Day 57:

I'm trying to decide whether to use a scope, or iron signts, when (not if) I shoot that chipmunk raiding our bird feeder with my .500 A-Square.

The range will only be about 10-15 yards, but the brain shot on a chipmunk is a tough one.

Am I overthinking this?

Iron sights at that range of course.

Texas heart shot ...

video please.......

Michael, I am surprised at you. You know you should use, what I do on my 500, a Nikon Slughunter
You need a very precise shot with a 570grn TSX to take it down

Only one caliber is appropriate, 45/70.

The biggest caliber I had was a Ruger # One.

It was a 458 Winchester Magnum, and we converted it to a 460 Weatherby Magnum.

I loaded 550 cast bullets for it, and used it to shoot pigeons in our backyard!

And then we haven't even touched on bullets - soft or solid?

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
Day 57:

I'm trying to decide whether to use a scope, or iron signts, when (not if) I shoot that chipmunk raiding our bird feeder with my .500 A-Square.

The range will only be about 10-15 yards, but the brain shot on a chipmunk is a tough one.

Am I overthinking this?

Far to risky to use such a feeble caliber-
should you fail to stop the charge-

Well-

You Sir have obviously never been hand to hand in a death struggle with the saw-like teeth of the dreaded chipmunk

Put a blind at 5 yards and get yourself nice and steady.

Some tips regarding blind:

1. Put the ice chest in the furthest corner to the bait.

2. Pre-mix the Gin & Tonics.

3. Use plastic cups rather than glass.

4. Keep the music down to a minimum.

I hate to be the voice of caution here, but seriously consider frangible bullets in a situation like this. Over penetration can be an issue and you wouldn't want to hurt someone in the next state.

Scope, for sure. Just make sure they have QD mounts for the possibility of a follow up into the rhododendrons.

Although, shot placement being king and all, someone should be along shortly to tell you that a .177 pneumatic should be sufficient. Dismiss them, you don't need that kind of negativity in your life.

Use a solid to be safe....more stopping power in case a charge...

I was going to offer go skin it for you but if proper shot placement is used my guess you wont be needing me, possibly.

Just be sure to use gloves to gut and skin. Not for chronic wasting disease , but for bubonic plague .

Do you plan to make biltong? Are you going to have it mounted? You need to think these things through before you pull the trigger.
kh

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
Day 57:

that chipmunk raiding our bird feeder with my .500 A-Square.

I would be more concerned about how the chipmunk got hold of your rifle? And it seems like he has good taste in rifle cartridges?

Okay, I bought a book about this on Amazon. Perfect Shot - Small Game and Varmints of North America.

Here are the perfect shots for the dreaded Northeast chipmunk.



I think I'm going for the heart-lung shot. I don't want to ruin the head and shoulder mount.

I was in the blind today (actually the rear window of the guest bedroom on the second floor of my house). The front sight bead covered the entire chipmunk.

I think I am going with the scope.

If you use a six-o-clock hold you can fix that problem...

A solid in the shoulder for the first shot to anchor the beast. Once he's down, a soft in the vitals. I think we're all assuming your guide will have a double for backup in case things get dicey.

The death moan of a chippy is not for the faint of heart.

Thanks for the advice. But I have been advised that, for the sake of the neighbors, and to avoid sparking interest from the authorities, I should refrain from breaking out the heavy artillery.

I do have a .177 Aero Express, however.

Michael, I am thinking you are over thinking this.

Your query has moved on and you lost your edge, not to mention your chance at a wonderful trophy and the potential picture to flood the internet.

Now that face masks are required, how would we even recognize you in the trophy photo.

Have you research the record books to see where you need to set your standard to make a gold or silver trophy. taking a bronze trophy would leave members in shock, or your skills in judging a quality trophy.

Time put the books and papers down, get a fresh cup of coffee and put on your test best outfit and do a proper spot and stalk and putup some pictures.

To delay, a great stalk is like waisting a good breath of air. Now have at, get out of bed and get dressed an go for it.

I've been stalking this one for some time, but he never presents a safe shot.

Is that the rare albino variety?! Be careful. I have heard that the glare in the scope can be blinding!

Years ago used to hunt a lot around Sopchoppy Fla. Bunch of albino squirrels in that area, had never seen one before & haven't seen another since leaving there.

Well, we opened the pool this week, and yesterday the poor bastard drowned himself.

Day 72 of COVID-19 Lock Down.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
https://youtu.be/04jKmjReywQ

That is hilarious!

@ Mike, apparently chippie couldn't handle the lockdown, either. Probably better for the species.

You need to let him decide how he wants to die.......