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Deer RiflesDeer rifles are tools, not weapons, unless you feel a deer is your enemy. Weapon is more of a military term, it gives people the wrong idea. We might be forced to use a weapon. Thankfully, we can choose to use our rifle, slug gun, or muzzleloader.Those of us who love guns choose our deer rifles carefully.We probably know exactly what we want; the action, caliber, and maker.In 1965 I was about to graduate from high school. I wanted a caliber .243, Winchester Model 70 more than anything (except girls). My family didn't have much money, but mom and dad managed to give it to me as a graduation gift. Serious gun-nuts know 1965 was the year Winchester changed "The Rifleman's Rifle". Some say, Winchester ruined a great gun, or at least they cheapened it. I didn't know any better. I thought it was the newest and greatest rifle made.
It was my first center-fire rifle.I mounted a 2x7 Redfield scope. I carefully adjusted and honed the trigger. I very carefully reloaded ammunition with many different combinations of bullet, powder, and primer. I spent glorious weekends test firing my new deer rifle from a bench rest. It was all new to me, I had only done these things in my dreams.I quickly found some loads which shot better. Next I worked on very small load changes to try to make them even better. I was trying to get the Winchester to shoot one inch groups, but it very seldom did. With the best loads my first two shots would often make a one hole group, but the third, fourth, and fifth shots would open it up to more than an inch. It was frustrating, but a labor of love. I was excited about shooting in my first match.I knew other shooters had an advantage of experience and more expensive rifles. After the match I think everyone was surprised to see a single ragged hole in my target; I know I was.I won only because I had worked so hard, and I knew my gun so well. 
My first two shots made one hole as usual. I dreaded firing the third shot. I knew the next shot would usually be about an inch low and right.This often made the overall group spread to about an inch and a half. Even in a hunting rifle match; that would not win. Before shooting the third shot an idea came to me.I held the cross-hairs an estimated equal amount high and to the left for the remaining shots. The results was a group of about 3/8 inch. Probably the smallest 100 yard group I have ever shot.I tell this personal story, because it taught me some things. Knowledge, hard work, and skill can make a difference. Sometimes you have to take a chance; do something to get what you want. I still have that old gun, and I have taken more whitetail with it than any other.Most of the deer have dropped where they stood; none has gone more than about 30 yards. In over 40 years I have never needed to change the sight settings. Do I have confidence in it? YES!Read scope mountings easy: do it yourself. I must admit to affairs with other guns. A few I have owned, and many that I have wanted to own, but none could completely replace my old Winchester. Some guys like short light guns with adequate power, and some would use a cannon if they could carry it. Some like a classic style, others want all the "bling" they can get. Some deer rifles are great guns, but knowledge, confidence, and skill are always important.Rifle Bullets
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