Originally posted by A_C:

Quote:

---

I see no reason to own a rifle like the 600 OK if you aren't going to hunt with it!

---

No reason for you, maybe...but firearms are not just for hunting, they are also for shooting (and collecting, as pointed out above).



If someone wants to own a 600 OK just for blowing stuff up at the range, who can argue with that?? That's just good clean fun!!



Here are my "why's and wherefor's":



Personally, I like to hunt with all of my guns -- big, small and in-between. Some of them were built for special purpose though, like my lightweight stainless sheep rifle. I really don't want to lug my 10.5lb 470 Mbogo up and down mountains (especially on a multiday backpack trip), no matter how much bigger of a hole I could put in a sheep with it!!



My 470 Mbogo sees a limited amount of field use....mainly because I can't afford to hunt elephant every year (or even once for that matter). The plans are in place for it to thump a buffalo or two, just shy of two years from now. Hopefully it will get some action with moose, elk and/or bison in the meantime, however.



As much as the particular quarry for the day or the current conditions might influence my choice, I usually grab the rifle (or muzzleloader, or bow) that appeals to me the most that day. I might take my 220 Swift or 6.5 Gibbs out for coyote one day, and the 470 Mbogo out for the same purpose the very next day.



I just wish we were allowed to hunt with handguns in Canada...then ALL of my firearms would get a chance to go for a walk in the woods once in a while.



Cheers,

Canuck

Ron,

Quote:

---

Scotty is just trying to stir the pot, to belittle the hardiness of those who shoot the light recoiling .375's, .416's and .404's, the true hunters' bores. Bigger bores are backup "stoppers,"

---

Now why do you say that? Most of the .416s and 404s I have handled/used weighed in around 10 lbs. Not much difference between them and a 500, unless said 500 has had significant weight added. The recoil isn't a real issue for field use, at least in my opinion. That is the reason for my question, nothing more.

Quote:

---

took an offhand shot at a black bear 200 yards up a 45 degree slope, when back on the mainland before flying out ... I saw the dirt fly just inches above the back of the bear, but the windage was good, I just didn't allow for elevation hold-under on such a steep uphill shot

---

Tough shot Ron, impressive attempt! How long ago did you live in Alaska? Or am I misunderstanding you?

ASS_CLOWN

Rob,

Quote:

---

Pardon me, but exactly what is the problem with hunting with a Big Bore? You just have to try it once.-Rob

---

My QUESTION EXACTLY! To me anyway is seems very few of the true big bore shooters (bores of 0.475" and up) use their big bores for hunting purposes. They seem to opt instead for medium bores (.338 through .423). I am curious as to the whys and wherefores driving their decisions.

I see NO PROBLEM hunting with a big bore! Actually, I MUCH PREFER hunting with a big bore!!

Thanks for your comments too. I look forward to hearing about the performance of the 600 OK on buff and ele!!!

ASS_CLOWN

NONEII,

Now that is the SPIRIT! You seem to be in the minority here at AR though.

ASS_CLOWN

i say what ever floats your boat......

i like hunting with the big boys cause it damn fun and they do kill better with accurate shot placement.

a 375 is better in the right place than a 700 nitro in the ass but of course a 700 nitro in the right place is better than a 375 in the right place as well.

I carried my .458lott on my last hunt for buff. Next year I will most likely hunt elephant and I want to use my .470NE just because its a double and well there is some romance in the double on elephant, but since I will not be hunting plains game that trip I might bring the .600ok if it is done in time for my second elephant just to see.

I am of the belief they want to be hunted with I recently lost a biding war on a 1902 Jeffrey double with a very famous PH as its previous owner had I won that rifle I can assure you it would have gone to Africa although many would cringe at the though, it would be a shame to let something like that sit. I am happy the new owner is a hunter not a collector.

My next rifle "want" shall we say will be a .577NE and I will hunt with it because big is fun and we all "NEED" a charge stoper dont we

James F. Nixon III

There are several posters here with true big bores ie caliber .475 or larger. My question, why do all of you seem to hunt with lesser calibers, like .375 through .423 (medium bores)?

ASS_CLOWN

AC

I can shoot my .375 and hit a bird at 200 m if I can get into a comfortable position.
This is not the case with my .500 Jeffery
The recoil of the BIG bores is just too massive and this makes it almost impossible to achieve the accuracy that one can receive with a medium big bore.
Saeeds .375/.404 Jeffery is a good compromise - very accurate and big enough.


Cheers,

Andr�

your suposition is inaccurate.

we hunt with ALL our guns from time to time....

when you have more than one, you'll understand

jeffe