My Deer Rifle

Today Jonny has a look over his main deer stalking rifle, a Merkel Helix RX in 30-06! What's your go-to stalking rifle?
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[@ronaldjohnson1474]

How refreshing to see & hear sbout your personal rifle. Driven game is not a thing in America, so straight pulls are uncommon. 30-06 is still king, regardless of what the media pushes. And, long-range shooting is what the computer-gamers think will make them all "snipers". I respect your choice!

[@Jay-Niner]

Fascinating. This gun is on my shortlist for a new .308 and after watching a professional talking about it as his personal choice of stalking rifle, I am pretty sure that it's not for me. It's so hard to come across genuine, unvarnished opinions on guns. Thanks for the actual review and for helping me strike this off my list!

[@jasonstone5987]

I live in the USA. My go to hunting rifles are the Remington 700 chambered in 243, 300 win mag and Winchester model 70 in 270. What i use, depends upon the game. All shoot half inch MOA with Hornady hunter performance ammo.

[@canflict2]

Had my Alpinist for about 5 years now. Watch for a split in the stock under the cheekpiece, mine started splitting the plastic on the screw side of the stock. I would also love some spacers for mine, i am a little over 2 meters tall, so i have to hold it a little awkwardly when shooting from a bench or prone.

[@tgsoutdoors]

About the same height as me - having 2” on the back is a game changer

[@canflict2]

@@tgsoutdoors Thanks! Will check a limbsaver or some other brand out to get some extra length on the stock.

[@januszkumala]

I am using the Mauser M12. I appreciate simple solutions. This rifle meets my requirements.

[@rogercorreia6292]

I have one in a 6.5 swede. It’s a great gun for the African bush, and the engineering is top class.

[@edysinsimon8646]

I do enjoy watching younger guys just ogling over their latest blah-blah-blah... Especially when it comes to their own personal rifles which is to be far, a reflection of their opinions and/or rational why they use it. I too used to be a fanboy of the 30-06 (still am) but in the latter 1970s I, as a younger man (early 20s) had the opportunity to shoot my friends dads .270 win. That was my realization of just how good this caliber is/was! Even today, several decades later I still consider the .270 caliber my "go-to" bolt action rifle for anything with 4 legs! I still love the 30-06 in its own right..But for me, personally..The .270 win is hard to beat! The kicker is...Ammo is not that hard to acquire!

[@scottcrawford3745]

You're in good company, there! Jack O'Connor made a career out of writing about the virtues and singing the praises of the .270 Winchester. At the time, and for nearly 70 years, it was the ONLY 270. Weatherby was next. Now there are many, including military interest, which is funny, considering that the .270 calibre was meant for military interests way back when it all started. Lovely cartridge. Have owned one in a Ruger No. 1 Single shot, which was spectacularly accurate, and I kept the reloading dies, because even after that rifle sold, I still have several friends who shoot it, and it is a sweetheart to load for.

[@HD-ph1dc]

I like your pick of a personal rifle very much. From what i have seen and read, they are fine rifles indeed. Have been thinking of buying one in 308 for myself. I do like your stock choice as I am not fond of the appearance of the speedster.

[@paulrogers7321]

Excellent boar rifle and great calibre.

[@megdye236]

That Merkle looks like a cracking all purpose hunting rifle. I have a Schultz and Larsen in 30-06. Sub 1/2 Moa precision and beautiful rifle. My only gripe is that it doesn’t have a de cocking lever.

[@DrBreezeAir]

I have two SAKOs in .223 and in .338 for small and large game. My friend tells me I’ll end up selling them and buying a Blaser with three barrels.

[@arildlien3911]

Tikka T3 Lite in .308 win:-)

[@danielmorris6584]

Same.

[@samuelfitzsimmons8907]

Thank very much for the video, watching across the ball in Australia! Love it

[@outdoordoug8588]

You would love to come to western America. Their are thousands upon thousands of acres of public land that you can do all the hunting you could ever want during the perspective seasons.

[@harrywalby1395]

Ordered my helix alpinist a month ago, so it's a well timed video from my perspective! Can't wait to get my hands on it.

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

I still like your Lee Speed .303 better. I love the classics, even if your Helix would be a more sensible choice. Nice rifle either way. Cheers!

[@tgsoutdoors]

The Lee speed is a beauty for sure, but this is for when I need meat 🥩

[@jerroldshelton9367]

@@tgsoutdoors Please forgive me as I let my "Inner Californian" out, but I am compelled to opine that your Lee-Speed is just so far beyond the "coolness scale" that words can't express how far beyond it is. "Beauty for sure" is a bit of an understatement. ;)

[@levischenk2668]

I shoot a .270 Winchester built on a Mauser action. I can shoot it accurately at 200 yards off hand and once put 4 shots into a tennis ball sized group at 450 yards. That being said, I've never killed a deer with it beyond 40 yards.

