So: All the food plots are planted and we are only a short time until opening day of hunting season in Bama. I'm all sighted in and the RMK's are all sharpened-up and ready-to-roll!
What is "not" done is riggin' out all my "new toys", acquired over the past year since last year's season. (I'll try and get some photos up later..."BUT"...I was wondering what ya'll would
* Prefer
* Hope for
* Wish for
* Plan to acquire your own self
for your "R&R" rig. Your "Randall"/"Rifle" combo! ...and for what game?? (Multiple answers are, not only acceptable, but encouraged.
Let's hear from you.
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

Acquired Finn (King Charles Cavalier) Jan. 2020 and my 2020 XUV825m s4 acquired in May 2020.

Finn lives for Gator rides.

Our whitetail deer hunt here at my house is open until October 31, either sex. Saw a couple of bucks earlier, but now scarce. Lots of does, but not interested. My bull elk hunt starts November 8-30, and holding out for that. It's a black powder hunt. I have my old 2006 Kubota 900 UTV 3 cylinder diesel 4x4 that has hauled out many elk over the years. It gets 60 mpg, and all I've ever done besides regular maintenance, is add a new battery and tires. Not fast, only goes 27 mph, but when hunting off it, that's plenty fast. I haven't decided which Randall model I'm using on the elk hunt. Down to the 19 or 5-6. They are both virgins, so which one would you pick?

Pap

Squirrel season opened early September and goes on until end of February.

Favorite piece is my old Savage Model 24 22LR/410 O/U with a Randall old Model 8.

A back up piece in case a coyote gets too close is a North American Arms Black Widow in 22 mag.

Wayne

I always wanted a Savage 24 in 222/20ga, but never found one for sale.

Pap

I love the opportunity to tell a story so thanks Pap. I bought my Savage .222/20 gauge 44 years ago, in the woods, in VA spring Gobbler season. I was in the middle of a 14 day backpacking-hunting, trout fishing expedition with my life long hunting pard (first met at age 14). VA Spring Gobbler season then was daylight till noon Mon.-Sat. so to make full days we changed from guns & cammo into hip waders and ultra light spinning rigs until back to the campfire time. VA weather in mid April has ranged from 75 & hot sunny to 18 & snowing sideways, so always packed for both.
Anyway, on a beautiful, sunny day when the Gobblers were jarring the ground with fighting talk I’d heard another hunter shoot 4 times. Ran into him at midday lunch time sitting on a buck trail in a saddle on top of a mountain and looking mad. Seems he’d called up “biggest gobblers he’d ever seen” 4 times. Missed 4 times.....with this “brand new sorriest gun he’d ever owned.” And when he “got down off that mountain he was going to sell it at a loss just to get rid of it.”
Kept talking and he said he’d give it away right there for $100.00. I always carry my “mad money”, peeled off a crisp one and the deal was done.
Since then I’ve taken many, many turkeys, fox squirrels, bobcats and coyotes with it. My son took his first two Gobblers with .222 head shots & it’ll go to him “someday”.
Yep. A great gun.....with a pretty good story.

Great story Duke, and a great buy too.

Pap

Certainly a great story, Duke.
Thanks for sharing.
Walker

Duke,
That,indeed was very nice. For turkeys,did you handload down the 222??

Savage had made a number of great combinations with the Model 24,sorry they discontinued the line.

I just got in rom the squirrel woods. Every Oct.27th,when possible I go hunting to celebrate Theodore Roosevelt's birthday.

There were more squirrels in my front yard.......

