Deer gun, within limits

[reno316]

So, due to circumstances beyond my control, I'll be moving to Indiana this fall, and will need to do my deer hunting there (move date is Aug 31... y'all feel free to come help load the uHaul... or as we say in Georgia, "Y'all Haul".)

Indiana has regulations on what rounds you can use. Sadly, my tack-driving Remington 700 in 30.06 is NOT permitted.

List of permitted rounds here: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-deerhuntguide.pdf

So, I'm looking for suggestions that fit those rules, with a couple caveats:

1. I am no Simo Hayha. My effective range is just on the south side of 150 yards. Much beyond that, I'm not very accurate, and I DESPISE the idea of a "non-clean" kill. If I can't drop the deer FAST with one shot, I don't take the shot. That's just me.

2. I am not, sadly, possessed of an exorbitant amount of disposable income. If I tell the wife I need to spend $400 or so on a new rifle, she'll tolerate it. If I try to spend $800 on a new rifle, I can say goodbye to my man parts.

3. I don't plan to use this rifle for much more than taking a deer or two. MAYBE take it on a hog hunt in TX this November, but little else.

Input welcome, and as always I am indebted to y'all.

Regards,

[bogie]

I'm from Ohio where deer hunting is much the same as Indiana. Except there are way more deer in Indiana. I've hunted in both states many times. IMO for $400 go to buy yourself a used 870 (or your manufacturer preference) with a GOOD RIFLED slug barrel. I've never taken a shot in Ohio over about 30-40 yards so you really don't need a rifle.

Option 2, In case you already have a revolver or ever plan on purchasing one, buy yourself a lever action that uses the same caliber ammo. I'm sure you can pick up a decent used lever gun for about $400 by Marlin for example. Guns tend to be cheaper back east. You should get at least a .357 or preferably .44 mag for deer.

If you get a shotgun, I suggest getting one of the cheaper red dot reflex sights for it. Whatever is within your budget.

Good luck and happy white tailing!

[spqrzilla]

I'd suggest a .45 Colt lever gun myself. That would be a fun gun to own anyway.

[gnihcraes]

With so many trees, I doubt you'll be shooting much past 50-75 yards. Switch to archery and enjoy the hunt at less than 20 yards. :)

[Tinelement]

Gotta go with a Ruger M77 243.

Only cause I've had one since I was 11.

I've killed more deer with that thing than obummer has killed dreams. [ROFL1]

[Inconel710]

Sounds like a pistol caliber lever gun is the way to go. I don't understand their logic but, their state, their rules. [Roll1]

[reno316]

I appreciate all the input. I've given thought to the rifled barrel shotgun. Any ideas on cost?

And I would note, with no small measure of consternation, that not a single one of y'all offered to help come load the uHaul. And here I thought we were pals and all....

Hrrmmmpfffh.

[bigun1962]

The rifled shotgun is way more gun than you need. It is outstanding as far as you will be shooting. If I were you I would find one here and haul to Indiana. The are way more expensive out there than here.

[bigun1962]

Go to depot and get help with the uhaul. Where are you moving to in Indiana?

[Monky]

Gotta go with a Ruger M77 243.

Only cause I've had one since I was 11.

I've killed more deer with that thing than obummer has killed dreams. [ROFL1]

I call BS or there would be no deer.

[reno316]

Go to depot and get help with the uhaul. Where are you moving to in Indiana?

Northeast corner. Fort Wayne area, probably. My parents and my in-laws both live up that way, be closer to family that way.

[bryjcom]

go with the slug gun. Probably better and cheaper than getting one of those weird rifle rounds.

[reno316]

Buddy of mine suggested a CVA Buckhorn .50 Muzzleloader. Any feedback on this idea?

And again, my thanks to all. I do appreciate.

[a98kdoc]

That includes the 7.62x39 but I don't see it as not allowed.
A contender is a super light gun in a carbine in 44mag or 44 super mag.
Or a contender 410 with 45 colt ammo in it.

I have a Winchester trapper in 44 mag and I would use that it's so light and easy to handle.

Just my thoughts

[cohunter39]

That includes the 7.62x39 but I don't see it as not allowed.


bullet has to be .357 cal or larger.

