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Predator Hunting => Predator Hunting => Topic started by: grizz747 on September 26, 2017, 08:19:04 AM

Title: Which weapon to take
Post by: grizz747 on September 26, 2017, 08:19:04 AM
First of all thanks for the add, I am excited to be a part of this group. I hunt the north central and north west parts of Pa.  My question is which weapon should I take?  I usually set up about 30-40 yards from a corner on the edge of a field.  I have a 17 WSM and a 12 gauge 3 1/2" Browning BPS. Last year it seemed like I had the wrong weapon(.17 WSM) and that I would have been better off with the shotgun most of the time.  I usully call at night.

Thanks
Scott
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on September 26, 2017, 08:41:14 AM
 :) :) :) Scott, I believe you've answered your own question  ??? ??? ??? however, if you change your setup maybe you will hafta rethink what you choose...I'm not being a smarta$$ but;  weather, moon, wind, and time of year all come into play. But foremost is scouting and verifying the critters are there.. 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Hern on September 26, 2017, 08:45:01 AM
What species are you hunting?
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: grizz747 on September 26, 2017, 10:13:42 AM
Usually Reds and Grays.
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: foxhound on September 26, 2017, 01:54:00 PM
It may suit you better to use the shotty. Grays usually don't have any problems committing to the call. Red's can hang up on you sometimes. I'm from north west pa, what parts do you usually hunt over here?
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: 32-20 on September 26, 2017, 07:48:23 PM
Sounds like you need to take both 12 gauge in hand 17 wsm by your side.
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: grizz747 on September 26, 2017, 08:28:14 PM
Foxhound I have a place at Pymatuning and I also belong to a place in Potter County.  My youngest daughters are 7th and 8th grade, a son in 12th and a daughter in college.  I am just beginning to get sometime.  I am originally from SW Pa.  32-20 I hear you but I am trying to keep it simple(and light).
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: foxhound on September 26, 2017, 09:31:15 PM
Grizz. I used to carry a savage model 24 combo gun .22 hornet/12 ga. It kept things pretty simple, but not light... Pymatuning isn't too far away from me. Let me know if you ever want to get together for a hunt.
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: grizz747 on September 27, 2017, 09:39:57 PM
Will Do Foxhound.  Good luck this season.
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: foxhound on September 27, 2017, 10:36:19 PM
Good luck to you too Grizz.
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: 32-20 on September 27, 2017, 10:38:28 PM
I don't mean to raise the fur on to many backs but an AR works up close and personal not to mention pretty good at  long range, also now legal in PA.
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: jaspr1 on September 28, 2017, 06:57:50 AM
 :) 32-20 just curious what AR are you going with and what do you have on it for sights?   8)
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on September 28, 2017, 08:22:23 AM
 >:( >:( >:( jaspr1, what are you doing son  ??? ??? ??? ??? it's an AR-15 that shoots .223/5.56 and the "sights" are glass  :P :P :P :P you knew that  :-X :-X :-X :-X now iffin you were Lil Goose you would buy an AR-10 shooting .308/7.62X51  ::) ::) ::) ::) OH yea with 1000 yd glass on it!! :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Lookn4Fur on September 28, 2017, 10:13:23 AM
I just ordered an AR.  I'm jumping on the band wagon.  Can't wait to try it out.
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Misterjake23 on September 28, 2017, 10:15:17 AM
I've seen you shoot.....  you may want to wait till they approve FULLY AUTOMATIC weapons!!
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Lookn4Fur on September 28, 2017, 10:27:54 AM
Thanks Jake.  I am returning all my gifts I just bought for you. ;) ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: jaspr1 on September 28, 2017, 01:04:39 PM
 :) You People  :P :P :P :P Why do we have to beg to find out what AR? You know like make,model,cal. and any other info that would shed light on why you chose that one... ::) ::) ::) ....don't be shy we're going to make fun of you no matter what...because Goose and I are in charge of the comics section on this forum... :o :o :o.... 8)
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Lookn4Fur on September 28, 2017, 01:59:07 PM
Lol.  Ain't that the truth.