Wayne

Yep,.....seeing 6 squirrels off my deck chasing each other through the trees. Just kinda takes the thrill outa that hunt. Unless I had a young’un to teach.
Platters full of fried squirrel on Saturday morning or my mom’s squirrel & dumplings for Sunday lunch were truly a treat when I was growing up. Right up there with canned salmon, jack mackerel and salt fish fish cakes. I never saw it happen but heard some men licked the big squirrel/dumpling pot clean whenever she took it to the dinner on the ground Sunday’s.
I’ll never forget when my city cousins & their mama came to visit for a week one summer & mama always cooked her best, of course, The two girl cousins both said “what’s that?” When I passed the big platter to them first and proudly told them they could each have a head, my & grandpa’s favorite part for the brain of course. One said “like we see playing in Byrd Park?” And the other ran from the table crying. Boy-O, did Aunt Sandy give them a bit of whipping.
Anyway I’ve always and only shot my own hand loads in almost every hunting rifle. The .222 will shoot better than I can and I’ve not changed the load in over 25 years. A 50gr. Spitzer(Speer or Sierra) over 25.7gr of 748. I will shoot low back on a turkey at 125 with great confidence; 100 yard head shots. One of the two gobblers my 14 year old called in and shot was a 37 step neck shot....thin little piece of skin keeping the head and body together. The only turkey I’ve ever seen shot and not move, no flapping at all. Nothing.
Asked him why he aimed there and he said “it was all I could still hold on and I was afraid he was going to bust.” Well, okay then.
And I sware I thought Savage started making them again. At about $500.00. I see the older ones at auctions sometimes for $4-500.00 . Always think of my old $100.00 gun.

I’ve got a Stevens Model 24 in .22/.410. It belonged to my GrandPapa. He bought sometime in the 1940s so he could shoot rabbits in his garden from his front porch. I’ve killed a bunch of rabbits and squirrels with it as a kid.

My Uncle Paul had it next after Papa died. It was promised to me next but my cousin-in-Law took it when Uncle Paul died. I drove from East Texas to North Carolina to buy it back from him for $125.

Not quite as good of a deal as Duke got but I’m sure glad I got it !!! Every time I hold it, it reminds me of Papa teaching me to shoot it, how to whistle, how to cast a rod & reel, etc.

Coach & Duke,

It always amazes me of the history of a family firearm.

My first (I still have it) was a Mossberg Model 183K bolt action 410.

Always seems that there was a Savage Model 24 of some sort with a family/friend/neighbor or acquaintance.

I remember some having the plastic/tenite stock and fore end.

Wayne

OK...
Rifles & Randalls. For my guests I provide them with a Ruger American bolt-action in 6.5 Creedmore with optics being a Leupold 3-9X Fire Dot. If they do not have (and it is amazing how many do not) a decent hunting knife, I hand them my RMK Model #26-4", carbon steel and stag handle! I'll try and post some photos soon.
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

Capt, sounds like you are setting them up for success equipment wise for sure.
Walker

Vouch for that,I can!
100%

Ram, Good to see you online. Now just between us and the fence post, did the Good Capt put you on a deer?
Walker

Fence Post here!
I, too, would like to know about the deer the Capt. guided you to.

Funny you post that. Wife 1.0 was from "stone post country."

I got my "15 minutes of fame" when a photog caught me doing a demonstration on how to harvest posts from that layer of limestone they call "postrock."



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fencepost_limestone

Old beaver tail. When I first went west from Louisiana Tech forestry Department the summer of 1965, I worked for the Forest Service as a lookout tower observer. Before we were placed on the tower, we had to go to fire school, learn about fire behavior, and just learn what took to be in isolation for 9 weeks. Before we took the hike to our respective lookout towers, we did chores around the Ranger station. Two guys were detailed to take some concrete fench posts and dump them at prescribed locations. As the two fellow heaved the very heavy concrete fence post in the back of a pickup, one fellow lost his grip and it fell on his pee pee. Anytime you have an accident in the federal government, you must fill out an accident form, in triplicate. The secretaries thought that was hilarious and sent a copy to the Supervisor's office in Missoula, Montana. Whenever they talked about that fellow, his nickname was Beaver tail.

Pap

I drive I-70 through Kansas to go to the Tulsa Arms Show and always like seeing the limestone posts and the Cathedral of the Plains in Victoria, KS.

Pappy
We had a ycc worker get his hand mashed by a concrete picnic table top. No gloves. We were talked to about him not wearing gloves!
Walker

All interesting. Totally off-topic...but interesting. Has nobody a Rifle/Randall combo?
Best, Capt. Chris

Rifle: Remington 7400 in 30.06, Leupold Vari X III. 3.5x10

Randall: 19-4 (preferred), 11-3, #23

Rifle:
Remington 700 in.308 Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 FireDot 30mm.

