Shooting Jack O'Connor's 270

[@jeffp.Buff.]

I know this video is a couple of years old but I wanted to comment. As a young boy in the 70s, I would sit next to my grandfather’s chair and look at his hunting magazines. Lots of Jack O’Connor. Never once did my grandfather ever shew me out of his reading materials. I dreamed of hunting like the stories I read. Eventually after gaining some age my grandfather encouraged me to buy a 270 even though his rifle was the 30-06. I have taken deer and recently on a bear hunt in Maine I took a coyote. I miss my grandfather and I miss the old hunting publications with the articles from the trusted experienced experts. I love watching your videos Mr Spomer. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@gemsbokpan5062]

I read Jack O'Connor's articles and books as a young teenager. I once wrote him a letter asking his advice on bullets for whitetails. He wrote back to me. This illustrates the good character of this grand old guy.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

And what was his response? .243 Win.?

[@roblund8557]

Just to stop by and and see that rifle would be an honor. Ron you really raised the bar getting to fire that beautiful weapon. The father of the .270 Jack O'Connor.

[@imaginedmountains2311]

There is something magical about the pre 64 model 70s. My most cherished gun is my grandfather's model 70 in '06, made in 1937.

[@alexkalish8288]

I have Selby's 416 Rigby bought at an auction in Kenya over 40 years ago. Jack's 270 is certainly more well known.He was the 270 evangelist. That's a beautiful rifle-

[@DirtyBob200X]

Because of Jack the first rifle that I bought myself in 1983 was chambered in .270 WCF. I was 19. It is ,hands down my favorite. It's a SAKO A111. It currently wears a McMillan synthetic stock with my own color pattern. It wears a Zeiss 3-9 X 40mm scope mounted in Conetrol mounts. When I'm too old to move around I intend to pass it down to my granddaughter and becomes a family heirloom. Since IT IS my favorite, I've had my name engraved in the floorplate to show that beyond any doubt, it is my favorite. Favorite load is a a 130gr Nosler Partition, 62 grains H4831, Federal Match Primer in SAKO brass. Many Whitetail deer and one Fallow have been taken with this rifle, load combo.

[@Hammerback0]

That gentleman is very clever. Having video of Mr.Spomer shooting that rifle just increased its value and historical significance 10 fold. 😉 Mr. Spomer you bring so much great knowledge to this community. We appreciate u sir.

[@arniefn]

Brings back memories. I really enjoyed watching this. Watching you hold this rifle made me get my old .270 out of the safe and handle it. Thanks.

[@jerodTSI]

Awesome to go and grab something older out and remember how good they were back then.I tend to go for my model94 30-30.just something about how it feels and shoots.

[@Vikingocazar]

Memory lane!! Very cool!!

[@matrix5175]

I’m such a big Jack O’Connor fan and reading and studying many of the articles he wrote is what led me to ever start deer hunting as I didn’t grow up hunting anything but birds. I went and bought a 30-06 because I found a really good deal on it and knew even though O’Connor was a big .270 fan, he also touted the use and effectiveness of the ‘06 as well. Well I started shooting the 30-06 and after about 3 months, I just wasn’t in love with it. So I sold it and went and bought a Winchester model 70 in .270 Winchester and have loved the .270 and taken many game animals with it ever since. The .270 is still one of my favorite calibers and the older I get the more I understand why Jack loved it so much. It does everything you need with a high power rifle and does it without much recoil! There’s not a game animal in North America I wouldn’t hunt with a .270 and with the excellent bullets we have today it has just made the .270 that much better. Great video and what a privilege to get to shoot one of our nations hunting legends very own rifle.

[@davidderr2662]

I'm almost 62. Read a lot of Jack's articles. His opinions definitely shaped how I bought and modified my rifles and ammunitions and yes I am proudly a model 70 man because of his knowledge and opinions. You lucky dog Ron. Thanks for sharing.

[@Brandenuzis]

When I bought my model 70 supergrade maple this old hunter looked at me like in shock he told me to take care of it and showed me a picture of his model 70 that he’s had since he was 15, idk why he was shocked he was probably surprised a youngster even knows what a model70 is 😂

[@user-Alaskan7676]

@@Brandenuzis what caliber did u get it in ?

