Final Checks Before Opening Day

As mentioned I recently returned from a 5 week working ministry trip to Ireland. The jet lag and being sick the final week in Ireland took its toll on me this time. Today I think I finally have the jet lag etc. on a down hill run and got away to the gun club late this afternoon for a final check on (3) go to rifles.

I only fired exactly 2 shots out of each rifle at exactly 100 yards. Why? Because previously I already knew if they were on at 100, exactly where they shot at 150 and 200 yards respectively with my choosen loads. In other words I did my range work and home work and testing various loads etc. last summer, BEFORE the local gun club was packed with guys just beginning to do some range work for the upcoming deer season.

First up was my Marlin model 336 in  .35 Rem. This rifle shoots better than some of my bolt actions and since installing a Wild West Happy Trigger on it this summer, it shoots even better. For this gun I will hunt with Hornady's 200 grain Lever Evolution FTX ammo and knowing that when it is zeroed 1.75 inches high at 100 yards, it is only 1 inch low at 150 and 5 1/2 inches low at a measured 200 yards. 3 shot groups at 200 yards are under 2 inches. Unless I change my mind, I will use this opening day of gun season in NYS. This gun also shoots 1/2 inch three shot groups with Federal 200 grain power shocks. The Federal load DOES REQUIRE  A NEW SCOPE SETTING AND RECHECKING ZERO. Out to 150 yards, I would have no trouble making the switch. When you stretch that UNlikely but possibile shot to 200 yards, the Lever Evolution ammo take the stage.

Second up was my Savage Weather Warrior in .308 Win with accu trigger and shooting Federal 150 grain power shoks. I did make a slight 1/2 inch adjustment to the right. My Bushnell 3X10X40 Elite scope has 1/4 min clicks so two clicks right and I am good to go.

Lastly was my Marlin Model 1975 lever action 45-70 shooting Hornady's Lever Evolution ammo in 325 grain FTX persuasion. Set 2.5 inches high at 100 yards, the gun is 7 1/2 inches low at 200 yards. I did make a 3 click elevation (UP) adjustment on this gun today. That rifle also has had the benefit of a Wild West Happy Trigger installation.

I brought all three back home, and ran one solvent patch and 2 dry patches down the bore, I then wiped the outside with a very light coat of oil and put them away.

Some other tips before season:

• Check all stock and scope screws
• Make sure you cycle your choosen ammo through the rifle's action prior to your hunt and then CARRY that ammo with you on the hunt. This is more important with hand loaded ammo, however it is also a good idea with factory ammo. When the first batch of Hornady Lever Evolution ammo came out in .35 Rem there were rumours of cycling problems. I personally did NOT experience that, but it is always good to check function.
• I always tape the end of the bbl with black electrical tape. The best reason for this is if you should trip over a branch or lose your footing and shove the muzzle into the ground, you won't fill the end of the bbl with mud and debri. It will NOT change your point of impact and YES, I have tried it enough times to prove that. It also keeps rain and snow out of the end of your barrel.
• Check sling swivels and your sling and make sure it will hold during season and not come loose or break and drop your rifle off your back and onto a rock, or a log etc. IF in doubt, now is the time to purchase a NEW sling or have a gunsmith check your sling swivel studs.
• IF you are travelling on an out of state deer or bear or moose hunt etc. fire a couple of shots when you arrive in camp again to verify zero. Do this NO matter how cushioned the ride was and regardless of what sort of gun case you took with you.

Have a great hunting season and I hope you shoot the buck (or bear, or moose, or elk etc.) of your dreams.

Dan