Knife:
Randall #20 and #4-5"

Ken Lambert
RKCC CM-020 RKS #3610
NRA Benefactor
FOP

Colt Sauer 30-06 S & B scope

Randall 25-5 stag with waxed pouch sheath

Whitetail

Tom Flynn

Tika T3 270 WSM 130gr Federal. Randall mod 25

1917 Enfield sporterized and converted to 358 Norma Magnum by P.O.Ackley back in the early 70s.

Lyman peep sights, Randall Model 26

Wayne

So, are we just listing “stuff”? I think I’ll just list the most outrageously expensive rifle and Randall imaginable. Pictures.....gotta’ be SHOW & tell.

I remember quite well taking these pics while packing the truck to go on a two week mobile, rolling camp hunt during VA’s early muzzle loading season. A wonderful time to be in the woods. BUT, of course, when isn’t? This is my TC 50 cal. Hawken and my #8-Old Style, bought from Perry and my GTR with green tenite from the Forum’s “Just Squirreling Around” Build. I was trying to decide which to take. Took both plus my Buck Skinner and 54 year old Case Stockman for the initial sex/scent gland removal; to not taint the meat......just like my grandpa taught me.
More coming,.....I hope.

Duke,
I can't answer for others..."BUT"...as for GCTom & myself, we walk-the-walk. I had a marathon trade with Tom and acquired a muzzleloader worth, with all accessories and optics, $10K!
Here's a couple of rigs that I just shot (photographically) and, as time permits, I'll get to more. After all, I cannot ask members to participate and show photos without doing so myself.
1st one up: The "Guest Rifle/Randall" mentioned earlier. Just this past year I had the Pathfinder re-finished and, of course, the shop did an excellent job. It has a compass also...
* Rifle: Ruger "American"
* Caliber: 6.5 Creedmore
* Optics: Leupold VX"R" 3-9x42mm with Fire Dot
* Randall: Model #26-4", Pathfinder
* Carbon steel blade
* Thumb notches
* Brass hilt
* Shop-supplied "Killa' Stag" handle
* Wrist thong
* Compass
* ET1- Name etching
* Sheath: Greg Gutcher (Sullivans) custom "Hi-Ride" with green ostrich knee exotic that I supplied
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

These shots (photos) are of my brush, 4-wheeler rig. Being as I didn't want it too long, what with getting in & out the scooter, I had Col. Chandler charge SSGT. Bruce Koker (USMS 2112 RTE Armorer) with the task of making me this "Carbine". (It still shoots a long ways!
Best, Capt. Chris

* Rifle: USMC M-40 A-1, Chandler Carbine
* Caliner: 7.62mm NATO (308 Winchester)
* Action: Remington 700 (short)
* Trigger: Full-blown Timney
* Barrel: Stainless HART, with aluminum-Oxide coatings
* Stock: McMillan M-40, A-1 Camo
* Devcon-Titanium bedded
* Iron Brigade Armory Base
* Optics: Fuginon 3.5-10x50mm... with BDC
* Randall
* Model #3-5", HUNTER
* Carbon steel
* Thumb notches
* Shop supplied amber "popcorn" stag!
* Compass
* ET1- Name etching
* Sheath: Model A with waxed leather and large "drain" holt

Very nice stuff Cap!!!

Pap

Hey Cap , just said what I was going to do...& besides I’m a visual kinda’ guy and wanted to see some pics. Looks like I provided some motivation though and appreciate ya’ asking “others to post”.
Your pics. are great....as usual.

For long range (& "NICE" days) I love shooting this guy! How about the rest of ya'? What's your favorite?
Best, Capt. Chris

* Rifle: Styer ST/LR (Long Range)
* Caliber 308 Win.
* Hammer-forged 26.5" heavy barrel
* Target crowned
* Stippled walnut stock (A-3 style)
* Sleletonized forearm
* Butterfly bolt
* Steyr bases and rings
* Optics: Kahles (Also Austrain) 3-12x50mm, with side focus
* Randall: Model #25-5", TRAPPER
* Carbon steel
* Thumb notches
* N-25 handle
* RMK "shop-supplied" stag center!
* Duralumin butt cap (rounded)
* Wrist thong
* ET1: Blade etching
* Pouch-styled sheath (Brown, nylon-stitched)

Way to go Cap' love the 308!