[@dominicjohnson8427]

I have a tikka in 243 with Swarovski optics and a t8 mod! And I’m prepared to say that my rig is equal or even better than you have there! Tbh it works for me and I’m sticking with it so if u want a top quality rifle n scope then go for tikka n Swarovski you can’t go wrong

[@tgsoutdoors]

Nothing wrong with being happy with your own setup! I have a few rifles, deer dislike them all, one is not better than the other.

[@Republikaner1944]

CIP vs SAAMI. It doesn't matter as long it can chew out Norma Oryx consistently.

[@jackb1888]

Nice video even better is that rifle and chambering good choice, what's your foxing rifle and caliber you use like to see a review on that, keep up the good work

[@pawelriken]

Great gun Mate. Lovely Cal 30-06 really do the job. But if I would have to pay 3+K I would always buy Blaser. Accuracy, start reloading your own ammo It does help a lot. Ps could you please make an episode regarding new rules and regulations after Brexit. What I mean exactly is how can we take our guns abroad now because European firearm pass do not work any more. Many thanks Best regards Pawel.

[@JLad_]

Absolutely great video. I've heard once that lever snapped off, but I didn't believe it. Guess they were right. Something I've been waiting to ask from someone who knows their gear and understands mechanics is this: Do you think that barrel locking system is going to stay thight years to come is one takes the barrel off 40-50 times a year, or is the action or some part of it going to get loose after hundreds of repeats for cleaning? How do you see it?

[@chrischiampo7647]

Didn’t Know You Could Own a Rifle in Europe Pretty Cool Rifle Johnny 😀

[@simonpowell2559]

You must of heard of deer stalking in Scotland. Wild Bore hunting all over Europe. You have some strange ideas over there.

[@chrischiampo7647]

@@simonpowell2559 I Need to Visit and Hunt in Scotland Then 😀

[@tgsoutdoors]

It’s pretty epic!

[@MrBenjaminoneill]

@@chrischiampo7647 that would be where deer stalking was pretty much invented

[@mechredd]

Straight pulls are rare here in the US. Most hunters here that want the Straight pull speed will use a lever action. There's also pump action rifles here but their popularity is fading quickly. Hunting laws are different in every state here in America, and some even change depending on what part if the state that you're in. I'm lucky enough to be able to hunt with a semiautomatic, so I use a Browning BAR in .270 win. I'd like to buy a Benelli R1 in .30-06 or .300 win mag, but the AR-10 in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor is so cheap and common that I'd probably get one of those.

[@stuartbingo]

Johnny's got a boom boom!

[@tgsoutdoors]

A boom Boom boom Boom...

[@mchughcb]

Merkel Helix makes a good shooting stick for my Blaser R93.

[@jonathanperkins5232]

Johnny you baller 😂

[@markwierzbicki5307]

The TGS comment "in 30-08" and Johnny say "this is ...in 30_06" oppss! As for the lusting, then regret, then liking to love of a rifle or car, how strange. I have never had that experience with either. But then I guess I am weird

[@tgsoutdoors]

Maybe, or maybe I am!

[@markwierzbicki5307]

@@tgsoutdoors I should have quantified my comment with “ no regrets” . If I lust after something, then get it, I never regret it. I may fall out of love with it but never regret it. Every bump in the road is part of the journey, and if you had missed that bump, you wouldn’t be on the same path. Whoa far too deep! To be fair it is more likely to be me that is weird

[@goranmekota7540]

Is there a legal distance limit in UK? There is nothing legal above 300m here, and dear is at 150, so the gun should cover every possible situation.

[@jonnycarterfan]

That straight pull sound should be flagged for x-rated content. Supremely enjoyable

[@boerinlondon]

Nice video and gun. Do you use factory ammo or home loads. What is your go to 3006 load for uk deer stalking?

[@amandacraddock5117]

I love to see a well used rifle, but £3k+ is a little steep for me!

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

My Deer gun is a 80's Remington Wingmaster trap 870 12 gauge with a rifled Hastings slug barrel, and iron sights. Rifles like yours are not legal for Deer in Illinois due to the fact that it is so flat, you can see the curvature of the earth.

[@TheDoctor46526]

Let's have some more stalking videos and why not some foxing / lamping !!!

[@baikal627]

If your a lefty get a blaser or a browning theres very good options if a company dont support me and my shooting style they dont get my money

[@NickCargillable]

"And this is not because I am a bitch." - Done. Best comment of the whole video.

