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Need a new gun
#7699908
12/27/19 07:53 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400
69FowlFather
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400 |
Want to buy a new gun to hog hunt. Been using compound bow for the last couple years, now want to buy a gun for hogs . What is the best way to go AR or a different direction?
Like I said I have been using a bow and My new place I will be making shots of 74-150 yards away
Thanks for the help
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7699913
12/27/19 08:05 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,930
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,930 |
An AR would work, as would many different options. Lever action or bolt action in many different calibers would work. If going the AR route, I would suggest something bigger than .223/5.56. In AR 15, you could go 300 blackout, 6.5 grendel, 6.8spc, etc. or you could step up to ar10 in .308, 6.5 CM, .243, etc. Lever in 30-30, 35 rem, .358, 45-70, etc. And just about any caliber that you could dream of in a bolt gun. What is your budget? Do you reload, and...most important, what catches your fancy? Some people just find lever guns cool. Some prefer bolts, and some prefer an AR's.
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7699917
12/27/19 08:17 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400
69FowlFather
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400 |
I have shot the AR 5.56 and not sure it has the take down that is needed . But have heard it’s a popular AR.
Where we hunt we have multiple pigs so quick shooting is a given.
Wanted to stay under $800 at first and then move up
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7699919
12/27/19 08:21 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,038
Vern1
Veteran Tracker
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AR gives quick follow up shots so you can plant them if they are kicking. At that range, a 223/5.56 with 1/8 twist barrel shooting 69gr Barnes TSX bullets would work. My favorite is a 6.8 shooting 120gr SST handloads is a good balance of take down/ammo costs. Lots of 6.5 fans here too. 300 Blackout was a waste of time and money. The big bore 450, 458 and 500 stuff is fun to shoot but ammo can be hard to find and is expensive and optics die quickly on them due to recoil.
Last edited by Vern1; 12/27/19 08:21 PM.
Cheers, Vern1 Texans since The Old 300 in 1824 NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7699922
12/27/19 08:29 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,701
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,701 |
I’d suggest a light rifle in a 6.5 caliber, though a 7mm or 308 are as good or better. I’d love a Tikka Superlight.
That said, last year I shot hogs with my 260 and 120 gr BTs. This year I’ve moved to my 223 and 65 gr Gamekings, and dropped some big hogs (CNS placement).
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7699924
12/27/19 08:32 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400
69FowlFather
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400 |
Thanks Vern1, good info there
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7699926
12/27/19 08:34 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091
CharlieCTx
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091 |
If it's a hog gun, nothing but a semi-auto makes sense and everyone sells .308 ammo.
Charlie
Kel-Tec RFB + Griffin Sportsman Ultra Light 300 + Pulsar Apex XQ-50 M&P-10 + AAC Cyclone Remy 700 + Leupold VX3 3.5x10x50 CDS
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7699964
12/27/19 09:26 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,796
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,796 |
Try to stay with a common caliber, easier to find ammo.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: Vern1]
#7699975
12/27/19 09:42 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,930
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,930 |
AR gives quick follow up shots so you can plant them if they are kicking. At that range, a 223/5.56 with 1/8 twist barrel shooting 69gr Barnes TSX bullets would work. My favorite is a 6.8 shooting 120gr SST handloads is a good balance of take down/ammo costs. Lots of 6.5 fans here too. 300 Blackout was a waste of time and money. The big bore 450, 458 and 500 stuff is fun to shoot but ammo can be hard to find and is expensive and optics die quickly on them due to recoil. I agree on the heavier .223/5.56 bullets will work. I use nosler 64 grain bonded in my 5.56. I do however recommend a bigger caliber. I disagree on the 300BLK being a waste of time and money. Inside of 150 yards, it works fantastic. Same mags as 5.56, same bolt carrier, etc. Very low recoil as well.
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: CharlieCTx]
#7699976
12/27/19 09:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,568
garyrapp55
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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Posts: 3,568 |
If it's a hog gun, nothing but a semi-auto makes sense and everyone sells .308 ammo I agree with this. At one point I was considering getting rid of my 6.8 and just going back to using the 308 bolt action I had because mostly was getting one shot off before they were gone anyway. Then I got 4 in a row because of semi-auto loading. It's happened a bunch since then and I'm glad I kept the AR. The AR10 will be heavier and more expensive but can run bigger cartridges. AR15 has probably killed more hogs in TX than all other rifles combined, a guess of course. AR15 and it's parts are as cheap now as I have ever seen them. Please get one and eliminate the feral hogs of TX.
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7699992
12/27/19 10:09 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400
69FowlFather
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400 |
Thanks for the comments and suggestions
I will start looking at AR-15 and see what’s out there Still concerned a little with 5.56 . But shooting hogs don’t know if I want to spend money on 300 ..
I will check them all out
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: Vern1]
#7700040
12/27/19 11:14 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 246
Jbell99
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 246 |
Curious as to why 300 blackout is a waste of money, I’ve taken hogs, blackbuck, axis and whitetail with mine and nothing has made it more than 10 yards.
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: Jbell99]
#7700129
12/28/19 12:55 AM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,038
Vern1
Veteran Tracker
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Posts: 3,038 |
Curious as to why 300 blackout is a waste of money, I’ve taken hogs, blackbuck, axis and whitetail with mine and nothing has made it more than 10 yards. I really liked the 300BO. It was easy to implement and brass was a breeze to convert and I have lots of .308 bullets. It was dead nuts accurate and functioned well. As an early adapter, I spent tons of time doing load development. BUT.... I only hunt hogs. I don't simply don't hunt hogs, I eradicate as many of them at once as I can. The first shot is usually a given but once the pigs start moving, the BO showed it's weakness. It's a great gun for soft skinned things like deer and people but not moving, running pigs. Once I found AR Performance and their 6.8 barrels, there was no turning back to the 300BO.