Tom Flynn

Lightweight take-down lever-action .308 with Leupold ‘scope; Randall #23 carbon steel Gamemaster.

My favorite hunting gear. Do not have a pic of my 06 but looks very similar to the 375 H & H in the photo with my 25-5.

Happy hunting men!

Tom Flynn

I just pressed the "like" button on all the above.

Pap

I just pressed the "like" button on all the above.

Pap

Thanks Pappy,
I "always" like Tom's "stuff"! Here's one of my tandem pair of 30-06's. Companioned with my RMK Model #5-5". Details below...
Rifle: Hill Country custom 30-06 Springfield
* Action: Remington 700 long action
* Barrel: Lilja, 6-groove match
* Trigger: Jewell
* Stock: McMillan M-40/A1
* Devcon titanium bedded
* Winter cap installed on barrel (Don't like muzzle breaks/too loud)
* Mts. & Rings: Conetrol
* Optics: Fuginon 3.5-10x50mm, with BDC
Knife: Randall Model #5-5"
* Carbon steel
* Thumb notches
* Brass hilt
* RMK shop-supplied amber stag
* Compass
* ET1- Name etching
* Sheath: Model "A", waxed, with large drain hole

I just pressed it too !!!


PS. I can tell that the Capt. is getn’ FIRED UP !!!

Coach,
Yeah: "Fired" up...indeed! Here's my other 30-06 hunting rig. I have a theory...(Yes: I am capable of theories)...as follows:
Notice 2-308's and 2-30-06's. I have been fortunate enough to travel many places, hunting and (obviously) fishing as well. "Pairs" have always been a justified and, indeed, a "needed" pleasure.
In fishing, especially in IGFA tournaments, you are judged under fishing "line" maximum restrictions. A "20 pound tournament", for example require that your fishing line must "break" at 20 lbs. or less on the IGFA scales. Trolling for, let's say, "sailfish" means all equipment fished must be outfitted with 20lb "tournament" line."Pairs" of rigs are the norm, at times even "5" rigs, all the same.
If I go to, let's say to, Alomogorda, N.M. on a hunt, I take 2 rifles, matched one of 2 ways, either by caliber or action-style. I have 2 308's...2 30-06's but I also have 2 custom Rem. #700's with identical scopes, length of pull, trigger weight and stock configurations. If something should happen to one rifle...say: A tumble off a horse, I'm still in the game to hunt!
Below is my Steyr, "SBS" Bolt-action, in 30-06, Sprfld. as follows:
Rifle: Steyr SBS (Safe-Bolt-System) bolt action
* Caliber: 30-06 Springfield
* Finish: Stainless steel (all weather)
* Stock: Factory Steyr- Synthetic Camo
* Mts. & rings- Leupold
* Optics- Zeiss "C" series- 6.5-20x50mm
* Options- Target turrets, Mildot/ranging reticle
* Knife: Randall Model #4-4 1/2"
* Carbon blade
* Thumb notches
* Brass hilt
* Shop-supplied sambar stag (popcorn)
* Compass
* ET1: Name etching
* Sheaths: Std. tan Model "B" "plus" Gutcher custom, copper riveted throat, pouch-style

Another "Like" button punched!
I sure would like to see the shop have the pouch sheath available on single hilt knives. I think it would be very popular.

Pap

Same here!

Very nice rigs, Capt !!!

I’m still shooting my 30.06 (old habits are hard to break), but I’m liking my .308 better every time I shoot it. (Seekins sp10) Leupold Vari X III 3.5 x10 x 50mm on both.

It is my hog gun. I can empty a 10rd magazine into a 2” circle at 100 yds if I take my time. We don’t get many shots over 100 yds. here in East Texas.

