How to select YOUR next rifle, and make a good buying decision.

[@ChrisWhite.fishing]

Love how patient and obedient the tractor is.

[@MrCervuselaphus]

Well it is most likely as well looked after as his rifles.

[@thinkingagain5966]

It's a tractor weirdo

[@e.kent.d9561]

It is so darned nice to hear a man who REALLY knows what he is talking about !

[@danroxas9846]

A nice dog, coffee, good cigar and guns!!! What more could you ask for? Your videos are very informative. God bless..

[@charlesmurray1220]

Agreed.

[@nmelkhunter1]

A 180” mule deer buck 300 yards across a canyon in PJ country on a cold morning with a dead rest for my 7MM Rem Mag. Sorry, but you asked! Take care and god bless!

[@stephenhair5501]

I'm now looking at acquiring a Winchester Model 70 in Walnut Wood Stock. I like wood and the beauty of the grain and warm feel to the hand is second to none. I'm with you. Wood stocks are special. Enjoy your gun chats. And seeing Benny. God Bless.

[@geoffreyshaw4689]

I could spend way too much times listening to the wonderful experience and common sense of this fine gentleman. But then again, it would be time very well-spent indeed! I am certainly letting people know about him. Who ever knew that good old fashioned learning and common sense would become such rare commodities that you practically do back-flips when you hear it.

[@MrHolster]

Very informative. Thank you for going to the time and effort to make these videos they are much appreciated by me.

[@canadiannavigator3346]

Coffee. Dog. Sunshine. Birds. The Peace. The Quiet. The Solitude. Good Sir ... I’ve learned from your videos than all the books and channels out there. Thank you !

[@OliverKlozoff69420]

Thank you for a great video. I own an ugly sporterized Mauser in 7x57 with no matching serial numbers and a homemade wood stock. However, it has a nice peep sight, a 20 inch barrel, and can hit the center of 3x5 index card at a 100 off hand all day long. The thing only cost me $200 and it out shoots my friends AR-10 .308s and 30-06 deer rifles. I simply can't explain it.

[@munger3897]

Great video. You have an easy flow. I feel like I was just sitting in front of your garage on a lawn chair. Except I'm 1000's of miles away. Great info thanks again.

[@charlesmurray1220]

Sounds like this newbie (me) will do okay with the 20 inch 336 35 cal. Learning more with each video. Keep 'em coming!

[@jeremys8360]

i have a 336 in 30-30. .5 groups at 50 yards and 100% accuracy on a 10" plate at 175 yds. lever actions dont have to be inaccurate

[@bitmastermac]

@@jeremys8360 I put a scout rail on my 336 with a red dot

[@kevinduckworth3355]

NOTHING beats wisdom and experience!!..."God Bless YOU"

[@josecanisales3491]

I 2nd that motion, excellent videos. Thanks for the info (experience talking).

[@Based_Morty]

Just found ur channel. You remind me of my dad. He's a real scholar of guns and logic as well. Great to see you older folks using the internet to record and share information you've gathered over the years. That's supposed to be the whole point of the internet. When used correctly, it truly is one of our best creations.

[@ronaaserude8225]

God bless you sir, and your dog too for supplying you with such great information.

[@jeffkeller9009]

Definitely learned a thing or two from you, Thank you for your teachings.

[@willyb933]

Sage advice on all levels of choosing a rifle. I always appreciate your common sense approach and fact based reasoning. We are surrounded by advertising hype and fads nowadays, it's refreshing to be educated with sound knowledge on any subject. Thanks for your time.

[@user-he5jp6bv1y]

I have just recently discovered your channel here. Thank you, this type of knowledge and information is disappearing rapidly into today's world. I grew up with firearms of several types, pistols, rifles, shotguns and ever air rifles. I now have two sons, ever since their teens I have tried to get them interested the shooting sports. Now in their 30's, the youngest is turning into a fair sportsman, the elder, much less so. I'm still giving him encouragement when the opportunity arises, so I still have hope. These young people in America will either embrace the shooting sports or they will quickly lose the the Second Amendment. Shortly thereafter, their freedom. I am today, going to introduce your channel to my boys. I believe it will help them greatly. Again, Thank You.

[@carterthiessen2664]

Great info gunblue! I live in the prairies of manitoba and whitetail often only present shots at distances over 250 yards. Because of this I bought a Remington 700 in 270 win with a 24 inch barrel for a few extra FPS. Shooting the same handloads out of my rifle and my cousins which is a tikka with a 21.75 inch barrel I get an extra 75 to 100 feet a second, which is enough to make a difference, however slight, at those extended ranges. That's my take on why I favor a longer barrel. Love your videos! Thanks

[@GunBlue490]

Good choice. Yes, you have an added 15 to 20 yards or so.

[@þþþþþþþþþ]

Your dog looks so satisfied to be sitting there with you in that sunshine!

[@peaceandbalancelove]

Another amazing and very informative video! Thank you so much for taking the time to provide these! Thank you!

[@SuperSportsman01]

Another fine example of great information that you can't buy. Your no nonsense approach is refreshing and the so called experts would do well to take heed. Love the Brittany...... I've got one too.

[@c-4beavercommander582]

Thank you for your knowledge , keep up the good work.

[@Corpsealot]

Great video! learned a lot. However, I couldn't help the feeling that your tractor was grinning creepily at me the whole time.

[@GunBlue490]

Corpsealot LOL. I never noticed that before!

