So I've narrowed my choice down to either the Browning A-bolt micro hunter in .308 or the Remington Model 799 in 7.62X39. I'm choosing between these two rifles because of the length of each (39.5 inches). I won't be shooting anything other than Whitetails or black bears with either. What do y'all think between these two choices. Also anyone care to weigh in on the T/C Icon. Thanks.
Tough choice
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shooting the occasional black bear in New Hampshire. I know the remington shooting the AK round is no good for bear, I'm just enamored with short rifles. The two I'm talking about are the only rifles in modern production I can find that compare to the size of my father's 742 carbine and M77, both of which are sub 39". Although I haven't looked to hard. Maybe I should get off the kick of buying something off the shelf.
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I would pick the .308 caliber hands down. The range of even factory available ammo is pretty vast and you can easily cover anything from woodchucks with 125 grain bullets to larger black bears with 180's. I live in the upper North East as well (upper- upper, like 15 minutes from Canada upper) and the bears up here rarely break 350-400 and those are the big ones. More average is mid to high 200 pound range.
If you are stuck on a compact rifle, you might check out Rugers M77 Frontier which measures less than 36" AOL. It's short as short can be and available in .308, and accepts a scope mount forward of the action in a "scout" type configuration or a traditional over action mount. There is the M77 Compact as well which is lighter than the Frontier. Remington's model 7 in .308 is just a hair over 39" I think.
If you are stuck on a compact rifle, you might check out Rugers M77 Frontier which measures less than 36" AOL. It's short as short can be and available in .308, and accepts a scope mount forward of the action in a "scout" type configuration or a traditional over action mount. There is the M77 Compact as well which is lighter than the Frontier. Remington's model 7 in .308 is just a hair over 39" I think.
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T/C
I have not had the opportunity to shoot the T/C Icon, although, I do shoot the T/C Encore. One gun over 90 different calibers. I have sold some of my other long guns and bought different barrels for the Encore. My latest purchase was a 15" pistol barrel chambered in .308. I don't think you can go wrong with any firearm from T/C and I'm looking forward to shooting an Icon. If there is anyone shooting an Icon, I would like to know how they like it. Thanks, Hunter Joe
I have not had the opportunity to shoot the T/C Icon, although, I do shoot the T/C Encore. One gun over 90 different calibers. I have sold some of my other long guns and bought different barrels for the Encore. My latest purchase was a 15" pistol barrel chambered in .308. I don't think you can go wrong with any firearm from T/C and I'm looking forward to shooting an Icon. If there is anyone shooting an Icon, I would like to know how they like it. Thanks, Hunter Joe
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This is just MY opinion ONLY but I would choose the Browning A-bolt without hesitation. There's so many features I like about A-bolts over Remington there's no comparsion. To begin with, the A-bolt has 3 locking lugs, 60 degree bolt lift, extremely smooth bolt operation, detachable concealed magazine, tang safety that lies naturally directly under thumb instead of having to lose grip to manipulate safety on right side, easily adjustable trigger, MUCH better/stronger extractor instead of flimsy stamped as on Remington, from factory glass bedded & free floated, usually but not always better grade of/figure wood, better straighter stock design, safety has 3 separate functions-the first and best locks ALL sear and trigger movement. The other 2 are easily disabled to allow operating bolt while on safe if desired. Need I say any more?
As to the .308 caliber-with the right bullets/placement-it's PLENTY for any deer/black bear walking the earth.
As to the .308 caliber-with the right bullets/placement-it's PLENTY for any deer/black bear walking the earth.
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Browning in a .308 is the only choice here! with bullets ranging from 90 Grain to 220 grain you can hunt Bear or anything lighter with it!
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