Gun Prep Q&A

Our expert answers your top questions about how to wring the most accuracy from your deer rifle. Outdoor Life Online Editor

Q: With so many bullet and cartridge choices out there, how do I find the right one for my rifle and the type of deer hunting that I do? A: Though it's tempting to use the newest and latest in ammunition, my best advice is, if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. If you're satisfied with the ammunition you've used in the past, there's no reason to change. when you're starting out with a new rifle or caliber, however, your first goal should be simply to find the brand or bullet that gives the best accuracy. After deciding on the bullet weight or type you prefer, try different brands and settle on the one that performs best in your rifle. Outdoor Life Online Editor

Q: How much scope do I need? A: A hunter of dense cover or close-range deer stands could manage with a scope with 2.5x magnification. A 4x scope is acceptable for all-around use, but a good variable scope, such as a 3""9x, offers more flexibility. Turn down the power for close range, dense-cover use and increase the magnification for open-field, long-range ap-plications. incidentally, for 90 percent of hunting, a traditional crosshair or duplex reticle is best. keep it simple. Outdoor Life Online Editor

Q: Is there any point in practicing shooting from off-hand positions? A: Of course there is! shooting off-hand is a basic skill that should be mastered and practiced along with the other basic positions. The best off-hand practice is simply to dry-fire for several minutes each day. Begin a month before hunting season. practice trigger control, striving to release the trigger at the point of maximum aiming steadiness. Remember, there are no solid rifle rests in the deer woods. Outdoor Life Online Editor

Q: What equipment do I need to sight-in, and what can I substitute if I don't have it? A: In recent times, good quality, low-cost rifle rests have become available in a variety of shapes for solidly supporting a rifle during sighting-in and target shooting. These are a worthwhile investment. More elaborate adjustable pedestals are available at prices ranging from under $50 to several hundred dollars. However, while a benchrest competitor might require an elaborate pedestal for precision shooting, a hunter can sight-in a rifle very adequately with a simple rest. bags filled with sand make satisfactory rifle rests for sighting-in, whether they're canvas shot bags or even the legs of old denim jeans tied or sewn at the ends after they're filled. The key is that the rifle is well supported under the forend and butt. A spotting scope is another wise investment""not just for spotting bullet holes at the range, but for viewing game as well. Outdoor Life Online Editor

A deer hunter ends up going toe-to-toe with a heavyweight champion buck. The deer kicks his butt. (Apparently the fella's wife is the one working the camera. We love how she refuses to get involved.) ||||| |—|—|—|—| |
Table of Contents Click on the "next" or "previous" links in the slides, or use the table of contents below to navigate. Enjoy! * Buck Attacks Hunter * Shark Attack * Two Bucks Boxing * Worst Shot Ever! * Squirrel Attacks Deer * Cat Fight * Stealing Salmon from Bears * Fish Jump Right in the Boat * Don’t Feed the Tarpon * A Shark in Slow Motion* * *» See all Photo Galleries Outdoor Life Online Editor

Q: What do I need at the range besides my rifle and cartridges? A: In addition to sandbags and spotting scope, bring ear and eye protectors. Use well-fitted earplugs and earmuffs, not just to protect your hearing, but also to guard against flinching, which is often prompted by muzzle blast and results in poor shooting. Shooting or safety glasses are essential. Make sure everyone in your party is wearing eye and ear protection when the shooting starts. Outdoor Life Online Editor

A deer hunter ends up going toe-to-toe with a heavyweight champion buck. The deer kicks his butt. (Apparently the fella's wife is the one working the camera. We love how she refuses to get involved.) ||||| |—|—|—|—| |
Table of Contents Click on the "next" or "previous" links in the slides, or use the table of contents below to navigate. Enjoy! * Buck Attacks Hunter * Shark Attack * Two Bucks Boxing * Worst Shot Ever! * Squirrel Attacks Deer * Cat Fight * Stealing Salmon from Bears * Fish Jump Right in the Boat * Don’t Feed the Tarpon * A Shark in Slow Motion* * *» See all Photo Galleries Outdoor Life Online Editor

Q: What slings do you recommend for hunting? A: As with nearly all types of sporting equipment, there are now slings of so many makes, shapes and materials that the choices can be confounding. my personal favorite is a relatively narrow 1-inch sling with detachable swivels and a quick and easy adjustment for length. I adjust the length of the sling so that it automatically pulls tight when I get into a sitting position; this length is also about right for carrying a rifle slung over my shoulder and makes a tight crisscross fit, mountaineer-style, for when i'm climbing in steep hunting terrain and need both hands free. The narrow sling also tends to fit in the "groove" between my neck and shoulder bone without slipping. Hunters should consider how they'll use the sling before settling on a choice. Outdoor Life Online Editor

A deer hunter ends up going toe-to-toe with a heavyweight champion buck. The deer kicks his butt. (Apparently the fella's wife is the one working the camera. We love how she refuses to get involved.) ||||| |—|—|—|—| |
Table of Contents Click on the "next" or "previous" links in the slides, or use the table of contents below to navigate. Enjoy! * Buck Attacks Hunter * Shark Attack * Two Bucks Boxing * Worst Shot Ever! * Squirrel Attacks Deer * Cat Fight * Stealing Salmon from Bears * Fish Jump Right in the Boat * Don’t Feed the Tarpon * A Shark in Slow Motion* * *» See all Photo Galleries Outdoor Life Online Editor