[@joedurushia4008]

Thank you again. I really like the look of walnut and blue. I visited 3 gun stores and there are hardly no wood/blue rifles. Seems there’s more selection for shotguns but almost all the rifles are composite and heavy fluted barrels and something called ceracote on the barrel. I’ll be ordering a Winchester 70 featherweight in 7mm-08 22" barrel. One store had one 70 in 300 mag. So I got to handle it and really liked the looks and feel. I’ll have to special order it

[@PC-uh6hk]

My 257 Roberts was a 22" sports barrel back in the 60s and 70s in Belmont and Madbury, NH. I shot a lot of woodchucks.

[@lavida57]

One more great hour of my time well spent. Thank you Mr Gunblue

[@HypocriticYT]

I bought a rifled Rem 1187 and it came with plastic stock so I ordered a checkered walnut stock. Since the barrel was slightly thicker I had to relieve the hand guard barrel channel. Looks and feels much better and no clunky plastic sound. Once I decided to hunt in a deer stand deer come within 30 yards. Once I let one go and he walked under my stand, looked at my 4 wheeler and disappeared into the woods. It was the first morning of the hunt and I didn't want to end it so soon.

[@unbalancedredneck5778]

great video. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to inform us.

[@thormusique]

Extremely helpful, thanks! Using your instructions here and in your cartridge-selection videos, I've been looking at getting a rifle chambered in .270 Win with a 22-in barrel. I've narrowed my choice down to the Tikka Hunter, the Savage 16/116 stainless, and the Ruger American, also in stainless steel. And btw, I'm left-handed, and these three are all offered in lefty models. The Ruger is far less expensive than the others, and also lower in weight, but even though I intend to hike with it here in the mountains of VT, the additional weight of the others wouldn't bother me. Also, I should mention that my aesthetic favourite of the three is the Tikka, as it has a beautiful walnut stock, which I love. Of course, that increases its cost considerably. My primary use for this rifle will be for target shooting, mostly at distances of 300-500 yds, which I can do at the range. (Out in the wilderness, distances of 100-300 yds will be more typical.) In the winter I ski my own biathlons but prefer to shoot at distances greater than my .22 rimfire can accurately handle. So, I guess my question is, would you consider all these three rifles on a relatively equal par in terms of quality and accuracy? I do love a finely machined bolt on a gun, one that's smooth and without a lot of play in it. Also, I think if I were to go for the Ruger, I can imagine that I'd probably replace the stock with perhaps a wood laminate down the road. Anyway, I'd much appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks again very much!

[@GunBlue490]

They all have extremely fine accuracy, out of the box, with appropriate ammo. My wife's Ruger American shoots beautifully, but it's a bargain gun in all regards, with a cheap plastic, somewhat flimsy stock. The magazines are functional, but I consider them too easy to eject unknowingly in the field, especially with gloved hands. Savage makes equally fine shooting rifles, but have never won beauty contests. The Tikka is made to very high standards by the very well regarded Sako company of Finland, and is in another class from the other two. If the additional cost is within reach, that would be my hands-down choice. I have owned a number of Sako rifles, and my very first bolt action rifle, an L461 Vixen in 222 Remington back in the mid 60s was quite a legendary gun in all regards, from looks to punching wee holes. The Tikka is an avant guarde modernized, but in all respects worthy of the Sako tradition of excellence. I could not think of a finer gun for a .270 Winchester. That would be my pick, of the three. May I suggest that you look at a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight. I can attest to absolutely stellar accuracy and build quality, with fine checkered walnut, glass bedded receiver, free floated barrel, and incredibly crisp trigger, slick bolt, controlled Mauser feed, and with looks that no other gun on the planet has ever been quite able to match, in my opinion. My long action version in 257 Roberts shoots under 1/2 inch routinely, with the heaviest 120 grain loads into less than 3/4 inch. I have to admit to being a traditionalist, and would get another of those in 270, if I were so inclined. Value price-wise is very competitive, usually selling around $700. They are being made by the legendary name F.N., which makes Browning.

[@thormusique]

That's terrific, thank you so much! I have to admit to being relieved at your assessment of the Tikka, as I definitely lean in that direction; it's a beautiful rifle. I'm not at all familiar with the Winchester Model 70, but I will take your advice seriously and check it out, as I hold your opinion in high regard. I'll let you know how it all turns out. Thanks again!

[@Logjam5]

Like your wheels.

[@bchrider]

Be careful buying a left handed version...I don't know how old you are or how much you have shot...but at around 40 I bought my first left hand rifle....after all those years hunting with right hand rifles the left hand one was just too awkward I sold it and went back to right hand versions....also when u sell it you will have to find another left hander

[@richardhaze5496]

New to the channel, second video, again the MASTERY of knowledge and ease of presentation unlike what I've seen on this topic and KZbin in general. Thanks for your generosity sir - Rick, San Diego

[@ditto1958]

Excellent video as always.

[@jarvisdavis5033]

Thanks.

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

You're right Blue . Just today I purchased a Glenfield model 25. The serial number puts it at 1974. It looks as though it was never used. I just couldn't pass it up. I will order a set of Williams peep sights and most probably have a rifle I can hand down to m grandson some day.

[@GunBlue490]

ritesideofthefence 58 That's a very good rifle that Marlin has catalogued for many years under a number of different model designations, that is still made today. Nice find.

[@snoozinglion8596]

Thanks for taking the time. Much appreciated ;)

[@jonnporter6081]

I'm 100% in agreement with you on the wood stocks. I love a rifle with a fine wood stock. You can't beat the look and feel of that. If the major manufacturers insist on switching to plastic, I'd like to see them offer wood stocks as an aftermarket product. I think they'd find out that a lot of shooters would buy them.