[@brucemattes5015]

Jack O'Connor was definitely my hunting idol growing up. I looked forward eagerly each month for his Editorial column in Outdoor Life Magazine, as well as any main article that he had written. Warren Page, at Field & Stream Magazine,was his rival, at least from a publishing point of view. O'Connor had the incredible fortune to be able to hunt all of North America, as well as parts of Central America, almost every year. He was also blessed with a wife that shared his passion for hunting just as much as he did. The good-natured rivalry between the .30-06 (Warren Page), the .270 Winchester (Jack O'Connor), and the 7×57 Mauser (Eleanor O'Connor) played out in the pages of Outdoor Life & Field &Stream magazines throughout my childhood.

[@1SeanBond]

Much appreciated Ron, what a beautiful 270 that was amazing to see Ty & Cheers

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@browngreen933]

Stockmaker Alvin Linden of Bryant, Wisconsin was a master craftsman. He was a great humorous guy too with a million witticisms. His letters were so entertaining that Stackpole convinced him to write 3 booklets on gunstock making from raw blanks. He was working on the 4th on checkering when he died right after WW2. The steel trap buttplate on that rifle was most likely made by Emil Kosholleck of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. They often collaborated. A Linden stocked rifle owned by Jack O'Connor is doubly valuable.

[@kennethbailey2616]

I had a Model 70 in .243 that my dad bought in 58 or 59. I gave it to my oldest grandson when he turned 17. I hope to see him shoot a deer with it someday. It accounted for a lot of deer and antelope in it’s lifetime. Thanks for the great video about a historic rifle. I’m 70 and grew up reading Jack’s articles in Outdoor Life.

[@greasydot]

That is so wonderful to be able to see something of Jack's but to actually own one, then get to go out and fling some lead out of it is an amazing treat. What a honor that is. Thanks for sharing this part of hunting history of a great writer and outdoorsman.

[@jk-kr8jt]

Ron, that was great. A storied rifle still being used. I really like that no gloves were worn during the film of this movie. Walnut and blue steel are very durable. What are treat/honor you had the pleasure of experience. Keep well. Cheers Jeff

[@paynectygardener2033]

Jack's writings drew my attention before I was a teenager decades ago and fortunately a Model 70 in 270 is the most accurate big game rifle in my safe. Bullet weights from 90 to 150 grains in most brands shoot very well with a 2-7X Redfield scope. Thank you Ron and friend for a great video!

[@brentanderson4304]

Now that's a piece of history I would definitely enjoy seeing and shooting. Reading stories of his hunts was a big influence to me buying my .270

[@anthonygraeber2338]

Learned so much and enjoyed everything we could get from Jack O'Connor. My father and I fell in love with .270s in mid 60s. A favorite ever since, evermore dependable.

[@hettro-cv6082]

One lucky man! Great story!

[@edeldridge36]

Man, this was an awesome episode! Big thanks to Dwight for giving you, and us, this opportunity!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

No doubt! Thanks Dwight.

[@ronlowney4700]

🤠 Now, I'm jealous! 😂 Don't burn down Lewiston, before I get to visit that Museum Ron! 🤕 I'm always to busy fishing to stop in and see it! 🐟 I need to get my priorities straight! 👨‍💼

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

That sure is a beauty! Wood&Steel .. i love it.

[@derektrusler2297]

Fabulous story Ron about Jack O’Connor love of hunting using the 270. Thrilled to see you shoot his original Winchester rifle that he had affectionately held. Appreciate the piece of modern history that’s still living long after Jack has gone. Great story.

[@TorLangvand]

Thanks for sharing, Ron. Good information too.

[@jasonbroom7147]

Oh my gosh...I can't imagine how cool that must have been! I've shot a 270 Winchester for 35 years and it's all because of the amazing writings of Jack O'Connor.

[@ferrucciomazzon1927]

I am too a fan of 270 Win, I hunted in Austria with a 33/40 Mauser rebarrelled in 270 Win ,the with a Steyr Mannlicher always in 270 with Rws cartridges H mantel. Now I use a Remington 700 that , with reloaded cartridges mounting Sierra 130 grains shots 15 millimeters groups a 200 meters With this cartridge I have shot abt.130 roebuck and 7 wildhogs weighing abt.180 Pounds each. The interiors of hogs are a mush !! Long live 270 Winchester!

