After missing 5 or 6 in a row with the AR and thermal, took my old reliable M70 out for a sit. First had 2 hens stroll thru the pen, then a big beautiful gobbler in full strut--he was nice. Next was a calf, then the rest of the cows but I noticed some "short" black ones too. First I thought calves were laying down but picked up the binocs and took a look--two boars. Put on the ear muffs, got settled on the rest and waited for the cows to clear out. Took about 5-6 minutes before I had a clear shot and when the bigger one turned broadside I popped him. Down and flopping. Got stuff put away in the truck, drove to the feeder, hooked him to the tow rope and dragged him to the buzzard buffet. Calculated weight is 160 lbs.

Congrats! Not only did you get a boar, but you got the rarest kind (at least around here): a daylight boar!

That's a sweet-looking rifle, by the way.

Pigs must be moving! Way to go! I have noticed at the wife's place they are either at 2 AM or 7 AM very seldom before midnight!

Bobby—this pair of boars has been visiting the feeder around 8PM for a couple of weeks. I missed him last time with the AR/Thermal combo and that’s what made me decide to take the M70. I bought it many years ago from the gun shop that is on the same place I shot the hog. It has killed many pigs there and other places as well.

Pigs have been moving more and more. Numbers were way down following the Montana hunters who come down in Jan/Feb each year and spend all night just sneaking and peeking and killing hogs. They got 72 in 6 weeks this year—on about 4-5 different properties.

Your mention of the gun shop made me think of one that used to be located somewhat between your location and mine. It was called Javelina Gun Shop, and I bought several things from Wayne back then (in the 80s). Those country shops seem almost extinct nowadays.

Am glad the hog activity has picked up for you. I'm hoping things pick up over here. My Contenders are feeling neglected haha!

Bobby--I drove out to my Belmont property for a traffic check yesterday and although there has been zero traffic in the trap other than 'coons, there are a couple of boars that are getting regular at what I call the "shoot feeder" and I will be headed that direction Sunday or Monday for a sit.

The owner of the local shop retired and sent his FFL back to the government probably 8-10 years ago. His problem is the same businesses have today--can't get good reliable help at a price that is affordable.

Moved to PM.

quote:

Originally posted by dustoffer:
Bobby—this pair of boars has been visiting the feeder around 8PM for a couple of weeks. I missed him last time with the AR/Thermal combo and that’s what made me decide to take the M70. I bought it many years ago from the gun shop that is on the same place I shot the hog. It has killed many pigs there and other places as well.

Pigs have been moving more and more. Numbers were way down following the Montana hunters who come down in Jan/Feb each year and spend all night just sneaking and peeking and killing hogs. They got 72 in 6 weeks this year—on about 4-5 different properties.

quote:

Originally posted by dustoffer:
I will be headed that direction Sunday or Monday for a sit.

I hope both the weather and the hogs cooperate for you. If the forecast is right, Monday is going to be a scorcher. I'm already dreading these 100 degree days...

Went to friends' daughter's high school graduation tonight--2 hours in the stands with temps around 85. The 10-15 mph breeze made it bearable. Hog hunting does not involve a box blind so the breeze is a big help.

What's going on with your thermal and AR setup?

Are you getting repeatable groups?

I use a Pulsar Thermion 2 Pro XP50 and a POF Revolution .308, great setup. I regularly swap out a Trijicon 1-6x24 Credo HX and the Thermion on the same gun using Larue and ADM scope mounts. Repeat POI each and every time.

gsganzer--it has me wondering. I have even taken a target to the place where I have missed the hogs, shot it off the same rest and grouped 3 in 1.5" in the spot. Only thing I have been able to come up with is my trigger technique-jerking it instead of a steady squeeze.

I am going for another sit at a second place in the next week so I'll try it again.

quote:

Originally posted by dustoffer:
gsganzer--it has me wondering. I have even taken a target to the place where I have missed the hogs, shot it off the same rest and grouped 3 in 1.5" in the spot. Only thing I have been able to come up with is my trigger technique-jerking it instead of a steady squeeze.

I am going for another sit at a second place in the next week so I'll try it again.

This is very true on AR triggers. When I swap between my bolt rifles and my AR, the timing is off. Even though my POF has a good trigger, it's not on par with my tuned bolt actions.

The other thing is to concentrate on making that first shot count. I think it's easy to get the impression that with the AR and a full mag, you're going to be able to shoot a pile of pigs. So you end up subconsciously looking at the whole group, because you're already considering which one will be the second shot etc. I have to work to slow my mind down and first focus on the first one, then work on shooting the others.

I will stow your thoughts and hopefully remember them this week (if the hogs show).

And, even though it is an aftermarket 3.5lb trigger, it is no where near as crisp as the M70 by far.