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ACTION TYPE FOR WHITETAIL?

ENBLOC
What is your favorite action type for Whitetail hunting? Autoloader? Bolt? Lever? Pump? Single or Double? Why? Can & do you use the same action type for a backup or dissimilar? THX![8)]
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • beantownshootah
    Again, I think statistically the most popular American choices are going to be a bolt action rifle and a .44 magnum revolver, for rifle and pistol, respectively.

    Those would probably be my top two as well. The pistol is the backup to the rifle. [;)]

    In truth I don't think it makes all that much of a difference which action type, since probably 90% of the time you won't need or get a second shot anyway.
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  • Tailgunner1954
    It depends on exactly what the conditions are, where I'm going to be at the time.
    Open field / distance work, I grab a scoped bolt action (30-06)
    Woods / swamps, I grab a iron sighted lever gun (30-30)
    Pushing corn, I grab a shotgun (12ga) (O/U as that's what handles best for me).
    Your question is kinda like "what golf club (singular) do you use?" and the answer is "depends on what shot you need to take".
    Guns are tools, use the one that best fits the situation.
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  • rsnyder55
    I would think it would depend on the terrain and how you are shooting that would determine the caliber and type of firearm.

    Are you walking, riding, or in blind? Snap shooting with fast followups required in thick brush, or open field where you have time to setup for the first shot?

    Also, are there any other seasons that overlap that might give you a shot at something else like a hog?

    Black powder or handgun season?

    How I shoot in our woodlot in Kansas is different than how I shoot in the Sierra Nevadas in CA and NV.
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  • duckhunter
    Winchester 94 30/30 has killed more deer than all the rest combined.
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  • GuvamintCheese
    All of the above.
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  • perry shooter
    Hello I hunt during Muzzle loading season with a Penn. Style Flint Lock Long Rifle I consider this is in the spirit of Primitive hunting season.
    During regular season I use a Bolt Action rifle and then when Turkey season comes in I use a 12Ga. 243Win over under. I don't hunt deer by Driving/jump shooting because I want to know my backstop and I don't hunt from stands with dogs because I don't like the ethics of hunting deer with dogs.VERY VERY seldom will you hit a deer with a second shot if you miss on the first shot but it does happen . A single shot makes you a BETTER hunter YMMV
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  • Grasshopper
    quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
    Hello I hunt during Muzzle loading season with a Penn. Style Flint Lock Long Rifle I consider this is in the spirit of Primitive hunting season.
    During regular season I use a Bolt Action rifle and then when Turkey season comes in I use a 12Ga. 243Win over under. I don't hunt deer by Driving/jump shooting because I want to know my backstop and I don't hunt from stands with dogs because I don't like the ethics of hunting deer with dogs.VERY VERY seldom will you hit a deer with a second shot if you miss on the first shot but it does happen . A single shot makes you a BETTER hunter YMMV


    Well said Grasshopper,,you may go hunting now.[:I]
    Take the above advise about shooting ENBLOC, a mistake in the field is the first lesson to learn,,,that is NOT to have any mistakes.nambu
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  • givette
    I'll lose the game rather than take a running shot. It's a careful aim, or I don't shoot.

    So, as you can see, the type of action doesn't enter my mind (as long as what I have is a good shooter).

    Anyway, to answer your question, my fav is a H&R 1873 Trapdoor repro in .45-70-405. And it's because of the 'looks' of the rifle! Go figger! Best, Joe
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  • ENBLOC
    I should explain that by "back-up" I mean a #2 gun taken along in case you develop problems with #1. This year I'm going with my Marlin .30-30 with an 1891 Argentine sporter 7.65 x 53 as back-up. I also like my Ruger in 6.5 x 55 and a British .303 One year I stepped off onto something that looked solid and next thing I knew my backpack was up over my earlobes and I saw my Marlin stuck muzzle down in the bog. Back to camp to grab the .303 that year and deal with the bore obstruction after dark. I carry a side arm for a possible coup de gras (once) Or for signaling for help (not yet) We hunt from stands, blinds, stalk or drive. Pines & hardwoods.
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  • Old-Colts
    My preference is 1) Bolt Action 2) Lever Action.
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