Budget Semi-Auto Deer Gun?

[hq]

How wide are the groupings you get with it? I've heard bad things about Mini-30s.

I'm currently at approximately 1.7" 5-shot average at 110yd with cheap surplus ammo. I haven't really tested the accuracy with proper factory ammo or handloads yet. So far I've worked on it for approximately an hour, ie. slug-lapped the barrel, leveled and re-torqued the gas block and installed DIY front and rear gas piston buffers. Once I get a smaller gas bushing to reduce bolt speed I'll take it to the range with some proper ammo and see what it can really do.

Before these mods it was pretty horrible. 5-6" 5-shot groups at 110yd and severe stringing from cold to hot. No wonder they have a bad reputation. So far mine has proven incredibly easy and cheap to improve. The current ~1.5MOA accuracy is more than I'll ever need for a whitetail at up to 200yd but now I'm plagued by morbid curiosity how much I can improve it on a nickel and dime budget...

 

[lobo9er]

Yeah I guess those days are over I remember seeing them at gun shows for around 400 if memory serves me but I never had a big interest in them so I may be mistaken also.

 

[valnar]

On behalf of the deer, please don't. I love my SKS, but it's not as inherently as accurate as a bolt-action and it's not really made for scopes. You're going to want to hit the target, and in the correct spot for hunting.

 

[lobo9er]

My SKS is plenty accurate for deer with irons. YMMV of course. My deer hunting is generally within 100 yards. Heck within 25 at times.

 

[valnar]

If you can hit where you aim at 100 yards with an SKS, I applaud you.

 

[herdman]

I have a Remington 7400 in 308. I have been around them for years, including the 740 and 742 and where I grew up they are very, very popular. Mostly in 270, 308, and 30-06.

Why are they popular. They are light and handle well. They handle very similar to a 1100 shotgun. Recoil is reduced. And, follow up shots in hard woods is quicker(if necessary).

The thing to remember that it is a hunting rifle. It is not a battle rifle or range rifle. Fire some rounds to zero each year and take it hunting. Then, clean it.

The only one I have ever seen have trouble was a 742 that was probably 30 years old or more when it failed. It had been fired a lot of that rifle and probably wasn't always cleaned right. Probably wouldn't have failed if after about 10 years or so if he would have had a gunsmith take it apart and clean it. Anyway, same guy moved on to a 270 that he had as spare in the same rifle.

Don't use the 10 round aftermarket magazines with them. Use the Remington magazines. Remember it is a deer rifle. It is not a sniper rifle, battle rifle, or range gun.

I love them for a deer rifle. I would recommend one in 308. If I want to go the range and hammer rounds I take the AR because it was designed for that. I have a friend that has a BAR. High quality but heavy if you are going to do a lot of walking.

 

[akarguy]

+1 on flat top ARs. You can stabilize a 69gr bullet with a standard m4 barrel. Plenty to be had or built under $400. You might look at budget AKs if you plan to stay within 125yrds with irons. Very similar ballistics as a 30/30. Stay away from I/O though...

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Poor man's semi?

A used 760 or 7600?

A rifle I really dig!


Todd.

 

[SwampWolf]

Pumps may be plenty fast enough but he wants an auto.

 

[tarosean]

and 223/556 might just be outlawed for Deer hunting in the OP's state.... Only he/she would know that...

.308 could be too.

Unless you're talking about shotgun only states? I dont know any that outlaws .308 for deer. However, there are approximately 14 that require .23 cal or larger and 5 shotgun states. Thats not even getting into capacity restrictions placed on semi's

 

[Reloadron]

Unless you're talking about shotgun only states? I dont know any that outlaws .308 for deer. However, there are approximately 14 that require .23 cal or larger and 5 shotgun states. Thats not even getting into capacity restrictions placed on semi's

Recently Ohio and several surrounding states went from Shotgun Only (using a slug) to allowing Rifle but only in certain calibers. Many opting for rifle chambered in a handgun caliber only or with narrowly outlined calibers. Rifle calibers like 308 and other popular bottleneck cartridges are not permitted. Population density is what it generally comes down to.

All here nor there as the original poster was pretty clear as to what he wants. He should know his local hunting regulations. I figure he should anyway.

Ron

 

[jg1129]

I love my Woodsmaster 742

Just my $0.02 -- I got a Woodsmaster 742 in .308 as part of a trade and I didn't know any of the criticisms it has been given.

All I know is that I've put about 30 rounds through it, to zero my scope and get a feel for it. I love it. I've killed deer with it. I've walked through the woods with it for miles and not been tired by it. I've cleaned it well. It works great. I love it. Just shoot it when you mean business. Someone else said to tinker with the scope a little at the beginning of the season to make sure everything is on target, shoot 10 rounds or so, clean it a little, and you'll enjoy it during your time in the woods. Amen.

 

[hq]

Just my $0.02 -- I got a Woodsmaster 742 in .308 as part of a trade and I didn't know any of the criticisms it has been given.

All I know is that I've put about 30 rounds through it, to zero my scope and get a feel for it. I love it.

740 and 742 are great little guns for hunting but once you go beyond a rather limited round count, ie. shoot them hundreds of rounds a year at the range, it's only a matter of time before the lugs eat their way through the rail and the gun is beyond feasible repair. 7400, 74 and 752 have addressed that issue quite well. For an occasional hunter it doesn't really matter, but the older models have a limited service life that's closely tied to how much they've been shot.