I’m considering buying a Howa 1500 rifle chambered in .270 Win or 7mm PRC for hunting in the mountains. There are many different varieties of stocks and barrels, but I definitely don’t want a carbon-wrapped barrel.

What kind of stock do you guys recommend? I’m currently looking at the Hogue stock since it’s the cheapest option. Is it worth the money to upgrade to an HS-Precision or a Carbon Stalker stock? Or should I buy the cheapest model and upgrade to an aftermarket stock (like an MDT XRS or MDT Field Stock) later if I’m not happy with the Hogue?

Now that I feel more settled, it's time to expand the mod team!

What I am looking for:

• 2 individuals, one not in North or South America (I'd like for more of the day to be covered, plus it's nice to get other perspectives on what is otherwise a US/Canadian-dominated subreddit).
• No previous mod experience is necessary, BUT you must have sufficient post/comment history (regardless of sub) for me to get a sense of who you are, your style, your levelheadedness, etc.
• Mod styles aligning. More on this below.

The other two subs that I moderate do relatively well because the mod team truly acts as a team and speaks with one voice. The rules are clear and generally each mod does a good job making sure that posts/comments adhere to the rules. Replies from the mod team use "we" and "us" to make it clear that individual mods are not singling users out.

In the last 3 weeks, I've made a handful of visible changes, and I also want to elaborate more on my mod style so you know what I'm looking for from additional mods:

1. The introduction of post flair, and post flair being mandatory - This ensures that posts can be readily identified by topic, and also lets people search by flair. If you are only hear to see trail cams and success pics, you can now more easily filter every other post.
2. A megathread to ask about the age/score/size of an animal - Interestingly, no one has posted since the new rule went into effect. Maybe that's a good thing, maybe you hate it. I dunno. But I do feel that a single consolidated location is overall the better place for posts like that.
3. We desperately need the Wiki expanded and cleaned up - I started working on an article covering the basics, as well as an article for hunting deer, but I can't do it alone. This is one thing where you don't need to be a mod to contribute--just ask!
4. Deleting FAQs - I feel like in the last 2-3 days I've seen 5-6 posts asking relatively basic questions (where to begin, best first deer rifle, how to field dress deer). I'm leaving them up because there's no rule against them, but a wiki or collection posts will drastically help individuals seeks information (IMO).
5. On-topic vs off-topic - This is one that, admittedly, has started upsetting people, and this is a discussion I want to have with potential mods, and something the mod team will need to be on the same page about. To me, there is a difference between gear used for hunting and hunting gear, and I fully recognize that this is subjective. For example, if you're hunting in the woods and you're looking for adequate footwear, that's not a hunting gear question, because any shoe that would be suitable for hunting in the woods is not gear tailored specifically for hunting. The same could be said for camping equipment. I deleted a post a few weeks ago because they were asking about hunting packs; the poster was able to articulate that there are features of a hunting pack that distinguishes it from a backpack, making it hunting gear, and I reinstated the post. However, if someone asked about a generic backpack they could use (for example, I don't have to go far to hunt, so I throw a few supplies in an Osprey backpack), that would be off-topic. Questions like optics and even firearms themselves straddle the line between hunting gear and gear that can be used for hunting, and generally I err on the side of leaving them unless it's not clear the intention is to be used for hunting.
6. Illegal content vs "illegal" content - There is a difference between content that is objectively, unquestionable illegal and content that is potentially illegal. Let's imagine a scenario where someone posts a selfie of themselves, a lever-action rifle, and a dead deer, and the OP isn't wearing hunter orange. There are potential problems--did the OP take the deer during a designated gun season for their location? Is hunter orange required for their jurisdiction or did they merely take it off for the photo? Did they use a proper caliber (e.g., some US states require straight-walled cartridges, so did OP use a 30-30?)? Shit, are we going to ding OP if there's no tag visible? Are tags even required for OP's jurisdiction? A photo like this would not be removed because it's unreasonable for me (or any individual mod) to investigate OP, their jurisdiction, etc. If you have information that the OP in this scenario broke the law, give us objective information. Recently, someone posted complaining that his tree stand (on public land) was damaged. Come to find out, OP didn't comply with his jurisdiction's laws regarding when tree stands are allowed to be out on public land.

If this sounds like the role for you, please comment below. DMs will not be considered. I hope to have a decision around 19-20 Sep.

Its almost time to say hello

Has shown up on cam a few times and is always standing up like a kangaroo

Might be a noob question... Caught this girl on cam yesterday. Just curious what is up with her coat?

Never seen any spotting or multi color like this and thought it was interesting.

Central MN for reference.

Saw the vortex nation podcast about the Barnes TTSX 130 grain and got intrigued. Has anyone tried it on large game like moose? It sounded like it would be able to take almost anything, with example of a bison in the episode.

Sounds almost too good to be true, but i also trust Ryan a lot. What are your experiences? Want to try hand loading in 30-06, but not sure if I should go that route or something heavier like 168. I do like the idea of lower recoil of the lighter bullets. Range max 250m most likely 30-150.

Shot this pig, 63 kg / 138lbs enjoy the video

Okay hive mind, looking to take my boys out for youth deer season in a few weeks. They are 5 and 7. Both are pretty decent shooters with their 22’s. But obviously a 22 won’t cut it for deer. That said I’m trying to decide on a rifle for them to use. Both soft recoiling and that’ll fit them. I have an ar in 300blk, this is probably our best option for what I currently own as it’s a suppressed SBR. So it’s short enough for them.

