I scraped up a little Christmas cash and picked up a new deer rifle. Not that I need another, but they sure are fun.
I got a new Howa Lightweight in 7mm-08. It has a thin 20" barrel, shaved action, and hollow bolt handle. It also has a Boyds light stock. Althought it came with a factory mounted 3x9x40, I replace it with a M8 4x Compact Leupold. The little scope was sittin all alone in my gun safe and looked lonley,LOL.
So far I have shot 120gr Rem Hollow Points, 140 Rem Cor-Lokts, and 139 Hornady Light-mag ammo in it, with a consistant 1.5 inch group from all. Its no tack driver, but it will keep all its shots in a deer's vitals, and thats all that matters with this gun.

My next project is to see what the 7mm-08 does to deer. :-)

 

I also enjoy the sound of a new firearm's action.

Always did like the sound of a Remington 870's slide.

Springfield 03/A3 - very solid sounding bolt action. Not loud, just very solid.

The Colt AR-15 didn't have a particularly impressive sounding bolt, but you could make about ten different snapping sounds when you broke it down.

A S&W 629 (stainless 29) has a quiet, but very authoritative sound when you pull the hammer back. Click-snick, something nasty is about to happen.

And my favorite - Springfield M1A. Clack-clunk. The Boss is about to speak...

 

I like the sound of my Beretta 1201P putting a round of 00 buck in the chamber knowing there are six more that will cycle through in seconds with the firepower of two Uzi clips.

 

Sounds like a sweet rifle. I have considered a 7mm08 for tree stand duty and such.

Just a couple of cheap suggestions to milk a bit more accuracy. Make sure the barrel is free floated. It's more an issue with thin barrels. Also, might try a Sims vibration ring on the barrel. Try locating it in different locations on the barrel to see if it helps group size. Consistant barrel vibration is the key.

 

Nice christmas gift. Even If you didn't need another one they sure look great onna wall or in a case. Almost like a fine art collection. lol. =]

 

Congrats on the purchase!!!

 

I carried it the other day. I didnt see anything to shoot at, but that thing is a breeze to carry. Very light and easy handling, and its easy to manouver in the stand.

I really think the 4x scope is enough for at least a 150 yrd shot. I used to think that a higher magnification scope was necessary for moderate to long shots, but I have reconsidered. A long shot is a relative term when hunting in Alabama. Most of my stands will present a 100 yrd shot or less. If I think I will be shootin longer than that, I will carry my trusty .270 with the 3x9x50 VXII.

I also have a 300WSM with a Bushnell 4x16x50 4200. I'm not sure what purpose this gun really serves to me. The biggest critter I ever expect to hunt is an Elk, and my 270 will handle that. I guess when I finally get that varmint rifle I have always wanted, the 16x scope will go on it, and I will get a 12x for my 300.

What kind of scope do most of yall carry?

 

If you go elk hunting, take the 300 WSM instead of the .270 You never have too much rifle for elk hunting. Lots of elk killed with a 270 but why not use a better hammer if you have the chance.

My 300 WM that I use for about everything has a 4.5x14 VXIII on it. I think it is a pretty good all around scope to take advantage of what the 300 has to offer. I reload and use 150 gr Ballistic Tips for deer and antelope. It has worked out to 612 yards. Then for Elk, I use a 180 gr Barnes XBT load I have and handles that chore extremely well.

My 30.06 has a 3x9 Burris Signature on it. I have factory loads for it and prefer the 150 gr Noslers or Sierras for deer. As a backup gun for elk, I carried 180 gr Accubonds.