[@wildcutterknives165]

This makes me happy

[@cervus-venator]

Thanks what a piece of hunting history. I was setting a new scope on a new rifle while watching this. I really enjoyed this. Thanks Ron!!

[@sheepdawg6946]

My favorite hunting rifle is a newer controlled round feed model 70 in .270 win. It is appropriately named, “Jack”. I am proud to say that rifle has taken multiple mule deer, antelope, elk, and even a moose. Love learning as much as I can about OConnor’s life and his rifles. Thanks for a great show.

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

I have both, pre-64 M70 and the newer m70 I got in the late ‘90’s early 2000’s. I will tell you, the new m70 gives up nothing to the old one! Both great rifles, both walnut & blue steel

[@jmfa57]

Amazing to think that Winchester could even make a sporting rifle during WWII. Wow, what a lovely rifle, an amazing piece of history. Bravo!

[@josephstabile9154]

Manufacture of sporting arms ceased from all the arms manufacturers shortly after Pearl Harbor. Sales were strictly subject to stock on hand. Ditto ammunition components. Sporting bullets, esp. In quantities that target & varmint shooters required, became so scarce that quite a cottage industry of bullet making (swaging) sprang up, using lead wire & spent .22LR casings--the copper ones, as many were at that time copper (e.g., Remington). So, Jack O'Connor's '1943' rifle actually falls under the 'pre-war M70' designation.

[@gizmocarr3093]

Nice to see a historic rifle with a great history still looking as good as this one is. 🙂

[@lockhackle2645]

As a man in my very early fifties and I really didn’t get into hunting until I was close to thirty years old… you could say I was a bit late to game. In my journey to learn and put into practice some of what I was learning I would hear of people places and things … Jack was one of those people and his rifles…I’m lucky enough to have come across a few of his books and I treasure them .

[@drocfox9771]

Can’t wait to see this. I’m a 270win guy.

[@kylecasetta4091]

Thanks for sharing that was a great piece of history and just a cool.

[@johnganshow5536]

One of these day's I will make it to Lewiston Idaho and visit the O'Connor museum. Bucket list...

[@mattokeefe691]

What an honour. As a .270 win fan…. Just so exciting

[@saxman7131]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@luvtahandload7692]

Great vid, guys! I love everything Jack O'Connor. In the still pic of the gun with the scabbard, I noticed Jack's grub box in the background. John Barsness had an interesting piece about that in Rifle Looney News. Nothing wrong with a 2.5 X scope on a hunting rifle. When sighting in, use an entire sheet of paper as the aim point. Can even put a 1" black border around it. Your eye will quarter the paper with the reticle very precisely. Thanks, Ron!

[@chadclayburg1410]

Great segment! Years ago I had the chance to talk a retired guy at a gun range in Washington state. I had just finished shooting a 3shot group when he sat down at the bench next to mine .We started talking about what type of gun I was using. I told him that I was using my beat up Remington 700 in 7mm.Then he pulled out a pre 64 Winchester Super Grade in 257 Roberts.He had a 2 and a half power Lyman Alaska scope. Just a work of art.

[@adrianbliss2200]

Wow….to be able to hold let alone shoot such a iconic piece of our woodsman history is truly a blessing. I can only imagine the stories that rifle holds in its wood. What a blessing you just experienced. Congratulations and cherish the moment.

[@m444ss]

o man, that'd be a treat!

[@mosin9105]

So cool! Big .270 fan here! What a treat!

[@DanielBoone337]

This would be insanely awesome to get to shoot one of Jack O'Connor's rifles... I can see why he had all the modifications done to it it's no different then today with us customizing firearms making a gun our own. Really cool brother!!!

