Hokkmike
Member
Chuck R - great pics - good examples.
I’d shoot a brush with a 20 gauge or larger shotgun, one ounce of #9 shot and a cylinder or skeet choke. That ensures enough pattern density to hit a significant number of bristles.
You got me there!
Well put. That's my real definition of a "brush gun" - not the toilet brush mounted on the barrel of the fake gun I posted as a joke.a light, short and maneuverable rifle that's easy to mount and present will allow a fast first shot. In those circumstances, any followup shots will have to made quickly so a lever or auto can be advantageous.
I always wanted a little Model 7 in 7mm08. Thought it'd be a great all around, tidy little rifle.My favorite brush gun where I hunt is a Winchester 94 in 30-30 if I am still hunting. That is slowly sneaking through the thick woods with lots of brushy patches. I have had to almost crawl down deer trails. I don't do that anymore though. I stand hunt mostly, but still have brush around me. I use a bolt action in 7-08. I have used the bolt action 7-08 for moving through brush as well. The action and caliber aren't as important as being short, light and accurate. I much prefer a flat shooter over a rainbow trajectory. The 30-30 is much faster to mount and shoot but generally, If I do it right the deer doesn't know I am there and I get a good shot. Otherwise, I have a "brush gun but it goes on a hose.
Traditional gun rags defined brush gun as a rifle or carbine in a caliber that shot flat enough and hard enough to not be deflected significantly by twigs, branches, and leaves
What he said ^^^. Except for the part about shooting at running deer. My buddy says I get lucky a lot when shooting at running deer. I tell him he needs to hunt more grouse and woodcock.When I'm thinking Brush Gun, I think of the act of hunting in thick brush. I think the myth of "brush busting calibers/cartridges" has been more or less debunked. So for me it meens a short handy rifle with a low power scope, red dot or iron sights. Something I can carry in my hands all day. For me this is my Remington 700 in 358 Winchester. I have lightened the stock and the barrel is 19 inches. I would also classify my Winchester 94 in 356 Winchester as a brush rifle. This sports a receiver sight.
But this is my opinion only By the way, I think your self imposed rule of not shooting at running deer is an excellent idea!