Pig-O-Rama Gun?

[shaginator]

Lessay, I luck out in the next month or so with some extra cash and can finally afford to buy a weekend at Tejon.

Now, I don't own any .30-06 class rifle. I used to borrow a .308 but the guy moved to WA. The only guns I have that would take a hog would be my .44 carbine or my 12 gauge (slugs). Having been through the Grapevine countless times and reading stories here on JHP, and seeing pictures -- it seems not even the carbine is gonna give me the distance I need to bag a Tejon hog, as it appears that they mostly get taken in wide open spaces and not the brush (which might also be why I hardly hear about the place from bowhunters).

What do you guys think?

 

[Speckmisser]

Shaggy,

Don't wanna take away the momentum toward a "bigger" gun, but that .44 or even the 12ga will take a hog fine at Tejon (not that I'm all that nuts about the .44 carbine, but I've been there already...I'll let it die).

It's a mixed habitat, so every area isn't 200-300 yards open. My brother killed his hog with a .44 pistol, and while I used the -06, my shot was way inside 50 yards (more like 30). I didn't have enough confidence in my ability to hit him with the pistol. I think one of the Rifenbarks killed his with a 30-30. Once you spot them, if they're not already close a little careful sneaking can put you right on top of them.

I'll be taking the .50 cal smokepole next time, and plan to use it for the first day or so if the weather permits. I will, however, carry the -06 in case the close shots don't happen and I start to get desperate near the end of the weekend.

So don't let not having another gun stop you from going to Tejon. But on the other hand, don't let this stop you from justifying another gun! If I remember correctly, you can pick up a decent -06 or .270 brand new for under $300 at WallyWorld or BigJive. Odds are you can pick up a nice used one for cheaper.

If all else fails, go when I do and I have a spare .308 and a spare -06 you could use for the weekend.

 

[jmabbott888]

$60 for a M-44 carbine at big5 it,s 7.62x54R, not really all that heavy, if you drop it its no big deal & its 30cal. Mine will hit a 6 inch gong at 100 yrds all day long & deer sized shilloutes at 200 without a problem. & if you get tired of holding it unfold the bayonet & stick it in the ground. Just a thought lol

 

[Moose-Hunter]

jmabbott888,

Is that Mosin Nagant rifle you're referring to? My brother has one of those, and it has the bayonet, too!

 

[One Track]

The .44 would work great. My buddy shot a 250 lber with his at about 50 yards. I shot one at 100 yards with my -06. Another at 10 yards with a .357 revolver. Pigs are easy to stalk, if you stay downwind. Like Speck mentioned, some of the opps come in the trees, and some come in the open. It's fun to spot them a mile away and put the stalk on them. Or, you can sit in a corridor and wait for them to head back to their beds. I would still go get me a new gun, if I were you.

 

[duckman2002]

go to canyon sports in martinez they have the best prices around on gun's (925)229-guns(4867)

 

[shaginator]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. You gave me the extra "excuses" needed to push me over the edge.

I forked over some cash for a 30-06 Savage 111FC (detachable magazine, synth stock, includes cheap 3x9x32). I'll let you all know how it shoots after I pick it up and take it to the range.

 

[JungleBoy]

Shaginator: I have always been very impressed with Savage rifles. A few years ago, I bought a Savage Striker .308 hunting handgun (similar to the XP-100) for taking it on those hard public land hog hunts.
I choose it over T/C variants, simply because it was capable of holding 3 rounds, which would allow for follow up shots (vs. the single shot T/C's). I choose it over the XP-100 (and the Weatherby variants) for it's price! I believe it was around $400. I topped it with a Leupold 4X EER scope.
Just about EVERY load I tried were accurate, but the best (47.4 gr. of BL-C(2), Remington 150gr PSPCL, 2.820 OAL, Win. primers, and LC match cases) produces a consistent 3 shot group of 0.3 inches. Essentially a 'clover leaf' looking thingy with the holes touching.
I also know a couple of guys with the model 110 and 111's with sub MOA results out of their 'inexpensive' rifles. Let us know how it goes....

Ed.

 

[Dave in LB]

I posted this elswhere but I have a Savage scout rifle that is shooting barnes XLC 180g bullets at 2630fps and with me pulling the trigger am getting fairly consistant 1 3/16" groups usually the first two touch and I chunk the third, but I will be the first to admit I need to little more practice with the rifle. I am confident that when igo hunting this month if there is a deer in my range(under 200yds)I can place the shot. I figure the Barnes may account for some of the slight opening of groups.
have the trigger pull reduced to 3.5lbs and if possible 2.5-3lbs. (mine would only go 3.5)I am a Savage fan and they will shoot. best wishes for the piggies.

I am temped by a Savage111 at my gunsmiths he has it for $285 in 7mm Rem mag. Not sure I need that caliber or gun though the price is greatand includes scope.

 

[jrifenbark]

I took a 150lb boar with a Marlin 336 in 30-30 at a distance of about 30 yds. (at the most). I stalked the herd through a field and then went up the side of a hill and back down to get in front of them. I took the shot while in a wooded area. I remember thinking that they were making so much noise routing through leaves and grunting that there was no way they would hear me. The wind was in my face until I got in front of them. Then the wind seemed to dissappear as if it were "meant to be."

In my oppinion, a .44 carbine would do fine. On the other hand, I am pretty good at justifying the purchase of additional and completely necassary firearms.

 

[jmabbott888]

Moose-Hunter, That is the one I was refering too, its a short casrbine with side folding bayonet. The reason I didn't say Moisin Nagant is cause if you ask about one around here you will get the 91 or the 39 model & those are about the length of a kentucky rifle, not to good for a brush gun lol

 

[yotegetter]

or you can just use a knife and a 9mm

 

[Speckmisser]

Look at Yotegetter trolling!

 

[Hogskin]

Good one, Yotegetter! I remember that story in Matthews column, made for some good posts.

Regards,
Paul

 

[thetarheelkid]

You guys are funny!! I got that Matthews joke too. I jumped to this site for awhile
cuz I think I'll have to go to FHL to hunt pig, quail & turkey since that San Bernardino Forest closure. A lot longer drive but if I'm going to kill something
legally bout the only other place I know to go that I enjoy.

 

[shaginator]

I stated I'd post results once I got the new gun to the range, and I actually remembered to follow up this time.

The first time out, I had decent groups, but always a couple of fliers. The trigger's a bit stiff, as is reputed with this line of Savages. The free-floating barrel touched the left side of the stock.

After fixing the float just a little, I went back to the range and got these groups shot from the prone position, with my arm and a fanny pack supporting the stock fore-end:

Fewer fliers than before, but the groups still open up quickly when the barrel gets warm, which isn't a big concern when hunting (cold barrel, one-shot goal). She works well enough to put a hole through Bambi's vitals.

 

[Maverick]

yotegetter

Tou beat me to it...lol .. That was my first thought when i saw this post

 

[Slugblaster]

That Matthews story was a good one. I was at Tejon 3 times last year and all 3 times my shots were under 65 yds. The first time I was so close I couldn't lift the rifle and get him in the sights before I got busted. I think I needed the knife and 9mm.