[@josephstabile9154]

Ron, thanks! That was very special to see O'Connor's pre-war M70 in its Al Linden stock, and looking so pristine. The whole scope/rifle/stock combination is such an aesthetic. And yet so sleek and sturdy--I can easily visualize that working out of a scabbard. It appears that the combination quickly & easily comes up to the line of sight. The attention to detail is so evident: the choice of low, protective & sturdy scope mount that allows for the Alaskan's generous eye relief. The custom bolt alteration and the Tilden safety to work with the low scope. I have owned & used several Alaskans, and they're excellent, reliable & sturdy with sufficient brightness & clarity, esp. those made with coated lenses. Post & crossbar was the popular hunting reticle then, but I preferred cross hair with Lee dot. O'Connor's M70 was state of the art in 1943; under the same conditions, would make a fine hunting rifle today. Perhaps beauty is timeless....

[@theorangevestarmy4255]

Spectacular Man & Rifle, how American, thank you for sharing some of his legacy with us.

[@KarlHeckman]

What fun! One thing I've always loved about the old stockmakers is how trim those stocks feel in the hand. I have used a post and crosshair Lyman All- American in 2 1/2x for 30 years on a 35 Whelen. Certainly takes some getting used to. The tip of my post is 3 inches at 100. Thats useful for range estimation. Also, I sight it for the top of the post dead on at 100 yards holding like an iron front sight, dead on, the top plane of the post bisecting the target, the hole going in the center of the top plane of the post sight. For 200 yards, use the crosshair. At 300 put a bit of daylight under the crosswire. It takes some practice to get it right, use Redfield targets to figure it out. The small diamonds are 3 inches, same as the post tip at 100. Once used to it, I feel in no way handicapped by that scope. Beyond 300 yards it would be more challenging but everything I've killed has been under 250, except one antelope at 343. (with a different rifle)

[@beestoe993]

I could tell you were giddy about shooting it, lol. I am definitely a Jack fan. I still enjoy pulling out one of his books from time to time, he sure had a way with words. That's good stuff Ron! Makes me wonder what Jack would have to say about where the shooting sports have come to today.

[@barrettrickels5859]

Good stuff. Thanks Ron!

[@thefarm-]

What an honer. I feel privileged just to be able to see you fire it. Legendary beyond belief! Great content once again Ron. Appreciate it!

[@thefarm-]

*honor

[@joshuagibson2520]

I played a Hohner in grade school, but I'm not familiar with honer.

[@davidmackee8575]

Ron the look on your face is priceless when you first held that rifle I think mine would be the same beautiful rifle thanks for posting this Brilliant!!!

[@herbertsmith6416]

Another good video. Ron I love to hear you speak.

[@raleighthomas3079]

Great video, stunning rifle! Just to handle it, much less shoot it, wow, what an honor! I’m glad to be able to appreciate the history embodied in that beautiful Model 70. THE Rifleman’s Rifle to be sure! Thank you Ron, and Dwight, for that treat!

[@billhendon1017]

Wow ! That’s awesome!! Thanks for sharing mr Ron !!

[@BigT27295]

Great video. Thanks Ron & Dwight.

[@kareldebures7006]

I was taken off guard and not expecting such a piece of history before my eyes! Jack was a hero to me in my youth!

[@tylercarder581]

.270 will always be my favorite caliber.

[@edwardabrams4972]

I saw and handled that gun at one time and didn’t even know it was Jacks! Jack just couldn’t help making a great rifle even better! I have several pre 64 in the model 70 and model 94 and none of them handled like Jacks rifle!

[@joshsinglefooter]

Bruh!

[@sunnyztmoney]

Why are you lying, nobody believes yoy

[@ciro79]

What a beautiful rifle. I love classic hunting rifles with small 2-4x optics and wooden stocks, mechanical sights. They are beautiful

[@OnTheFritz602]

Wow, that is so awesome! Absolutely loved his writing and knowledge/perspective. I joined the Outdoor Life book club in 1981, and one of the books I picked was Jack's "The Hunter's Shooting Guide". After the first of many reads and references, I *had* to have a .270, and found a local gunsmith who was selling a custom Mauser in that cartridge. Ended up being a lifelong relationship with him, until his death. RIP Jerry.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Wow! I could always turn a phrase and I would love to have been able to do the hunting that Jack O’Connor did and wrote about. Because he could turn a better phrase. But I’m physically unable to do what he did. All I’ve ever been able to do is about 3 hunts in over 42 years. My time hunting people while in the military took a serious physical toll. Cest la vie! Jack took me hunting with him every time he wrote. I’m a better hunter now because of Ron Spomer! We’re peers in age. Mr. Spomer has taught me a lot, again because of his experience and ability to write. I haven’t hunted in 30 years. Not physically. But I’m convinced that I would be willing to try, if I can work out how to do it from my wheelchair.

