[Jon David C]

I need some opinions/advice on my deer rifle. I have always wanted a High Wall in 45-70 and finally got one a couple of years ago. When I first got it, I said I would never put a scope on it and just use tang sights. Seeing picture below, you can see I have been successful in hitting with it. Picture shows second deer I have killed with it. I also realize that without a scope, I am usually loosing 10-15 minutes of hunting because I cannot see as well without scope. Well, my worse nightmare has come true, I had a chance at a good solid buck a few days ago but as they typically do, he did not come out until very last light. I could see he was a good buck with binoculars at 150 yards, but I could NOT see him with my iron sights. Shot at him 4 times, was guessing where his body was but refused to not at least try to see if I could hit him. I must have not even been getting close because he just stood there and didnt move until 4th shot. No blood, no buzzards flying next few days after. I am certain I completely missed him. So, opinions/advice is should I look at adding scope or just mark this buck as "the one that got away". Full disclosure, I do not normally just shoot at a deer and hope for the best, I have let plenty walk because it was not a good shot to take. I know the shot was not a good situation but again, I was not leaving without at least trying for this buck.....he was that good. I don't like the idea of putting a modern scope on this vintage looking rifle. I have looked at the Hi-Lux Malcolm long scopes and they are good, might go that route. Just wondering what everyone else would do. Leave it tang sights or scope it.

 

[oO_Rogue_Oo]

I had a rail put on mine; the back of it screwed to the receiver and the front with a shim screwed to the barrel. I think mine is where I can get to it tonight and take a picture.

 

[cottonmouth]

300 grain Sierra hollow points and some 3031 will make a deer drop like it was struck by lightning!!

J.B.

 

[oO_Rogue_Oo]

As promised .................... I was mistaken both sides of rail screwed to barrel

 

[Cody Brown]

What kinda buck let's you shoot at him 3 times and doesn't move? I have never hunted deer but that seems very unusual?

 

[Jon David C]

As promised .................... I was mistaken both sides of rail screwed to barrel

View attachment 328251 View attachment 328252

Thank you @oO_Rogue_Oo that looks good and I did ponder doing that to mine. Now I know what it will look like with it. Much appreciated for the pictures!

 

[Jon David C]

What kinda buck let's you shoot at him 3 times and doesn't move? I have never hunted deer but that seems very unusual?

It was dark, he was a 150yards away, and apparently, I was not getting close enough to even scare him. Not all that unusual, I have had multiple deer in a field, shoot one and the rest stand there wondering what happened. Have also had the others run off when I shoot only to have them come back before I can get out of the stand to retrieve my deer.

 

[Cody Brown]

I see I thought just the sound of the gun going off would scare them but I guess not in ever situation I have only ever hunted hogs and you pretty much only get one shot on them Although one time I killed to younger males with a Marlin 30-30 shot one and the other one stopped to see what happened to his buddy and I had time to shoot the other but I thought that was very unusual I guess they are like people There are some stupid ones in the bunch or atleast they make bad decisions some times Which I think we all do now and then