[@LouBalestriere]

I'm relatively new to longer range, moderately big barreled rifles. I must say that your videos are the most informative and helpful resource that I have been using to make decisions on buying, using and cleaning. Thank you so much for your generosity with your time and information, it's much appreciated. Your kind approach is also very much appreciated. From a practical perspective, after watching your videos on cartridge selection and rifle buying, I've decided on a 6.5x55 Tikka T3 Lite in Stainless rifle. I want something that I can use to hunt medium sized deer and hog at less than 200 yards and I also want the flexibility to use it for longer range targets (500 yards). Relatively low recoil and report was also somewhat important. After watching your video on scopes, I've decided on a Nikon 2.5-10x 44mm. It seems that I shouldn't have a problem getting ammo and stocking up in case it gets harder to find down the road. I'd love to hear your thoughts on my choice of cartridge, rifle and scope. Thanks!

[@GunBlue490]

The Swede is an excellent choice for all the reasons you cite. It's one of the great cartridges of the world, and a bore size that has received very little recognition until very recently. It's a true .264 diameter bullet, and because it was originally made for extremely long 160 grain bullets for the military, it has a very quick twist that can stabilize all bullet weights with precision. Ballistically, it's in the same class as the much newer 260 Remington and 6.5 Creedmore. Please note that bullets made for handloaders can be of two types: very hard for .264 Magnum velocities intended for long range, that will not expand sufficiently at standard velocities, and those intended for standard velocities, with thinner jackets and softer cores for typical hunting ranges. Target bullets are made for accuracy alone, and should not be used for game. While these facts apply to other bore sizes, it appears to be more so in this bore, perhaps due to the extremes at both end.

[@LouBalestriere]

+GunBlue490 Thanks for the additional info. Just to back up a bit, my choice was between a .308 and the 6.5x55. Another factor that helped me make the decision was that the sectional density was much greater than on the 308. I have to admit that learning about sectional density was a huge eye opener for me. Up until then, I thought that grain size along with energy and velocity at expected impact distance distance was pretty much the end all when it came to lethality. When I was told that even though a .308 of the same grain as the 6.5x55 may be traveling faster and with more energy than the 6.5, because the sectional density of the 6.5 was much greater, it would have a much better chance of penetrating to deliver a 1 shot kill. This is very important to me, because, under no circumstance, do I want to injure an animal to cause it unnecessary suffering. That's why I will never take a shot that's not well within my comfortable range. Do you agree with the sectional density conclusion regarding the swede vs the 308? Also, on separate matter, I know it's a matter of preference, but do you like scopes with bcc reticle for hunting, or would you choose a standard mildot scope over it? Thanks again, Lou

[@GunBlue490]

+Lou Balestriere This is precisely why Jack O'Connor was able to generate such great interest in the .270 Winchester over its parent .30-06. While the two each offer nearly identical bullet weights with the same muzzle velocities and energies from 110 to 160 grains, their actual performances are classed far differently. Take for instance the 150 grain loadings for each, leaving the muzzle at very similar velocities of just under 3,000 fps. The 06 bullet is a short, wind sensitive one, generally ranked as a decent medium game round for up to 275 yards, at which point velocity, trajectory and penetration begin to fade. The 150 grain .270 bullet is a heavy game class bullet, that has impressive long range and wind bucking ability with numbers more akin to the 180 grain 30 caliber round, that gets out of the gate 200 fps behind. You're understanding something that so many never comprehend. Long efficient bullets mean deep penetration and long windbucking trajectories. One cannot fairly discount energy, which is always beneficial when game is large and massive boned, but is purchased only with powder, muzzle blast, and recoil. Medium size game does not require heavy calibers with massive energy. The 308 is popular for the same reason the 30-06 is, and why the .223 is, which have nothing to do with hunting qualities; but only because of the availability of military surplus ammo, and because many people give high marks to owning something their local armory can hand out in a national emergency. And there's certainly something to be said for that. If the US goverment had picked the 300 Savage for their 30-06 replacement, as they had initially considered before lengthening the neck to invent the 308, the Savage would America's short action 30 instead of the 308. US military ammo has rarely had significant sectional density, simply because penetration on flesh is not an issue, and any penetration deemed important is against armor, where its achieved with steel cores. Before you buy a gun, invest in a handloading handbook, and read the descriptions, comparing sectioal densities, velocities, and trajectory pages. Even if you never load a cartridge, you'll gain a world of education in firearms. Nosler, Hornady, Speer, and Sierra produce excellent books, with numbers and recommendations specific to their products and the Lyman handbook has an outstanding reference section.

[@LouBalestriere]

+GunBlue490 Thanks again! On your recommendation, just ordered the Lyman and Hornady manuals. Looking forward to learning more. Your videos (and comments) are probably the best resource out there though. As for the scope on the hunting rifle, what type of reticle would you prefer for my type of hunting (within 250 yards), BDC, MOA or standard mildot? It's going to be a 2-8x, but haven't decided on a reticle. I'm leaning toward mildot so I can be more precise and really learn how to use it as opposed to a BDC which many tell me are much too inaccurate for hunting and don't really teach the fundamentals of proper sighting. Thanks so much again, Lou

[@GunBlue490]

Your querry prompted me to do a bit of research, comparing availability of the various 6.5 cartridges in this country, and their factory ballistics. While the handloader can take advantage of the slightly greater case volume of the Swede, it is customarily loaded conservatively owing to old military arms. The 260 Remington has no such internal ballistic restrictions and is produced widely in the US, and factory velocities are markedly higher than the 6.5 Swede. Another benefit is that it's made in short actions, rather than standard length. Short actions are lighter, stiffer, and easier to cycle. I noted that the 260 Rem is also made by Tikka, and might be more available domestically. If you handload, the ballistics slightly favor the Swede, though not by any notable amount. The 260 has gained a very strong following by ultra long range shooters, which testifies to its accuracy, inherited by the near perfect 308 case parentage, used by other extremely accurate cartridges. But if you're going to hunt outside the US, Swede ammo is an old favorite. Confused now?