Specialized Dynamics Custom AR-15
223 Wylde
Forged upper and lower
18" Stainless barrel with 1 in 8 twist
Elftmann Skeleton Pro Trigger
Precision Arms MII SPR Brake
Custom Paint Job
Leupold VXR CDS scope

I wanted the 25 nosler caliber because I heard nothing but great things.  Same with the 6.5 Grendel however I panicked at the ability to buy factory ammo easily.  The hot caliber right now seems to be the 6.5 Creedmore however I understand that would have to be in the bigger AR10 platform plus a little large for fox.   ;D ;D  So I decided to go with a caliber that has plenty of options for someone who does not reload and I actually do not have a 223.  I do have a 223 WSSM.

I also was going to build my own but since I am not very knowledgeable in that department yet I figured I would build one and continue to educate myself until I feel comfortable to take on that task.  I am also still very indecisive on what I like versus the money for what I like.   
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: 32-20 on September 28, 2017, 08:36:45 PM
Jasper1, I mainly use Rock River AR parts with Geissele triggers, leupold optics 4X12 area with adjustable objective so I can control focal points 50 yards to infinity or woods to field with one outfit. I believe quality parts result in quality results. This year I will be running a 204 Shilen barrel on the AR platform when in Coyote territory and a suppressed 17WSM Bolt Gun when hunting near home in south east PA. Hopefully this lights a spark into the AR platform one rifle multiple use.
   
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: jaspr1 on September 29, 2017, 01:51:34 PM
 :) 32-20 thanks for the info  ;D it's interesting to hear what everyone is using and why.... ;D shows there's more than one way to skin a cat  :o :o ......................... 8)
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on September 29, 2017, 03:50:50 PM
 :o :o :o "it's interesting to hear what everyone is using and why" .....baseball bat cause I like'm close ::) ::) ::) ::)...."shows there's more than one way to skin a cat"...Lily ain't gonna like that  :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Brushwolf on October 02, 2017, 05:09:26 AM
Would you guys care to show some pics of theses builds??
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Lookn4Fur on October 02, 2017, 07:28:57 AM
As soon as I can.
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Hern on October 02, 2017, 08:33:27 AM
Why do we have to beg to find out what AR?
You know like make, model, cal. and any other info that would...

Jaspr, I've had AR for some time to hunt Montana years ago. So I didn't jump on the band wagon.
Smith & Wesson .223
Off the shelf, did not build it.

shed light on why you chose that one...
Why? I had stock in Smith & Wesson.
It fit me, I liked it.
so I purchased a Smith & Wesson.

 

Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: takemrarely on October 21, 2017, 04:46:35 PM
I don't mean to raise the fur on to many backs but an AR works up close and personal not to mention pretty good at  long range, also now legal in PA.

Not trying to be a jerk, but what does the gun being an AR have to do with it?

Won't a bolt action .17 "work up close and personal" as well as an AR in .17?

To me the question was more about yardage the Op could cover...having a shotgun when they hang up, or having a hard charger come in while he was holding a scoped rifle.

I'm glad the AR guys got their wish and can now hunt with them, but in reality, there was a lotta fur taken with bolts or pumps before ARs became legal and will be after.......
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: 32-20 on October 22, 2017, 12:12:55 AM
Yes true, but the original question was what to use 17WSM or 12 Ga. both have their limits. Just pointing out that one single firearm in this case an AR would cover both ends of the spectrum long range and short range. I noted AR as I don't know of any major small arms manufacture that produces a semi auto in a short action (223) as of today. 
Personally 98% of my hunting will be with a manually operated firearm the other 2% will be just because I can.
 

   
Title: Re: Which weapon to take
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on October 22, 2017, 07:44:18 PM
 :) :) :) :) If you are young with good eyes and a steady hand take the 17...iffin your shakey take the 12.. ::) ::) remember shot placement is the key with the 17.. :-X :-X :-X :-X