[@NickCargillable]

Would also be interested in a video discussing "fussy MOA" - you phrase it well here but it does seema heavy rifle for general wildlife use in the UK

[@konradvesterberg7318]

is this still your deer rifle or have you gotten another one? If so cuold yo do another video on the knew one?

[@craigmcwill3763]

Hi Johnny, What a beautiful rifle!! Great video as always mate, really enjoy the more rifle orientated stuff 👍. What would be your recommendation for a mod for both a bit of target shooting and a bit of stalking? Appreciated mate, Craig

[@wholeNwon]

Savage 99 take-down in .250-3000.

[@mistergreene2]

So weird as an American hearing it pronounced "oh six" instead of "ought six"

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

We use both here in New England. oO

[@mistergreene2]

@@hillbillyscholar8126 well y'all are yankees you don't count lol.

[@jonatinturstin4932]

Why is it ought?

[@mistergreene2]

@@jonatinturstin4932 its just an antiquated way of saying zero. Its tradition mostly. Literally nobody uses it except to describe this cartridge.

[@hughtattersall7583]

@@mistergreene2 We have a road in the UK, A303, or, three ought three, as mum used to say.

[@marklobbett455]

The scope & set up is more important the rifle!-

[@whosyourmate8292]

Guarantee if you cleaned her out and removed all the detritus she'd start acting up 🤦‍♂️😂

[@TheReaper126]

It's easy to find hunting rifle (with licence of course) for hunting deer and other stuff like that or there's only shotguns avaible?

[@1salmotrutta]

Like that sling, where’s it from?

[@jeywey3577]

what do you think about the Sako 85 carbonwolf in 22-250 with the swarovski DS 5-25x52p . I ordert this set up to shoot deer with..?

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

Curious if you watch The Hunting Public or The Hunting Beast or The Ranch Fairy channels on KZbin? Would be a lot cooler if you did.

[@proudlyamerican2764]

Born and raised outdoors and hushin are good ones too!

[@prestonmonaghan499]

O would have expected a Mauser 98

[@sebathadah1559]

When does this come to the US?

[@davidissitt7718]

Bin the suppressor and your accuracy will improve

[@tgsoutdoors]

Doesn’t affect grouping at sensible hunting ranges from my experience

[@jonatinturstin4932]

How does this compare to a lithgow 102?

[@PtJudeRI]

Ok, for us Yanks, what's the regs on a silencer on your side? Really not seen here in the states, at least in the woods.

[@JHruby]

Europe has a much more sensible attitude towards suppressors in general. They are seen more as a safety device and of course using a suppressor attracts less attention from the skittish non-hunting public.

[@McBeagleHound]

They pretty much insist you have one when you apply for the gun.

[@jamesdeitch4163]

Jon, I use a Rigby Highlander in.275 as my red deer rifle I haven't ever seen you review it . I am left to wonder oft times that it is a bit dated with regard to the caliber, style and design so I am wondering if I should just step into the 21st century with something like a Sako S20 in 6.5 C. Your thoughts please

[@davidhughes9398]

James sorry I'm not Jon but can't help myself! That's a great rifle with soul and heritage and Great British pluck. As long as you can shoot accurately with it at normal stalking distances (100-200m) don't get sucked into a mass produced trendy rifle. Get one of those for Fox/vermin by all means but you have a piece of history there. Plus you can mod rifles so maybe replace the barrel and get another calibre? Get a new stock, if you must and are worried about rain. Get a new mod. Play about with bullet weights and even homeloads. But don't write off your crown jewels!

[@JHruby]

Don't buy the hype. Stepping down from the 275 Rigby/7 mm Mauser to a 6.5 mm gains you nothing at sensible ranges. The reality is that many shooters these days are in love with the idea of long range shooting. Most of them have no actual experience with long range shooting however. All the gear and no idea.

[@chrisfreeman4358]

@@JHruby I don't own a 6.5 yet but a lot of the doubters miss the point. I count myself as one of the many that dosen't enjoy recoil. The 6.5 cred is the most bullet you can send without a big recoil. Not a problem for many but a big problem for most of us if you want to practice and shoot accurately.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

If I had a Rigby Highlander in .275, I'd hunt the hell out of it for the rest of my life and never want for anything else as long as what I'm hunting can't hunt me back. I can safely say that there's nothing on the current market that I would rather have than what you've got.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