[@chieffan92588]

Reach out to your state's DNR. They should have a disability season. I'm in a wheelchair myself, and we have a youth/disability season here in KS.

[@johncraig6413]

My father shot his last two deer from his wheelchair. Just get out there

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Reach out. Do a google search. There are many organizations and even some F&G agencies who should be able to help set you up for a hunt from your chair, Dr. Frog! Hope you can do it.

[@lyndonhamby7432]

Awesome hero 👍👍. .270. Hard to beat

[@PresMonroe]

Holding history in your hands ! Same feeling I have with my old WWII Garand…

[@sgtmajtrapp3391]

What a wonderful opportunity and in a extremely classic bit of hunting history.

[@mattmcclure9371]

Only Ron Spomer can make a 20+ minute video on shooting an "old fud rifle" and keep a person engaged,attentive, informed and dare I say elated for the duration. Thanks Ron, I learn something every single time I click "play".

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it, Matt. Thanks.

[@larrybassett5559]

Outstanding, what an honor and a treasure. Thanks very much for sharing this.

[@michaelmcatee221]

Unbelievable priceless piece of history!

[@stephenaldinger8350]

Wow! What a awesome experience!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Yes it was!

[@JohnnysSidebar]

Just pick up my second Pre-64 in 270. 1941 and 1948. Beautiful 🤩

[@bs431980]

Awesome piece of history

[@theblindsniper9130]

Now this was an amazing video. I truly wish my channel was big enough for me to have the resources to pull something like this off, absolutely legendary. Excellent job.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Sniper. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheQCollection]

Now that is a dream come true, to be able to handle & shoot one of Jack's wonderful rifles. Because of him I own two pre 64 featherweights a 30-06 & 308.. I love hunting with them & even if I don't get anything, it's just a joy to wander through the woods thinking of all the history these old guns carry with them through the generations. Cheers from your fans from 🇨🇦

[@bushleague3472]

Funny how using an old rifle like that can enhance one's enjoyment of the hunt. I have a Tikka that is fantastically accurate with a nearly perfect trigger. Somehow I never seem to enjoy a day in the woods quite as much when I'm carrying it, as when I have one of my old Husqvarna Mausers (the poor mans pre-64), or even my homely old Lee Enfield. New guns feel like a tool, the old ones feel like a companion.

[@TheQCollection]

​@@bushleague3472 I still take my sporterized lee enfield out for moose hunting every few years and it has never- not put meat in the freezer. This year I'll be taking my great grandfather's 303 savage 99 out for black bear.. need to stretch its legs. Yes I agree that the new rifles are fantastic, all mine are lovely to shoot and accurate as heck but I just love walking the woods with the antiques. Cheers & Happy Hunting

[@bushleague3472]

@@TheQCollection Yeah, mine was made in 1916, and in 2016 I killed a bull moose with it. Tracked in the snow to its bed, packed out on my back. Just like my great grandfather did it... great memory.

[@davidholliday2703]

What a treat. I got my model 70 in .270 back in 1975 in Spokane,WA. At that time, I had no idea of the history of the rifle.

[@timbow50]

One of the best calibers I have ever used. Highly versatile without a nasty recoil like 30/06 or the mean old 7 mm mag.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Thanks for sharing such a nice piece of history. That model in that caliber is an outstanding combination. Most of what I read of his was probably based on that particular rifle. I read a lot of his writing trying to decide if I wanted 270 or 30-06 for my wife. I advised her to get the 270 for recoil reasons. She did and she’s happy!

[@craiglacount89]

Bought a very nice Mdl. 70 (left handed) from Dwight, probably paid too much😉 but I love that gun. Really enjoyed talking with him and learning from him about so many guns, his knowledge of older vintage guns is incredible. Thanks Ron for this fine video and what an incredible experience that must have been.