When I used to go to South Texas to hunt, (young, single, no kids, independent, better lookin’ some say, etc.), I used a Ruger Model 77 also in 30.06 & Leupold 3.5x10 x 50mm. In those days, I used a Buck model 10 to field dress and two Green River butcher knives to skin and quarter.

I also used to take my Remington model 1100 and bring back 100 or so Bobwhite Quail.

You got some some nice stuff, Capt. I sure enjoy looking at it. Thanks for posting!!!

Good thing we know a couple of folks that can satisfy that need.

Of all of the guns in different calibers that I own there is nothing like the distinct "crack" sound a 30 06 makes when fired. My first caliber and my best caliber.

I am very impressed with the result of using Ozonics in my blind. I am in between two bedding areas where the deer pour into the field in front of my blind. No matter what direction or swirl that the wind takes I go pretty much undetected. You cannot keep it on the whole time. I regulate it by putting it on for 10 minutes and off for 20-30 minute stretches. I keep a window opened a crack. As soon as I see a deer I will close the window and turn on the Ozonics. My stand could not exist where it is without Ozonics.

Tom Flynn

Tom,
I own "4" 06's and totally agree with you. We live in a shooter's world nowadays where "new caliber of the day" seems to have taken over a good bit. Many many times, a great deal of these newbie's hype is to say it is comparable to...or in the same class as 30-06. So...Why not just buy a 30-06?!
Ragged hole, 100 yard groups are the norm with my bolt guns in all calibers I own. 30-03 Springfield will kill deer at (over) 600 yards and shoot straight. My longest kill shot (& there are guys on my lease that have shot deer much farther) is 680!
What more could you ask for?
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris
PS: So far as "scent" goes, that is one problem when you're shooting long distance that doesn't exist...CCS

Capt,
I agree with you.

Most,if not all "new" cartridges are compared to the '06.

Then,why bother and just get an '06?

Tons of factory loads for it and an endless list of handloads for it as well.

The '06 cartridge case has been the "father" of numerous other cartridges such as the 35 Whelen,25-'06 which later became factory rounds.

Wayne

Nice shooting Cap!!!

Tom Flynn

Cap, Just wondering if you've put a round down range with that nice Browning BAR in 06 yet.

Remington M700, .243, bull barrel, Bell and Carlson stock, Vortex PST 5-25 X 50 with MOA. Action has been bedded and metal is cerakoted.
Gun will shoot 1 MOA at 300 if I do my part. I only use it to shoot coyotes and paper.

I carry my RMK 5-4 in case I need to do hand to paw or hand to paper combat. Actually I will probably use it to cut my sandwich or a piece of cheese.

I have a similar gun (no bull barrel) in 30-06, but I don’t hunt deer anymore. It collects dust in the safe!

I was given a "sweet deal" on a dead-ass-mint BAR, Grade II in 30-06 by Brother Billy but, alas: I have not scoped it yet...
...Sigh...Capt. Chris

When I hunted Louisiana, I had Browning BAR in 30-06 with a Redfield 2-7 Widefield, and it was a great combo.

Pap

Rod,

243 gets it done; keep shooting them Coyotes they drop 6-7 pups in a litter.

Tom Flynn

Pappy I had one of the Redfield 2-7 widefield it served me well for many years. I still have it but it now needs repair.

Thanks Tom

I would be out there right now chasing them, but it is deer season where I live. A friend has a bunch of coyotes on his property that we will attend to after deer season.

I have a small ranch property about an hour from my hacienda that we use for hunting. This is my Polaris Ranger with my hunting load out for last season. The rifle is a Remington 700 in .30-06. The handgun is a Ruger GP100 in .357 magnum and the knife is a Model 26 that I got from the Capt. a few years ago.



I am heading out there this weekend for deer. I’ll post a pick of what gear I’m using when I get out there:)

..."&"...you're a "port-sider"! Good talkin' RMK's and New Mexico hunting with you today Mick!
Good luck, Capt. Chris

BTW Mick:
I'm on the lookout for a left-handed #700, either complete or an action. Abigail (my Grandaughter) is wired backwards also!
Best, Capt. Chris

Mick,

Great Rig and great tools there.