[@plumcrazypreston2797]

I've always thought the logic behind a heavy barrel for long-range shooting is stability: steadiness of aim. A heavy barrel is less jittery while trying to aim and less affected by wind.

[@outsidecanada3531]

Thanks for another great vid Blue! Not sure you actually made a recommendation here but as usual your video have me things to think about.

[@bullseyedixon5660]

I really appreciate the information gained from your videos. what a super doggie .thanks

[@aussieshootandhuntadventur4973]

love your vids, deep down i can tell your a 30/06 fan me too... cheers from Australia

[@smujohnson]

He probably likes it for its history but if I had to pick two cartridges of which I think he's a "so and so" guy, it would be .270 Win and .257 Roberts.

[@MarktheMartian]

Excellent discussion man

[@wayne8276]

Thank you .

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Britney Spaniels are great dogs. I grew up with them in my family. Seem to remember reading they are one of the only breeds that both point and retrieve. Thanks for more good common sense advice. I have recommended your Scope and Cartridge videos to anyone who is interested in hunting or guns.

[@700Strat]

Thank you again, Sir. I have set about to watch every video you have produced. A check list confirmation of common sense items I have learned over the years.

[@dinoquintana4319]

Thank you so much for the wisdom you are imparting.somebody with the proper English needed to speak up on the lack of ethics of people taking super long shots that they have no business taking.our wildlife are/is a sustainable resource that we must respect and protect. For the vast majority of shooter's 350 yds is too long of a shot.i switched from Remington's big 7mag an outstanding cartridge to the the 3006 another fantastic cartridge to the underestimated and outdated 9.3x57.decent trajectory wide wound channel and massive penitration.if I'm expecting a long shot 225/300yds the 06 comes out.i don't get out enough to shoot off my knee beyond 200yds and a good rest to 300 hundred.ive come home empty handed but I've never lost an animal small or big game that I pulled the trigger on.clean misses on squirrels and running rabbits excepted

[@TheAtlantaMafia]

I hope that Benny (the dog) is doing well. I bet he has heard some good info over the years.

[@GunBlue490]

TheAtlantaMafia I get my information from him.

[@charlesmurray1220]

Does he shoot a Woofchester or a Barkmaster?

[@charlesmurray1220]

I know. That was one for the... dogs.

[@jeh120843]

GunBlue490 my wife commented on how much we look like each other. That and the fact that we also were in Vietnam about the same time, both have Brittany dogs and Kubota tractors. Small world...Jim

[@rickypastille]

I thought something might have happened to you -- long spell between videos. Glad you're well and still posting. Great information, sunny day, cigar butt in ashtray, dog looks serene as a Buddhist monk. All in all, an informational video that made me smile.

[@Blastfence1]

Excellent!

[@jerryjester9867]

An excellent follow up topic to this particular video would be how to go about purchasing a used firearm,what to look for and what to avoid. I'm sure you have many new folks that could use some of your tips on the subject. I know I could.

[@robertwirgau1118]

Thank you

[@GaryBlankenship96b40]

Nice brittany we had them for years

[@TheBanjoFlyBoy]

New to your videos. I'm primarily a wing shooter. My latest favorite scattergun for the past 15 years is a Ruger Gold Label SXS. However, I've shot several deer and turkeys on my 77 acres in middle Tennessee. I was seeking some info on a good rifle that would be suitable for both deer and coyotes. Your assessment of the .243's capabilities was just what I was looking for! Got my eye on a Ruger American .243 at my local gun store. Although it is a right hand gun, and i shoot left handed even though I am right handed (left eye dominant); your comment about rare need for follow up shots for deer or coyotes makes sense. The barrel of the gun I'm looking at has a beautiful factory desert cerakote finish. Any comment on this? BTW that is a fine looking brittany! I've owned, raised and trained many brittanys.

[@permitonfly8455]

Excellent as always!

[@wolfy07ro]

For scopes, I use a 2.5 - 15 x 50 for my 308 hunting rifle and a 4 - 28 x 50 for my LR target rifle. With some training, both scopes allow me to shoot with both eyes opened for up to 10 - 12 magnification.

[@GunBlue490]

Very expensive scopes that I couldn't recommend for either activity. No game animal in the world requires such power or unnecessary weight and bulk.

[@wolfy07ro]

@@GunBlue490 it is true, they are not cheap, especially the IOR 4-28x50, but the quality of the glass makes shooting so much easier in those low light conditions. It's possible that my decisions are heavily influenced by the fact that I am way more experienced in sport shooting and less in hunting (I have a hunter license for less than a year), but I am willing to learn and make adjustments.

[@KolyaNickD]

The scopes would make sense on something like a 22-250 or 204 Ruger vs small targets like prairie dogs at long range. But pointless bulk for anything else.

[@wolfy07ro]

@@KolyaNickD I shot the 308 up to 800m and with the target rifle my skill tops out at 1200m. These scopes help a lot.

