Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Romantic notions and the outdoors...

I am SxS guy, particularly this one, because it fits me perfectly. Winter “double” on wild birds:

My dad stepped off the technology train sometime in the 1960's. He refused to use anything new. He never figured out how to operate a TV remote, refused to use a cell phone, and I even had to change the time on his clocks twice a year for him because he wouldn't learn how. Of course he got it honest. His dad got a draft notice during WW-1, but was sent home because as a farmer it was determined he was more helpful to the war effort on the farm. Dad was drafted and served in WW-2. When he came home his dad refused to modernize and expected dad to still plow behind a mule. Dad wanted nothing of it and moved on.

I refuse to be "that guy". I'm not quick to jump on the gimmick band wagon. But if something newer proves better I use it. After watching a wood stock split in a rain I bought a Brown Precision stock in 1983.
I haven't hunted with a wood stocked bolt gun in 36 years. I have no intention of going back. I'm neutral on SS. Some have SS, others are blue, but I want no part of wood on a rifle.

I was late to the 6.5 world, but have come to appreciate the caliber. For those who have been using the 6.5X55 for years I compliment you on being smarter than I and recognizing the round early. If you have a rifle you like then there is little reason to change. But as a new 6.5 owner there is no reason for me go with anything other than the 6.5 CM. Hate it if you must, but it just works.

Tom T RULES; Stone Mtn too:

I share your sentiments about SxS's, blued steel and walnut, and wool. But how about us bowhunters? Longbows and one-piece recurves, turkey feathers on my arrows, and taking the time to sharpen my Zwickey broad heads with a file. And practicing all year for that one shot opportunity that I hope comes my way.

Op describes my challenges with synthetic stocks.

I love shooting stuff as much as the next guy but tags have become excuses for me to wander gorgeous places with a gun... nearly always a blued one with a wood stock...

Still feel pretty good about using a canoe to access some special brook trout spots.
Got a 20 ga OU about 35 years ago that has delivered consistent magic on pheasant and grouse over the decades, walnut & blued steel.
Used a Savage 1899 in 300 Savage, with a couple new fangled Nosler Partitions, to take a bull moose last fall, plus a whitetail buck. More walnut & blued steel.
Still dangerous with a 40 year old S&W mod 19, sports a pair of Herrett grips.........made out of walnut, to go with the blued steel.
My grandsons have been using my near 50 year old Rem 700 in 270 Win over several recent seasons. It's on its 4th stock and 2nd barrel. Yet more walnut and blued steel.

Speaking of handguns, I much prefer the Colt Single Action Army model of 18 and 73 except for concealed carry. And in caliber .45 Long Colt.

I could care less about the latest 9mm or AR15 clone that the gun rags have an orgasm about because the maker bought some advertising.

As for the 6.5 Creedmoor, Hmmmph. I can't think of a single thing it can do, in a real hunting situation, that some other cartridge, 50 years older, can't do better. All it is is a 6.5-06 Short, with a sexier name.

I luv my Quakies @ 9K'

oh my........did you mention the 223AI ?

recent dog slayin' mission

handguns ?

didn't have an FN 40

Romance notions and the outdoors! My first thought was the girlfriend On the tailgate ...well forget that. Yep I hunt with an 06 and SxS Ithaca most of the time. Wouldn't call it romance, just what fits best.

Romance, I am incurable.

I don't own a single deer rifle that was designed in the 20th century. Mausers, Savage Model 99's and a Hawkins front stuffer. I'm just not a big fan of the newer stuff.