'm a distance guy. There has to be a looong way between me and the beast to make zapping it interesting.

(3) I'm the ghost with the most. I love to sneak up on beasties and stick the barrel up one of their nostrils before I fire.

(4) I cant be bothered carrying a heavy rig, or low crawling for miles. I'm going for a walk with my 243/708/308 and if it's under 300 yards, I'll take it on.

Originally Posted by Max Headroom

This.^^

My suspicion is that Hunters fall into 4 shooting groups

(1) I need to experiment, shoot a wide variety of stuff in order to have all the info to make a decision. Learning is fun.

(2) I'm a distance guy. There has to be a looong way between me and the beast to make zapping it interesting.

(3) I'm the ghost with the most. I love to sneak up on beasties and stick the barrel up one of their nostrils before I fire.

(4) I cant be bothered carrying a heavy rig, or low crawling for miles. I'm going for a walk with my 243/708/308 and if it's under 300 yards, I'll take it on.

This is pretty much my observation too. I’d definitely put myself in the first camp, I’ve tried them all. The benefit however is what I’ve learned from all the different calibers. And here is the crux of it all; they ALL work as long as you, the hunter, know the limits of the cartridge and the limits of yourself. Regardless of cartridge, you have to put the appropriate bullet in the right place. Some combos will give you a bit more leeway on shot placement, but only to a point.....

I shot a deer yesterday at 50 yards with my 14.5” .308/ red dot combo, far more fun than sniping from long range. It’s a long way outside your 7.5-9lb.

Didn't realise there were so many enlightened people on this forum. I thought you were all long range, stainless-synthetic touting, techno donkeys.

Apologies for being so shortsighted.

Originally Posted by Frodo

Didn't realise there were so many enlightened people on this forum. I thought you were all long range, stainless-synthetic touting, techno donkeys.

Apologies for being so shortsighted.

you forgot GONGS

Originally Posted by Sarvo

you forgot GONGS

Yep. Never understood shooting Gongs. I imagine no amount of cooking would make them any more palatable. Plus they might give you ring worms.

Originally Posted by Frodo

Yep. Never understood shooting Gongs. I imagine no amount of cooking would make them any more palatable. Plus they might give you ring worms.

Did anyone apart from @Ryan_Songhurst get my pun? I put some serious thought into it.

Originally Posted by Frodo

Did anyone apart from @Ryan_Songhurst get my pun? I put some serious thought into it.

Don't give up your day job

Originally Posted by Frodo

Did anyone apart from @Ryan_Songhurst get my pun? I put some serious thought into it.

Only the clever ones with IQ above 85