[SA Friday]

I have a mossberg 695 with a Burris 4x on it that shoots Win 2 3/4 sabot slugs in 3" groups at 100 yds currently taking up safe space. I used it for a couple of seasons in MD when I was stationed there. It's a bolt action 12 gauge with rifled and ported barrel, mag fed. It has a few small scuffs on it, but short of that it's in perfect condition.

$300 and it's yours with scope and a couple of boxes of the slugs. PM me. I'm open to trades too, but cash is king. Just FYI, I'll be in the middle of nowhere starting tomorrow morning till 8 Aug.

Deadliest thing I've ever shot a deer with within 100 yds.

[BushMasterBoy]

Mossberg 835 Pump...takes 2 3/4", 3" and 3 1/2" shells. Variety of barrels
available for it. I'm guessing a 3 1/2" slug will have unrivaled stopping power! Gunbroker.com has 200 various flavors listed right now.

[osok-308]

1. I am no Simo Hayha. My effective range is just on the south side of 150 yards. Much beyond that, I'm not very accurate, and I DESPISE the idea of a "non-clean" kill. If I can't drop the deer FAST with one shot, I don't take the shot. That's just me.


I cannot tell you how glad I am that you know who Simo Hayha is, it's a shame you can't hunt with a 7.62x54r there! I will second,...no fourth.... well I just agree with everyone above who said the shotgun with a rifled slug... 12 gauge slugs pack a wallop!

[reno316]

I cannot tell you how glad I am that you know who Simo Hayha is, it's a shame you can't hunt with a 7.62x54r there! I will second,...no fourth.... well I just agree with everyone above who said the shotgun with a rifled slug... 12 gauge slugs pack a wallop!

Thanks. What's a real shame is that I can't use my Remington 700... that thing is accurate as hell, given that it was made in 1976 and still has all original parts. 0.5 MOA at 100 yards... Buddy of mine used it to dust prairie dogs at 500 yards, and offered me a thousand bucks on the spot.

I declined, of course. ;o)

Thanks for the input.

[oinco]

After shooting a Henry lever action .357 this weekend...wow, I was impressed how easy that thing was to shoot! I think my 10/22 has about the same recoil- the Henry was very accurate and fed nicely....the weight and balance were very nice as well-I don't know how much they are, but I would guess somewhere between your family jewels/no family jewels range?

It would seem that IN deer may be closer in size to a Great Dane than an elk, so the .357mag should be more than plenty?

[josh7328]

What strange laws they have! +1 on the lever gun. If you want to save money, you could pick up a simple single shot rifle in an authorized caliber. Something like a handi rifle. Bud's has a Handi Rifle in .357 for $211. Edit- out of stock. sorry

[FARM]

I grew up in Indiana and try to go home to hunt every year. I use a new england tracker II which is the heavy barrel single shot with the rifled barrel that shoots sabots. Never had an issue with it and it's extremely accurate. My daughter uses a youth model 500 20gauge with a rifled barrel and again had no issues.
My brother insists on using a 44 mag which is effective but I still prefer our shotguns..

[bogie]

After shooting a Henry lever action .357 this weekend...wow, I was impressed how easy that thing was to shoot! I think my 10/22 has about the same recoil- the Henry was very accurate and fed nicely....the weight and balance were very nice as well-I don't know how much they are, but I would guess somewhere between your family jewels/no family jewels range?

It would seem that IN deer may be closer in size to a Great Dane than an elk, so the .357mag should be more than plenty?

Not so fast! I've seen a harvested a Whitetail buck that weighed over 300 lbs dressed. You definitely don't want to piss one off!


I have a mossberg 695 with a Burris 4x on it that shoots Win 2 3/4 sabot slugs in 3" groups at 100 yds currently taking up safe space. I used it for a couple of seasons in MD when I was stationed there. It's a bolt action 12 gauge with rifled and ported barrel, mag fed. It has a few small scuffs on it, but short of that it's in perfect condition.

$300 and it's yours with scope and a couple of boxes of the slugs. PM me. I'm open to trades too, but cash is king. Just FYI, I'll be in the middle of nowhere starting tomorrow morning till 8 Aug.

Deadliest thing I've ever shot a deer with within 100 yds.

A great deal. OP you should jump all over this.

[lefteyedom]

NEF/H&R Sluggester in 20 gauge top with a 1-5 or 4X scope.

When I live in Maryland and had to use a shotgun I use a NEF/H&R Sluggester in 12 gauge and a 2X scope. unreal accurate for the price.



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