[@mikelundrigan2285]

I,too, got a .270 because of Jack, love the caliber! Cool you got to examine and shoot Jack’s rifle!!

[@WayneOrr-h7v]

I grew up reading O’Connor in Outdoor Life and own several of his books. I remember seeing a hunting show where his son Bradford hunted antelope with one of his dad’s rifles and his dad’s handloads. I’m envious of Ron being able to fire a few shots from an O’Connor rifle.

[@roberti76]

Awesome classic rifle with an amazing story. Outstanding video.

[@HobbitHomes263]

jealous. deep dark green streaks of envy! when I was a kid my dad knew a couple guys at The Shooting Times when it was just starting up. They would talk for hours bout wild cats and Ackley and O'Conner. It was such a cool thing as a twelve year old be allowed to sit in and just listen to the hunting stories. many of those stories ibcluded the 270

[@ronaldsloan5235]

Wonderful and history packed video

[@minnajog]

I am lucky to own my version of the Jack rifle. My 1949 Winchester model 70 in .270 is topped off with a vintage Redfield Widefield (TV Screen) rear optic scope. I love that rifle and last deer season I took a 7-point Buck at 130 yards in the evening 5 minutes to 5 pm with just enough light in a gorgeous corn field in Nova Scotia Canada. A Great core hunting memory.

[@nomansland4811]

Pretty dang cool! Love the model 70.

[@cavemankris]

Lol that Fan boy giggle as Ron loads the rounds. Great vid mate love hearing about the history of rounds and rifles. And thanks to Dwight for be a caretaker and sharing this great part of the hunting heritage!

[@joelmcmahan7386]

A famous outdoor sportsman shooting another famous outdoorsman’s rifle. And one of the most well known rifles of all time. Thanks Ron for fun and informative outdoor adventures on film, magazine and now social media. Good hunting and safe travels to you and yours. 🎥💪🏽💯👍

[@zechnarwilliams8019]

I would love to own an old model 70 like that, let alone Jack's rifle! Very nice sir, I enjoyed it!

[@slomo1562]

Look at the history of this piece. It was owned and well used by the legendary Jack O'Connor. Now adding to its legacy one of my favorites, Ron Spomer, is handling and testing it.

[@tim1942]

Love this video Thanks Ron I love my mod 70 270 win

[@rebelbaron7003]

Wow,what a great video Ron. Cant even imagine holding Jacks rifle. Just like another fellow said,I went n got out my .270 Remington black n gray camouflage to hold it while you guys were going on. Damn....I wanna buy another .270

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Holy crap! Man.. this is going to be a great video!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@davidvalentine9392]

Ron, that must have felt like winning the lottery!!! To hold and fire a piece of Jack's legacy. That's an opportunity of a lifetime!!! Congrats!!!

[@justhavingfun0736]

Very cool thanks for sharing.

[@youngin881]

Long live the king 270 Winchester! I bet Jack was looking down from heaven with a big smile on his face watching y’all shoot his rifle.

[@davidfornkahl8374]

Great video! Thanks to your buddy for sharing that rifle. What an honor to be able to touch, let alone shoot one of O'Connors rifles. I collect old hunting- shooting magazines. I just love that era of O' Connor, Elmer Keith, Warren Page, Col. Charles Askins, etc. I can't stand looking at new magazines for the most part. Please have more videos about the past! Led Bowman was another great writer, the father of the 7mm Remington Magnum.

[@davidfornkahl8374]

Les Bowman

[@johnknouse8846]

Wow! That is COOL! I grew up reading my grandpas hunting mags, so I knew when I got my first real hunting rifle, it was gonna be in .270! Can’t believe how pristine it looked!

[@jimmiefarris4218]

Jack 0'Connor was a big influence on me as well. Thanks Ron for sharing.

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

A great piece of history...

[@russtuff]

That's an amazing experience.

[@tubbyshvfd9110]

Wow..just wow !

[@leonardjanda6181]

Classic absolutely classic ❤️

[@alphadogpredators]

Awesome ron 🍻