[@KolyaNickD]

@Alexandru PRICOP ah I see you mentioned one of them is on a target rifle

[@97jsousa]

I sincerely appreciate you sharing your knowledge and common sense. Thank you, from a neighbor to the south.

[@adamb2619]

Great video and information!. of course now I am trying to start hunting during a global pandemic and election year....think I may be needing to hold off and save up until hopefully next year.

[@tjmooremusic]

gunblue490 thanks for your response. I stay away from the Henry Golden boy 22. I use the big boy 357 so as to have the matching rounds for the rifle and my revolver. the 30 30 in blued steel and their all weather models are excellent lever guns. they have a blued steel 22 with the large lever that comes with Skinner peep sights. that I am picking up. I swapped out the buckhorn sight on all of my Henry's with peep sights. much better for me getting tight on target. really appreciate your videos.

[@LexLuthor1234]

Hello Gunblue490, and thank you for creating and uploading quality videos. They are very much appreciated! I do have one question, which i hope you can help me answer. I have been offered Mannlicher Schoenauer carbine, chambered in the 6.54x55 MS. It is mechanically sound and functional. Do you think this would be a suitable rifle for forrest "point and shoot" hunting? I was thinking it would be, but your muzzle velocity vs barrel length discussion did make me slightly hessitant and doubtful. Many grateful regards and please do keep up the good work on your channel. :) Claus PS. i will mainly be hunting deer and perhaps occasionally wild board ad well. No bear, elk or moose. Thank you once more! Claus

[@matthewbeaver5026]

Not familiar with the caliber tho I would think it would be fine if not for extended ranges

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@charlesmurray1220]

My gun mentor says much the same as the good advise you give. You lost me a bit on the cartridges and specialty loadings but I'll catch on. BUY WOOD friends! It'd be a sad day to see it go, or become a high priced niche market item. Just opinion I know but tradition must hold some place of honor. Understandable if the guys in combat zones need the characteristics that synthetics offer but what about craftsmanship or just the straight-up beauty of fine hard woods? I know what I'm saving my pennies for.

[@abigailsaoirsefinnegan]

Wood swells and warps, aluminum doesn't.

[@strat1080]

Usually the last two inches lost between 18” to 16” barrel length results in significantly more velocity loss than cutting down from 20” to 18”.

[@andrewilliams1518]

with all your knowledge i would love to here you talk to new hunter about what it take to bring a big buck down.

[@GunBlue490]

Andre Williams Good one. Actually, it boils down to forgetting that it's a big buck and keeping your mind on business, and admire him only after he's down. A big 200+ pound buck goes down reluctantly but surely with a properly placed lung shot with a stoutly constructed bullet. My personal preference for those guys, when hunted in thick cover is at least a 7mm bullet at 2600 ft seconds, or bigger. Learn how those lungs are situated from every angle and drill them. Never ever take heart or spine shots. He will run a quarter mile into oblivion without a heart, and a spine is easily missed, which will kill him days later, a shameful waste. These big ridge runners are not your typical deer, and can take some serious abuse.

[@abigailsaoirsefinnegan]

For me, guns are like golf clubs. Each has a specialty. Glock 19 for concealed carry, 11.5" carbine ("pistol" with a brace) for home defense outfitted with a white light/pressure switch (momentary on/off), BFG sling, and Trijicon MRO, BCM carbine for engagements out to 300 meters, SR-25 build for a DMR role (300 to 1,000 meters, and my Ruger Precision Rifle with a Steiner 5-25x44mm scope, LaRue mount, and Atlas bipod for engagements out to 1,700 meters. Probably gonna build a lightweight recce rifle as well. Also gonna poke around for a night vision scope for my DMR.

[@jivadaya6439]

Great video, much appreciated. I thought at one point the dog was going to start drooling... ecstasy :)

[@Prepare2Survive]

Some calibers like 300 blk are designed for short barrels. You're a Ruger fan. Why don't you buy a Ruger American Ranch bolt action rifle in 300 blk? It weighs less than 6 lbs. Converting 556 LC brass into 300 blk brass is very easy to do. Talking about efficiency there's a lot of gun powders you can use. With only 18 grains of lilgun powder I get 2200 fps with a 133 grain cast lead lyman 311410 bullet. That means I'm getting almost 80 fpe per grain of gun powder used. Not many other calibers are that efficient.

[@GunBlue490]

Prepare2Survive The reason is because it fills no need for me. I frankly see no point for it, other than for plinking. The 110, 125, and 135 grain bullets have no useful sectional density, with no velocity to make up for it. They are poor bullets for reliable deer kills, too light, and going far too slow. The 200 grain bullets at 1020 drop like a rock. It's subsonic. So is a baseball. Anything its proponents claim for it is done by many rounds that can do so much more. It's a 221 Fireball case, which is a shortened 222 Remington case. Many of the same people that love it would condemn the 30-30, which is many times more effective. It certainly does prove PT Barnum's famous claim, and I applaud the gunmakers for cashing in on it.