Happy hunting!

Tom Flynn

I’ll keep my eyes open Capt.!

Capt...I saw a left hand Remington action on the Buds site a couple weeks ago...

:-)Rocky

Bud's Site?

Probably here Cap: Hickok on YT talks about them all the time..
https://www.budsgunshop.com/

yep the "Buds gun store" site
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info...stainless+steel
short action...
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/2382/remington+action+700+la+carbon
magnum action
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/24218/remington+700+left+hand+receiver+l%2fa+magnum
:-)Rocky

Well, guess everybody’s in the woods. My lovely spouse has never wanted me to hunt on Sunday, or work, or anything not focused on R&R, spiritual, family &/or her......and one of my smarter moves has been I’ve never argued. Of course she’s made it pretty easy as her request list leaves a whole lot that’s all 100% positive, pleasurable & fun.
So, have time to post these Rem. model 700’s, a SS 7mm-08 and a 30-06 that completely spoiled me. Both have been dead-on for decades but I’d never missed, & with one shot kills only with my ‘06....until I did. And both my teenage son and I were so shocked we didn’t/couldn’t speak. I mean a 175 yard big coyote......& he just ran off!!
It’s kinda’ funny now but I’m certain I expected the rifle to take him by itself. I’m certain nobody else here has ever done anything similar, but I at least learned that lesson. Eighteen whitetails, 27 coyotes, two gobblers over 40+ years doesn’t mean “it won’t miss”; it just feels like it.
So, along with those two is a much hunted & enjoyed S&W 629 and a Sportsman’s Bowie and a Behring Build knife I’m hoping to bloody soon. AND a pic of some of my favorite hunting hand loads I’m thinking y’all will recognize.

Duke
I packed a Smith 29 4", 44mag for many years here in Idaho with grizzly bears all over, plus a huge increase in mountain lions and wolves. I sold my Smith 29 and bought a Glock 20SF in 10mm, 15+1 180gr, and a Diamond D guide chest holster with extra mag. I feel much safer with that than getting maybe 2 shots off with a wheel gun. Big fan of the 06 and 7mm-08. I think I mentioned that one of my old Idaho hunters, used a 22-250 for all his big game hunting, all head shots at 200 yards or less.

Pap

Thanks for the comments Pap. I have the same, pretty much stock, Glock, Pappy including red dot. I really like it too and have killed two does with it. Both were inside 50 yds. and went down just as hard as with the 44. Shoot my own loads in everything thank God as all the prices are outta’ sight! Use similar chest rigs as you to carry both but just like a rifle when doing slow walk/stalks through the mountains.....the gun is in your hands. I do love my 44 Mags though and have carried hunting for decades my Ruger flat top, Marlin lever action or Ruger carbine (original).
The ammo pictured above are my loads in (l-r) 30-06; 7mm-08; 45-70; 300 Whisper; .223 & 44 Mag.

Thing is, for us out in Grizzly county, a charging bear, you might get 2 shots off with a single shot Rugar and 3 shots off with a Smith double action, and 8 or 10 shots with a Glock 20SF 10mm. There's even a few dead,grizzly bears that died from Glock 19 9mm. Firepower rules.


Pap

Duke,

That is very smart not going against the wife. I found over the years there are two phrases that you can use to win any argument with your better half;
1- Yes Dear
2- I'm sorry

Nice 629 you have there.

My favorite 44 mag is my Ruger Alaskan.

Wayne

There's also the marriage-saving "you were right."

This year I went with a Ruger Predator rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor, a Glock 20 and my Randall Model 5-4 that I got from the Capt. back a few years ago.

No luck on the hunt, I saw only spike bucks and does, but I really enjoyed the time outdoors.

Nice setup. I have a Glock Model 20SF that I carry in the woods too. Hunting camp is no matter the outcome. Great picture too.

Pap

Mic,
Nice outfit you have there.

My squirrel woods outfit consists of an Old Style Randall Model 8,Benjamin Discovery PCP 22 and a Charter lightweight hammerless snubby.

Wayne