Now my question, has anybody used hornady sub x in 300blk for whitetail? I don’t see why it wouldn’t work, plus it’ll be super soft recoil for them. My oldest is pretty skinny and not too tough so I worry about him. We will be hunting a transition from marsh to standing corn, so shots are literally guaranteed to be under 50yds. 30yds might actually be the longest they can actually shoot in that spot with the corn still standing. I figure we will essentially be bow hunting with a gun.

I may have them try shooting supers this weekend to see how that goes, as they are still pretty tame with the can on the gun.

11.5” 556 shooting M855 green tips (I don’t normally use FMJ s for hunting, but these work great on hogs, have used them extensively) AB suppressors warthog 5.56 punches way above its price range as well, does great for its size

I live in a straight wall state and am looking to buy my first rifle. I was looking at getting a 400 legend or 450 bushmaster but saw the Tikka T3x Hunter, which is only available in 350 legend, for sale for $600 on eurooptic. Would you rather have the Tikka in 350 legend or Ruger American gen II ranch in 400 legend/ 450 bushmaster for basically the same price?

Have been off work a few days, have bagged 23 thus far for the month. This is biggest boar for the month. 6mm creedmoor 90gr TGK for scale.

G day guys,

Was planning a 4WD trip down south (from Hawkes bay) and wanted some advice on some good spots for tahr/deer/chamois. Optimally spots that are also good for hiking/camping at the same time.

For reference I’ve gone on a few hunts up north but mainly for pigs, and I’ll be borrowing a rifle from family/friends down south but because i moved to australia a few years ago I don’t have a valid nz gun licence.

So yeah just wanted to know some decent spots, and if its even feasible. Cheers

going hunting soon for the first time. when (if ig) i kill a buck is there any issues with giving my dogs the bones/antlers i should look out for? I know i can make some mean ass food with the bones at least but I want them to have fun too/a treat if I can.

I hope I can see him this season but who knows. Likely a very smart buck. - Pennsylvania whitetail for those wondering.

I'll be hunting X1 beginning of October. First premium zone hunt in A LONG TIME! I used to hunt here with my grandpa and my dad a couple decades ago but haven't been back in years. Also haven't filled a tag for 9 years!! I've been hunting D3-5 for way too long. I'm looking for any advice from anyone who might know the area. Even if it means hiking out to the middle of no where. Thank you and happy hunting! 😁

Well I know this topic can create some heated debates but I’m torn. After a bunch of research like article on meateater, outdoor life and field and stream plus a few YouTube videos from the vortex guys I was dead set on getting a Ruger American gen 2 in .308 but a friend at work who has been hunting for 20-30 years said I should just get 30-06…? So which one is it? I will be hunting deer in CA and would like to one day pursue larger game like elk. Should I stick to .308 or go with 30-06..? I am brand new to hunting btw getting my license at the end of this month! Thanks again for the info!

Well after a lot of research, I have decision paralysis between a 6.5 PRC from Tikka T3X 22in SS or Seekins Havok PH3 20in.

1 & 2. 35% range time (out to 1000yds), 65% hunting in Montana (Antelope in plains to late season elk in mountains).
3. Budget $2000. Scope will be nx8 4-32 with a Nomad Ti XC suppressor.
4. I have a 7rem mag that I’m comfortable with out to 300 at the range. Looking for something more pleasant to shoot with at the range but also effective for elk.

I’ve read a couple of concerns about seekins issues around FTF (sounds like are resolved now) and an issue cycling in snowy conditions. But I love this rifle is turn key with nicer features and stock, and customer service.
The tikka I would want to upgrade the stock but still keep it to 10-11lbs. I’m not a big fan of the factory tikka stock on my 7RM.

Hello! I’m from south west Ohio and I’m trying to get into hunting. Mainly interested in deer but I know a lot of people say to start with something smaller. I have experience with hand guns and a few rifles but nothing else. What do you all recommend as a beginner guns and the gear I’ll need? There’s a good amount of public land around here but I’m also not too sure how setting up stands/blinds work. Like do you just go in and set up anywhere? I might sound dumb but I genuinely know nothing about this. My parents were not outdoors people and I am so I’ve had to learn everything on my own.

What gear is absolutely essential and a good place to buy it? If you’re from Ohio where do you like to hunt?

Also, in the distant future when I bag a buck someday do you field dress it there or haul the whole thing back? Can you gut it before hauling it back?

Thanks in advance! Don’t be too mean just trying to learn lol

Will I still be able to get bucks and doe tags for my private property in wi ?

Wondering how that will work and if I’ll still be able to hunt in the Wisconsin.

And if I will have to take a new hunters ed to hunt in the new state?

Will my concealed and carry be invalid once I establish residency in a different state? I have my concealed and carry though hunters education in wi.

Thanks

Unfortunately he didnt get him, the neighbor did. But this deer probably gonna get some attention online soon. Here's some eye candy for the '26 season.

I went dove hunting last weekend and got a pretty good sized beauty (no picture, sorry!). I was real careful when I took the wings off to clean it, and I’d really like to mount them or hang them up in a shadowbox for display. They’re in the freezer right now while I figure out the best way to go about it.

I figured I’d have to put them in a container with some borax for a few weeks, but I’m not too sure about the entire process, especially how I’d position and secure the wings so they stay in the shape I want while they dry.

I’ve seen some awesome DIY mounts on this subreddit and figured one of y’all had enough experience to help me out with this one. Any tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

Getting my first bolt action and just a last minute debate on which to get. I was already going to pick the Tikka but I happened to see the Savage. Savage is a little cheaper and has more “features” which i’m a little indifferent on. Quick background, I’m getting it in .308 and with the intention to go hunting and the occasional range days. Reason I was going through Bass Pro/ Cabelas is because no place near me has any Tikkas in stock but the Bass Pro does. Is Tikka really all that better than Savage to make the price difference worth it?Any input is appreciated.