[@Prepare2Survive]

Yeah, 30-30 is better and even 7.62x39 has a slight advantage over 300 blk at closer ranges. I reload all 3 of those calibers including several others and get all my supply of brass from my local shooting range for free. I rarely find 7.62x39 or 30-30, but I find lots of 556 brass so that's the main advantage for me when it comes to 300 blk. The 2nd advantage is the efficiency. With my cast lead lyman 311410 bullets I can reload 300 blk for under 10 cents per shot and get over 1400 ft. lbs energy and 1 inch groups at 50 yds. I haven't been able to do that with so little cost with any other caliber yet. 357 magnum in my lever action rifle comes close, but 300 blk has a slight lead in terms of energy and BC numbers. I have the Ruger American bolt action in 300 blk and the Ruger mini 14 in 300 blk and they certainly do make good plinkers. I hear some people use them for deer hunting with good results at close ranges. I'm guessing a 50 yard shot with 125 grain bullet going 2200 fps is probably similar to a 300 yard shot with a 7mm-08

[@benmatt1101]

Could you address the Rem 742 action "problem", i.e., the receiver inside failing or deterorating over a period of years. Purchase one or not?

[@aryamoshrefi417]

Benny is loving the sun!

[@strat1080]

I love your videos

[@matthewbeaver5026]

I can a test to the hot barrel=less accurate My savage .270 shoots dead on, unless u fire 5 or 6 quickly then u can watch em go high right and keep growing

[@nimst3]

At the range, I routinely outshoot the zombie slayers with their m4-clones, using nothing more than my iron sighted Contender with a 10" barrel fired offhand.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

My mom bought me my first hunting rifle got a tikka t3x i hunt elk between 25 yards to 450 yards. BTW rifles in 300 winmag very light weight handy 7 pound rifle

[@jeramyw]

How to select your next rifle? Walk into the local shop and browse. Find something that catches your eye, especially on price. If you don't know enough or anything about it, put it on the counter in front of you and start researching on your phone. If everything checks out purchase it.

[@tjmooremusic]

gunblue490 I collect Henry Rifles. just wonder what your thoughts are on them and would appreciate very much lesson / overview on lever guns in general. I really like your videos. glad I found your channel. thanks!

[@GunBlue490]

You don't reference if you are speaking of the historic Henry, or the current brand made. Of the former, it would be a millionaires collection, and nobody shoots them. Of the latter, they make a very sound, accurate, and handsome rifle, though bearing only a faint resemblance to their namesake. While being a modern lavergun, with beautiful craftsmanship, I do not have personal experience with the modern Henry, other than having inspected and examined them. Being a sentimental Winchester pre '94 and Marlin lever fan, the Henry generates no particular interest for me, but I do certainly appreciate their presence to keep the interest in lever guns alive. I am a big fan of traditional walnut, which I have not seen in Henrys, which appear to be a very nice walnut-finish hardwood. That's one of the reasons I don't warm to them, but then, it's better than tech black. The design is extremely efficient and uses the best technology available, but I just sigh when I look inside, especially with the 22s. They are beautiful, and they function superbly, but the innards remind me of old typewriter parts, rather than traditional gun steel. Having said all that, compared to the impossible cost of a new Miroku made Winchester, I would not be ashamed to own one, and consider them an America Best Buy, and could only recommend them to anyone seeking a good gun that looks good!

[@1HeavyHitr]

Could you do a video on the first focal plane versus second focal plane scope video?

[@purdue150]

You remind me of Rain Man. In a good way :)

[@arcfide]

Could you take a moment to talk about straight vs. semi-pistol vs. full pistol grips on various rifles? Most traditional hunting rifles I see have a semi-pistol grip, but there seems to be a new wave of coyote, hog, 3-gun and bench rest shooters favoring the pistol grip stock on an AR-15 or other similar setups (such as some of the newer M1A models, &c.). My understanding with 3-Gun shooters is that the pistol grip allows them to take advantage of a butt stock that is directly in line with the barrel, thus cutting down on the time for their rapid follow-up shots and target transitions; presumably hog hunters have some similar reasons, though i've never heard it expressed and it seems more that they just want to use an AR-15 rifle than any other logic. Unfortunately, there seems to be limited information that I can find from people like you who have a wide range of experience with many different rifle configurations as to the real, tangible effects of the straight vs. semi-pistol vs. pistol grip stocks. When might I want to choose one over the other? There seems to be some clear trends that I can find: woodsman hunters seem to prefer the semi-pistol or other traditional stock, competition shotgunners definitely don't seem to use pistol grips, 3-Gunners near universally use pistol grips on their rifles, but some will use traditional semi-pistol stocks for their shotguns, many hog hunters seem to use AR-style pistol grips, and I've seen bench rest shooters basically do whatever they wanted as far as I can tell. Yet, I don't have a clue as to why someone would prefer one over the other.

[@arcfide]

I guess I should also include thumb-hole stocks in my query here.

[@abigailsaoirsefinnegan]

Mainly ergonomics. I prefer a BCM or Magpul K2 grip.

[@jmcclure55]

You're the best!

[@jakesshopandtracktalk1835]

Mr Gunblue, you're a wise man. I have been watching you every day for a week you saved me from doing something foolish already but. I don't own a Carbine length AR because I think it's ideal, or for hunting. I have one because I carried an M4 in Iraq. I also have a M1 Carbine that was built in the same town as me. Saginaw, Mi. There's different kinds of need. I am sure you know that though. Merry Christmas.

[@GunBlue490]

Jake Riethmeier Merry Christmas to you, also.

[@jakesshopandtracktalk1835]

GunBlue490 Thank you sir and thank you for your service.

[@bretnmannn]

A 33 nosler necked to 7 mm with a 190 grn a tip has a bc of .838 oal of 3.760'' feeds from a aics long magazine with a 29'' bbl @3,200fps delivers 1,000 fpe at 1 mile 1760 yards fact! and beats wind better than 338 lapua or a 338 edge what combo beats this ? out of a 9lbs gun ?