James Deitch: I want to expand a bit on my previous comment. You wrote: "I'm left to wonder oft times that it is a bit dated." I could look at the 28 gauge A y A No.2 that I have in my hands when chasing quail across the Arizona desert the same way, if I were so inclined. I'm not so inclined, though, because for what I use it for, there's nothing of more modern design that's "better" in any meaningful way, shape, or form. I'm rather more inclined to think that re-inventing the metaphorical wheel is futile when perfection was already achieved over a century ago. Your Rigby Highlander in .275 is, to my mind, ideally suited to the way I hunt deer. I walk a bit, stop and survey the surrounding countryside with field glasses a lot, walk a bit, survey the countryside again, and so on. No matter where in the U.S.A., Canada, or Africa I have been where I used that approach for game, some things are pretty common to the experience: 1) I cover a lot of ground; 2) My shooting distance is best measured in tens of yards or meters than hundreds of them, and: 3) I'm shooting from an unsupported, standing position, getting the one killing shot off as fast as I possibly can. Walking up deer, to me, is thus like walking up quail. I don't think it is an accident of happenstance and chance that every one of the few traditional Rigby magazine rifles I've been fortunate enough to touch has me drawing parallels between it and my A y A No.2 in terms of handling dynamics. It's got that "birdgun handling" for a reason; for people who hunt in such a way that quickly getting off a sure, certain shot is crucial. Your Highlander IS NOT "outdated" in terms of caliber. The .275 Rigby has sufficient velocity to allow for a point-black range well in excess of the distance game is historically shot at, but it isn't so high in initial velocity that it destroys too much of "the eating part" on game shot at dozens of yards rather than hundreds. I'd shoot Alaskan moose with a .275 Rigby and never feel "undergunned" doing it. I wouldn't feel "over-gunned" shooting roe while hunting with my Italian in-laws or shooting black-tail deer closer to home, either. It does its "thumping" where it counts, which is on the terminal end of the bullet's flight, but remains very kind to the shoulder of the shooter firing it. It's not just a "suitable" cartridge for deer-stalking. I'd say it's "bloody perfect." It's not outdated in terms of style, either. Mauser 98 rifle actions, like air-cooled Porsche 911s, don't ever go out of style. Rigby use this style of action because it is still the best available. It's not outdated in terms of design, either, IF you are the kind of sport whom, upon seeing a red deer 600 meters away, elects to make the remainder of the contest a test of your stalking skill, rather than a long range target-shooting contest. There is NOTHING outdated about your Highlander if you're the sort of sport who seeks something more out of your deerstalking than a mere meat-gathering expedition; the kind who believes that "There is the look of the thing; the aesthetics of the whole must be considered." I can say with an absolute certainty that there is not one single thing a SAKO S20 in 6.5 c. would do for me in hunting that I couldn't get done in the field with your Rigby Highlander in .275 and, in point of fact, for the way I hunt, and what I seek to get out of the experience of hunting, the rifle you've got would be as close to perfect as perfection gets. But then, I'm the sort who hunts, in part, as a mechanism for escaping from the 21st Century for a time and am thus somewhat less than keen on bringing it with me in the field. My "camo" is an orange and black plaid flannel shirt and a figured walnut stock. Forevermore shall it remain...... :)

[@matt302de]

What over and under under 2000 would you recommend that is available in the US

[@guy1234484]

Browning Citori

[@tgsoutdoors]

Seems a good suggestion to me

[@andybannon7680]

Which meopta is that?

[@edwardsheridan6874]

Why did you not get a r8

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

Word.... Probably spent all his lunch money on that nice custom shotgun.

[@noelwhyte9834]

Most be nice 🙂

[@tgsoutdoors]

Oh, it is

[@noelwhyte9834]

@@tgsoutdoors I've always wanted to go hunting but I don't know anyone that does

[@tgsoutdoors]

What country?

[@noelwhyte9834]

@@tgsoutdoors America

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

The world wide web is your oyster. Life's too short-Enjoy! After all, you are a public land owner💡

[@dylanlandry4996]

.22 hornet is the best round for deer hunting part of the beauty of hunting is to give thr animal a fair shot

[@proudlyamerican2764]

Your smoking something right? 22 nothing is best for dear hunting! 30-06 is a very good non magnum round for smaller game all the way to the biggest! .243 or .308 for youth to adult and any 30 cal one is comfortable and confident with is best for deer.

[@dylanlandry4996]

@@proudlyamerican2764 not if you aim in the right spot but id i told you where to aim id have to keel you lol Edit: not just any old .22 lr bud .22 hornet

[@dominicohea5624]

Looks like you have the sling. Wrong. Way. Round

[@ngirardo86]

Rust in the barrel just under the front of the scope...completely unnecessary..wipe your gun man take care of it and it will take care of you.

[@mattyallen3396]

Not a calibre I thought you would have

[@tgsoutdoors]

Too yobby?

[@mattyallen3396]

@@tgsoutdoors Old fashioned? I had you for a 6.5 creedmore

[@99037149]

Mmmmmmm..... I don't like it.