Cheers, Vern1 Texans since The Old 300 in 1824 NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7700250
12/28/19 03:10 AM
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 130
D-Box
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 130 |
I also like my 300 BO AR. I've shot over 25 pigs in the last 4 years, and they all drop without taking more then a step or two. I take neck shots only.
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7700325
12/28/19 05:28 AM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091
CharlieCTx
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091 |
I just don't get the fascination with the 300BO vs .308, if buying a new rifle, if you're shooting the same bullet, just slower. Already own a 5.56, I get it.
Charlie
Kel-Tec RFB + Griffin Sportsman Ultra Light 300 + Pulsar Apex XQ-50 M&P-10 + AAC Cyclone Remy 700 + Leupold VX3 3.5x10x50 CDS
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7700328
12/28/19 05:42 AM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,711
10 Gauge
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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Posts: 3,711 |
Wonder why no one ever suggest the Century C308 for a cheap pig gun. $600 .308, semi auto, cheap magazines. I would get a C308 and use some cheap steel case softpoints. might be a 2-3 moa rifle but how much accuracy you really need to mow down a bunch of hogs?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-14
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7700600
12/28/19 07:33 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,261
Sniper.270
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
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Posts: 3,261 |
I have shot the AR 5.56 and not sure it has the take down that is needed . But have heard it’s a popular AR.
Where we hunt we have multiple pigs so quick shooting is a given.
Wanted to stay under $800 at first and then move up I would suggest the DPMS AR-10. You can get it from Sportsman’s Guide for less that 700. I have 2, call them the Twins. Put you a Sightmark RT and go to town. Be less than a 1000 for gun and decent night capabilities. Even better if you add additional IR. Mine are beasts. Will eat anything you put in them.
Proverbs 2
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7700601
12/28/19 07:34 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,174
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,174 |
An AR15 in 6.8PC, 6.5 Grendel or 7.62x39 would be good. A Ruger mini 30 would good if you don't like ARs.
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7700621
12/28/19 07:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,070
Pig_Popper
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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Posts: 4,070 |
Take a look at DPMS GII rifles they are “small frame” 308 style rifles that far exceed AR15 terminal ballistics
They do have proprietary parts but it’s a give and take situation always between AR10s and AR15s
I’m currently finding a 243 Winchester to be more than adequate at the range you outline and the 20” rifle only weighs 8.5 lbs - its a win win option if you ask me!
Prices of GII about double that of home built AR15 in 6.8 or Grendel calibers
Last edited by Pig_Popper; 12/28/19 07:51 PM.
This space is For Sale - inquire within ...
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7700629
12/28/19 07:55 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400
69FowlFather
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 400 |
Thanks all. Lots of choices .. starting to look this week
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7700712
12/28/19 09:13 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,313
fonzie
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,313 |
I like my 300 blackout but I’d choose my 30/30 Over it any day, sneaking up 10-100yards I’m good. Been using it with just iron sights and works well
FREE Hog Removal 817-823-8939
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7700719
12/28/19 09:18 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,495
der Teufel
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,495 |
I started with a couple of bolt guns (originally a 303 British and then moved to a .308) but eventually settled on an AR pattern rifle. I began with a .556 but decided it didn't have sufficient "put-down" power. Might just be my poor shooting, or the fact that the hogs often don't stand still. I go back and forth between an AR-10 and a 300 Blackout these days. The AR-10 hits hard but it's heavier. The 300 BLK is lighter but has less "Oomph" than others like the 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC. The advantage (to me) of the 300 BLK is that I can frequently get free .223/5.56 brass which I can then convert to 300 BLK. If you're not reloading that's not something to care about. Summary: A 6.5 Grendel or 6.8 SPC will be a 'safe' choice. No one will say you made a mistake. An AR-10 (in any caliber) would probably also be equally 'safe' in my opinion. Think about barrel length. If you might eventually add a suppressor then the overall length is a consideration. When using a 16" barrel the 300 Blackout isn't THAT much weaker than a 6.5 or 6.8 rifle with an equal length barrel. Ammo cost is just a minor aspect to me. It's part of the equation, but only a small part. Whatever you get, have fun. … and be sure to post pictures!
I have two unwritten rules: 1. 2.
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: der Teufel]
#7701456
12/29/19 07:34 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,038
Vern1
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,038 |
Whatever you get, have fun. … and be sure to post pictures! Best advice in entire thread.
Cheers, Vern1 Texans since The Old 300 in 1824 NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7701605
12/29/19 10:36 PM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,716
duckhunter175
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,716 |
I put together a PSA Gen 3 AR-10 in 6.5cm for under $800-- you can run a variety of bullet weights and construction that will be plenty suitable for hogs, deer, varmints, etc
The recoil is negligible and mine is holding .5" @ 100 for 3 shots with factory Hornady ammo. Lots of good reviews and videos on these rifles and they all see to shoot very well.
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Re: Need a new gun
[Re: 69FowlFather]
#7701900
12/30/19 03:32 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,126
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,126 |
6.8 spc shooting 120 sst Hornady
Much handier than a heavy ar10.
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