[@leethomas556]

Ruger sr762 with 180 grn federal power shoks is a meat slaying machine

[@Jeff_Seely]

In terms of scopes, I would take a scope's clarity and ability to hold zero way over high magnification. I have never really needed anything over 7.5-9x. There was a time when I thought I did and so I made it dumb purchase. It's easy to do with all the "expert" influential advice we get. I just want the darn thing to hold zero. That can be done very inexpensively.

[@royeastman5166]

great and informative thank you.I struggled with the sound .Too low volume and the background set off my tinitus.Oh well I will live good job.

[@williamn.goodman6489]

i agree. Please mount the microphone closer to your mouth. Your spoken audio is low and fades in comparison to the ambient sounds. Speak louder.

[@calevel]

Great information as always. Your only affiliation is to the common sense.

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

What breed is your dog?

[@gregjohnson589]

Got my first deer with my new 25-05 TC Encore right before a avid hunter friend of mine told me he has not eaten any deer for 2 years because of the wide spread chronic waste disease. He told me that the conservation dept is recommending that you do not eat any until further test have been done. Not a big surprise considering all the GMO corn and soybeans they eat. Curious to know if you eat your harvest of deer.

[@buddywilson104]

Love your informative videos. I have a question if you can answer it. I just purchased a new Howa rifle in 204 ruger. The instruction manual advocates the break-in procedure of shoot once and clean, shoot once and clean, etc., all the way through a box of ammo. They also advocate the use of an ammonia cleaner for this. I know you stated in other videos that this is a waste of time more or less. Could you advise if you would follow the manual or just shoot it and clean after 10 or 20 rounds. Thank you.

[@GunBlue490]

Bill Smith At the risk of violating my general admonition that gun makers know best, I personally would not bother. A gun barrel is a gun barrel, and a bullet is a bullet, no matter who makes them. My buddy just bought a Savage Model 12 heavy barrel in 204 Ruger, and it shoots the same all the time into small sub- 3/8 inch five shot groups with his handloads using Sierra 39 grain bullets and H322 powder. If Howa recommends something different, I don't know what it would accomplish. Their process couldn't hurt, except your time and money. It's up to you.

[@buddywilson104]

Thank you for the prompt response. I too was in LE for over 27 years and a firearms instructor. That's one reason I trust your judgement. I was always a handgun instructor and never a rifle expert. There is so much "crap" regarding the best thing to do regarding rifle break -in. I also hand load and am an avid hunter here in the NW. I hunt deer, elk, bear, and cougar as well as smaller predators. I once dropped a 400 lb black bear in its tracks with a 100 grain bullet out of my Remington .243. No brag, just fact. Anyway, thanks again and I am a subscriber from now on.

[@gatorred157]

i have a m4 556 i noticed the 22lr conversion it lower on target i clean it and changer to 556 or 223 ammo it higher & cycling seams to off too! I don't like them but if the military or nato uses them! i got a savage axis that i had changed to a 284x6.5 from a 6.5 creedmore changed barrel well i used a torch & resized 284 cases i got neck measure from bullet maker for 284 x6.5 there tech told me the rifles long-range & hunting might differ one will be tighter!

[@GunBlue490]

gatorred157 In reality, the 22 conversion that I am familiar with is a very short 22 pistol barrel made to fit into the 223 chamber, and its trajectory is not mated to the AR rifle sights, and will always be much lower. The 223 bullet diameter of the 22 Long Rifle will not fill the 224 diameter of the AR bore, and because of that, the only remaining pressure behind the bullet is from the conversion chamber, and accuracy suffers. I never heard of any serious deployment of such a conversion for military use, except perhaps for indoor ranges.

[@gatorred157]

well in the US airforce m16 used a 22lr conversion for training they ware out from use at basic training! it a unit that drops in in place of bolt carrier group and change the magazine it cheaper then ammo for training the Sargent changed mine to normal rounds and handed me 10 rounds i passed to fly overseas! i got one for a ar 15 i got did it for training costs

[@phillipjohnson7583]

Talking about stocks...I would call that similar to shrinkflation!

[@augustus5003]

Very helpful video and presentation thank you. For a .38/.357 magnum caliber is there a significant advantage with a rifle barrel length of 16.5” over 18.5”?

[@GeekyFast]

While you're losing a little barrel weight, you're also losing SOME rather important projectile velocity. In these calibers, more speed is important to consider if you're hunting large game out past 100 yrds.

[@tw0one208]

I'm torn and need your help. I love the Model 70 you showed us in your sporter barrel video. I'm seriously thinking about purchasing one. But I'm worried about the wood stock. I genuinely like it more than any plastic but part of me thinks it will warp and lose zero more easily than the stainless Tikka I've been eying. Even with it's glass bedding job from the factory. I'm also concerned about a wood stocked gun taking a beating. I normally use a Model 94 for deer hunting (your suggestion, it works great) but now I'm looking to set up an all purpose rifle. I watched your scope video and settled on a Leupold 1.5-4x20 scope. All I need now is the rifle. I don't want to waste my money. What do you think, Gunblue?

[@GunBlue490]

I've hunted with wood stocks all my life. They are not prone to warping, feel nice, are naturally camouflaged, and are beautiful. I don't bring them SCUBA diving.

[@gregwalker4236]

if only i had this resource fifty years ago when i got into rifles, some of my buying decisions would have been entirely different for firearms to HUNT with. admittedly, when collecting used rifle rarities, i would still have acquired those even if the caliber was not suitable for my situation. today, if i was to hunt again i would use non-magnum calibers that i have in 7-08, 308, and 8 mauser, with 270's and 30-06 in there cause i have many nice ones. hunting is completely different from collecting....

[@jamesfranco7090]

Model 70 or Montana Rifle Co. and call it good.

[@mkshffr4936]

I don't have trouble selecting. The trouble is in the affording. 😇

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

Hey blue , what is your opinion of the Browning BLR in .308. I have an opportunity to purchase on that looks to be fired very little. Thought I would pick it up for a fast handling pig gun. Your thoughts ?

[@GunBlue490]

ritesideofthefence 58 Like all FN Brownings and now the Winchester line, they are extremely well made. The BLR has been around for decades, and are unsurpassed in smoothness, reliability, and being a box stacked magazine without an underslung tube, are capable of fine accuracy on par with many bolt rifles, and with a very solid lockup and good extraction leverage. I think they are also quite good looking. Just be sure it has not been abused with over oiling, which has caused stock splitting and darkening. Also, though most were recalled decades ago, there ars still a few salt cured wood stocks around, which are identified by serious failure of the varnish peeling, blistering, and flaking, which also caused adjacent salt rusting of metal. 308 Winchester is a great cartridge with plenty of power for the biggest hogs with 150 or 165 grain bullets, standard velocity, too.

[@andrewkutkiewicz2659]

What breed is Bennie?

[@GunBlue490]

Benny is a Brittany. Until 1987, the breed was known as Brittany Spaniel, but because they are pointing dogs as opposed to the flushing trait of other spaniels, the AKC officially dropped spaniel from the classification. They are known as one of the most intelligent breeds. They are very high energy dogs that can be an issue for people who can't accommodate their need to be active. As with other sporting dogs, the breed has devolved into two unofficial, but distinct lines; those that retain strong hunting instincts v. parlor dogs that were bred for show. Benny is of the former. Their high energy and intelligence can result in an exceptionally obedient dog for those who train them properly, or a nightmare for those who don't. Dogs from non-sporting, show lines are often the latter. They need access to constant exercise with room to run, combined with human interaction or they can quite literally become despondent.

[@Kman31ca]

I've got a Tikka T3 in 270 win. Barrel length is 22". Wondering what's the estimated loss of velocity compared to a 24"? That's the only concern I have with the rifle. Haven't had a chance to test it out due to waiting for my scope mount. Btw love your vids.

[@Kman31ca]

I hunt out west Canadian prairies.

[@GunBlue490]

22 inches was always my hunting length that easily took game out to 400 yards, and with my fairly standard handloads using 130 grain bullets with published loads of H4831, I was chronographing over 3100 fps. in each of the 3 rifles that we used in Wyoming. I would suspect that the difference is between 15 to 30 fps per inch. 30 to 60 fps for 2 inches amounts to a loss of about 5 or 6 theoretical yards, which is often the mean spread between shots with factory loads. Unless you are planning on setting up all your shots beyond 390 yards point blank with a 6 inch midrange, you shouldn't be concerned. If so, adjust your midrange to 6.25 inches.

[@Kman31ca]

GunBlue490 Thanks!

[@gregjohnson589]

What scope do you have on your Remington 7 7mm-08 looking for a Winchester 70 in a 7mm-08 and need a good scope for deer hunting out to 250 yds.

[@GunBlue490]

I have it outfitted strictly as a woods rifle, compatible with its carbine length with an 80s vintage 1.5-5X20mm Leupold Vari-X III. For a Model 70 with standard length barrel, I'd desire the advantage of more scope magnification, if you are going to use it at ranges out to greater than 200 yards. I advise a 2.5-8X.

[@MalawiCallismo]

What do you think of a suppressor/silencer on a rifle for hunting gunblue? I enjoy your videos BTW, Norway here.

[@GunBlue490]

Well, they're not required here. In any legal hunting areas, sound of a firearm is certainly not an issue. I'd rather not carry extra weight. I love Norway. Have friends in Moss and have had wonderful visits there, especially OL94.

[@MalawiCallismo]

@@GunBlue490 Ok Thank you so much! I think I will bay a Howa Hogue .30-06 with a 2-12x50 Vector Continental scope.(1,5-9x42Vector Continental is an option) I bay it as a kind of a multipurpose rifle for large game. I also have a 22LR, 223 and a shotgun from before.

[@GunBlue490]

@@MalawiCallismo Sounds like a nice selection. God bless.

[@MalawiCallismo]

@@GunBlue490 Thank you. God bless you too! :) I will probably pick up hand loading I believe, and you really give so much good information about it(and other things). I really appreciate all the information you give. It is very good to learn from someone who is a real expert and as truthful as you to. Very good! :) God bless.

[@timothyhall1288]

More road noise than usual ?

[@GunBlue490]

My remote microphone was inoperative, requiring me to resort to the camera mic, which is omnidirectional, and picked up the state highway 300 yards away.

[@Calaveras32Spcl]

Guess my 22" 308 with a 3-9x40 isn't a horrible choice. Some good info here.

[@donweb9689]

I'm a new deer hunter , I was thinking of a Remington model 7 (stainless) 7MM08 and topped with a leupold vx3i 2-8x36 .... Does this sound like a good choice before I spend the money ?

[@GunBlue490]

I used one for many years. If you're a woods hunter, I'd get a lower power scope such as a 1-4 or 1.5-5 for better field of view. You'll still have plenty of power for long shots out to 275 yards or more. And it will match the compactness of the rifle. Good choice.

[@donweb9689]

Thank you , I hunt in Alberta so will do me well for whitetail and mule deer can't wait ,